Top 50 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Christ the Redeemertop_1
    4.8/5
    󰺂10
    31.47
    Rio de Janeiro.Santa Teresa4.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜The church rooftop offers views of Rio
    󰀆360° view of Rio's skyline
    󱨠Saved by 399 users󱨠29% positive reviews
  • Copacabana Beachtop_2
    4.7/5
    󰺂8.7
    Rio de Janeiro.Copacabana Beach5.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoCopacabana Beach New Year's Celebration | Dec 31, 2025-Dec 31, 2025
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Enjoy water activities in the year-round mild climate
    󱨜Million-person New Year's Eve party
    󱨠Saved by 130 users󱨠27% positive reviews
  • Sugarloaf Mountaintop_3
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.8
    Rio de Janeiro.Zona Sul do Rio de Janeiro4.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    Cable car: city & sea views
    󰋄360-degree view from Rio mountain top
    󱨠Saved by 113 users󱨠117 positive reviews
  • Rio de Janeiro Cathedral
    4
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.3
    Rio de Janeiro1.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󰋄Stained glass windows create rainbow light spectacles
    󰋄Rainbow beams through stained glass
  • Parque Lage
    5
    4.3/5
    󰺂6.9
    Rio de Janeiro.Zona Sul do Rio de Janeiro5.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Marvel at Christ the Redeemer
    󱓊Explore pristine rainforest trails
    󱨠42% positive reviews
  • Escadaria Selarón
    6
    4.1/5
    󰺂6.9
    Rio de Janeiro.Santa Teresa1.2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊250-step art staircase & tiles
    Brazilian graffiti showcases rich imagination
    󱨠28% positive reviews
  • Ipanema Beach
    7
    4.6/5
    󰺂6.7
    Rio de Janeiro.Ipanema7.5 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in Rio de Janeiro
    Highlights:
    󰀆Lanterns & fireworks at beach
    󱨜World-famous cultural landmark
    󱨠52% positive reviews
  • Museum of Tomorrow
    8
    4.5/5
    󰺂6.1
    Rio de Janeiro.Porto Maravilha3.2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Bay view & reflection pool
    󱓊Unique water cycle architecture
  • Guanabara Bay
    9
    4.9/5
    󰺂6.0
    Rio de Janeiro12.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Cool Water Escapes in Rio de Janeiro
    Highlights:
    󱓊Sunset views from Sugarloaf Mountain
    󱨜World-class destination with unique culture
  • Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro
    10
    4.4/5
    󰺂5.4
    Rio de Janeiro.Zona Sul do Rio de Janeiro6.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Rainy day relaxation haven
    󱓊Charming in rain & live music
    󱨠31% positive reviews

Best things to do in Rio de Janeiro (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Rio de Janeiro? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Rio de Janeiro offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Rio de Janeiro

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Rio de Janeiro experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Christ the Redeemer

• Rio de Janeiro.Santa Teresa | 4.1 km from downtown

• : The church rooftop offers views of Rio,360° view of Rio's skyline

Copacabana Beach

• Rio de Janeiro.Copacabana Beach | 5.9 km from downtown

• : Enjoy water activities in the year-round mild climate,Million-person New Year's Eve party

Sugarloaf Mountain

• Rio de Janeiro.Zona Sul do Rio de Janeiro | 4.7 km from downtown

• : Cable car: city & sea views,360-degree view from Rio mountain top

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Rio de Janeiro

If you want to explore attractions just outside Rio de Janeiro, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Rio de Janeiro, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Rio de Janeiro special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Rio de Janeiro

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Ready to explore the best of Rio de Janeiro? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Rio de Janeiro?
These are all Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro:Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro Cathedral, Parque Lage
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro include:Christ the Redeemer:4.8, Copacabana Beach:4.7, Sugarloaf Mountain:4.7, Rio de Janeiro Cathedral:4.6, Parque Lage:4.3
At what locations in Rio de Janeiro can Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro be found?
The Best Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro are mainly located in:Christ the Redeemer:Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana Beach:Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain:Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro Cathedral:Rio de Janeiro, Parque Lage:Rio de Janeiro
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