Known for its exuberant Carnival, bossa nova music, and fascinating people, Brazil is the ideal destination for those looking for a new adventure. The country has plenty of activities to offer for all sorts of travelers.

Want to spend some time on the beach paddling or surfing? What if you're more into exploring Brazil's rich culture and history? Our list of things to do in Brazil covers itineraries for all travelers, not just the generic stuff to do while in Brazil.

Here are some of the most amazing things to do in Brazil to maximize your time in the beautiful country! 

What to do in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of Brazil's most popular places to visit. As one of the largest cities by population in Brazil, there are things to do in nearly every neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. 

When the sun goes down in Rio, the city lights up, and Rio de Janeiro's nightlife is comparable to the bests in the world. Needless to say, there are many things to do just in Rio.

However, our guide to things to do in Brazil will generally focus on things to do around Brazil. Let's move on!

The Classic to-dos in Brazil.

Samba class

What better way to get into the rhythm of Brazil than by taking part in a samba class? There are plenty of opportunities to learn this local dance, such as this samba class for beginners. This experience lasts one hour, during which Carla, your instructor, will teach you all the basics movements of samba! 

Carnival Backstage Tour

Rio de Janeiro is known all over the world for its spectacular carnival. One of the best things to do in Brazil is participating in a Carnival Backstage tour in Rio de Janeiro. Throughout this tour, Dandara, your local guide, will take you to the behind-the-scenes of the most famous carnival in the world! 

You will have an authentic experience wandering backstage, meeting the people working on the costumes, and seeing all the preparations for this crazy parade. The Carnival Backstage tour includes a visit to the Cidade do the samba and the carnival factory. Your guide will teach you everything about the story of this unique event. 

At the end of the experience, you will also get the chance to try a costume on and take an unforgettable picture for your Instagram profile. The Carnival Backstage tour ends with a samba workshop. Before leaving, you will also be offered a glass of caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail! 

Visit a favela

Favelas can be dangerous places, especially for tourists who don't know which areas are safe and which ones aren't. However, they make up an essential part of Brazilian culture. Visiting Favelas is a great educational opportunity while you're visiting Brazil! It would be a pity not to visit one during your trip.

Thankfully, there are safe ways to visit these areas. This walking tour will take you to Rocinha, the largest favela in Latin America. The experience lasts 3-hour during which you will see cultural places and learn the history of this favela. 

Itineraries for active travelers

Join a surf class

Even though the highest waves in the world are in Portugal, Brazil is the ideal place for those who want to learn how to surf or are eager to perfect their technique. This Carioca Surf Experience is open to all levels of surfers, from experts to beginners. The experience lasts four hours, including the equipment preparation, the warm-up, and the surfing session. 

Afterward, your guide will take you to a snack bar to eat a bite and recharge your energies. During the Carioca Surf Experience, you will also learn fascinating facts about the Atlantic Ocean, such as the origin and formation of waves and currents.

Watch the sunset while paddling

Another idea for those interested in sports is to spend an afternoon paddling in the city of Paraty, about 250 km south of Rio de Janeiro. The Sunset Paddling experience starts from Pontal beach and allows you to watch the sunset from a new perspective. 

You will paddle through the Perequê Açu river to then take a few nice pictures of the historic center of Paraty. The tour also includes a visit to Birds' Island and Jabaquara beach. You will then watch the sunset and return to your starting point. Joining the Sunset Paddling experience is also a good opportunity to check out Paraty and know the authentic Brazilian culture. 

Getting acquainted with Brazilian culture

Explore the historic district of Salvador

Brazil has plenty of cities worth visiting, such as Salvator, located in Bahia. Through this tour, Ícaro will teach you the history behind the formation of Salvator's old city center and tell you plenty of anecdotes on the city's urban development. Ícaro is an architect and urban planner passionate about the history of Salvador. 

Throughout this tour, you will visit different churches, mansions, and public buildings, while exploring the Baroque architecture dominating the city. 

Food tour of Fortaleza

From barbecued meat to moqueca and cachaça, every tourist should taste Brazil's delicious cuisine. The City Flavors Tour Downtown, hosted by Izakeline, is all you need to discover the flavors of this country. Izakeline is a journalist specializing in gastronomy and will take you with her through a delicious journey. 

The City Flavor Tour takes place in the city of Fortaleza, in the north of the country, and lasts three hours. Your experience starts with a coffee at Cafeteria Santa Clara. You will then move to visit two different pastries in town, where you will get the chance to try sugar cane juice. Sounds delicious, right? 

The tour also includes a cheese and cachaça tasting at Raimundo do Queijo. It ends with a second tasting of feijoada. Yum!

Traveler's FAQs for visiting Brazil

What are some fun things to do in Brazil? 

There's a reason why Brazil is known for its rhythm! While visiting the country, make sure to spend a night watching a salsa performance and visit a few clubs with local live music. This is one of the best ways to connect with the locals! 

What are the free things to do in Brazil?

Brazil also has plenty of options for those on a budget. You can appreciate the graffiti at Boulevard Olímpico in Rio de Janeiro or enjoy a day at the beach at Parque Nacional de Jericoacoara, one of the best places in Brazil. 

Plan your trip to Brazil!

Are you ready to visit Brazil? Now that you have an idea of what to put into your itinerary, you can finally plan your adventure! Speaking of planning your perfect trip, have you heard of Pilot?