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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Top things to do in Rio de Janeiro

60 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.

Botanical Garden
Park & nature4.5

Botanical Garden

22,176 reviews · Jardim Botanico

Rio's Jardim Botânico is a serene, green escape at the foot of the forested hills below Corcovado, founded over two centuries ago and now home to thousands of plant species across formal avenues and wilder corners.

Sugarloaf Mountain

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QR payments are everywhere in Brazil: taxi and rideshare drivers, restaurants, hotels, even small shops. No local bank account? The Moreta Pay app lets you top up from your own card and scan local QR codes. All-in it costs about 4.5% (currency exchange + top-up + app fee), often close to what banks charge for foreign ATM withdrawals. Compare with your own bank's fees; skipping the cash runs is the real win. moretapay.com

Good to know

What is the most visited attraction in Rio de Janeiro?

Botanical Garden draws the most traveler reviews of anywhere we track in Rio de Janeiro, with 22,176 of them, rated 4.5 out of 5. Review volume is the closest honest proxy we have for how many people actually turn up, so it is what this list is ranked by.

Which place in Rio de Janeiro do visitors rate highest?

Itaway Ecotours Rio holds the highest rating in Rio de Janeiro among places with a meaningful number of reviews, at 5.0 out of 5 from 887 reviews. It is less busy than Botanical Garden, which is often exactly why it scores better.

Which part of Rio de Janeiro has the most to see?

Zona Sul (South Zone) holds 20 of the 60 places on this list, more than any other area, so it is the sensible base if you would rather walk between sights than commute to them.

Browse Rio de Janeiro by type: museums, parks & nature, markets. Planning your trip to Rio de Janeiro? See where to eat, build a Rio de Janeiro itinerary, or check visa requirements.
Landmark4.7

Sugarloaf Mountain

10,121 reviews

Granite peak rising 396 meters at Guanabara Bay's entrance, reachable by cable car with stunning city views.

Maracanã Stadium
Landmark4.7

Maracanã Stadium

10,121 reviews

Legendary football stadium that hosted two World Cup finals, known for its electric atmosphere and history.

Christ the Redeemer (statue)
Landmark4.7

Christ the Redeemer (statue)

10,121 reviews

Iconic Art Deco statue atop Corcovado mountain, offering sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro and its coastline.

National Museum of Brazil
Museum4.7

National Museum of Brazil

10,121 reviews

Brazil's oldest scientific institution, housed in a former imperial palace, tragically damaged by a 2018 fire but still a symbol of national heritage.

Theatro Municipal (Rio de Janeiro)
Landmark4.7

Theatro Municipal (Rio de Janeiro)

10,121 reviews

A magnificent opera house inspired by the Paris Opera, hosting ballet, opera, and classical concerts.

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Park & nature4.7

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

10,121 reviews

Founded in 1808, this 140-hectare garden showcases over 6,000 plant species, including a famous avenue of towering imperial palms.

Tijuca National Park
Park & nature4.7

Tijuca National Park

10,121 reviews

Covering 39 square kilometers of urban rainforest, this park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and the panoramic Vista Chinesa viewpoint.

Escadaria Selarón
Landmark4.3

Escadaria Selarón

9,956 reviews

A vibrant staircase covered in over 2,000 colorful tiles from 60 countries, created by artist Jorge Selarón.

Banco do Brasil Cultural Center (Rio de Janeiro)
Museum4.7

Banco do Brasil Cultural Center (Rio de Janeiro)

8,691 reviews

A restored 1906 Beaux-Arts building hosting rotating art exhibitions and a theater in Rio's historic center.

Museum of Tomorrow
Museum4.7

Museum of Tomorrow

8,691 reviews

A futuristic science museum in Rio de Janeiro, exploring sustainability and the planet's future through interactive exhibits and striking architecture.

National Historical Museum (Brazil)
Museum4.7

National Historical Museum (Brazil)

8,691 reviews

A vast museum with over 300,000 artifacts tracing Brazilian history from colonialism to the republic.

Carioca Aqueduct
Landmark3.8

Carioca Aqueduct

5,357 reviews

An 18th-century Roman-style aqueduct with 42 arches, now carrying the Santa Teresa tram over the Lapa neighborhood.

Rio de Janeiro Cathedral
Religious site4.3

Rio de Janeiro Cathedral

2,816 reviews

A striking modern conical cathedral in Rio de Janeiro, seating 20,000, with stunning stained glass windows and a unique architectural design.

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Neighborhood4.5

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

2,419 reviews

A iconic 4-kilometer beachfront neighborhood with a vibrant promenade and lively beach culture.

