There is no other city in the world like Rio de Janeiro. This amazing Brazilian metropolis is known to have more natural beauty per square inch than any other major city in the world, which is really no surprise considering that Rio is surrounded by both mountains and sea.
Rio is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Brazil, but it’s also among the most important. If you’re looking for a dose of culture, history, and architecture that introduces you to the real Brazil, as well as epic attractions and landscapes, it’s Rio where you’ll find it.
It’s also among the most sought-after beach destinations in the region, so beach lovers: be prepared!
I came up with this 3 days in Rio de Janeiro itinerary that will help you make the most of your time in the city. Read on, and start packing your bags. You’ll want to leave immediately!
Table of Contents
How to Get from the Airport to your Hotel
The Galeao International Airport is located around 10 miles (17 kilometers) from Rio de Janeiro, and there are several options to get to the city.
➤ By Bus: Taking a bus is the cheapest option. You can take the BRT (Bus Rapid Transport), which has stops in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals and, since it has its own lanes, it’s pretty fast. The Frescão bus 2145 and 2016 is another alternative. Line 2145 stops at Terminal 1, while Line 2016 stops at both terminals.
➤ By Taxi: Taking a taxi is a more comfortable option, since you’ll have space for your luggage and will be taken directly to your hotel. You can expect the ride to cost you around R$80 (15 USD at the time of writing). You can also get a UBER at the airport.
➤ By Private Transfer: This is probably the most convenient transportation option, as your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall and guide you to your car, ensuring you have a hassle-free transfer all the way to your hotel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
How to Get Around Rio de Janeiro
Knowing how to get around the city is essential so you can see as many sights as possible during your 3 days in Rio de Janeiro. Though it’s a large and sprawling city, it’s quite easy to get around and you have many choices of public transport.
Metro
I’d say getting around by metro is the best option in Rio since it covers almost every area of interest in the city, especially those areas that are not reached by the bus lines. There are two lines: Line 1 which goes north from downtown, and Line 2 which starts at Central Station and heads south.
The metro system, which is safe and efficient, works with a magnetic ticket card that you can get at the station or a machine ticket booth. You have the option to purchase a ticket for a single ride for R$4.60 or opt for the rechargeable ones that you need to add value to.
The metro operates from Monday to Saturday from 5 AM to 12 AM. On Sundays and holidays, the metro runs from 7 AM to 11 PM.
Uber
Taking an Uber is another excellent option to reach the city’s landmarks. Besides offering convenience, they are ideal if you don’t want to ride local taxis as Uber drivers are more trustworthy. Bear in mind that the Uber Black service costs more because they use newer car models.
Bus
If you are looking for a fast yet cheap way to get around, take the bus. The ticket cost for the bus is anywhere from R$2.50 to R$4, depending on your route.
DAY 1: THE HIGHLIGHTS
To see the major city landmarks in a day, join this comprehensive Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Selaron & BBQ Lunch Tour.
During a full-day excursion, you’ll visit the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, go up to Sugarloaf Mountain, visit the Maracanã Stadium, and climb down the Selarón Steps. A barbecue lunch and roundtrip transfers are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Mirante Dona Marta for the best views in Rio
What better way to spend your first day in Rio than to take in the city views? For that, head to Mirante Dona Marta, a popular lookout that gives you views of Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain. It’s very easy to get there because it’s quite close to the city which adds to its popularity.
Sitting at a height of 1,200 feet (364 meters), Mirante Dona Marta overlooks some of the most iconic locations in the city. Aside from the ones mentioned above, you can also spot the Maracana Stadium, Guanabara Bay, Copacabana, and Santa Teresa neighborhood.
Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)
The Christ the Redeemer statue is the landmark you can’t miss in Rio. Standing atop Mount Corcovado, the sculpture is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and it’s as striking as the views of the city it offers.
Reaching the landmark is easy from most areas in the city. You have two transportation options: the train and the official van, which departs from Praca do Lido in Copacabana and Citta America in Barra de Tijuca.
The vans leave every 15 minutes and the ticket includes the return transfer and the entrance fee.
Being the most sought-after attraction, it’s usually swarmed by tourists. I highly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance, as it will save you time while you take the Corcovado Train.
From up here, you can enjoy some incredible views over the city! If it’s foggy and covered, have patience. When I visited, you couldn’t see absolutely anything, but our guide told us to give it some time, and a few minutes later this view below appeared.
▶️ The Christ the Redeemer Official Ticket by Cog Train takes you all the way to the Tijuca National Park, which is the world’s largest urban forest, on a picturesque train ride. Once you get there you’ll be taken right to the foot of the Christ the Redeemer statue to enjoy the views and the visit. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Lunch at Assador Rio
Head to Assador Rio for lunch if you want to indulge in local Brazilian cuisine. This restaurant is known for its churrasco and barbecue meat with a steakhouse-style interior décor and food that is raved about by locals and tourists alike.
