Top 6 Unique Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro as a Local

Brazil’s most visited city is known for its natural beauty, stunning beaches, and vibrant street culture. Also known as the Marvelous City, it is a beautiful gem that is sandwiched between rainforest-covered mountains and stunning beaches lapped by the blue sea.

Rio is also sometimes known as “the carnaval capital,” “the samba sanctuary,” and “the city of smiles.” They’re a friendly population that enjoys vibrant music and energetic dancing and knows how to throw one of the best parties in the world!

Rio de Janeiro is the perfect destination to explore with your friends. But with so much to do and see, what should be at the top of your list?

You could spend a year in Rio and still not see everything the city offers. If your time is more limited, you’ll want to browse this list of the best things to do in Rio. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group of friends, there's something on this list for you! 

Is Rio Worth Visiting?

Yes! Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with a vibrant and welcoming culture. There is something for everyone in this city that never sleeps!

Rio is known for its long, white sandy beaches, which are a great place to relax and people-watch. The city is overlooked by the world’s largest urban rainforest, full of hiking trails and waterfalls to discover. The city is eclectic, including some of the country’s richest neighborhoods and poorest favelas.

Rio is home to some of Brazil’s most prestigious luxury hotels and venues and some of the best museums and art galleries. But life really happens on the street with bars and clubs lining the streets. This all comes to a peak every February when Rio hosts its infamous Carnaval, the world’s biggest street party.

What To Do in Rio de Janeiro

Explore the best of the best of Rio by putting these activities at the top of your list. Discover Rio’s natural beauty and its lively people, music, and culture.

1. Hit the Sand: Copacabana Beach

Rio has no shortage of beautiful, relaxing beaches. But if you’re looking to experience a famous Rio beach party, you should head to Copacabana Beach. Most of the best international hotels are just a short walk from this beach, which is 2.5 miles of golden sand.

This is a great place to enjoy the sun, sea, and people-watch. There are lots of barracas where you can sit in a beach chair and consume cerveja, agua de coco, or caipirinhas as you prefer. If you prefer more active activities, hop in on a frescobol (beach tennis) or futevolei (foot-volley) game. Be sure to add sunscreen to your beach vacation packing list!

When you are done with the sand, the strip has boutique shops, fancy restaurants, and plenty of hotels with rooftop bars open in the evening. It is worth stopping into the iconic Hotel Copacabana Palace, a luxury 1920s-era establishment that has long been the city’s most glamorous playground.

2. See Rio From Above: Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf Mountain

Rio is a beautiful city sandwiched between the mountains and the sea that is best viewed from above. 

Have you really been to Rio if you didn’t take a picture at Christ the Redeemer?Take a scenic tram from Cosmo Volho up Mount Corcovado to reach the concrete monument dominating Rio’s skyline. Once there,take in the 98-foot-tall statue of Christ looking over the city while also enjoying the aerial view of Rio below. 

The cable car runs every 20 minutes, but expect long lines at sunset. Be sure to leave early to avoid long queues and waiting hours for the tram.

This experience can also be booked with other excursions for a better deal. Look for Rio de Janeiro tours that fit your itinerary to save time and money.

3. Contemplate the Future: Museu do Amanhã or Museum of Tomorrow

There are several good museums and art galleries in Rio, but if you have to choose one, make it the Museum of Tomorrow. It is probably better characterized as a science center than a museum, with compelling interactive exhibits.

Exploring our origins, this museum looks at how the planet has changed over the millennia and the impact of humans on the world. 

Expect stunning multimedia displays, interactive workstations, and compelling artworks. It is all housed in a state-of-the-art building in the Praca Mauá, it uses organic shapes inspired by bromeliads in the Botanic Garden. It is surrounded by reflecting pools and gardens and has an excellent restaurant and shop for a full-day experience. 

The Rio Botanic Gardens and the Jardim Botânico are also must-visits. They cover 140 hectares and are home to more than 9,000 different plant species. It’s the perfect place to meet the tiny monkeys that yousee all over Brazil.

4. Get Back to Nature: Tijuca National Park

Despite being far from the Amazon, there are still natural wonders to explore near Rio. The jungle surrounding the city is known as Tijuca National Park and is the largest urban rainforest in the world. It is full of peaks to summit and waterfalls to swim in. Trilhas (trail walking) is a big part of the Brazilian relaxation culture.

The most popular trails among locals arePedra Bonita, Pedra da Gávea, and Pico de Tijuca.

5. Enjoy Street Life: Visit Lapa

Looking to experience an authentic Rio de Janeiro nightlife? Head to Lapa for Samba and Pagode from the afternoon until late at night. 

Rio Scenarium is one of the most popular venues in Lapa that mixes restaurant, bar, nightclub, and live music all in one place. If you want something more raw that focuses on quality local music, try Leviano Bar. Carioca da Gema is the place to be if you’re looking to Samba the night away.

Dress up in something colorful and fun to blend in with the trendy local crowd. Explore the best neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro while immersing yourself in the local culture and lifestyle.

6. Join the Party: Experience Carnaval

If your travel dates make it possible, then you must experience Carnaval in Rio. It happens every year It takes place between February 11 and 17 in 2024. It is a week of colorful street parades, lively music, and welcoming street parties.

You will see Brazilian women in fantastical costumes dancing Samba faster than you can imagine! Watch local capoeira players flying through the air and dodging deadly kicks and dance behind giant vans (trios) featuring some of Brazil’s most famous bands.

Join in the fun by dressing up in a themed costume for whatever street parties you attend. Catch the Sambadrome Parade on the last night, where the best Samba bands from around Brazil compete to win the Carnaval competition. But leave your valuables in your accommodation, as pickpocketing is rife during the packed party.