One Week in Rio de Janeiro Itinerary

Before my first trip to Rio de Janeiro a few years ago, I was so nervous that I literally paced around the airport for two hours straight listening to the same song on repeat.

Despite that slightly rocky start, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Rio. I spent one week in Rio de Janeiro on that first solo trip, and have returned several times over the years. (I actually ended up meeting my now-husband there, who’s a Rio local.)

The perfect one week in Rio de Janeiro itinerary of course includes the city’s top sites like Copacabana Beach and Christ the Redeemer. But it also leaves time for some more frequently-missed places like Tijuca Forest (the world’s largest urban forest filled with waterfalls and hiking trails), sunset spots that let you experience the local atmosphere, like Mureta da Urca, and Rio’s more hidden beaches.

I know I missed out on a ton of Rio’s gems on my first trip. So if you’re visiting Rio for a week, this 7-day itinerary will help you experience the best of the city.

Day 1: Copacabana Beach & Sugarloaf Mountain

Morning & Afternoon: Copacabana

After landing in Rio for the very first time and taking a quick attempt at a power nap, my first stop was to Copacabana Beach, and even years later, I think it’s the perfect way to start off your time here.

I really feel like few beaches in the world have quite the same name recognition and allure as Copacabana, and its energy is really like nowhere else.

This beach is typically packed, especially if you’re visiting during the summertime, but it’s still worth a stop at least once during your time here (we’ll get to some calmer and less touristy beaches later in this week in Rio itinerary, don’t you worry!)

🇧🇷 My Quick Rio de Janeiro Planning Tips 🌺

🌎 My go-to travel insurance for Brazil

📱 My favorite eSIM (I had service even at Rio’s most remote beaches — use code TESS5 for 5% off!)

✈️ How I find the best flight deals to Rio

🌴 My favorite hotel in Rio (with beach views!)

🧳 At the top of my packing list: A secure bag, a phone wrist strap, and a portable charger

🌞 Short on time? Book this tour of Rio’s top sites.

🗺️ Want all my curated recommendations from years of visiting Rio all in one place? Save my Google map (it’s free!).

But also, assuming you’ve had a long travel day and are experiencing some jet lag at this point in the trip, I really think starting your week in Rio off with a chill beach morning is the one way to do it.

Coconut water always used to gross me out to be honest, but now when I’m in Rio, I never pass up getting a fresh coconut (a coco gelado), and you can easily get one at one of the many kiosks sprawled across Copacabana’s coastline (or a caiprinha, if you’re ready for some alcohol). You’ll also see lots of vendors selling all kinds of things here, from barbecued cheese-on-a-stick to lines of tiny bikinis.

The Copacabana neighborhood is also super walkable, with lots of bars, restaurants, and shops, so spend some time getting a lay of the land. 

Where to eat and drink in Copacabana

• Adega Pérola — typical Brazilian food
• Restaurante Basha — Lebanese and vegetarian
• Cervantes Copacabana — a classic and beloved spot that’s been open since the ’50s

Rio de Janeiro’s a huge city — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

I’ve been to Rio multiple times, and now I’m sharing my curated picks with you. Fill out your info below and your free map will be sent straight to your inbox, complete with all my favorite restaurants, bars, beaches, and more, based on years of traveling to Rio.

Late afternoon/evening: Sugarloaf

After some beach time, lunch, and a leisurely afternoon, head to arguably one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro: Pão de Açúcar, a.k.a. Sugarloaf Mountain.

During my first trip here, I remember wondering if the Sugarloaf was really worth it, or if it was just a tourist trap — and let me tell you, after coming here, I had no more doubt.

From here, you can see panoramic views of the ocean below, plus the mountains, and the city.

Part of the experience here is taking the iconic cable cars up to the mountain — they opened in 1912, and were among the first cableways in the world.

To get to the top, you’ll have to take two separate cable cars, which will cost around R$ 205 ($39 USD at the time of writing). You can either get your tickets on arrival, or in advance, which I recommend so you don’t need to deal with standing in line. If you’re nervous about heights or anything, each ride is only around three minutes, so it goes by quick!

Alternatively, you can hike up to Morro da Urca, the first cable car stop. But in my opinion, taking the cable cars up is part of the experience. (And don’t worry, we have a hike scheduled for tomorrow.)

