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Best Things to do in Rio de Janeiro (2026)

Much of life in Rio happens outdoors, and the simplest pleasures are free. Copacabana Beach runs for about four kilometres along Roberto Burle Marx's wave-patterned promenade, and on Sundays and public holidays one side of Avenida Atlântica is closed to cars. Ipanema Beach, celebrated in The Girl from Ipanema, stretches from Arpoador to the canal at Leblon, with the Feira Hippie craft market every Sunday.

At the eastern end of Ipanema, the Pedra do Arpoador is where crowds gather to applaud the sunset, a custom that dates back to the late 1960s. Inland, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is ringed by a 7.5-kilometre path for walking and cycling, with food kiosks and an Olympic rowing stadium. For a change of scene, ride the Santa Teresa tram from the Carioca terminus across the Lapa Arches and up into the hills of Santa Teresa, stopping at Largo do Guimarães for lunch. Swim near lifeguard posts on the beaches, as the Atlantic can be rough, and check local bulletins on water quality.

5 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Rio de Janeiro

  1. Copacabana Beach City beach and promenade, CopacabanaA 4-kilometre curve of white sand along Avenida Atlântica, framed by Roberto Burle Marx's wave-patterned promenade and two historic forts.
  2. Ipanema Beach City beach, IpanemaA 2.6-kilometre beach between Arpoador and Leblon, celebrated in The Girl from Ipanema and framed by the twin peaks of Dois Irmãos.
  3. Santa Teresa Tram (Bonde de Santa Teresa) Historic tram ride, Centro / Santa TeresaRio's historic hilltop tramway, opened in 1877, which crosses the Lapa Arches from the centre and climbs through Santa Teresa in replica cars.