Rio Scenarium
Sight4.5

Rio Scenarium

2,417 reviews · Zona Central (Central Region)

A vibrant nightlife spot in Rio's Lapa district, housed in a beautifully restored antique-filled mansion with live samba and choro music.

Mirante Dona Marta
Landmark4.5

Mirante Dona Marta

1,810 reviews · Humaita

Mirante Dona Marta is one of the finest viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro, a lookout perched on the Dona Marta hill, partway up toward Corcovado, offering a spectacular panorama that takes in Christ the Redeemer above, Sugarloaf Mountain, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, Guanabara Bay,

Barra Shopping
Market4.5

Barra Shopping

1,659 reviews · Zona Oeste (West Zone)

Large shopping mall in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, offering a wide range of stores, dining, and entertainment.

Mirante Do Leblon
Park & nature4.5

Mirante Do Leblon

1,410 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

The Mirante do Leblon is a scenic clifftop viewpoint at the western end of Rio de Janeiro's chic Leblon neighbourhood, a favourite local spot for taking in one of the city's most beautiful coastal panoramas, especially at sunset.

Flamengo Park
Park & nature4.3

Flamengo Park

1,208 reviews

Designed by Roberto Burle Marx, this 1.2-million-square-meter seaside park features gardens, museums, and sweeping views of Guanabara Bay.

Shopping Leblon
Market4.5

Shopping Leblon

1,071 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

Shopping Leblon is a premier shopping destination in Rio's upscale Leblon neighborhood, offering a mix of international brands, dining, and entertainment.

Museum
Museum4.5

Museu Nacional De Belas Artes

962 reviews · Zona Central (Central Region)

Rio de Janeiro's national fine arts museum, housed in a neoclassical building, showcasing Brazilian and international art from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Sight
Sight4.5

Bar Bukowski

916 reviews · Botafogo

A gritty, literary-themed bar in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, known for its cheap beer, rock music, and bohemian atmosphere.

Park & nature
Park & nature5

Itaway Ecotours Rio

887 reviews · Ipanema

Eco-friendly guided tours in Rio de Janeiro's Ipanema, focusing on nature, hiking, and sustainable travel experiences.

Market
Market5

Cook In Rio

793 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

Join a hands-on cooking class in Ipanema, where you'll shop at a local market and learn to make Brazilian dishes like moqueca and caipirinhas.

Park & nature
Park & nature5

Rio Natural Ecotourism

722 reviews · Laranjeiras

Experience Rio's lush Atlantic Forest with guided hikes, birdwatching, and waterfalls in the Tijuca Forest area, led by eco-conscious local guides.

Market
Market5

Caminhos Language Centre

697 reviews · Ipanema

Learn Portuguese in the heart of Ipanema with immersive courses and cultural activities at this top-rated language school.

Sight
Sight4.5

Bar Carioca da Gema

638 reviews · Zona Central (Central Region)

Dance the night away to live samba at this iconic Lapa bar, a Rio de Janeiro institution for authentic Brazilian music and nightlife.

Neighborhood
Neighborhood4.5

Mureta da Urca

516 reviews · Urca

Scenic waterfront neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro with a famous jogging track and views of Sugarloaf Mountain.

Park & nature
Park & nature4

Ilha Da Gigoia

429 reviews · Zona Oeste (West Zone)

A tranquil island park in Rio's West Zone with lush greenery, walking trails, and scenic views of the surrounding lagoons and mountains.

Landmark
Landmark5

Good Guide In Rio

379 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

Explore Rio de Janeiro with a knowledgeable local guide who tailors tours to your interests, covering iconic sights and hidden gems.

Landmark
Landmark4.5

Casa De Arte & Cultura Julieta De Serpa

371 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

Cultural center in Rio's Flamengo neighborhood hosting concerts, art exhibitions, and workshops.

Sight
Sight4.5

Bip Bip

296 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

Bip Bip is a lively bar in Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana neighborhood, known for its samba music and vibrant nightlife.

Sight
Sight4

Comuna

273 reviews · Botafogo

A vibrant nightclub in Rio's Lapa district known for live samba, forró, and a lively crowd dancing until dawn.

Market
Market5

Rio Mountain Sports

255 reviews · Urca

A vibrant market in Rio's Urca neighborhood offering outdoor gear, surf equipment, and local crafts with a stunning Sugarloaf Mountain backdrop.

Sight
Sight4.5

Cafe Cultural Sacrilegio

254 reviews · Zona Central (Central Region)

A bohemian café and bar in Rio's Lapa district, known for its eclectic decor, live music, and vibrant cultural atmosphere.

