10 TOP Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro State October 2026

A crowded beach with numerous umbrellas and people enjoying the sand and water.

A pathway lined with tall palm trees under a clear sky.

A beach with people walking along the shore and some in the water.

A cityscape with modern and historic buildings, trees, and streetlights.

A cityscape with tall buildings, a pedestrian plaza, and people walking.

Things to do

Hop-ON Hop-OFF Sightseeing Bus in Rio de Janeiro - Rio Samba Bus

£26

per adult

Full Day Tour to Angra dos Reis and Grand Island

£47

per adult

Daylong Excursion to Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande

From Rio de Janeiro: Angra dos Reis & Ilha Grande Day Tour

£60

per adult

Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

£22

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Full-Day Rio de Janeiro Tour with Lunch, Christ & Sugarloaf

£93

per adult

Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios

£21

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Sailing Tour with Open Bar

£41

per adult

Tour Angra dos Reis + Ilha Grande | Departures from Rio de Janeiro

£46

per adult

Búzios 2.5-Hour Schooner Boat Experience

£19

per adult

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Top places to visit

1. Copacabana Beach

Gleaming hotels and forested hills line the perfectly curved 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Abutting one of Brazil’s highest density residential areas, this beach is nearly always filled to capacity, but that’s part of its charm. Swim in the cool waters of the Atlantic amongst thousands of other visitors, join in a game of soccer on the sand or just sit back on a beach chair and order snacks from a beach vendor and watch the passing parade.

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A beach with a road running parallel to it, palm trees, and buildings in the background.

2. Ipanema Beach

Located in one of the wealthiest areas in Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema Beach is between Leblon and Arpoador, adjacent to the famed Copacabana Beach. Although the word Ipanema literally translates to “stinky lake” in the Tupi language, this description doesn’t fit what you’ll find along this stretch of white-sand beach where the rich and chic come to worship the sun. Beyond the western limit of the beach, there is a beautiful view of the two mountains, Dois Irmãos.

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A beach with palm trees, ocean waves, and mountains in the background.

3. Rua das Pedras

Rua das Pedras is the most famous street in the picturesque resort town of Búzios. Come here to shop for souvenirs in independent stores and galleries, sip coffee outside pretty cafés and experience Búzios’ lively nightlife.

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A cobblestone street at dusk with illuminated storefronts and outdoor seating.

4. Christ the Redeemer

Corcovado, which means “hunchback” in Portuguese, is a mountain in the Tijuca National Park in central Rio. The mountain offers three attractions in the one place. Although the Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue may be the highlight, you can also see the world’s largest urban forest that is Tijuca National Park, and experience a scenic journey on the historic Corcovado Train, the country’s oldest tourist attraction.

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The Christ the Redeemer statue on a mountain peak, overlooking Rio de Janeiro.

5. Geriba Beach

Geriba Beach is a large stretch of golden sand with bars serving shrimp and empanadas. The tranquil sandy haven has warm water and fairly large waves that lure surfers to its shores. Rent a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard to join your fellow watersports enthusiasts on the waves.

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A sandy beach with waves, a flag, and a crepe stand.

6. Maracanã Stadium

No arena is more central to the history of Brazilian soccer than Maracanã Stadium. The location of the final matches in both of Brazil’s FIFA World Cups, this stadium has hosted all the great names in Brazilian soccer. Watch one of Rio de Janeiro’s “Big Four” teams play a game, or take a guided tour of this iconic stadium and you’ll soon understand just how large soccer looms in the Brazilian psyche.

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An empty stadium with blue and yellow seats and a central walkway.

7. Forte Beach

Long, scenic Forte Beach is the main strand of Cabo Frio. The busy bay, which takes its name from its historic fort, is packed with huts, lodgings and stores. Come here to enjoy stunning views of the verdant promontories overlooking the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

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A sandy beach with waves, a lifeguard stand, and buildings in the background.

8. João Fernandes Beach

Praia de João Fernandes, or João Fernandes Beach, is one of the best-loved stretches of sand in the resort town of Búzios. Choose your spot here on the golden sand beneath a brightly colored beach umbrella. Prepare for a day of basking in golden sunlight, swimming in clear blue waters and taking photo after photo.

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A beach with palm trees, umbrellas, and people.

9. Ferradura Beach

Praia Ferradura, or Ferradura Beach, is an idyllic crescent of sand on Búzios’ least busy coast, to the southwest. Located in one of the resort town’s wealthiest and most stylish neighborhoods, this glamorous beach is rumored to be a favorite with celebrities. It’s also an excellent place for a family day out. Bring or rent snorkeling masks and spend hours exploring the calm turquoise waters of this lovely cove.

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A beach with clear blue water, boats, and hills in the background.

10. Avenida Atlantica

No Rio de Janeiro holiday is complete without a visit to Avenida Atlântica. This avenue is famous for its events year-round, including a massive New Year’s Eve celebration covering the entire avenue and Copacabana Beach. Stroll along the avenue’s promenade to experience Rio’s lively beach culture and oceanfront events.

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A city square with cobblestone patterns, palm trees, and modern buildings.

What to do in Rio de Janeiro State

Stay near popular Rio de Janeiro State attractions

Copacabana Beach

9.0/10 (5,319 reviews)

More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play.

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Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro State

Find the best Rio de Janeiro State areas for the activities you enjoy most.

A coastal cityscape with a prominent mountain and beach.

Copacabana

Copacabana Beach and Bairro Peixoto are top sights in Copacabana, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Siqueira Campos Station or Cardeal Arcoverde Station to see more sights in the area.

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A beach with a patterned walkway, ocean, and mountains in the background.

Ipanema

Ipanema is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station.

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A coastal cityscape with high-rise buildings, a river, and mountains in the background.

Barra da Tijuca

If you're spending time in Barra da Tijuca, you might enjoy attractions like Barra Shopping Mall and Village Mall. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's pristine beaches before hopping on the metro at Jardim Oceânico Station to see more of the city.

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A coastal cityscape with a prominent mountain peak, a beach, and dense urban buildings.

Leblon

Consider exploring the beaches in Leblon. If sightseeing is on the list, Ipanema Beach is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station to see more of the area.

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A cityscape with a prominent mountain silhouette, a waterfront, and a bridge.

Botafogo

Discover Botafogo, memorable for its beaches. Popular attractions in Botafogo include Botafogo Praia Shopping and Praia de Botafogo, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Botafogo Station.

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