Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, the "Marvelous City"! This 10-day itinerary was prepared especially for visitors who speak or are learning Portuguese and want to experience the best of Rio. It balances lush nature, cultural treasures, Brazilian cuisine and vibrant nightlife. For each day we suggest main attractions plus nearby options—you won't fit them all, so pick the ones that appeal to you most. Get ready for world-famous beaches, breathtaking views, infectious music and the flavors of Brazil. Let's dive in!
On your first day, relax and soak up the Carioca atmosphere on iconic Copacabana Beach. Stroll along the wave-patterned boardwalk, enjoy the sun and take a dip in the Atlantic if you like. Grab your first caipirinha from a beach kiosk while admiring Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance.
Copacabana is full of shops, bars and restaurants. For lunch or dinner, try a traditional Brazilian churrascaria. The renowned Churrascaria Palace serves juicy cuts in rodízio style. If you prefer seafood, Marius Degustare in Copacabana/Leme is another famous option. At sunset, head to the Leme corner for a panoramic view of the entire beach; climb the small lookout on Morro do Leme if you have the energy.
Devote your second day to exploring chic Ipanema, famous for its beautiful beach and laid-back lifestyle. Wander along Ipanema Beach and watch locals playing soccer and volleyball. On Sundays, don't miss the Ipanema Hippie Fair (General Osório Square), an open-air market for crafts, art and fashion—perfect for unique souvenirs.
Main street Visconde de Pirajá offers numerous shops and boutiques. Stop at a café or ice-cream shop to cool off. For lunch, savor sliced picanha or the classic filé Oswaldo Aranha at Garota de Ipanema—the legendary bar where the song was inspired.
In the late afternoon, head to Arpoador, the rocky point between Ipanema and Copacabana, to watch one of Rio's best sunsets. Locals and tourists often applaud as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky orange and pink. Bring your camera and sit on the rocks to enjoy the magic.
Time to visit Brazil's most famous postcard. Go early to the Christ the Redeemer, the 30-meter statue atop Corcovado Mountain. Take the Corcovado train from Cosme Velho station—it cuts through Tijuca Forest and offers great views on the way up. At the top, you'll find a 360° panorama of Rio's beaches, lagoon and mountains. Snap plenty of photos beside the statue and the breathtaking landscape.
After descending, head to another icon: the Sugarloaf complex in Urca. Ride the famous cable car with stops at Morro da Urca and the Sugarloaf summit. Each level offers different angles of the city, so stroll the viewpoints, shoot the Guanabara Bay and see where the city meets the sea. Plan to reach Morro da Urca by late afternoon to catch the sunset, and if possible be atop the Sugarloaf as the city lights come on.
Day four dives into Rio's history and culture. Start downtown (Centro) exploring early-20th-century architecture. Visit the imposing Theatro Municipal in Cinelândia—guided tours showcase its Paris Opera-inspired gilded interior. Nearby, see the National Library and the Museum of Fine Arts. Pause at the classic Confeitaria Colombo on Rua Gonçalves Dias, a century-old café with stained glass and Belgian mirrors evoking the Belle Époque—perfect for coffee and pastries amid historic décor.
After the historic core, ride the traditional Santa Teresa tram near the Lapa Arches. The yellow tram climbs the old aqueduct and narrow streets to Santa Teresa, known for its bohemian vibe. Wander the cobblestone streets lined with art studios, galleries and unexpected city views. Don't miss the Selarón Steps, the colorful mosaic staircase linking Santa Teresa to Lapa—215 steps covered in tiles from around the world, one of Rio's most photographed spots.
For lunch or late afternoon, Santa Teresa offers unique restaurants. For a memorable meal with a view, book Aprazível, perched on a leafy terrace serving contemporary Brazilian dishes. For something simpler, Bar do Mineiro is famed for tasty feijoada and bean pastries, with walls decked in art and great caipirinhas.
Day five is for Rio's cultural scene. Start in the revitalized port area (Porto Maravilha). Here you'll find the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow, a science and sustainability museum designed by Santiago Calatrava. Explore interactive exhibitions about humanity's past and possible futures—the visuals are worth it even if your Portuguese isn't perfect. Afterward, stroll along Olympic Boulevard to admire Kobra's giant graffiti mural "Etnias" and perhaps visit the nearby Museum of Art of Rio (MAR) for more art and history focused on Rio and Brazil.
For lunch, eat at the Museum of Tomorrow complex (there's a good restaurant with bay views) or have a light meal at the MAR café. Then take a taxi/uber to Flamengo Park to visit the Museum of Modern Art (MAM), housed in a modernist building facing Guanabara Bay. Its collection includes important Brazilian and international works and often features intriguing temporary exhibitions. Even if you're not a museum fan, it's worth it for the architecture and pleasant park with views of Sugarloaf.
To end the cultural day, consider an evening at the theater. Check the schedule at the Theatro Municipal—if there's ballet, a concert or opera on, seeing a performance in this historic venue is unforgettable. Alternatively, opt for live music, such as Blue Note Rio (jazz club by the lagoon) or smaller venues in Botafogo featuring contemporary Brazilian music. Choose based on your taste and energy.
After many urban outings, it's time to enjoy Rio's natural coastline. Leave the South Zone for the West Zone, where beaches are more tranquil and scenic. First stop is long Barra da Tijuca Beach, the city's longest at about 18 km of white sand. Pick a spot—say near lifeguard posts 3 or 4—and enjoy the morning. Barra is mostly frequented by locals; you'll notice a more spacious, family-friendly vibe. For sports, surf or rent a stand-up paddleboard in the Reserve area.
