{"id":28576,"date":"2018-10-19T06:00:01","date_gmt":"2018-10-19T13:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=28576"},"modified":"2025-08-18T15:32:53","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T22:32:53","slug":"rio-de-janeiro-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/rio-de-janeiro-things-to-do\/","title":{"rendered":"10 THINGS NOT TO MISS IN RIO DE JANEIRO"},"content":{"rendered":"

Rio de Janeiro is known as the Wonderful City and attracts more than 1 million foreign tourists every year. Most are interested in its laid-back atmosphere, carnival parties, and endless, gorgeous beaches. The city is the perfect getaway for those seeking tropical vibes in both South America and Brazil. Here are 10 top things not to miss in Rio de Janeiro.<\/p>\n

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1) PRAIA DE IPANEMA (IPANEMA BEACH)<\/h3>\n

Considered by many to be the best beach in Rio, Ipanema beach is the trendiest one. Here you can rent a chair or just lay your towel on the beach, and relax with a coconut water or caipirinha (a drink made with cacha\u00e7a, Brazilian sugar-cane rum, sugar, and lemon). In addition, you can buy swimsuits from vendors that walk up and down the beach all day, and try the classic Globo biscuit (made with tapioca flour) while drinking mate with lemon (a local iced tea) \u2013 both unique delicacies of the city.<\/p>\n

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2) ARPOADOR<\/h3>\n

Towards the end of the day after enjoying Ipanema beach, head on over to Arpoador, where you can witness Rio’s most renowned sunset, so beautiful that people applaud the sun as it sets against Rio\u2019s beautiful horizon.<\/p>\n

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3) MIRANTE DONA MARTA<\/h3>\n

Many photos of Mirante Dona Marta have appeared on social media lately, and for a good reason! From this single point, you can see the Guanabara Bay, the Sugar Loaf mountain, Christ the Redeemer statue and even the Maracan\u00e3 Stadium. The best times to visit are either sunrise or sunset when the light catches Rio\u2019s landscape perfectly.<\/p>\n

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4) INSTITUTO MOREIRA SALLES<\/h3>\n

The former residence of the Moreira Salles family, located in G\u00e1vea, is a landmark of the modern architecture of the 1950s and an attraction for visitors. The residence is currently a cultural center featuring exhibitions, films, and shows, as well as housing collections of photography, music, literature and iconography.<\/p>\n

Covering an area of approximately 10,000 m\u00b2 with manicured gardens of the celebrated Burle Marx, the residence is nestled at the base of the mountains. Go there, regardless of the current exhibition, to enjoy the peace of the gardens and gaze up at Christ the Redeemer.<\/p>\n

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5) LEBLON AND ITS LOOKOUTS<\/h3>\n

Leblon is one of the most expensive and refined neighborhoods in Rio. Even if you are not staying here, take some time to get to know this famous part of the city. Window shop along Ataulfo \u200b\u200bde Paiva and Delfim Moreira Av.<\/p>\n

After you’ve had your fill of shopping, go to the viewpoints in the neighborhood. Mirante do Leblon, with its wooden deck, offers a beautiful view of the sea, the beac,hes of Leblon and Ipanema and the waves crashing on the rocks with Morro Dois Irm\u00e3os in the background. The Mirante Alto do Leblon – in Parque Municipal do Penhasco Dois Irm\u00e3os, is a quiet place that guarantees you beautiful photos of one of the most famous beaches of Rio and its stairways that guarantee an intense exercise for those looking for an outdoor workout.<\/p>\n

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6) RIO DE JANEIRO BOTANICAL GARDEN<\/h3>\n

The Botanical Gardens of Rio were created in 1808 by the Portuguese Prince Dom Joao VI. The intention was to adapt plants from other parts of the world to the local climate. A visit here is a great option for an outdoor walk and to spend the afternoon relaxing and recovering from the sunshine of the beaches.<\/p>\n

The Botanical Gardens are a kind of sanctuary in the middle of the city, with a quietness interrupted only by the sound of birds. While visiting, be sure to see and take a picture of the famous imperial palm-lined avenue.<\/p>\n

7) PARQUE LAGE<\/h3>\n

Just a few steps away from the Botanical Gardens, Parque Lage is a great option for a more peaceful walk through nature in the city. With an area of \u200b\u200b52 hectares, Parque Lage is full of greenery, lakes, caves and a small historic palace which houses the School of Visual Arts.<\/p>\n

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8) LAGOA RODRIGO DE FREITAS<\/h3>\n

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is a 7-kilometer lagoon that serves as a refuge for the city’s residents. Here you\u2019ll find the locals engaging in physical activity – such as running, walking or cycling – or just resting, with the blessing of Christ the Redeemer. Rent a bike to ride around the lagoon, stopping once in a while to soak the view of the city and watch the locals enjoying their backyard.<\/p>\n

9) MUSEU DO AMANH\u00c3 (MUSEUM OF TOMORROW)<\/h3>\n

The Museum of Tomorrow is one of the most recent projects inaugurated in the city, which revitalized an area that until recently was forgotten. The museum has a unique architecture thanks to the design of the trendy Spaniard Santiago Calatrava (the same of The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain).<\/p>\n

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10) PARQUE DAS RU\u00cdNAS EM SANTA TERESA<\/h3>\n

Santa Teresa is a neighborhood near the Center of Rio, very famous for its steep hills and old mansions. In addition to the small stone streets and great views of the city, Santa Teresa is an unusual place: even close to the bustle of downtown, it retains a certain tranquility. The best way to get to know the neighborhood is getting lost in its streets and going to Parque das Ru\u00ednas Cultural Center, an old mansion that once belonged to the great patron of the Rio de Janeiro Belle \u00c9poque.<\/p>\n

WHERE TO EAT IN RIO DE JANEIRO<\/h3>\n