Rio De Janeiro is a Brazillian city known for its beautiful beaches, mountains and people. Few cities on earth are as iconic as Brazil’s pearl on the Atlantic; despite this, you will be pleased to know it exceeds every expectation.
It is a melting pot of people, football, samba, beaches and all the rest. In fact, there is so much to do here that it can be a bit daunting. That’s why I have compiled this list, covering my favorite things to do in the city, taking in everything from gorgeous hikes to artisanal markets. They call Rio the Miraculous City, to me, that seems like an understatement.
1) Two Brothers Mountain- Sunrise Hike
Situated at the top of the Vidigal favela on the south side of Ipanema Beach, this sunrise hike is a must, even for those like me who despise early mornings. Seeing the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and the entirety of Rio, Niteroi and more was by far the best thing I did in the city.
Where to go: Order a taxi or Uber to Praca do Vidigal; this is a square at the bottom of the favela. After this, walk up to the mototaxis and ask them to take you to the school at the top of the favela. There is a gap in the fence and a path that heads uphill in the back left area of the playground. If you follow that path, it will take you to the summit, although I recommend you take a guide; despite Vidigal being safe, it is still a favela.
Cost: This will depend on who you go with, but you can expect to pay $85brl (approx. £10/$13) for a guide and then another $30–50brl in taxis and entry to the mountain.
2) Christo the Redeemer
Otherwise known as the Big Jesus, this is as much of a tourist trap as it’s possible to get; expect to be crammed into buses or onto a train. Followed by being further crammed with hundreds of people at the top; despite this, you really can’t visit Rio and not do this.
However, once you are at the top, it is all worth it. Rio’s geography is an eclectic mix of mountains, jungles, lakes and beaches. This viewpoint is by far the best way to see it all!
If crowds aren’t your thing and unlike me, you have a healthier budget, another way to see it is by helicopter tour. Costing Roughly £70 or $85, it is a reasonable outlay for what is a once-in-a lifetime experience.
Where to go: Reach the site via a scenic tram ride from Cosme Velho.
3) Beaches, beaches and more beaches
In the same way it would be sacrilege to come to Rio and not see the redeemer, it would be a cardinal sin to not have at least a few beach days. Rio De Janeiro has a beach culture that I didn’t know existed prior to visiting. As I have previously said, Rio is a city that is deeply divided in every way imaginable.
But the love of the beach is something that unites all; regardless of whether they have millions in the bank or are just scraping by, everyone will attend Copa or Ipa and enjoy time with their loved ones in peace.
Where to go: no public transport or taxis are needed; your hotel will be close to one of the beaches; just walk down!
Pro-tip: Watch your belongings; although the beach is sacred for residents of Rio, you should always be cautious. Although most people in Rio are good and kind, do not become a victim. Read our article on staying safe here.
4) Football in its spiritual home
Latin America as a whole is football crazy, with some of the world’s best talent emerging from the continent. However, no country is quite like Brazil; Brazilians live and breathe football; no trip to the country is complete without watching a game and soaking in the best atmosphere you will ever experience.
In Rio specifically, you will not be short of teams to watch. With upwards of five major teams, there is always a match on. The most iconic teams are Fluminense and Flamengo. But whoever you choose to watch, you will be greeted by a sea of passionate fans in team colors, singing at the top of their lungs.
Truly, even if you are not a big fan of the sport, you cannot visit the country without seeing a match.
5) Feira Livre da Glória
What is it? The Sunday market in Gloria is a must-see for anyone who wants to sample local Brazilian produce; as such, it is a magnet for foodies.
It also has the added benefit of being off the beaten track for most tourists; the locals here are very kind, so expect to have a lot of free samples. You can expect to find all kinds of exotic fruits and local specialties like cachaça.
Feeling rough after a bad night? You can nurse the hangover with a traditional Brazilian pastel, which is a piping hot pastry with a variety of possible fillings (usually meat or cheese). Pastels might not sound incredible, but they’re delicious and very cheap. Seriously, I survived on a diet of pastels and Caprihina’s during Carnival.
6) Sugarloaf Mountain
This mountain at the far end of the iconic Copacabana beach is a postcard shot of Rio. It rises nearly 1300 feet above the city’s harbor and is one of the most recognizable sights in the city. Sheer, bare rock faces snake all the way down to the water’s edge, while the peak is topped by a lush, dense forest.
It is possible to hike the mountain, but most people will take the cable cars, which go in two stages. Firstly, to the top of Urca Hill, then a steep ascent to the top of Sugarloaf. All the while, the landscape of Rio opens up below you, revealing beaches stretching for miles, thick jungles, and mountain peaks towering above all.
While it is glorious at all times of the day, being there for sunset and watching the city lights flicker to life is magical.
