Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro State February 2026 | Expedia.ca # What to do in Rio de Janeiro State ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Rio de Janeiro State Types of activities Where to stay [Rio de Janeiro State travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Rio-de-Janeiro-State.dx6052641) ![Ipanema Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061510/ea4e80f9-2a5e-4ceb-a99c-a9670becefa3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ipanema Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061510/ea4e80f9-2a5e-4ceb-a99c-a9670becefa3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/507577/b8dac75f-5f93-467c-8b62-61e41841355e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Copacabana Beach which includes mist or fog, a sandy beach and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6004817/256e653e-e9be-4a57-b096-b663f75a5093.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Rio de Janeiro](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/178301/cd29e840-c599-4fef-8390-05c36a639f45.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself Members save % or more when you book activities. --- ## Top places to visit ### 1\. Copacabana Beach Gleaming hotels and forested hills line the perfectly curved 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Abutting one of Brazil’s highest density residential areas, this beach is nearly always filled to capacity, but that’s part of its charm. Swim in the cool waters of the Atlantic amongst thousands of other visitors, join in a game of soccer on the sand or just sit back on a beach chair and order snacks from a beach vendor and watch the passing parade. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Copacabana-Beach-Copacabana.d6004817.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6004817/6bbb8ccb-3cc9-40de-9bfc-d6a05e61fff0.jpg) ### 2\. Ipanema Beach Located in one of the wealthiest areas in Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema Beach is between Leblon and Arpoador, adjacent to the famed Copacabana Beach. Although the word Ipanema literally translates to “stinky lake” in the Tupi language, this description doesn’t fit what you’ll find along this stretch of white-sand beach where the rich and chic come to worship the sun. Beyond the western limit of the beach, there is a beautiful view of the two mountains, Dois Irmãos. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Ipanema-Beach-Rio-de-Janeiro.d6061510.Vacation-Attraction) ![Palms and Two Brothers Mountain on Ipanema beach, Rio de Janeiro](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061510/c2675265-905e-43bc-bbbe-ddd9e03a3ec2.jpg) ### 3\. Christ the Redeemer Corcovado, which means “hunchback” in Portuguese, is a mountain in the Tijuca National Park in central Rio. The mountain offers three attractions in the one place. Although the Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue may be the highlight, you can also see the world’s largest urban forest that is Tijuca National Park, and experience a scenic journey on the historic Corcovado Train, the country’s oldest tourist attraction. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Christ-The-Redeemer-Alto-da-Boa-Vista.d502459.Vacation-Attraction) ![Aerial view of Rio de Janeiro city skyline in Brazil, Shutterstock ID 1033504918, Purchase Order: SP-1506 Go Guides, Order Number: , Client/Licensee: Faa Praharnpap, Other: Hcom budget](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502459/45e4d50c-5bd0-42a8-b2f6-06e250d402c1.jpg) ### 4\. Geriba Beach Geriba Beach is a large stretch of golden sand with bars serving shrimp and empanadas. The tranquil sandy haven has warm water and fairly large waves that lure surfers to its shores. Rent a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard to join your fellow watersports enthusiasts on the waves. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Geriba-Beach-Praia-de-Geriba.d6159469.Vacation-Attraction) ![Geriba Beach featuring a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6159469/410e893e-0d7f-4d2e-93c0-800c6cb63ae6.jpg) ### 5\. Rua das Pedras Rua das Pedras is the most famous street in the picturesque resort town of Búzios. Come here to shop for souvenirs in independent stores and galleries, sip coffee outside pretty cafés and experience Búzios’ lively nightlife. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Rua-Das-Pedras-Downtown-Buzios.d6159476.Vacation-Attraction) ![Rua das Pedras which includes a small town or village and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6159476/c24b5bd5-6a76-4f06-aadb-690f3360c651.jpg) ### 6\. Avenida Atlantica No Rio de Janeiro holiday is complete without a visit to Avenida Atlântica. This avenue is famous for its events year-round, including a massive New Year’s Eve celebration covering the entire avenue and Copacabana Beach. Stroll along the avenue’s promenade to experience Rio’s lively beach culture and oceanfront events. