Never Considered Visiting Brazil? These 14 Beautiful Spots in Rio de Janeiro Will Convince You To Go
Rio de Janeiro really, really surprised me. I knew the city would be interesting, but I wasn’t expecting to be this blown away by how gorgeous it was.
The beaches, the mountains, the buildings tucked between hills — the views were just nonstop. Even after six days, I kept turning corners and seeing new places that made me stop and go, “Wow.”
What makes Rio feel so special is how all these elements come together. The city’s dramatic natural landscape — with the city winding around steep hills, granite outcroppings, and coastline winding around the water — is actually what earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Add in colonial architecture, iconic landmarks, and nonstop golden beaches, and Rio truly does feel one of a kind. There’s a reason it’s called “The Marvelous City,” and these 14 spots are the perfect way to experience the best of the best in Rio.
14 Gorgeous Locations in Rio de Janeiro You Need to Experience
1. Christ the Redeemer
We can’t talk about iconic spots in Rio without starting with one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Christ the Redeemer towers over the city from the top of Corcovado Mountain and is one of the most instantly recognizable landmarks anywhere in the world.
One thing I loved was how often you’d catch glimpses of the statue as you explore the city — just popping into view between buildings or from a random street corner. It’s almost surreal to see it up there, arms outstretched, watching over everything.
Of course, you can’t come to Rio without actually going up to the statue itself. There’s a wide platform at the top of the mountain that wraps around the base of the statue, giving you a chance to walk underneath it and take in just how massive it really is. You also get beautiful views looking out over the city — the hills, the beaches, the bay.
Pro tip: Go first thing in the morning—Christ the Redeemer gets insanely busy during midday.
2. Sugar Loaf Mountain
Sugarloaf is one of the most iconic features of Rio’s skyline — a tall, rounded granite peak that rises straight up from the edge of the water, almost like a loaf of bread perched above the bay. Riding the cable cars up to the top is a classic Rio experience, and for good reason.
You actually take two cable cars — one up to Urca Hill, and then another to Sugarloaf’s summit. Both levels offer amazing views, but the top is where it really hits. You get this wide-angle view of the city, with Christ the Redeemer in the distance, the beaches stretching along the coast, and all the hills and neighborhoods scattered below.
I came up here at sunset and stayed as the lights started turning on across the city — easily one of my favorite moments of the whole trip. Watching the glow of Rio take over as the sky faded was a magic I won’t ever forget.
Read More: 4 Different Ways to Experience Sugarloaf Mountain
3. Selaron Steps
The Selaron Steps are one of the most recognizable spots in Rio — and once you see them in person, it’s easy to see why. There are over 200 steps, each one covered in bright, colorful tiles in every design imaginable.
The artist behind it, Jorge Selarón, was originally from Chile but lived in this neighborhood. He started decorating the stairs with fragments of blue, green, and yellow tiles — the colors of the Brazilian flag — as a way to beautify the area.
Over time, people from around the world began sending him tiles, and he kept adding to the project. In total, there are more than 2,000 tiles here from over 60 countries.
The steps are very popular, so expect it to be crowded, unless you come first thing in the morning. However, the base of the staircase is the busiest, but you can walk higher up to find quieter areas.
4. Parque Lage
Parque Lage is a quiet park at the base of Corcovado, and a fun place to explore if you want something a little more low-key in the city. The highlight is the old mansion in the middle of the park, with an incredibly charming courtyard café (Cafe Plage) that has views of Christ the Redeemer rising behind it.
Most people just come to Parque Lage for the cafe, but it’s worth walking around the rest of the grounds. Behind the mansion, you’ll find forest paths, towers, little pools, and even a small cave system. It’s not huge, but it’s peaceful and has a different vibe from the rest of the city.
5. Metropolitan Cathedral
This was one of the most unexpected places I visited in Rio. From the outside, the Metropolitan Cathedral looks kind of like a massive concrete pyramid — part ancient temple, part spaceship. The design is super modern and almost futuristic, which I’ll admit, might seem off-putting in pictures, but in person, it was stunning.
The inside is even more surprising. It’s huge and soaring, and mostly bare, except for four towering stained glass panels that stretch from floor to ceiling. The way the colored light pours in gives the space this moody, otherworldly feel.
It’s a quick stop, but definitely worth checking out—I’ve never seen a cathedral like it.
6. Teatro Municipal
Modeled after the Paris Opera, the Teatro Municipal is one of the most beautiful buildings in Rio — and I could’ve sworn I was in Europe when I first saw it.
The exterior is all grand columns, domes, and gold details. It feels completely different from everything else in the area, which makes it stand out even more. If you have time, it’s worth going on a guided tour of the building or seeing a performance — the interior is just as ornate.
Even if you just admire it from the outside, this is one of those spots that shows the cultural side of Rio—it’s not all beaches and mountains!