Continuing down the coast, you'll reach the beaches of Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Pass Praia do Recreio and environmental Praia da Reserva with dunes and native vegetation, and head toward two hidden gems: Prainha and Grumari. Prainha is a crescent-shaped municipal park with Atlantic Forest-covered hills, great for surfing and natural beauty. Grumari, just beyond, is equally gorgeous and even more isolated, with no nearby buildings, just greenery.
This remote region is best for a full day. Facilities are few, so bring water and snacks. For lunch, leave the beach and head to Barra de Guaratiba a few kilometers away: Bira de Guaratiba Restaurant is famous for fresh seafood and a spectacular view of mountains and sea—try fish or shrimp moqueca while admiring the scenery.
How about a break from the beach to visit the mountains? Petrópolis, about 1h20 by car from Rio, is a historic city chosen as the Brazilian royal family's summer retreat in the 19th century. Leave in the morning to maximize your time. Once in the "Imperial City," visit the magnificent Imperial Museum, set in Dom Pedro II's former summer palace. Walking through the rooms, with period furniture and the imperial crown on display, feels like stepping back in time. The museum offers multilingual audio guides to help understand Brazilian history.
Next, see the charming Crystal Palace, a glass-and-metal pavilion built in 1884 as a gift from Count d'Eu to Princess Isabel. It's surrounded by flower gardens and often hosts events or exhibitions. Continue exploring downtown Petrópolis: visit the beautiful Cathedral of St. Peter of Alcântara (where Dom Pedro II and his family are buried) and admire the many old mansions along Koeler Avenue and nearby streets.
For lunch, Petrópolis shows strong German influence. Eat at the Bohemia Brewery—Brazil's oldest brewery. Besides an interactive beer museum, it offers a bar and restaurant serving German and Brazilian dishes with local beer fresh from the source. Try a sausage platter or pork knuckle with sauerkraut, paired with a cold Bohemia draft.
Set aside day eight for the green lungs of Rio: the Tijuca National Park, one of the world's largest urban forests. Start early, wear comfy sneakers and get ready for trails amid the Atlantic Forest. A popular moderate hike is Pedra Bonita (693 m). After about 30–40 minutes of gentle ascent, you're rewarded with a stunning view: on one side, imposing Pedra da Gávea; on the other, São Conrado shoreline and much of the South Zone below. Don't forget camera and water!
For thrill seekers, Pedra Bonita hosts the hang-gliding ramp used by paragliders and hang-gliders. If you're brave and crave a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can schedule a tandem flight with an instructor—launch from the mountain and land on São Conrado Beach, flying over the city. For something less radical, another great walk is to Vista Chinesa, a Chinese-style gazebo built in 1903 that serves as a lookout at 380 m. You can drive most of the way, but many cycle or hike. The view encompasses Christ, the Lagoon and even beaches—a perfect panorama.
While exploring Tijuca Forest, you might find small waterfalls like Cascatinha Taunay (in the Alto da Boa Vista sector) and spot wildlife such as coatis and toucans. Pack a picnic or stop at park kiosks for cold coconut water. Important reminders: use insect repellent, apply sunscreen (the sun peaks through the trees) and carry a bag to take your trash out, helping to preserve nature.
The penultimate day is perfect for soaking up Rio's vibrant nightlife—but you can spend the day on a light activity or last-minute shopping. During the day, visit anything you missed or simply relax at the beach or hotel pool. Consider a feijoada lunch (typical on Saturdays) if it's the weekend—many traditional restaurants serve a full feijoada with live music around noon.
At night, get ready to samba! Head to Lapa, the bohemian neighborhood marked by the illuminated Lapa Arches. Mem de Sá and Riachuelo streets and surrounding areas fill with bars, clubs and lively crowds, especially Thursday through Saturday. Start with street snacks from food stalls—skewers, tapiocas or the famous caldo de cana (sugarcane juice) with pastel.
Then choose a samba venue. Two of the most famous are the Rio Scenarium, with vintage décor and three floors of music (arrive early or reserve), and Carioca da Gema, a smaller but authentic bar with excellent musicians. Dance close with locals or simply enjoy the show over a caipirinha.
On the final day, pick up souvenirs and visit calmer spots. In the morning, head to the popular shopping district known as Saara (around Rua Alfândega downtown). This warren of streets and galleries sells everything: clothes, beachwear, costume jewelry, party supplies, crafts and more at great prices. It's a good place to hunt for cheap mementos like Brazil T-shirts, beach cangas, bikinis, Havaianas sandals and Rio trinkets—bargaining is part of the fun!
After navigating Saara's bustle, you may want a more relaxed environment. Head back to the South Zone for a final stroll through Ipanema or Leblon. Visconde de Pirajá Street (Ipanema) and Garcia d'Ávila Street (the "chic quadrilateral") host elegant boutiques, design shops and galleries—ideal for refined items like stylish beachwear, jewelry with Brazilian stones or local designer products. Pause at a café or ice-cream shop (try Vero gelato or an açaí bowl) and watch the city's rhythm.
To bid Rio farewell in style, consider an al fresco dinner with a view. Mirante da Babilônia (in Leme) or Yoo2 Rooftop (in Botafogo overlooking Sugarloaf) offer incredible settings for your last night—but even a simple Copacabana beach kiosk, admiring the lights on the water, can be special. Toast with a final caipirinha and recall the best moments of these wonderful 10 days.
We hope this 10-day itinerary helps you plan your dream trip. Rio is a big city—prioritize what interests you most and adjust the pace as needed. Most importantly, enjoy every moment, whether you're marveling at an unforgettable sunset, dancing samba into the night or simply relaxing with your feet in the sand. Have a great trip and enjoy the Marvelous City!