Arrive at the airport and take a taxi or private car to Flamengo. Check-in to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day resting or exploring the neighborhood on foot.
Visit Sugarloaf Mountain, one of Rio's most iconic landmarks. Take a cable car to the top for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Spend the day at Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Take a train or van to the peak of Corcovado Mountain for stunning panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro.
Take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean and soak up the sun at Copacabana Beach, one of Rio's most famous beaches.
Explore the storied history of Brazilian football at Maracanã Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the world. Take a guided tour or attend a match if there's a game.
Escape the city and venture into the lush tropical forest of Tijuca National Park, filled with waterfalls, diverse wildlife and breathtaking views.
Take a stroll through Rio's Botanical Garden, home to over 6,000 species of plants and considered to be one of the most important botanical gardens in the world.
Visit the colorful Selarón Steps, a mosaic stairway made up of over 2000 tiles from all over the world. Nearby, check out the imposing Lapa Cathedral, the largest church in Rio.
Explore futuristic exhibitions and learning programs at the Museum of Tomorrow, featuring interactive exhibits on topics from climate change to genetic engineering.
Stroll through the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, known for its colorful architecture, vibrant street art, and lively music scene.
Escape the crowds and enjoy some beach time at Prainha Beach, situated in a secluded cove that provides some of the best surf in Rio. Further down the coast, visit the serene and peaceful Grumari Beach for a quieter beach experience.
Learn about Brazil's rich cultural history at the National Historical Museum, which houses a collection of over 287,000 items, including archaeology, furniture, paintings, and textiles.
Experience the energy and passion of samba music at Rio Scenarium, a high-energy club with live music and dancing that's often considered one of the best samba venues in the city.
Watch the sunset at Pedra do Arpoador, a rocky outcropping near Ipanema Beach that provides stunning views of the sea and sky.
Check out of your accommodation and travel to the airport for your journey home.
Public transportation in Rio de Janeiro includes buses, metro lines, and taxis. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to other major cities. Travel by car can be slow in some areas of the city, so it's worth considering taking public transportation or walking in certain areas. For long-distance travel, flights and intercity buses are the best options.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Niterói, a city across the bay from Rio de Janeiro that is home to the work of renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. If you have less time, cut out one of the beaches or museums to give you more time to explore other areas of the city.
Rio de Janeiro–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (GIG), also known as Galeão International Airport, is the primary international airport serving Rio de Janeiro. It is located in the neighborhood of Ilha do Governador, approximately 12.5 miles from the city center. The second airport in Rio is Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), located close to the city center, it is mainly for domestic flights only.