15 tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro to visit

What are the best tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro? What to do besides the beaches and Christ the Redeemer? In fact, the city is huge and there are many places to see.

The biggest attractions are in the south zone, which is the safest region of the coastal metropolis. Where it is possible to pass more calmly and admire all the beauty and culture that the river has to offer.

With that in mind, we made a top list with 15 of the best tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro, check it out!

1 – Christ the Redeemer

First of all, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is the main symbol of both the city and our country. The statue of Jesus Christ measures 38 meters and is located on Corcovado Hill.

Without a shadow of a doubt, it is the biggest tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro and is part of the list of the 7 wonders of the modern world. Furthermore, at the top you can see the entire city with a stunning view!

2 – Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the most fun tours in the city, the attraction is made up of two hills: Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain. In this way, tourists travel in aerial cable cars with 2 routes.

So, the view from the top is incredible and another option for a tour of Sugarloaf Mountain is the cable car. However, to board you need to go to Praia Vermelha station.

From above, tourists can see the entire Guanabara Bay!

3 – Botanical Garden

Thirdly, the Botanical Garden is located in the south of the city. However, there are no metro stations to reach the region. Therefore, you need to go by car or bus.

In fact, it is one of the most visited attractions and has the greenest area in the entire city of Rio Janeiro.

Furthermore, the place has been the setting for several soap operas and films. But what attracts the most attention are the plant specimens. Because there are different species. In fact, the corridor is full of imperial palm trees that were planted at the request of D. Pedro II.

Also, the ruins of the old gunpowder factory, before the empire, can be visited. Furthermore, in this region tourists pass through several incredible points, such as:
-Tijuca Forest;
-Taunay waterfall;
-Weir of solitude.

4 – Museum of Tomorrow – one of the most visionary tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro!

The Museum of Tomorrow is one of the most visionary tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro! The monument was opened in 2015 and has become one of the most favorite tours among tourists.

This is because the architecture is incredible and also provides a spectacular view of Guanabara Bay. In addition, it has futuristic exhibitions about what to do to help the planet.

Also, the museum of applied sciences explores various opportunities and challenges that humanity must face. Another point to highlight is that the place has received more than 4 million visitors since its opening.

Currently, at the Museum of Tomorrow the main highlight is the “Pandemic and the vision of the future”. Well, there is research carried out by the museum that provides a perception of what the future will be like, given the current scenario we are experiencing.

5 – Tijuca Forest

Fifthly, if you are a nature lover, you must visit the Tijuca Forest. That's because there are beautiful viewpoints, fresh air and beautiful waterfalls!

In fact, the region is also recognized as the green heart of the city and, in fact, is one of the largest urban forests in the world. The space was created in 1861 by Emperor Pedro II.

Furthermore, the green heart of Rio unites attractions such as Pico da Tijuca, Pico do Papagaio and the Taunay waterfall. The place is preserved by the Atlantic forest and surrounded by birds, native plants and fruit trees.

Therefore, Pico da Tijuca is the highest point in the park, measuring around 1022 m high. If you want to see it, you need to access a trail that starts at Estrada da Cascatinha.

From up there, visitors can have a panoramic view of the city, from the north to the south. It is still possible to find caves, waterfalls and lakes spread throughout the region.

6 – AquaRio – one of the tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro that you cannot miss!

O Aquarium is one of the tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro that you cannot miss! Well, it is the largest aquarium in all of South America, and is also part of the Porto Maravilha revitalization project.

In the aquarium there are countless tanks full of fish and crustaceans, thus covering an enormous diversity of marine species. Furthermore, the place is open to the public every day.

Another point worth highlighting is the number of aquatic animals present in Rio's tourist attraction. There are around 5,000 distributed in 4.5 million liters of water.

7 – Ruins Park

In seventh place, Parque das Ruínas is located in the Santa Teresa neighborhood and attracts attention with its incredible view of the city. Thus, the park offers visitors a 360-degree view of the coastal metropolis.

In addition, the point is a cultural center that hosts various exhibitions and presentations. As the name suggests, the place involves the old ruins of Laurinda Santos Lobo's house. (A famous 19th century aristocrat).

The mansion is completely preserved and offers a beautiful view of the city.

However, to get to Parque das Ruínas you need to take the Santa Teresa Cable Car. So, just go to the terminal near Lake Rio and ask to get off at Lago do Curvelo.

8 – Pedra Bonita

Next, the eighth tourist attraction in Rio de Janeiro is the famous Pedra Bonita. The point is located in the Tijuca National Park, between Pedra da Gávea and the São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca neighborhoods.

It is worth highlighting that this wonderful city's tourist attraction is a meeting point for those who love paragliding and hang gliding. So, if you find an instructor there it is possible to fly outdoors.