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Avenida-Atlantica-Copacabana.d6061534.Vacation-Attraction) ![Sao Conrado Beach featuring a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061529/7f6c0559-1cb1-45d4-88fd-77edb983d342.jpg) ### 7\. Maracanã Stadium No arena is more central to the history of Brazilian soccer than Maracanã Stadium. The location of the final matches in both of Brazil’s FIFA World Cups, this stadium has hosted all the great names in Brazilian soccer. Watch one of Rio de Janeiro’s “Big Four” teams play a game, or take a guided tour of this iconic stadium and you’ll soon understand just how large soccer looms in the Brazilian psyche. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Maracana-Stadium-Maracana.d502470.Vacation-Attraction) ![Maracana Stadium which includes interior views and modern architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502470/1ae04971-f0c7-456c-8ad8-aaf783a4f89b.jpg) ### 8\. Sugar Loaf Mountain Located on the coast of the southeastern corner of Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) resides within forests, water and hills at the edge of Guanabara Bay. Rock climbers conquer the mountain using appropriate gear, but most visitors take the glass-sided cable car to the top. Originally built in 1912, the cable car transports 65 visitors per trip and offers panoramic views the entire way. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Sugar-Loaf-Mountain-Urca.d502461.Vacation-Attraction) ![Sugar Loaf Mountain](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502461/634420fb-71f0-4483-9bd0-ed7661d6da93.jpg) ## What to do in Rio de Janeiro State --- ### Discover the most popular places to visit in Rio de Janeiro State ![Copacabana Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6004817/e5cac5b6-428d-4a6a-8dd1-aaa57aa140c5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Copacabana Beach 4.5/5(96 reviews) More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play. [](https://expedia.ca/Copacabana-Beach-Copacabana.d6004817.Vacation-Attraction) ![Ipanema Beach showing mountains and a beach as well as a large group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061510/cda01e16-e017-4555-8e6b-6ca736abd4d5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ipanema Beach 4.5/5(45 reviews) See the place that inspired a famous song about a bikini at this upscale beach. [](https://expedia.ca/Ipanema-Beach-Rio-de-Janeiro.d6061510.Vacation-Attraction) ![Corcovado showing religious elements, a statue or sculpture and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502459/257a5a3b-1335-4e25-bdc8-cae983fd96ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Christ the Redeemer 4.5/5(80 reviews) This mountain rising out of the city center is most well known as the home of Rio’s iconic skyscraper-sized Jesus statue. [](https://expedia.ca/Christ-The-Redeemer-Alto-da-Boa-Vista.d502459.Vacation-Attraction) ![Geriba Beach featuring a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6159469/410e893e-0d7f-4d2e-93c0-800c6cb63ae6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Geriba Beach 5/5(1 review) Revel in the lively ambiance of the bars and restaurants of one of the most popular beaches in the Búzios region. [](https://expedia.ca/Geriba-Beach-Praia-de-Geriba.d6159469.Vacation-Attraction) ![Aerial View of Recreio dos Bandeirantes Region in Rio de Janeiro City](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6222783/1b6518f2-d7d3-43b1-ac7c-ac8418645d0d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach 4.5/5(5 reviews) Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach during your travels in Rio de Janeiro? While you're in the area, wander around the parks. [](https://expedia.ca/Recreio-Dos-Bandeirantes-Beach-Rio-de-Janeiro.d6222783.Vacation-Attraction) ![Rua das Pedras which includes a small town or village and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6159476/c24b5bd5-6a76-4f06-aadb-690f3360c651.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Rua das Pedras 5/5(2 reviews) Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the charming stores, galleries and cafés of this busy and colorful street, or head to one of the bars here that come alive after dark. [](https://expedia.ca/Rua-Das-Pedras-Downtown-Buzios.d6159476.Vacation-Attraction) ![Sao Conrado Beach featuring a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6061529/7f6c0559-1cb1-45d4-88fd-77edb983d342.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Avenida Atlantica 4/5(30 reviews) Golden sandy beaches, excellent restaurants, walking paths and some of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular neighborhoods surround this bustling seaside avenue. [](https://expedia.ca/Avenida-Atlantica-Copacabana.d6061534.Vacation-Attraction) ![Maracana Stadium which includes interior views and modern architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502470/1ae04971-f0c7-456c-8ad8-aaf783a4f89b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Maracanã Stadium 4/5(38 reviews) To truly appreciate Brazil’s obsession with “the beautiful game,” watch a match or take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest and most historic soccer stadiums. [](https://expedia.ca/Maracana-Stadium-Maracana.d502470.Vacation-Attraction) ![Sugar Loaf Mountain featuring mountains and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/502461/d49b73c7-b318-4382-988d-aab236666e30.