You’ll find all kinds of meats you can imagine – from barbecue beef, chicken, lamb, and more. And there are options for both indoor and al fresco dining with a view of the sea and Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Go on a Sunset Cruise through the Guanabara Bay
Going on a sunset cruise should be on any itinerary for Rio de Janeiro, because it allows you to admire the city from a new (and gorgeous!) perspective.
The cruise along Guanabara Bay passes by several monuments which range from very classic to contemporary ones, designed by architects from all over the world. You’ll also get a chance to marvel at the exceptional beauty of the mountain ranges and other landscapes along the coast.
▶️ The Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour offers the exclusivity of only taking small groups, so you can enjoy first-row seats to marvel at the sun setting behind the city. An onboard service with snacks and freshly-made drinks is included, as well as hotel roundtrip transportation. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ With the Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara Bay Sunset Sailing Tour & Drinks you’ll get aboard a fully equipped sailboat and discover the iconic Rio de Janeiro landmarks from the water. Your guide will point to the different sights and tell you all about the city’s history. A round of drinks and snacks are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tapas and Drinks at Meza Bar
To cap off the first of your three days in Rio de Janeiro, head to Meza Bar for tapas and drinks. This is known as the see-and-be-seen hotspot in Rio, making it a must for those interested in exploring the vibrant nightlife of the city.
You’ll find a wide range of drinks and cocktails on their menu, some of which are exclusively available in this bar.
DAY 2: CARNIVAL, RODIZO & HISTORY
Walk around the Olympic Boulevard
The Olympic Boulevard is the best place to start your second day in the city. This is where you’ll discover the legacy of the Olympic Games.
In particular, Olympic Boulevard is home to one of the best street arts in the world – Eduardo Kobra’s 32,300 square-foot graffiti wall. This huge mural is a Guinness World Record holder and leaves behind a legacy of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Spend some time wandering around, admiring the street art, and checking out the modern, animated areas that make up this part of town.
Carnaval Experience
If there’s one thing Rio de Janeiro is world-renowned for, is its colorful, vibrant Carnaval Festival. It’s a spectacular celebration boasting extravagant costumes, lively parades, dances, and parties. Regardless of what time of year you visit, you’ll find fun carnival-related activities to enjoy!
▶️ With the Carnaval Experience: Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail you’ll have the chance to take a behind-the-scenes peek at Rio’s famous carnival by touring the Carnival Factory. Visit the dressing rooms, try on costumes, and learn about the history and production of Rio’s samba and carnival. End the tour with an incredibly fun samba class. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
If carnival parades are not your cup of tea, a good alternative is visiting the Museum of Tomorrow. Designed by neo-futuristic architect Santiago Calatrava, the museum is divided into 5 different exhibits that showcase science and innovative design.
Explore the Santa Teresa Neighborhood
Santa Teresa is one of the most enchanting neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro, located atop the Santa Teresa hill. What is so appealing about this neighborhood is its narrow and winding streets, frequented by tourists and artists alike.
The neighborhood is named after the 18th-century Santa Teresa Convent, which was later transformed into an upper-class borough that is home to many opulent villas.
Today, this fashionable district is a stylish hotspot brimming with art studios and galleries. You’ll also find incredible eateries and cute cafés where you can stop for a pick-me-up along the way.
▶️ You can explore the most iconic neighborhoods with this Santa Teresa and Lapa with Tram Ride and Selaron Steps. It will take you across the famous Arcos da Lapa aqueduct and to most of Santa Teresa’s landmarks, followed by a walk down the popular Selarón Steps as you make your way to Lapa, where you’ll wander around its main attractions. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Lunch at Aprazivel Restaurant
When it’s time for lunch, the Aprazivel Restaurant is the best place to go to break up your exploration of Santa Teresa and its sights without leaving the area.
This restaurant specializes in artisan Brazilian cuisine and cachaca. You’ll see how it’s located in a country-home setting so the ambiance in itself is an attraction where you can enjoy dishes made with organic produce from sustainable farming and local ingredients.
Lapa
If you are seeking vibrant nightlife, there is no better place to head to than the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa. This area is famous for its dance halls, music bars, clubs, and open-air samba jams.
This really is the perfect place to go if you want to enjoy live music with the Roman-style Arcos de Lapa aqueduct as your backdrop.
While known as a nightlife hub, the Selaron steps (or the Escadaria Selaron) are one of the main attractions in this neighborhood.
The legendary steps are named after the Chilean artist Jorge Selaron, who devoted 20 years of his life to transforming this stairway into a work of art, which has now become one of the iconic symbols of the city of Rio.
The 215 colorful steps are covered with a mosaic of small ceramic vibrant tiles in red, green, yellow, and blue, and it’s a must-visit in any 3 days itinerary in Rio de Janeiro (or 1 or 10-day itineraries!)
Night at Rio Scenarium
To end your second day in Rio, why not party the night away at Rio Scenarium?