7. Jardim Botanico
The botanical gardens are a great spot to slow down and enjoy a quieter side of the city. There’s a small entrance fee, which actually helps keep the crowds down — it felt calm and peaceful the whole time I was there.
The main palm-tree-lined path is one of the most striking parts of the gardens, but there’s a lot to explore beyond that too. You’ll find ponds, sculptures, tropical plants, and shady paths that make it easy to wander for a while. And all of it is backed by the steep green hills that rise up behind the city — so even in a garden, you still get that classic Rio backdrop.
It’s a nice break from the busier parts of town and a great way to experience a different side of Rio’s beauty.
8. Royal Portuguese Reading Room
Ahhh the Royal Portuguese Reading Room. Be still, my heart. This is THE most charming place in Rio if you love reading, books, or libraries at all (or even just pretty architecture).
Giving equal parts Harry Potter and Beauty and the Beast library vibes, this is a location in central Rio not to be missed. Time Magazine even named it the fourth most beautiful library in the world.
And it’s not just for show. The library is home to the largest collection of Portuguese works outside of Portugal — over 350,000 volumes are stored here.
9. Mirante Dona Marta
Mirante Dona Marta gives you one of the best panoramic views in Rio. From this lookout, you can see Christ the Redeemer just off to the side, Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance, and Guanabara Bay stretching out in front of you.
What I liked most is how it gives you that classic “Rio view” without the big crowds. It’s not as busy as Christ the Redeemer or Sugarloaf, but the scenery is just as good — maybe even better because it feels a little more peaceful.
10. Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches
Rio’s beaches are a big part of what makes the city feel so alive — and Copacabana and Ipanema are very central and very iconic (so iconic that they’ve both been immortalized in popular songs).
Both beaches stretch for miles and are backed by dramatic mountains, with soft sand, crashing waves, and nonstop energy. You’ll see people playing beach volleyball, vendors walking by with snacks and drinks, and locals just hanging out for hours. It’s relaxed, vibrant, and a huge part of everyday life in Rio.
The black-and-white wave pattern of the Copacabana sidewalk is one of the city’s most iconic visuals, and it’s fun to walk it before heading down to the beach. Ipanema, just around the corner, has a slightly more local feel — and the views from the far end of the beach near Arpoador are especially good at sunset.
11. Boulevard Olimpico
The Boulevard Olimpico is a nickname given to the Avenue Rodriguez Alves, and is near the waterfront in downtown Rio. It’s a fun area to walk around if you’re into street art or modern city spaces. The highlight here is the massive Mural das Etnias — a 560-foot-long piece that was created ahead of the 2016 Olympics.
It features faces representing five different ethnic groups from five continents, symbolizing unity and diversity. It’s actually the largest graffiti mural in the world, and even though the colors have faded a bit since it was first painted, it’s still really impressive in person.
12. Vista Chinesa Viewpoint
This viewpoint is a little farther out from the center of Rio, so it takes a bit longer to get to — but it’s absolutely worth it. You get a totally different perspective of the city from here, with layers of forested hills, mountain ridges, and the coastline stretching out in front of you.
You can spot Christ the Redeemer off in the distance, and Sugarloaf too, but what makes this spot feel special is how it shows just how green and hilly Rio really is. It’s a side of the city that’s easy to miss if you’re sticking to the beaches and downtown.
I’m a sucker for a good viewpoint, and this one definitely delivered.
13. Confeitaria Colombo Café
Confeitaria Colombo is one of the most beautiful cafés in Rio — and it’s right in the heart of central Rio. The space is full of old-world charm, with huge mirrors, detailed woodwork, and patterned tile floors that create a stunning aesthetic.
You can order a full meal here, but we just sampled a few desserts and enjoyed the atmosphere. The pastry cases are packed with treats, and it’s a great spot to take a break from sightseeing.
Read More: 22+ Most Delicious Things to Eat in Rio, Plus Best Restaurants
14. Beaches at Arraial do Cabo
If you have time for a day trip from Rio, Arraial do Cabo is a great option. It’s about two hours away and is known for its clear blue water and white sand beaches — people call it the “Caribbean of Brazil,” and honestly, it lives up to the nickname.
We went to Pontal do Atalaia, which has a wooden staircase leading down to the beach and incredible views from the top. The water was clear and a gorgeous shade of blue—seriously, the best kind of beach. We also loved Praia Brava, a wider, quieter beach with a beautiful view at sunset.
If you’re looking to get out of the city and spend a day by the ocean, this is one of the best places to go.
The Wrap Up
There’s so much to see and experience in Rio de Janerio. You’ll love meeting the people, tasting the delicious food, and taking in the sights—it’s a place you won’t soon forget.
Enjoy your vacation in Rio – you’re going to love it!
