The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is often referred to as the “Cidade Maravilhosa,” which translates to the “Marvelous City.” It’s where the rhythms of samba echo through the streets, golden beaches stretch along the coast, and iconic landmarks silhouette against a backdrop of lush mountains. Surrounded by Tijuca National Park, it’s the only metropolis in the world with a tropical rainforest within its city limits. 

Rio is the kind of city everyone should see at least once in their lifetime because the photos simply don’t do it justice. Check out my 7-day itinerary below to help you plan for your trip.

Day 1: Fort Copacabana and Copacabana Beach

On your first day in Rio de Janeiro, rent bikes from Itau and bike along Ipanema- Copacabana bike path to help you get a lay of the land. You will need to download the app in order to use Itau, but it’s a very inexpensive way to rent a bike and explore the city. 

Stop at Forte Copacabana to have brunch or lunch at Confeitaria Colombo or Cafe 18 do Forte. The fort is a military base with swoon-worthy views of the Atlantic ocean and mountains, and cafe tables lining the perimeter. Constructed in the 20th century, the fort played an important role in defending Brazil’s coastline. You can walk through the museum for free and learn about the history behind it.  

Afterwards, walk to Copacabana beach and enjoy one of the most famous beaches in Brazil! It’s a bit more low-key than the nearby Ipanema Beach so it’s the perfect place to relax and sunbathe. 

*Pro Tip* Forte Copacabana does require an entrance fee of R$4 to enter so make sure you have reals with you before heading there.

Day 2: Christ the Redeemer, Parque Lage, and the Botanical Gardens

Wake up early to catch the first train up Corcovado Mountain to see Christ the Redeemer. Typically the first train departs around 7: 30 AM. It’s very important to go on a clear day because otherwise you won’t be able to see much from the viewpoint at the top. 

We paid extra for “Skip The Line” tickets through Viator so that we could skip the line for the train, which ended up not being necessary because the line wasn’t long when we arrived in the morning. However, these could be very helpful if you’re visiting in peak tourist season (December through March) or if you don’t want to go first thing in the morning because line-ups do get long and many people wait upwards of three hours for the train.

It was packed with people even early in the morning at the top (I think we caught the second train up) so it’s challenging to get good photos with the statue. That being said, it’s a must see in Rio for some of the best views of the entire city and the fact that it’s one of the Natural Wonders of the World. 

Stop at La Bicyclette for brunch. This is a cute french restaurant with outdoor seating in the Jardim Botanico neighborhood. I would highly recommend trying some of their pastries which are made in house. 

Afterwards, head over to nearby Parque Lage which is a public park with lush greenery and fountains at the foot of the Corcovado Mountain. If the line isn’t too long, the Plage Café is a beautiful photo opp. You need a reservation if you want to sit at a table but many people line up just to enter and take photos.

Your final stop for the day is the Botanical Gardens which are truly some of the most breathtaking gardens I’ve visited. Don’t miss the showstopper – the Imperial Palm Alley – where majestic palms create a natural tunnel that frames the iconic view of Christ the Redeemer.

Day 3: Ipanema Beach Day

Ipanema Beach is a place that everyone should experience at least once while visiting Rio de Janeiro. It’s one of the most lively beaches you’ll encounter, with vendors on-foot selling everything from food to bikinis, and endless people watching opportunities. It also has stunning views of the iconic Two Brothers mountains. 

Ipanema, and the neighboring beaches of Copabacabana and Leblon are divided in to different zones, to help visitors find an area that best matches their activity preferences and as meeting points. For example, Zones 2-4 are good places for volleyball, frescoball and football, Zone 7 is best for surfing, Zone 11 and 12 are less crowded areas where the wealthier crowd tends to gather. 

A mosaic-patterned promenade lines the length of the beach. Here, visitors can explore bustling markets, and an array of lively beach bars and restaurants. Oakberry is a must-try and there’s a location right on the promenade at Ipanema Beach! It’s an açai bowl chain that has been around for over 7 years and started out in São Paolo Brazil. You can choose from different sizes and a variety of toppings, like fresh fruit, condensed milk, granola, and peanut butter. There are also snacks on the beach that are worth trying, like boiled corn topped with butter, or Globo crackers with cold Maté. For dinner, head over to Boteco Belmonte and sit on their roof which has gorgeous views of the beach and mountains. They serve traditional Brazilian dishes, draft beer and cocktails, so it’s a great place to enjoy the sunset and stay awhile.