This nightclub is a favorite spot for tourists because of the antiques and chandeliers that adorn every corner of the club’s three floors. You could say that when it comes to decorations, this nightclub is definitely one that wants to make a big impression.
The long queue outside the bar is proof of its popularity, so don’t be discouraged by it. When you come here during the weekends, you get to enjoy a live samba band, but there’s also one floor that is primarily playing international dance or pop music.
▶️ The Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar grants you skip-the-line access to the bar, where you’ll watch the performance with a 3-course dinner paired with drinks. You’ll also get to make use of the open bar for three hours. ➥ BUY YOUR TICKET HERE
DAY 3: SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN + THE BEACHES
Sugarloaf Mountain
A trip to Rio’s sweetest attraction should be the first on your agenda for day three of your itinerary – Sugarloaf Mountain.
The particular name comes from the similarity of the mountain’s shape to that of the loaves of sugar. In fact, the sugar cane industry was booming in Brazil during the 16th century, so that might have also influenced the name.
This mountain made of granite measures 1300 feet (396 meters) which, of course, makes it another lookout point for breathtaking views of the Rio cityscape.
You can get to the mountain via cable car, which is an experience worth enjoying in itself. Nestled in Guanabara Bay, the view from the summit includes the sparkling blue ocean, the rainforest in Rio, and the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches directly below the mountain.
Due to the popularity of this tourist attraction, there is understandably a long line to get to ride the cable car, so I recommend buying your tickets in advance.
▶️ The Sugarloaf Cable Car Official Ticket grants you a roundtrip panoramic ride in the cable car and unlimited time to spend at the summit, where you’ll witness stunning views of the coastline and probably take a zillion pictures. ➥ BUY YOUR TICKET HERE
▶️ To avoid the queues and get directly on the cable car, get the Sugarloaf Mountain Fast-Pass Ticket and Guided Tour. You’ll enjoy a 1-hour tour with a specialized guide and spend as much time as you want at the mountain afterward. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Stroll Down Copacabana Beach
You’ll find Copacabana Beach within the Zona Sul district of Rio de Janeiro. You should definitely include this iconic beach in your itinerary: it’s undeniably one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, and also among the most famous!
Copacabana Beach is 2.5 miles (4 km) long and is filled with several beach bars where you can stop for some food and drinks or, why not, coconut water or juice served straight from the coconut!
Another thing you’ll notice is that there are many sports activities to do here. Volleyball is one of them but you can also find football courts, and there are also many places near the beach with training equipment to work out.
To get to Copacabana Beach, you can take Line 1 on the subway or one of the public buses.
Ipanema
Aside from Copacabana, there is another popular area in Rio that is known for its air of hip sophistication and many attractions that will keep you busy for the day.
You can start exploring Ipanema by heading down to the long stretch of beach that faces the neighborhoods in the area. Pamper your feet with the feel of the soft sand as you see the joggers, bikers, and skaters that pass you by from the wide esplanade.
Don’t forget to drop by one of the beachfront bars or botecos that offer snacks and cold drinks to soothe you from the heat, and don’t miss the opportunity to try the local delicacy – salgadinho – which is a kind of fried dough that comes with a savory filling.
Away from the beach, Ipanema has plenty more to offer. It’s a paradise for shoppers because you can find luxury shops, shopping malls, and independent retailers along with boutiques selling local handicrafts.
You can walk down Rua Visconde de Piraja and Rua Garcia d’Avila to find these different shops to get your retail therapy. In addition, there are also plenty of cultural attractions at the Ipanema Art Gallery and Amsterdam Sauer Museum.
Obligatory stop at Gilsons Martins
There’s no better way to end your 3-day tour of Rio de Janeiro than going shopping. Make sure you pick up a few souvenirs to take home, and one of the best places to do so is one of the many Gilson Martins stores throughout the city that offer unique and stylish signature items displaying Brazilian pride while also being sustainable.
The works of Gilson Martins are a showcase of the quality workmanship and artistic side of the city and they are sold at affordable prices so there’s really no excuse not to take some of his pieces with you as you head home! If you are looking for authentic Brazilian items, his creations are the perfect fit.
Once your souvenirs are tucked away in your luggage, it’s time to enjoy your last night in Rio.
▶️ Take a Samba Class in Copacabana to experience this intrinsic part of Brazilian culture and showcase your newly acquired skills when you get home. Choose the type of Samba you want to learn and enjoy this crash course in which you’ll have plenty of fun! You’ll also get a CD with the music to continue your dances after the trip. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Take your Samba lessons to another level by combining the Samba Class with a Samba night Tour. You’ll enjoy a 1-hour dance class to get the hang of it, and then head out to explore Rio de Janeiro’s nightlife and show your Samba moves at a local club. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Attempting to see Rio in 3 days is not an easy task, but hopefully, this itinerary will help you organize your time and visit the most spectacular landmarks, all the while enjoying the city’s nightlife, cuisine, and striking landscapes.
