🚶Walking Atlas

Rio de Janeiro walking tour & city guide

Beaches, mountains and Christ the Redeemer.

Video by Vort-C Ambience on YouTube. All rights belong to the creator. Like or comment on YouTube ↗

Rio de Janeiro has one of the most spectacular settings of any city in the world, with granite mountains rising between golden beaches and a huge bay. It is the city of samba, Carnival and beach culture.

Beaches and viewpoints

Copacabana and Ipanema are among the most famous beaches in the world, lined with wave-patterned promenades, kiosks and volleyball courts. Christ the Redeemer stands on Corcovado mountain, and a cable car climbs Sugarloaf Mountain for views over the bay at sunset.

Downtown and Santa Teresa

Downtown has the colorful Selarón Steps, the Theatro Municipal and the Lapa Arches, the heart of Rio's nightlife. The hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa has winding streets, artists' studios and a historic tram. Carnival, in February or March, is the biggest party on Earth.

Top sights in Rio de Janeiro

  1. 1

    Christ the Redeemer

    The giant statue on Corcovado.

  2. 2

    Sugarloaf Mountain

    A cable car to views over the bay.

  3. 3

    Copacabana Beach

    Rio's most famous beach.

  4. 4

    Ipanema Beach

    A stylish beach with sunsets.

  5. 5

    Selarón Steps

    A staircase covered in colorful tiles.

Food markets & where to eat in Rio de Janeiro

  1. Beach kiosks

    Coconut water and snacks along the sand.

  2. Lapa

    Bars and late-night food.

  3. Botafogo

    A neighborhood of bars and restaurants.

Food to try in Rio de Janeiro

  1. Feijoada

    A black bean and pork stew, traditionally on Saturdays.

  2. Açaí

    A frozen purple berry bowl.

  3. Caipirinha

    Brazil's lime and cachaça cocktail.

Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.

Plan your trip to Rio de Janeiro

Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.

Some links may be affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

More cities in Brazil