Aside from the famous exhilarating carnival, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer statue and lively Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro also offers a lot of amazing stuff you can check out without spending anything. Read on below to discover some!
1. Sip on a beer while enjoying the sunset at Arpoador Rock
Having amazing beaches and magnificent views, catching a sunset is one of the best things in Rio. Go to Arpoador Rock for the best sunset view ever. And oh, it’s a tradition to clap when the sun has set.
2. Visit the CCBB museum
Check out some amazing exhibitions and the magnificent neoclassical design of one of the most visited museums in the world. Get there early in the morning to avoid huge crowds. CCBB is closed on Tuesdays.
3. Sweat it out at Rio’s famous Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Get sporty in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and enjoy the 7.5 kilometres long trail, which is perfect running, brisk walking, and biking. You can also check out some of Rio’s best wonders like the Christ the Redeemer statue, Dois Irmãos and Pedra da Gávea.
4. Spend a day in Parque Lage
Relax in this beautifully manicured and well maintained park that’s open to the public. Grab you favorite book or be adventurous and see some wildlife or have a 3-hou trek to the Christ the Redeemer.
5. Enjoy the cool water of the Horto waterfall
Rio is packed with surprising places and activities. Just 15 minutes from the city, you can be one with nature by having refreshing day at the Hoto waterfall. Best you go there on weekdays though to avoid the crowd.
6. Take a stroll around Santa Teresa
Take a detour and get lost in a hidden wonder right in the heat of Rio. Take in the good vibes at the famed Santa Teresa neighbourhood that has a bohemian atmosphere and historical architecture. Experience riding the vintage tram at Largo dos Guimarães and check out the different artistic events that usually occurs on weekends.
7. Trek to Sugarloaf Mountain
A scenic trail called the Pista Cláudio Coutinho is a favorite of climbers and joggers. Take this trail and hike to Morro da Urca, Sugarloaf’s first platform. You’re also in for a treat of Rio’s panoramic view.
8. Have an R&R in Ipanema and Copacabana
You can’t leave Rio without visiting its famous beaches. C’mon, it would be a waste of plane tix if you won’t experience Ipanema and Copacabana.
9. Experience real samba at Pedra do Sal
You’ve never been to Rio if you haven’t had a legit samba. Try it out on the streets, there are many real good and free roda de samba or samba circle in Rio, especially in Pedra do Sal. According to histoy, samba was created in that particular area as an informal and fun pastime in time of slavery. To enjoy one, go there on Mondays and Fridays at 7:00pm.
10. Enjoy local music at São Salvador and have a good conversation with Rio locals
Experience how the Brazilians chill – they love to meet up with friends for a drink and chat. Which better place to have it than in São Salvador Square, the main place where locals gather to have a beer and enjoy live music.
