Beach marker on Arpoador Beach.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Parque Nacional da Tijuca
2.84 MILES
The Tijuca is all that's left of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded Rio de Janeiro. This 39-sq-km tropical-jungle preserve is an exuberant green…
Pão de Açúcar
3.69 MILES
Seen from the peak of Pão de Açúcar, Rio is undoubtedly a Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). There are many good times to make the ascent, but sunset on…
Copacabana Beach
1.44 MILES
A magnificent confluence of land and sea, the long, scalloped beach of Copacabana extends for some 4km, with a flurry of activity along its length: over…
Ipanema Beach
1.01 MILES
One long stretch of sun-drenched sand, Ipanema Beach is demarcated by postos (posts), which mark off subcultures as diverse as the city itself. Posto 9,…
Cristo Redentor
2.56 MILES
Standing atop Corcovado (which means ‘hunchback’), Cristo Redentor gazes out over Rio, a placid expression on his well-crafted face. The mountain rises…
Jardim Botânico
2.14 MILES
This exotic 137-hectare garden, with more than 8000 plant species, was designed by order of the Prince Regent Dom João (later to become Dom João VI) in…
Instituto Moreira Salles
2.6 MILES
This beautiful cultural center hosts impressive exhibitions, often showcasing the works of some of Brazil's best photographers and artists. The gardens,…
Museu de Arte do Rio
6.32 MILES
Looming large over Praça Mauá, the MAR is an icon for the rebirth of Rio's once derelict port. The huge museum hosts wide-ranging exhibitions that focus…
Nearby Ipanema & Leblon attractions
1. Praia Farme
0.28 MILES
In front of Rua Farme de Amoedo on Ipanema Beach is Praia Farme, the stomping ground for gay society in Rio.
2. Parque Garota de Ipanema
0.32 MILES
This small park next to Ponta do Arpoador features a tiny playground, a concrete area popular with skaters, and a lookout with a view of Ipanema Beach. On…
3. Elevador do Morro do Cantagalo
0.32 MILES
Connected to the metro station off Praça General Osório, this elevator whisks passengers up to Cantagalo, a favela that's wedged between Ipanema and…
4. Ponta do Arpoador
0.4 MILES
At the far eastern end of Av Vieira Souto, this rocky point juts out into the water and serves as one of Rio's best places for watching the sunset…
5. Praia de Diabo
0.46 MILES
This tiny hidden beach is located between Copacabana and Ipanema. Reach it by heading to the rocky outcropping of Arpoador and turning left. You'll see it…
8. Colônia dos Pescadores
0.53 MILES
At the southern end of Copacabana Beach you'll see fishing folk at work, if you go early enough, mending lines and hauling in the catch. There's a small…