Things to do in Rio de Janeiro State

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A crowded beach with numerous umbrellas and people enjoying the sand and water.
A pathway lined with tall palm trees under a clear sky.
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Things to do

Christ the Redeemer

Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket

￥7,461
per adult
Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket
Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari

Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari

￥6,502
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Pedra Do Telégrafo + Praia De Grumari
Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

￥12,191
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included
Wonderful Soberan Coast Escuna Tour in Paraty

Wonderful Soberan Coast Escuna Tour in Paraty

￥3,746
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wonderful Soberan Coast Escuna Tour in Paraty
Plaza Premium Lounge at RIOgaleao-Tom Jobim Airport

Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)

￥5,169
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)
Daylong Excursion to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande

From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour

￥13,502
per adult
From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour
Sloth on a tree

Swim Under Tijuca Waterfalls — Hike, Caves, Wildlife & Rio Views

￥12,175
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Swim Under Tijuca Waterfalls — Hike, Caves, Wildlife & Rio Views
Rio de Janeiro: Shared Transfer to Vila Abrão

Rio de Janeiro: Shared Transfer to Vila Abrão (Ilha Grande)

￥7,492
per adult
Rio de Janeiro: Shared Transfer to Vila Abrão (Ilha Grande)
Hop-ON Hop-OFF Sightseeing Bus in Rio de Janeiro – Rio Samba Bus

Hop-ON Hop-OFF Sightseeing Bus in Rio de Janeiro - Rio Samba Bus

￥5,619
per adult
Hop-ON Hop-OFF Sightseeing Bus in Rio de Janeiro - Rio Samba Bus
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Rio de Janeiro State must see attractions

1. Copacabana Beach

Gleaming hotels and forested hills line the perfectly curved 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Abutting one of Brazil’s highest density residential areas, this beach is nearly always filled to capacity, but that’s part of its charm. Swim in the cool waters of the Atlantic amongst thousands of other visitors, join in a game of soccer on the sand or just sit back on a beach chair and order snacks from a beach vendor and watch the passing parade.
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A beach with a road running parallel to it, palm trees, and buildings in the background.

2. Ipanema Beach

Located in one of the wealthiest areas in Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema Beach is between Leblon and Arpoador, adjacent to the famed Copacabana Beach. Although the word Ipanema literally translates to “stinky lake” in the Tupi language, this description doesn’t fit what you’ll find along this stretch of white-sand beach where the rich and chic come to worship the sun. Beyond the western limit of the beach, there is a beautiful view of the two mountains, Dois Irmãos.
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A beach with palm trees, ocean waves, and mountains in the background.

3. Christ the Redeemer

Corcovado, which means “hunchback” in Portuguese, is a mountain in the Tijuca National Park in central Rio. The mountain offers three attractions in the one place. Although the Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue may be the highlight, you can also see the world’s largest urban forest that is Tijuca National Park, and experience a scenic journey on the historic Corcovado Train, the country’s oldest tourist attraction.
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The Christ the Redeemer statue on a mountain peak, overlooking Rio de Janeiro.

4. Geriba Beach

Geriba Beach is a large stretch of golden sand with bars serving shrimp and empanadas. The tranquil sandy haven has warm water and fairly large waves that lure surfers to its shores. Rent a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard to join your fellow watersports enthusiasts on the waves.
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5. Maracanã Stadium

No arena is more central to the history of Brazilian soccer than Maracanã Stadium. The location of the final matches in both of Brazil’s FIFA World Cups, this stadium has hosted all the great names in Brazilian soccer. Watch one of Rio de Janeiro’s “Big Four” teams play a game, or take a guided tour of this iconic stadium and you’ll soon understand just how large soccer looms in the Brazilian psyche.
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A large, empty stadium with blue and yellow seats and a green field.

6. Rua das Pedras

Rua das Pedras is the most famous street in the picturesque resort town of Búzios. Come here to shop for souvenirs in independent stores and galleries, sip coffee outside pretty cafés and experience Búzios’ lively nightlife.
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A cobblestone street at dusk with illuminated storefronts and outdoor seating.

7. Forte Beach

Long, scenic Forte Beach is the main strand of Cabo Frio. The busy bay, which takes its name from its historic fort, is packed with huts, lodgings and stores. Come here to enjoy stunning views of the verdant promontories overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
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A beach with clear turquoise waters, a sandy shore, and green hills in the background.

8. João Fernandes Beach

Praia de João Fernandes, or João Fernandes Beach, is one of the best-loved stretches of sand in the resort town of Búzios. Choose your spot here on the golden sand beneath a brightly colored beach umbrella. Prepare for a day of basking in golden sunlight, swimming in clear blue waters and taking photo after photo.
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A beach with palm trees, umbrellas, and people.

9. Ferradura Beach

Praia Ferradura, or Ferradura Beach, is an idyllic crescent of sand on Búzios’ least busy coast, to the southwest. Located in one of the resort town’s wealthiest and most stylish neighborhoods, this glamorous beach is rumored to be a favorite with celebrities. It’s also an excellent place for a family day out. Bring or rent snorkeling masks and spend hours exploring the calm turquoise waters of this lovely cove.
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A beach with clear blue water, boats, and hills in the background.

10. Avenida Atlantica

No Rio de Janeiro holiday is complete without a visit to Avenida Atlântica. This avenue is famous for its events year-round, including a massive New Year’s Eve celebration covering the entire avenue and Copacabana Beach. Stroll along the avenue’s promenade to experience Rio’s lively beach culture and oceanfront events.
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What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Stay near popular Rio de Janeiro State attractions

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Copacabana Beach

9.0/10 (5,319 reviews)
More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play.
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Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro State

Find the best Rio de Janeiro State areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rio de Janeiro State
Learn more about Rio de Janeiro State
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Copacabana

Copacabana is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Copacabana Beach and Rua Barata Ribeiro. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station.

A beach with a patterned walkway, ocean, and mountains in the background.

Ipanema

Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo are top sights in Ipanema, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station to see more sights in the area.

A beach with people, umbrellas, and a large mountain in the background.

Barra da Tijuca

Visitors often come to Barra da Tijuca for its beaches, but many stay to explore sights like Barra Shopping Mall and Village Mall. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you catch a ride at Jardim Oceânico Station.

A street with colorful umbrellas hanging overhead.

Penedo

Travelers like the parks in Penedo, and Pequena Finlândia is a top attraction you might want to visit.

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Leblon

Travelers choose Leblon for its beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station and check out top sights like Ipanema Beach.

Popular day trips from Rio de Janeiro State

A panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro at sunset, featuring the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, and the cityscape with cable cars.

Rio de Janeiro

A coastal cityscape at sunset with illuminated buildings, a calm bay, and prominent mountain ranges.

Niteroi

A boat on calm water with a sunset sky and hills in the background.

Angra dos Reis

A waterfall cascading over rocks surrounded by dense green foliage.

Mangaratiba

A cityscape with modern buildings, a lake, and a mountain range in the background.

Resende

A beach with clear turquoise water, colorful buildings, and a sandy shore with yellow chairs and an umbrella.

Búzios

A prominent rock formation with a balanced boulder atop, surrounded by lush green forest and distant mountain ranges under a clear sky.

Nova Friburgo

A beach with clear turquoise water, rocky outcrops, and lush green vegetation.

Paraty