Ultimate List Of Things To Do In Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is unlike any other city I’ve ever visited. If I really had to find similarities with another city, it would be Cape Town. There is just something special about a city that has beaches and mountains all within walking distance of the CBD. With cities like this comes the overwhelming possibilities of things to do, from climbing mountains to sunset drinks at the beach. Rio de Janeiro is no different and during my short trips to the city this year I struggled to really get to know the city because it is just too big. However, after spending three months there this summer I feel like I have gotten to know the city in a deeper and more personal way.

So I’ve put together a list of things to do here, this ranges from small things like getting a coconut on the beach to big attractions like Cristo. Hopefully it will help you to know what to do during your next adventure.

Here is my ultimate list of things to do in Rio de Janeiro

1. Visit Ipanema Beach at sunset
2. Run along Copacabana Beach at sunrise
3. Sunbathe on the beach and get some food/drink from the street vendors
4. Take the cable car up to Sugar Loaf
5. Eat at the restaurant half way up Sugar Loaf at Urca
6. Get a green coconut on the beach
7. Climb Pedra Bonita for sunrise
8. Go shopping at the Sunday Hippie Market in Ipanema
9. Go to a Rio football match
10. Climb Dois Irmos
11. Run around the Lagoa
12. Eat at Fogo de Chao
13. Go shopping at Copacabana night market
14. Climb Pedra de Gávea
15. Visit Cristo by train
16. Fly in a helicopter over Rio
17. Go shopping at Uruguaiana
18. Explore Tajuca national park
19. Spend the afternoon in the Botanical Gardens
20. Party in Lapa
21. Take a weekend trip to Ilha Grande
22. Take a trip to Barra beaches
23. Drink a caipirinha
24. Eat pão de quejo
25. Visit the colourful steps in Lapa
26. Eat in Santa Teresa at Aprazível
27. Visit the Lapa Arches
28. Have dinner with locals in a Favela – we hired Flor do Céu for a little get together
29. Go to a kiosk with plastic chairs for beer
30. Explore Zona Sul and Zona Norte, the differences are fascinating
31. Eat pastels – the best ones are from the kiosk which serve beer
32. Watch football at Maracanã
33. Eat at a kilo restaurant
34. Take a weekend trip to Arraial do Cabo
35. Play beach volleyball on Copacabana or Ipanema beach
36. Watch the surfers at Arpoador

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Would you add anything to this list? What is your favourite thing to do in Rio de Janeiro?