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sugar Loaf Mountain 4.5/5(76 reviews) Scale this mountain on foot or by cable car to see impressive views of Rio’s beaches, rain forests and its most famous statue. [](https://expedia.ca/Sugar-Loaf-Mountain-Urca.d502461.Vacation-Attraction) ### Explore areas of Rio de Janeiro State ![Copacabana](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/178498/e4b08dd8-3318-4c31-8253-ebb63d58d84e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Copacabana 4.5/5(137 area reviews) Famed for its 4 km balneario beach, this lively Rio de Janeiro neighborhood offers surfing at Arpoador Beach, historic Fort Copacabana, and the iconic promenade designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Enjoy numerous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, with easy access via three subway Metro stations. [](https://expedia.ca/Rio-De-Janeiro-Copacabana.dx178498) ![Ipanema featuring markets as well as a large group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6053031/9ec76b55-e702-4437-bfcb-4bb4fe213505.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Ipanema 4.5/5(17 area reviews) Surrounded by elegant development, Ipanema's beach boasts vibrant beach culture, with daily gatherings of surfers, sunbathers, and sports enthusiasts. Stroll along the grid-like streets to explore world-class restaurants, shops, and the bustling Ipanema Hippie Market. [](https://expedia.ca/Rio-De-Janeiro-Ipanema.dx6053031) ![Barra da Tijuca showing a sandy beach as well as a large group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6053030/2beed6be-4033-48ba-9fab-8e2197be81b7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Barra da Tijuca 4.5/5(13 area reviews) Boasting stunning beaches, lakes, and rivers, this upper-class neighborhood offers surf competitions, parachuting experiences, and tennis courts. Explore large modern malls, bars, and restaurants, while enjoying easy access to public transportation. [](https://expedia.ca/Rio-De-Janeiro-Barra-Da-Tijuca.dx6053030) ![Ipanema and Leblon beach and mountain Dois Irmao](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/181127/71d79149-7d37-4f95-b873-2e0b7574de68.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Leblon 5/5(3 area reviews) Wealthy and cosmopolitan, this South Zone gem boasts sights like Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Morro Dois Irmãos, and Jardim de Alah channel. Enjoy lively nightlife with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. [](https://expedia.ca/Rio-De-Janeiro-Leblon.dx181127) ![Rio de Janeiro](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621562484168/4db176bf-aa3b-4e49-a434-01e6baac8d26.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Rio de Janeiro Centro 3.5/5(21 area reviews) You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city. [](https://expedia.ca/Rio-De-Janeiro-Rio-De-Janeiro-Centro.dx6053032) ![RiodeJaneiro_Botafogo_6053033_5](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6053033/c7a4cb25-ed8e-4fd7-9b43-d2df0a91489a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Botafogo 3.5/5(5 area reviews) Botafogo is a destination travelers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping. [](https://expedia.ca/Rio-De-Janeiro-Botafogo.dx6053033) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Day trip destinations from Rio de Janeiro State ![Rio de Janeiro showing general coastal views, a sunset and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/178301/4fbf7674-aa10-4ef5-b22e-467f3105242b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Rio de Janeiro ![Sundown is amazing there](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/178503/90b59427-8c09-4289-932d-b36be94ce904.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Niteroi ![landscape with mountains, Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro - Brazil](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/178504/2c0ccf13-db0d-4bac-acf8-cba72be8a94b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Nova Iguaçu ![Sugarloaf Mountain](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/178506/6c4ceffe-3802-482b-85ce-0dd8949c5537.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Sao Goncalo ![Angra dos Reis featuring a sunset, boating and a bay or harbour](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/180403/9728ae65-9f03-40e4-9da7-bb080fc7b659.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Angra dos Reis ![Adobe](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/180406/728bf620-2aad-418a-adc8-2623bb05db8b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Mangaratiba ![Adobe](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/181121/2e048654-4eb4-4374-a367-be24fc897dfa.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Volta Redonda ![Prainha Beach featuring a sandy beach, a coastal town and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6219743/49775e2c-fd64-4f55-b78b-c9d8baa52c42.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Búzios ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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