Day 4: Museo de Amanha and Saúde

Saúde is a neighborhood that is part of the larger Porto Maravilha project, a revitalization initiative aimed at transforming the port area into a dynamic and sustainable urban space. Right by the waterfront sits The Museum of Tomorrow – a futuristic museum and architectural masterpiece. It focuses on the exploration of sustainability, innovation, and the future of the planet. Interactive displays, immersive installations, and cutting-edge technologies are used to address topics such as climate change, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on the environment. 

One of my favorite exhibits was focused on showcasing different cultures and traditions around the world, everything from how emotions are expressed to how different rituals play a part in society.

After the museum, grab lunch at Cafe Tero, a casual restaurant with great sandwiches and cocktails. 

While you’re here, make sure to stop by Pedra do Sal, a historic square where you can experience live samba music, dance, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. It’s a significant location for Afro-Brazilian heritage.

Day 5: Santa Teresa and Escadaria Selarón

Santa Teresa is a charming and bohemian neighborhood in the hills of Rio. Known for its narrow winding streets, historic mansions, and artistic flair. It offers a unique and laid-back vibe away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. 

One of the most famous attractions in Santa Teresa is the Escadaria Selarón, or Selarón Steps. Created by artist Jorge Selarón, these vibrant mosaic-covered steps connect Santa Teresa with the neighborhood of Lapa. This is a very touristy site so I would avoid coming on weekends or afternoons as it’s nearly impossible to get a good photo here otherwise. 

Santa Teresa is a great spot to grab a drink and food. Armazen Sao Joaquim has a cute garden patio and had live music when we were there in the afternoon so it had a great vibe with people dancing and socializing. The Explorer Bar, housed in a 1920s turquoise Victorian hotel is known as one of the best cocktail bars in the city and is also in this neighborhood. For lunch, Bar Simplesemente is a good casual option with authentic Brazilian cuisine and feijoada on the menu (a black bean and pork stew). For some of the best pão de queijos in the city, stop by Cultivar Brasil which is right across the street. 

This area is known for its colorful murals and has street vendors selling art and other items so strolling around and taking in the sites is also a must. 

For dinner, go to Aprazivel, a Michelin star restaurant, offering seafood-forward Brazilian cuisine and great cocktails. The setting of the restaurant makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to the middle of a jungle and the patio has beautiful city views. Reservations are recommended.

Day 6: Jardim Oceanico neighborhood and Barra da Tijuca Beach

Jardim Oceanico is a coastal, residential neighborhood right by the beach. It’s known for its contemporary architecture, modern buildings, and a range of dining options and bars. It’s a very chill and beautiful neighborhood that has a completely different feel from the rest of Rio so it’s definitely worth visiting!

One of the highlights of the area is Barra da Tijuca beach, which is known for being a great place for kitesurfing. It has a Classico Beach Club location right on the beach which is one of the top beach bars in Rio. We stopped  by and ordered cheese pastels, garlic shrimp and fresh coconuts and it was so tasty.

We also stumbled upon a samba performance happening at a local beach bar here, called Quoisques Samba Social Clube. The crowd was all locals, getting together with friends after work to socialize and enjoy some music and it was such a cool experience to witness this. 
For dinner, there are tons of options on the main strip with all different types of cuisines. We opted for a well-rated Tex Mex spot, Guacamole and loved it!

Day 7: Urca and Sugarloaf Mountain

For your last day in Rio, head over to Urca for the afternoon – a charming neighborhood located in the southern part of Rio. Urca is known for its peaceful atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and iconic landmarks. 

A classic spot is Bar Urca, a small bar overlooking the  bay. Grab drinks and pastries to go and enjoy them across the street on the wall with ocean views. Flutuante Rio is another cool option. It’s a floating bar that has beautiful views of the mountains and great cocktails. I’ve heard the food is not the best so I would steer clear of eating here. 

One of our favourite stops in Urca was Casa que Doce which is a very instagrammable cafe with amazing baked goods, tea and coffee. The “Strawberry Surprise” is a must-try!

The highlight of this area is the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. The absolute best time to visit is for sunset because the views are unbeatable. If there’s one thing you do while you’re in Rio, it should be this. You can take a cable car up the  mountain and there are two stops. The first has a modern plaza with shops and food. The second is where you’ll find the  best views. One of the best places to set up for sunset is Classico Beach Club if you’re lucky enough to snag a table.

*Pro Tip* You’ll want to look at the weather forecast ahead of time and ensure that the day you go Sugarloaf Mountain is also a clear day for better views.