Looking for more info on how to hike or take the cable cars? Head to this Sugarloaf Mountain guide.

Plan to dedicate two or so hours in total here! The absolute best time to visit is at sunset, so time your visit for the late afternoon and plan to stay there until nightfall. 

Ending your first day in Rio de Janeiro overlooking the city covered in golden light, and seeing the city then light up at night — is 100% worth it.

🌇 Sugarloaf hours: Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last boarding is at 6:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Last boarding is at 7 p.m. ⛰️

If you want to keep taking in the views for dinner, Terra Brasilis is a popular restaurant right at the foot of Sugarloaf. They serve regional Brazilian food, and you’ll get one of the best views in Rio.

Day 2: Tijuca Forest & Parque Lage

Morning: Tijuca Forest hike

The heat in Rio de Janeiro can get intense, so I always try to plan my hikes for the morning. And there’s no better place to hike in Rio than in Tijuca Forest.

Tijuca National Forest is the biggest urban forest in the world, and the park is totally free to enter, apart from the entrance to hike to the Christ the Redeemer statue. (But honestly, there are way better hikes to do, so don’t worry about skipping that one.)

Throughout the forest there are around 30 waterfalls, nearly endless trails, and lots of animals including monkeys, lizards, snakes, quati (basically like South American raccoons) and sloths. There are also 25 endangered animals that live here. 

Pedra Bonita

The number one hike I suggest is Pedra Bonita — it’s the best short hike in Rio. It’s fairly easy, but you get an amazing view of Rio from above at the end, complete with ocean views and all. (It’s also a popular place for hang-guiding, which I’ve never done, but would loove to do here someday! I’ve linked a top-rated option for you if you want more info.)

The main thing to know about Pedra Bonita beforehand is that your Uber driver will most likely drop you off outside the entrance, so you’ll have to walk for about 20 minutes before getting to the actual hike. Getting out is also sometimes a challenge, because cell service is pretty nonexistent.

However, drivers do come around, that you can typically negotiate with for prices to get back down to the main part of town (be sure to download Google Translate beforehand so you can use it without Wifi/phone signal if you don’t speak Portuguese).

The first time that I went on this hike with my husband, we ended up packing into a car with three other strangers, which meant I had to sit on his lap — so not super ideal, I know, but it really is a great hike if you’re up for a bit of adventure getting to and from!

Other top hikes in Tijuca Forest

Some other popular options are Pedra da Gavea (this one’s difficult though and I haven’t yet attempted it, but I’d recommend going with a guide), and Pico da Tijuca (the highest elevation in the park).

Because it can be difficult getting in/out of the park, going with a tour is a great way to explore Tijuca Forest too.

🐒 This 5-hour guided tour has a ton of positive reviews, and includes a bunch of different trails/viewpoints throughout the park, from waterfalls, to wildlife, as well transportation from throughout Rio.

If you’re not up for hiking, I’d still highly recommend visiting the forest — it’s so gorgeous and one of Rio’s most underrated attractions, in my opinion.

Two different viewpoints that you can just drive to are the Chinese View and Emperor’s Table, and they both offer really beautiful views, where you can see the mountains and ocean, surrounded by the forest’s greenery.

Where to eat and drink in Tijuca neighborhood

• Bar da Gema — a local favorite, serves typical Brazilian food
• Bar do Momo — also a classic Brazilian spot, it’s casual and has delicious fried snacks

Afternoon: Parque Lage

After lunch, head to Parque Lage for a relaxed afternoon. This is seriously one of my favorite spots in Rio. Located in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood, it’s so peaceful and beautiful, and my other favorite quality . . . it’s free. Well, mostly. 

Entering the park and exploring the grounds is totally free.

However, to enter the mansion on the grounds, where you can see the Instagram-famous courtyard pool, you do need to buy something from the Parque Lage restaurant. I just got a drink and called it a day, but you could also just have lunch here. I hope to come back and actually try the food here, because the atmosphere is really unbeatable!

To then go to the rooftop of the building (which gets you a cool view as well overlooking the park), you also have to purchase something from the gift shop. I got a cute little notebook, and the view was in fact great, so no regrets. However, if you skip this part, I don’t think it’s the end of the world. The coolest part is definitely the courtyard area and just exploring the park.

