Things to do in Rio de Janeiro State

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Rio de Janeiro State Travel Guide

Copacabana Beach showing a sunset, mist or fog and a beach

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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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Copacabana Beach which includes a sandy beach, a sunset and general coastal views

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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Ipanema Beach which includes a beach and mountains as well as a large group of people

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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Corcovado showing religious aspects, a sunset and a statue or sculpture

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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Geriba Beach which includes a sandy beach, a coastal town and general coastal views

5. 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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Joao Fernandes Beach showing a sandy beach and general coastal views

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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Rua das Pedras showing night scenes and a small town or village

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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Forte Beach showing waves, general coastal views and surfing

8. 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

Discover the most popular places to visit in Rio de Janeiro State

Copacabana Beach

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.

Ipanema Beach

See the place that inspired a famous song about a bikini at this upscale beach.

Christ the Redeemer

This mountain rising out of the city center is most well known as the home of Rio’s iconic skyscraper-sized Jesus statue.

Geriba Beach

Revel in the lively ambiance of the bars and restaurants of one of the most popular beaches in the Búzios region.

João Fernandes Beach

Lose track of time on this picturesque beach, where the waters are calm, the views are glorious and everything you could possibly need is close by.

Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach during your travels in Rio de Janeiro? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Rua das Pedras

Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the charming stores, galleries and cafés of this busy and colorful street, or head to one of the bars here that come alive after dark.

Flamengo Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Flamengo Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Rio de Janeiro. Take in the art scene and sunsets in the area.

Forte Beach

Visit a quaint 17th-century island fort, take a banana boat out on the ocean and fill up on tasty snacks from the stalls.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro State

Copacabana

4/5(940 area reviews)

Famed for its 4 km balneario beach, this lively Rio de Janeiro neighborhood offers surfing at Arpoador Beach, historic Fort Copacabana, and the iconic promenade designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Enjoy numerous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, with easy access via three subway Metro stations.

Barra da Tijuca

4.5/5(115 area reviews)

Boasting stunning beaches, lakes, and rivers, this upper-class neighborhood offers surf competitions, parachuting experiences, and tennis courts. Explore large modern malls, bars, and restaurants, while enjoying easy access to public transportation.

Ipanema

4.5/5(151 area reviews)

Surrounded by elegant development, Ipanema's beach boasts vibrant beach culture, with daily gatherings of surfers, sunbathers, and sports enthusiasts. Stroll along the grid-like streets to explore world-class restaurants, shops, and the bustling Ipanema Hippie Market.

Leblon

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

Wealthy and cosmopolitan, this South Zone gem boasts sights like Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Morro Dois Irmãos, and Jardim de Alah channel. Enjoy lively nightlife with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Rio de Janeiro Centro

3.5/5(114 area reviews)

You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Municipal Theater is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Botafogo

4/5(41 area reviews)

Botafogo is a destination travelers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.