Few cities in the world have such a spectacular natural setting as Rio de Janeiro, the former Brazilian capital. Endless lush green mountains, hills and valleys come down between lagoons and the sea, separating Rio’s different neighborhoods into almost separate towns.
Favelas, slum houses with low sanitary conditions, occupy many of those hills, some on prime locations. The lowlands, on the other hand, house expensive high-rise buildings and colonial architecture. While everyone can recognize Rio’s landscape with gorgeous beaches, few are familiar with its interesting architectural heritage.
We consider Rio the nicest city on the planet. Our friends always ask us how many days are needed in Rio de Janeiro to cover the basics. We believe you should spend at least 4 days in the city. However, we have prepared one, two, and three day itineraries as well.
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One Day is a Rush
Begin your day in the Historic Centro. Visit baroque San Francisco de Penitencia Church, neoclassical Candelária Church and modern Metropolitan Cathedral, the city’s main temples. Floriano square in Cinelandia is home to the Municipal Theatre, the City Hall and the National Library, one of the ten largest in the world.
You have to visit Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. In Copacabana, stop for a cocktail in the legendary Copacabana Palace Hotel. Don’t forget to check the historic Copacabana Fort and the cannons. Continue to Ipanema. Explore the Garota de Ipanema park.
Walk all along Ipanema to Leblon. Since you’ll be short on time, take a taxi to the base of Corcovado Hill. It’s the massive mountain with the huge Christ on top. It opens from 8 AM to 7 PM. Your ticket includes the train ride to the statue. You can buy your ticket online here.
Two Days are OK
If you have two days in Rio, follow our 1 day itinerary and begin your second day in Lapa. We strongly recommend taking the historic Santa Teresa Tram. The first station is next to the Cathedral. The tram takes you to Arcos da Lapa. Locals dance samba beneath the 18th Century aqueduct.
The tram continues all the way to Dois Irmaos up on the hill. However, go down in Largo do Guimaraes station and explore Santa Teresa. You can take the tram back or walk down the Selarón Stairs. Due to safety concerns, we recommend going during the day.
You have to visit the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar). The iconic hill is next to the sea. Take a taxi to the base and go up with the cable car. The views over the sea, the city, and beyond will take your breath away. If you have time, visit Vermelha Beach on the foot of the hill.
Three Days are Good
If you have three days in Rio, follow our two day itinerary but visiting more places and without rushing so much. From Ipanema go to the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. There are walking paths and parks all around the lake. If you are into football, visit the Museu Flamengo.
You can walk from the lake to the Botanical Gardens. The 130 acre (54 hectares) park is over 200 years old. It’s got plants from all over the world, trails, and museums. Lage Park is next to the lake. The 130 acre (52 hectare) park has palaces, trails, gardens, and caves.
From Lage Park you can trek all the way to Corcovado Hill in over an hour. We have done it and had a blast. Finish your last day at the Science Museum. The Calatrava masterpiece dedicated to the future is next to the sea. The Rio Museum of Art is nearby.
Four Days are Ideal
We believe you should spend 4 days in Rio de Janeiro. On your last day go to Niteroi or Ilha Grande. Niteroi is the suburb on the other side of the bay, in front of the center. Take a boat from the terminal next to November XV Square.
In Niteroi visit the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum designed by Oscar Neimayer. We are talking about one of the most famous Brazilian landmarks. Stroll along Boa Viagem Beach and visit the Boa Viagem Church. Old palaces and grand mansions line Pres. Domiciano Street. Our favorite is Jambeiro Manor. Take a bus and visit the Santa Cruz da Barra Fortress from 17th Century.
Ilha Grande is a gorgeous island 87 miles (140 km) south of Rio. It’s covered in green lush nature and has some of the nicest beaches in the country. In all honesty, do yourself a favor and spend at least one night on the island. Our favorite hotel is the beachfront Pousada La Coquille. You can also stop in Paraty on the way.
Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro
Safety is the biggest concern when it comes to choosing a place to stay in Rio de Janeiro. Most historical sites, museums, interesting bars and cafes are located inside Centro and Lapa, but they are not the safest areas, thus not recommended to stay.
Most of the large hotel chains have settled down in Copacabana and Ipanema – Leblon area. Although those areas are amongst the safest, the lack of good bars, clubs or any kind of attraction, besides the beach, is a turn off. We always stay at the Miramar by Windsor Copacabana.
The only neighborhood with beautiful architecture and interesting cafes and restaurants is Santa Teresa, from where you can even walk down to the center (during daytime only). It is safe and hotels there are nice and relatively cheap. The best hotel in Santa Teresa is Vila Santa Teresa.
Moving Around Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a hugely populated city with densely built areas separated by mountains. Distances are long and there is a lot of traffic, especially at rush hour. The best way to move around is by metro, which is fast, cheap and safe. There are only 2 lines but they reach the most important tourist areas connecting them with the City Center.
There is also metro bus which connects several neighborhoods with the Metro. Other regular buses are quite slow, with a somewhat confusing network. Taxis are relatively reliable and cheap if you insist on using a taximeter. There are public bicycles, which can be hired online.
Uber works brilliantly in Rio. It’s inexpensive and safe. We do walk around Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana. However, avoid walking along the beach in Rio at night. In the center and Santa Teresa we only walk during the day. Watch your stuff and you won’t have any problems.
Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?
Our answer is: Rio de Janeiro is absolutely worth visiting! You won’t believe your eyes. There is no other city in the world as beautiful as Rio. Ok. Maybe Sidney, Istanbul or Rome rival its beauty. However, Rio is in Brazil, the most beautiful country in the world!
That’s why we strongly recommend spending one week in the city. There are lots of things to see and do, but you need at least a couple of days to intake the atmosphere. Rio is intoxicating! The locals are warm, clever, fun, and beautiful.
Besides, you will eat and drink like a king. The nightlife is pretty cool too. The only thing we need to stress again is safety. Don’t get scared. We’ve been to the city countless times and never had a problem. We are very cautious and walk at night only in select areas.
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