Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
With stunning beaches, a dramatic coastline, and jutting mountains, Rio de Janeiro’s natural elements alone make it a world-class destination. Add in the laid-back vibe, modern cosmopolitan setting and pulsating rhythms of samba and bossa nova, and you’ve got the location for a vacation made in heaven.
Sights & Attractions in Rio de Janeiro
From the Christ the Redeemer statue to Sugarloaf Mountain, most of Rio’s bucket-list sights involve scaling mountains to soak up the views. To outsmart the crowds in high season, book ahead, go early or hop on a 20-minute helicopter ride from Lagoa to marvel at the city’s spectacular topography. No trip to Rio is complete without a day spent soaking up the stunning beach scene of Ipanema. Watch beach volleyball games while sipping from cold coconuts, before soaking in the setting sun along with the crowds that gather on Arpoador rock. Then, when you tire of the sand, there are the world-class Botanical Gardens, trendy restaurants, bars and boutiques of Jardim Botanico to explore. Before wandering through the bohemian, cobbled stone streets of Santa Teresa, with its yellow bonde (tram) and artist’s ateliers. Finally, don’t miss a football game at Maracanã Stadium, the magnetic atmosphere is worth the trip alone.
Art & Culture in Rio de Janeiro
Rio’s focus has traditionally been on its naturally stunning geography. However, the city now boasts The Modern Art Museum (MAM) with its impeccable curation of artwork and the sustainability-inspired Museum of Tomorrow. They both form part of the regeneration of the docks, which has taken the city to new cultural heights. Hot on their heels comes the much-anticipated Museum of Image and Sound in the Centro. To experience lingering vestiges of Rio’s grand colonial heritage, take in a coffee at Belle Époque café Confeitaria Colombo. Next, visit the Baroque Monastery of São Bento hidden in the heart of the financial district and marvel at the elaborate Portuguese Library. Not to be missed is a visit to the colonial mansion of Parque Lage, now an art school hosting a dynamic roster of cultural events. Then there’s Rio’s iconic Samba music – catch nightly performances at intimate Carioca da Gema in Lapa, or experience with the locals the authentic alfresco Monday and Friday night sessions at Pedra do Sal.
Shopping in Rio de Janeiro
Surrounded by gorgeous beaches, it’s not surprising that one of the popular things to buy in Rio is beachwear. While Brazil’s big-name brands, including aspirational beachwear designer Osklen, can be found in the shopping malls, many leading independent designers showcase in ateliers in Jardim Botanico. For the best of Brazilian fashion and design, check out chic boutique Dona Coisa, and the furniture atelier of Fernando Jaeger, all set along and around Lopes Quintas street. Elsewhere, the Rio Design Mall with locations in Leblon and Barra as well as Fashion Mall in São Conrado offer an array of swimwear and other high-street retailers.
Food & Drink in Rio de Janeiro
A clutch of innovative contemporary Brazilian eateries have opened in recent years adding a new level of sophistication to the market. Oro and Oteque both have two Michelin stars for their ingenious fusion of flavours and excellent wine pairings. For fine dining, Brazil’s big name chefs include Roberta Sudbrack and Claude Troisgros and for a special occasion, book into atmospheric Aprazivel, where Brazilian classics are served in a stunning tiered garden. Buzzing Dias Ferreira is Rio’s destination dining street, and is home to sophisticated snack bars like Boteco Belmonte, and the chic Japanese spot Sushi Leblon. Organic Marius Degustare ensures the quality of its food by raising its own seafood and growing its own vegetables. For local favourites, head to Zazá Bistrô for cocktails and fusion flavours or Braseiro for succulent picanha steak. There’s a health-conscious restaurant scene, inspired by vegan restaurant Teva. For a quintessential Brazilian dining experience, tick off the feijoada (black bean and pork stew) at Bar do Mineiro, or a churrasco (all-you-can-eat meat feast) at Fogo do Chão.
Unique to Rio de Janeiro
While Rio’s reputation as a fun-loving, beach city rings true, this is balanced by an incredible connection to nature that few global cities can compete with. For a gentle approach to Rio’s sporty side, wake early to stroll the deserted sands of Ipanema, hire a bike to ride around the lake, take a paddleboard out from Copacabana beach, or walk one of the many jungle trails in the Tijuca National Park. Adrenaline seekers should try mountain biking up Vista Chinesa, climbing Pedra da Gávea, kitesurfing on Barra Beach and hand-gliding over São Conrado. For a special experience, locals love to hike up the jungle trail that starts at the top of Vidigal favela and weaves up the back of Dois Irmãos Mountains to watch dawn break over the city.
Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR): Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible Platinum Charge Card Members and Centurion® Members. Platinum Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Platinum Charge Card Members or Centurion® Members, are not eligible for FHR program benefits. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property. The US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the credit. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. To receive the breakfast credit, the breakfast bill must be charged to your hotel room. The breakfast credit will be applied at check-out. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members travelling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, please call the number on the back of your Card.
The Hotel Collection Terms and Conditions
The Hotel Collection (THC): The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more, with participating properties, made through Platinum Travel Service, Centurion Travel Service or American Express Travel Online (americanexpress.com.au/travel or americanexpress.com.au/thc; Online bookings currently only available to Primary Card Members. Bookings are valid only for eligible Card Members of the following American Express Cards: American Express® Rewards Advantage Card, American Express® Explorer Credit Card, American Express® Platinum Reserve Credit Card, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Gold Business Card, American Express® Business Gold Plus Card, American Express® Platinum Card, American Express® Platinum Business Card and American Express® Centurion Card. Excludes Gold Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Rewards Advantage, Gold or Platinum Charge Card Members. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.
Travel Resources
Travel Payment Options
Travel Support
Featuring reviews from
Travel services provided by American Express International, Inc. ABN 15 000 618 208. Incorporated with limited liability in Delaware, USA.