First time in Rio de Janeiro — what locals actually recommend
If it's your first weekend in Rio de Janeiro, this is the locals' shortlist — the sights worth the queue, the food you can't skip, and the neighbourhood walks that show you the place.
Top spots in Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado)
CultureTijuca
Cog-train up — go early to beat clouds and queues.
Lapa Steps (Escadaria Selarón)
CultureLapa
Tiled staircase by Selarón — 2,000 tiles from 60 countries.
Copacabana + Ipanema Beach
OutdoorsZona Sul
Posto 9 is the see-and-be-seen stretch — fresh agua de coco from the kiosks.
Sugarloaf Cable Car
OutdoorsUrca
Two-stage cable car — sunset slot is the best ticket in town.
Tijuca National Park
OutdoorsAlto da Boa Vista
World's largest urban rainforest — Pedra da Gávea hike for sunset over the city.
Where to eat
Bar Urca
$$Botequim · Urca
Bolinhos de bacalhau, cold Antarctica beer, sitting on the seawall.
Confeitaria Colombo
$$Café · Centro
Art Nouveau 1894 stained-glass salon — pastel de Belém and afternoon tea.
Lasai
$$$$Contemporary Brazilian · Botafogo
Latin America's 50 Best — daily-changing tasting from chef Rafa Costa e Silva's farm.
Aprazível
$$$Brazilian · Santa Teresa
Treetop hilltop deck with the city's most romantic view.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado), Sugarloaf Cable Car, Copacabana + Ipanema Beach. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Rio de Janeiro and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.