While in Rio stayed in Ipanema - skip that beach, dirty/litter but more 'happening'. Much prefer a…read morequick Uber ride over to Leblon, clean and less hagglers on the beach. Great eats beachside - with prime shaded spots for plenty of people watching.

I was staying in Copacabana, but had been on the other end of RJ earlier that day and ended up in…read moreLeblon and worked my way up. I think this is my favorite out of the three and where I spent most of my beach time at. While I hadn't tried to go to Copacabana or Ipanema during the same hours, I found Leblon to be less crowded which I personally liked. It felt calmer, more relaxing here. You can rent a chair and umbrella for a day R$20 or R$40 (forgot) at the one I rented from. They help you set everything up and ask you where you would like to sit. You'll also have the chance to order a drink from their stand and they'll bring it out to you. I've paid both in the beginning and at the end - not sure what is the usual. They will usually come to check up on you I think or at least mine did. If you had agua de coco, they say you can leave it on the beach and there will be a team of people with a truck to pick them up at some point throughout the day (yes, I saw them). You'll see and get approached by many walking vendors on the beach. At first I was weary of some trying to sell me things I didn't want, but really I think it's great and I like how they're there. I've been told that these are all side hustlers trying to make an extra buck, but there are some that actually have good stuff. For example, I had bought sterling silver jewelry two separate times from the same artists, different days on Leblon Beach. I have tried some of the food / snacks and the Yerba mate tea. I wish I had tried all or more of the food vendors. I think I was hesitant b/c I wasn't sure how the food would be ok if they'd been walking all day with it, but hot food really does stay hot cause they carry them in insulated bags. You'll see vendors carrying swimwear, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, macrame jewelry and accessories, and food of all kinds (burgers, shrimp, corn, salgados, e doces). Always be cognizant of your belongings and those who are around you. I never had any issues, but I've heard stories of people getting robbed before - they either work in teams of two or more sometimes and might try to distract you while the other tries to pickpocket you or steal your stuff. Never leave your valuables unattended if you plan to go into the water. When you're ready to leave, just leave everything where it was. The crew picks everything up throughout / towards the end of the day. If you need to use the restroom, there are public restrooms available for a fee. The one I went to was R$5 I think. There are areas to clean off the ocean water and sand - outdoor showers (they usually keep running all day) and then smaller ones by the steps to the sidewalk for your feet, etc. If you're into volleyball, you can also join a group to play for a fee. If you workout, there are various workout bars (not sure what to call them) spaced amongst the sidewalks of the beach and of course, you will see joggers / runners on the road along with cyclists and people riding Itaú bikes along the path. I rented the Itaú bikes a couple times and one day I road it from Copacabana to Leblon and back. Use your app to locate the many bike docking stations. People usually start filtering out around 7pm. There's a good view of Dois Irmãos. Be sure you have sunscreen and sun protection cause even on cloudy days could you possibly get a bad sun tan (I sure did, lol and I still have an outline from the top I was wearing *crying emoji face*).

such a cool experience and sight to see! the process getting up the mountain was so easy and…read moresmooth. I definitely recommend going in the morning before the crowds come in

Our cruise ship offered a tour today to visit Christ the Redeemer via the train up the mountain…read more They have a separate line for cruise groups so you can get on the same train (we estimate about 120 people across three cars in one trip). They will make this line go thru a 'photo opportunity' and they will present you with prints to buy at the departure point up top. Boarding is a little chaotic, it is high season, so it is very busy, so be prepared to stand in throngs of people to get yourself on the train and up to the top. Once you are up top you have two options you can either climb the 210 steps up to the top or you can take one of three elevators that they monitor. Restrooms are available at the train arrival/departure area. If you take the steps, they're actually done quite nicely so you climb some steps and then you have a bit of a break as you walk around the corner and such. There are also a couple benches throughout and they're actually working on a brand new addition that will have a resting contemplation area so that will be really nice when it's completed. When you get to the top, it is very crowded so bring your patience with you as you try to get the perfect shots because that's what everyone else is trying to do, lol There is a small chapel (in the pedestal) at the top as well and it is apparently a very popular thing to have your child baptized here The views are incredible!!

It's a very beautiful area. Feels like the heart of Rio. Must ride the train. Very cool. Stayed…read morehere for only 4 night and man, it's abundant of mosquitos and the air bnb we stayed in was a older house, 1900s (like most houses in Santa Teresa) and the mosquitos would slip in through all the doors and windows. I was trying to avoid them but it was a remarkable city. Has a lot of little monkeys and cool shops and the pubs are great!

Really pretty neighborhood with net architecture. They have a lot of little spots for food too.read more

The museum is at the southern end of the Copacabana, and where the Colombo is. I think most people…read moregoing there is for the cafes and meals.  The Fort charges a nominal fee to get in and they don't take credit card. When we asked if USD would do, the guard kindly let us in. Thank you. The ground is neatly kept. We walked around briefly after lunch. It's scene.

Fort of Copacabana offers a beautiful view of Copacabana and the ocean and with it's spectacular 14…read morein guns it offered adequate protection as well This museum is free to all military personnel from around the world which is a nice touch for military travelers

Walk up the steps to be able to view all the tiles. Walking down the steps you won't see all the…read moretiles. Have a drink at the top at a rooftop bar.

Fun place. I feel like this spot screamed Brazil! Lots of little vendors with cheap drinks. Most…read moreeveryone accepts card. Will be busy. So keep that in mind. But its definitely a vibe!

Yelp Review 2025 #187:…read more Arcos do Lapa also known as Carioca Aqueduct because that was the original function of this structure when it was built in the 17th-18th century. It brought fresh water from Carioca River. But because of technical and financial issues, the project was put to a halt. By the 19th century, it served as a bridge for Santa Teresa tram I was walking around Lapa on my first day in Rio at 9am and 6am the next day. Of course, you can take better pictures at 6am while the city is still asleep. No cars, only a handful of people. There's a lot of homeless people in this area. Watch your step because there's plenty of poop here both from dogs and humans - not something you'd read on travel blogs and travel guides. The aqueduct is in between the cathedral and Escadaria Selaron. Check it out at night too when it's lit up.

I went here pretty quickly thanks to a friend I knew and met up with on another trip so I didn't…read morespend that much time here but there's a bunch of bars and things around here which we did have a beer at but these arches are famous here It's cool to see this kind of tech because you mainly see it in Europe so to see it so far away in Brazil is cool

We visited this amazing cathedral as part of a city tour in Rio and were amazed!…read more From the exterior you might never guess it's a cathedral based on its unique pyramid shape. We learned the architect was a fan of the Mayan pyramid temples and wanted to build a similarly shaped cathedral. The inside is spacious and massive with so many amazing design details. There is a wonder peaceful and cool stillness inside as well which makes it a great place to sit and collect your thoughts for a little while. We really enjoyed strolling around inside and being in awe of this amazing structure!

Take a moment to stop in to this cathedral- it's stunning. No entrance fee, just take off your hat…read moreand follow the rules. Our guide said this cathedral can hold 21,000 people standing and they fill it to capacity when the pope visits. Absolutely stunning architecture!!