Rio de Janeiro: 13 must-sees, viewpoints and places to visit in 2026

View from Sugarloaf Mountain. The image shows the residential neighborhood of Botafogo, and on the left side Copacabana beach.

During our time in Rio we explored the city in many ways, but also a lot by bike, one of the best ways to get around the city: Rio is quite flat along the coastal area, has well-connected bike lanes, and a perfect rhythm for moving on two wheels. It is also very well equipped in terms of gyms, including many outdoor public options, especially near beaches and parks.

13 Must-sees in Rio de Janeiro

1- Christ the Redeemer - The iconic monument on Corcovado that dominates the city, with breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and Guanabara Bay.

Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

2- Ilha Grande - A must-do escape of at least one day to this paradise island off the coast of Rio, with natural beaches and hiking trails.

3- Sugarloaf Mountain - The famous peak with a cable car offering 360° views of the city, its beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Panoramic view of Botafogo with Sugarloaf Mountain dominating the skyline in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

4- Copacabana and Ipanema - Iconic beaches of Rio, perfect for walking, sunbathing, and enjoying the local atmosphere and beach kiosks. Very lively and social areas.

Iconic Ipanema beach. In the background Morro Dois Irmãos and the Vidigal community in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

5- Arraial do Cabo - A day trip to beaches with incredibly clear waters. Known as the “Brazilian Caribbean” for its turquoise tones on sunny days.

Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

6- Santa Teresa - Bohemian neighborhood with cobblestone streets, street art, cafés, and artist studios. Perfect for walking.

Santa Teresa neighborhood, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

7- Botanical Garden - A green oasis in the city with tropical species and peaceful walking paths.

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, Brazil.

8- Maracanã Stadium - The legendary football stadium, symbol of Brazilian passion, with guided tours and sporting events.

Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

9- Cycling Rio: Copacabana to Barra da Tijuca - A highly recommended ride along the coast, passing beaches, viewpoints, and natural stretches that show a more open side of the city.

Elevated bike path towards Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

10- Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas - A special place for us. Cycling around the lagoon is an amazing, calm plan, very different from the energy of nearby beaches. Surrounded by mountains, birdsong, and chill bars for any time of day.

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

11- Museum of Tomorrow - The Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) is a futuristic science museum located in Praça Mauá in Rio’s port area.

Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) in Praça Mauá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

12- Copacabana Fort (Forte de Copacabana) - A former 1914 military base located at the southern end of Copacabana beach. Famous for its historical importance and panoramic views over Copacabana and Sugarloaf Mountain, it now functions as a cultural and leisure center.

View from Copacabana Fort towards Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

13- Lapa and Escadaria Selarón - One of Rio’s most vibrant neighborhoods, famous for its nightlife, live music, and the iconic Arcos da Lapa. Just nearby is the Escadaria Selarón, a colorful mosaic staircase and one of the city’s most photographed spots.

Escadaria Selarón in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Must-visit viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro

Rio is one of the most spectacular cities in the world to see from above. Between mountains, sea, and urban jungle, viewpoints are an essential part of the experience.

Mirante Dona Marta - Probably the most famous viewpoint to see Christ the Redeemer with Guanabara Bay in the background. Easy access and incredible sunset views.

View from Mirante Dona Marta in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Pedra Bonita - A natural viewpoint inside Tijuca National Park. It is also famous as a paragliding take-off point, with open views of the ocean and Pedra da Gávea.

View from Pedra Bonita in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Pedra da Gávea - One of Rio’s most iconic hikes. Demanding but rewarded with one of the most impressive views in the city.

View from Pedra da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Morro Dois Irmãos - Accessible from Vidigal, offering one of the best views of Ipanema, Leblon, and Rio’s southern coast.

View from Morro Dois Irmãos in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

What to eat in Rio de Janeiro

Feijoada - The most traditional Brazilian dish. Rich and hearty, usually served on Fridays or Saturdays with rice, farofa, and orange.
Fish and seafood - Very common in Rio’s cuisine, especially in coastal areas. Grilled fish, shrimp, and moqueca are classics.
Pastel and coxinha - Typical street food, cheap and very popular near beaches and markets.
Açaí - Very popular after the beach. In Rio it is usually less sweet and more natural.
Churrasco - Brazilian barbecue in traditional restaurants or rodízios with a wide variety of cuts.
Caipirinha - Brazil’s most iconic drink, perfect for sunset.