Also, from the top of Pedra Bonita you can see the Dois Irmãos hill, Pedra da Gávea and Praia de Conrado.

9 – Telegraph Stone

Pedra do Telégrafo became known for “the photography trick”, because whoever is on top appears to be on the edge of a cliff. But in fact, it is just an angle when clicking the photo.

After some time, the mystery was solved and it is the most popular region for hiking and getting in touch with nature. In fact, the best option for the tour is in a group, through a private tour, as it is safer.

10 – Boat trip around Guanabara Bay

The wonderful city also has an incredible tour for visitors: the boat trip around Guanabara Bay. The trip shows the most incredible angles of Rio de Janeiro and also offers unlimited drinks and appetizers.

Furthermore, the itinerary passes through several beaches, forts in the middle of the sea, Sugarloaf Mountain and even makes a stop for a swim!

Above all, the boat trip around Guanabara Bay explores the city's main tourist and historical attractions. There is also a tour guide who provides the most important information and curiosities, making the attraction even more interesting.

11 – Copacabana Fort

Copacabana Fort is considered a military area and was built at the beginning of the 20th century. In this way, Brazil prevented enemy ships from invading the entrance to Guanabara Bay.

The monument is located on a stone point, embedded in the sea. Furthermore, it is a very visited tourist spot and has an army historical museum.

The view from the Forte is beautiful, showing Copacabana Beach, Leme and also Praia do Arpoador.

12 – Confeitaria do Colombo – the mouth-watering tourist spot in Rio de Janeiro.

When you arrive in Rio, it is worth visiting Confeitaria do Colombo, the mouth-watering tourist spot. The establishment, in the center, was founded in 1894 and is part of the Cultural and Artistic Heritage of Rio de Janeiro.

Colombo Confectionery in Copacabana Fort

Confeitaria do Colombo in Forte de Copacabana is one of the oldest and most classic spots in the region. However, it is very different from the downtown bakery, which has old architecture and history.

However, the establishment in Copacabana leaves nothing to be desired, as it offers a delicious breakfast with a beautiful view of the sea. The place is quite popular, so it's a good idea to secure your table in advance, as soon as the Fort opens.

In fact, the breakfast is very complete and includes:
-yogurt;
-granola;
-juice;
-coffee;
-basket with different types of bread;
-cakes;
-cold;
-industrial jellies.

13 – Two brothers die

Morro Dois Irmãos can be seen from Ipanema and Leblon beaches. The region has 2 different peaks and to reach the region, access is via Morro do Vidgal.

First of all, the destination starts on Avenida Niemeyer and you need to take a taxi up the hill. Or, you can walk up the trail, which is approximately 750 meters long and is easy to do.

14 – Catacumba Municipal Natural Park

At the very beginning of the 20th century, the region where the Catacumba Municipal Natural Park is today was a farm. In fact, the place belonged to the baroness of Lagoa Rio de Freitas.

Furthermore, there are numerous trails to take, full of trees, plants, sculptures and panoramic views, mainly of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas.

A curious fact is the name of the place that was named because of the relationship with the indigenous cemeteries that exist in the region. Entrance is free and the park is well structured to receive visitors. Well, Parque da Catacumba has bathrooms in good condition and even convenience.

You can even have a picnic, but you must respect all environmental conservation rules.

Trail

The park's trail is around 600 meters long and the outdoor walk lasts approximately 30 minutes, until you reach the top. The entire road is signposted and self-guided.

Mirante o Urubu – one of the tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro that offers views of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and Christ the Redeemer.

Within the Catacumba Municipal Natural Park, the Urubu Viewpoint is a tourist attraction that attracts a lot of attention. Well, at the top you can see Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and Christ the Redeemer.

There is also a wooden deck with cables for support and very close to the site visitors can rappel. The sports practice is approximately 40 meters high and 190 meters altitude.

Sacopã Viewpoint

Another point within the park is the Mirante de Sacopã which is at the top of the trail. In fact, when you arrive at this destination you will see:
-the Remo da Lagoa stadium;
-the Botanical Garden;
-a part of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas;
-I die two brothers;
-Gávea stone;
-Leblon beach.

At the end of the gate there are beautiful gardens and 32 sculptures to be admired!

15 – Mureta da Urca

Finally, we arrived at the final destination! The fifteenth nomination on this top list is Mureta da Urca. The most famous wall in the capital has this name because it is right in front of Bar da Urca and serves delicious and succulent pastries.

Furthermore, the highlight of the region is the sunset that sets behind the corcovado. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable view, eating a pastry and a cold beer outdoors.

Finishing the subject

In short, these are the top list of 15 tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro to include in your itinerary. Don't know where to stay yet? We also have the best recommendations, check out the resorts most comfortable and paradisiacal in Rio de Janeiro. Plan your trip and book your room now!