Market
Market4

Shopping da Gavea

253 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

A popular shopping market in Rio de Janeiro's Gávea neighborhood, known for its mix of fashion, crafts, and local food.

Landmark
Landmark4

Downtown RJ

235 reviews · Zona Oeste (West Zone)

Downtown RJ is a vibrant landmark in Rio de Janeiro's West Zone, known for its commercial and cultural significance along Avenida das Americas.

Bike Rio
Sight4

Bike Rio

233 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

Bike Rio offers guided bicycle tours along Rio de Janeiro's stunning coastline, providing an active way to explore the city's iconic beaches and neighborhoods.

Museum
Museum4.5

Museu Chacara do Ceu

226 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

A museum in Rio de Janeiro's Zona Sul housing an exquisite collection of modern and contemporary art in a charming villa setting.

Entertainment
Entertainment4.5

Teatro Oi Casagrande

216 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

An intimate theater in Rio's Leblon neighborhood, known for high-quality live performances including plays, concerts, and dance shows in a cozy setting.

Entertainment
Entertainment4

Theatro Net Rio

193 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

A historic theater in Copacabana offering live music, dance, and cultural performances in an intimate setting.

Landmark
Landmark5

Conozca Rio

188 reviews · Zona Oeste (West Zone)

Top-rated tour operator offering personalized guided experiences in Rio de Janeiro, focusing on local culture and hidden gems.

Entertainment
Entertainment5

Teatro Multiplan

185 reviews

A modern theater in Rio de Janeiro's VillageMall, hosting plays, concerts, and cultural events in a comfortable setting.

Landmark
Landmark4.5

Praca Sao Salvador

178 reviews · Laranjeiras

Praca Sao Salvador is a lively square in the Laranjeiras neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, known for its Sunday feira (street market) and samba gatherings.

Sight
Sight4.5

Vans do Corcovado

167 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

A scenic van ride through Tijuca Forest to the base of Corcovado mountain, offering a convenient way to reach Christ the Redeemer statue.

Sight
Sight4

Beco das Garrafas

141 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

A historic alley in Rio's Copacabana neighborhood, famous for its role in the birth of bossa nova music.

Sight
Sight3.5

Lord Jim Pub

141 reviews · Ipanema

Popular pub in Rio's Ipanema neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere, live music, and classic pub fare, attracting both locals and tourists.

Park & nature
Park & nature5

Rio Sensations

123 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

A vibrant park in Rio's Zona Sul with lush gardens, art installations, and stunning views of the lagoon and mountains.

Park & nature
Park & nature5

Rio Love Story

115 reviews · Ipanema

Charming park in Ipanema dedicated to love, with romantic sculptures and ocean views.

Park & nature
Park & nature5

Rio On the Map

92 reviews · Ipanema

Discover Rio de Janeiro's iconic landmarks and hidden gems through guided tours from Ipanema.

Park & nature
Park & nature5

ChileBra-Tur

91 reviews

Nature and park area in Rio de Janeiro's Leblon neighborhood, offering green spaces and coastal views near the beach.

Sight
Sight5

Le Spa

90 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

Luxurious spa in Rio de Janeiro's Santa Teresa neighborhood offering holistic treatments in a historic hotel setting.

Park & nature
Park & nature4.5

Parque Municipal do Penhasco Dois Irmaos

89 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

A scenic coastal park in Rio's Leblon neighborhood, offering dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and a peaceful escape from the city.

Landmark
Landmark5

Lotus Rio Tour

86 reviews · Zona Oeste (West Zone)

A tour company in Rio de Janeiro's Barra da Tijuca offering guided experiences to explore the city's natural beauty and landmarks.

Sight
Sight4

Mud Bug

81 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

A quirky bar in Rio's Zona Sul known for its cachaça-infused 'Mud Bug' cocktail and lively atmosphere near Copacabana Beach.

Sight
Sight4.5

Copacabana Palace Spa

79 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

A luxurious spa at the iconic Copacabana Palace hotel in Rio de Janeiro, offering ocean-view treatments and a serene escape from the vibrant city.

Market
Market5

Brazilian Black Belt

66 reviews · Ipanema

Brazilian Black Belt is a specialty market in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear and martial arts equipment.

Entertainment
Entertainment4

Theater Leblon Sala Fernanda Montenegro

64 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

A renowned theater in Rio de Janeiro's Zona Sul, hosting diverse performances in an intimate setting named after the iconic Brazilian actress.

Market
Market3.5

Rio Design Leblon

62 reviews · Zona Sul (South Zone)

A shopping center in Rio's Leblon neighborhood, offering a mix of design stores, dining, and services.