Caipirinha is one of the most popular drinks in Brazil. Photo taken in Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

How to pay in Rio de Janeiro

Best with digital wallets - In Rio de Janeiro it is better to avoid debit and credit cards when possible. For safety and convenience, digital wallets work much better.
Brazil widely uses Pix, an instant payment system. Wallets that support Pix make everything easier: you pay via QR code, see the amount before confirming, and avoid common card errors or scams.
A key point is security: before confirming payment, the exact amount is always shown and requires manual approval on your phone.

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, founded in 1808, is one of the most important botanical research centers in the world and a 137-hectare oasis in the city. It hosts over 6,500 plant species and is famous for its iconic imperial palm trees and views of Christ the Redeemer.

Tips and characteristics

Currency: Brazilian real (BRL).
Transport: Metro and Uber work very well; biking is ideal in coastal areas.
Prices: vary depending on area and season.
Climate: tropical, hot, and humid most of the year.
Safety: be aware, avoid empty streets at night, and do not display valuables.
Traveler note: we lived 4 months split between Botafogo, Flamengo, Copacabana, and Ipanema; each neighborhood offers a very different experience worth exploring.

Streets of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Our experience traveling in Rio de Janeiro

Rio combines nature and city in a very unique way. During the three months we lived there, we experienced very different rhythms depending on the neighborhood.

Botafogo and Flamengo felt ideal for living: calmer, more authentic, residential, and well connected. Copacabana and Ipanema concentrate tourist activity, with Copacabana being more intense and chaotic, and Ipanema more organized and pleasant.

Rio has a unique rhythm that mixes beach, sports, nature, and urban life. It is a city that can be experienced in many different ways, and that flexibility is part of its charm.

On the beaches it is very common to see people playing football. Footvolley is also very popular. In the image, iconic Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bonus: cycling Rio is amazing

Take a day to explore the city by bike. It is one of the best ways to experience Rio and feel its real rhythm.

We have created a dedicated guide about this topic: Guide to cycling Rio de Janeiro, neighborhood by neighborhood routes

Sunsets on the beach are often spectacular. Photo taken at Barra da Tijuca beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Feijoada - The most traditional Brazilian dish. Rich and hearty, usually served on Fridays or Saturdays with rice, farofa, and orange.
Fish and seafood - Very common in Rio’s cuisine, especially in coastal areas. Grilled fish, shrimp, and moqueca are classics.
Pastel and coxinha - Typical street food, cheap and very popular near beaches and markets.
Açaí - Very popular after the beach. In Rio it is usually less sweet and more natural.
Churrasco - Brazilian barbecue in traditional restaurants or rodízios with a wide variety of cuts.
Caipirinha - Brazil’s most iconic drink, perfect for sunset.

Best with digital wallets - In Rio de Janeiro it is better to avoid debit and credit cards when possible. For safety and convenience, digital wallets work much better.
Brazil widely uses Pix, an instant payment system. Wallets that support Pix make everything easier: you pay via QR code, see the amount before confirming, and avoid common card errors or scams.
A key point is security: before confirming payment, the exact amount is always shown and requires manual approval on your phone.

Currency: Brazilian real (BRL).
Transport: Metro and Uber work very well; biking is ideal in coastal areas.
Prices: vary depending on area and season.
Climate: tropical, hot, and humid most of the year.
Safety: be aware, avoid empty streets at night, and do not display valuables.
Traveler note: we lived 4 months split between Botafogo, Flamengo, Copacabana, and Ipanema; each neighborhood offers a very different experience worth exploring.

Rio combines nature and city in a very unique way. During the three months we lived there, we experienced very different rhythms depending on the neighborhood.

Botafogo and Flamengo felt ideal for living: calmer, more authentic, residential, and well connected. Copacabana and Ipanema concentrate tourist activity, with Copacabana being more intense and chaotic, and Ipanema more organized and pleasant.

Rio has a unique rhythm that mixes beach, sports, nature, and urban life. It is a city that can be experienced in many different ways, and that flexibility is part of its charm.

Take a day to explore the city by bike. It is one of the best ways to experience Rio and feel its real rhythm.

We have created a dedicated guide about this topic: Guide to cycling Rio de Janeiro, neighborhood by neighborhood routes