The park has a really wild kind of beauty, with lots of lush vegetation, mountain and Christ the Redeemer views, and eclectic elements like little caves and a tower. I had my engagement photos taken here, that’s how beautiful I think it is! You also may see monkeys here🐒

OCT. 1 2026 UPDATE: Parque Lage’s restaurant is temporarily closed for construction, with no reopening date announced yet. I’ll update this when I have more info — but even with the restaurant and courtyard area being closed, the park is still really gorgeous, and I still think it’s worth a visit.

Sunset: Arpoador

Something I really love about Cariocas (people from Rio) is that they never pass up a good sunset. There are a number of awesome sunset spots throughout the city, but one that’s beloved by locals and tourists alike is Arpoador.

Over the course of my numerous trips to Rio, spending at least one sunset here has become a requirement for me. I first came here during my very first day in Rio years ago, and I’ve returned numerous times since then, and there’s something about the energy of watching the sunset here that really captures Rio’s spirit to me. Plus, obviously it doesn’t get better than that view — I mean, look at that!

You can find Arpoador right between Ipanema beach and Copacabana, and it’s really easy to spot — just look for the large rock where you’ll likely see lots of people gathering every evening. 

Day 3: Cristo Redentor, Jardim Botânico, Mureta da Urca

Morning: Christ the Redeemer

The 124-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer statue is a world wonder, so you know it’s popular.

With that said, this place tends to get packed. I got here first thing in the morning, and it was still crowded, but, it’s still your best bet at not being absolutely squashed.

The crowds are a bit overwhelming, and for that reason, I’d keep your expectations low when it comes to getting a photo of you with the statue.

Now, I have to be a bit honest — I don’t totally see why this is a world wonder. (If any Brazilians are reading this, please don’t come for me). Maybe being Jewish has just ruined the allure of a giant Jesus statue for me, or maybe it’s just the crowd situation, but either way, it is a little bit overhyped.

With that said, I do still think it’s worth a visit during your week in Rio de Janeiro.

The views here are seriously incredible. I even used a photo I took here for my save-the-dates for my wedding in Rio. (The photo I used is below)

The mountains, the ocean, the clouds drifting over the city — I’m turning into a broken record at this point, but I just don’t care!

So before you come here, just mentally prepare for the swarms of people and mild irritation, and think about it as an opportunity to visit one of the best possible viewpoints in Rio. It’s so ridiculously pretty, you can’t even feel that annoyed.

How to visit Christ the Redeemer

As for how to get to Christ the Redeemer, you have a few different options.

The most popular way is to take a train up. It’s a 20-minute ride, and they leave every half an hour or so. I’d suggest booking your ticket in advance, so you don’t get stuck in a super long line. Right now, prices are $48 USD on GetYourGuide, which includes both the train and entry to the statue.

The major appeal of taking the train is that you get (again, sorry), an awesome view. You’ll see the Tijuca Forest and lots of greenery, and it’s really part of the experience.

Alternatively, you can take a van up, which will be a bit cheaper, but will sacrifice some of the views you get when you take the train. The official Christ the Redeemer van leaves from three different points in the city: Praça do Lido in Copacabana, Praça do Largo do Machado, and the Paineiras Visitor Center.

You can also hike (the entrance is by Parque Lage), which will take an hour-and-a-half or so each way. But this hike honestly doesn’t have the safest reputation, so I’d advise against it.

(Admission to the Christ the Redeemer on its own, without the train or van is $ R 31 in high season.)

I actually visited as part of a day tour, that included a bunch of different sites throughout a few hours. Honestly, I hate dealing with logistics and transportation, so this made the most sense for me as a solo traveler, since it included transportation and I didn’t need to worry about figuring out different destinations.

But, I do tours like these sparingly — in general, it’s much more enjoyable to go at your own pace, and spend as much time as you want in each place.

Also, it can be overly exhausting to pack in a bunch of top sites in one day, especially when you’re dealing with extra touristy spots like the Christ the Redeemer. But if you have limited time in Rio and don’t mind the fast pace, it’s a great option, and I had a really fun time.

🕒 Christ the Redeemer hours: The actual statue opens right at 8 a.m. (this is the first time you can book). The Paineiras Corcovado Visitor Center, however, opens at 7:20 p.m., and stays open til 6 p.m., with last entry at 5 p.m. 🕒

Afternoon: Jardim Botânico (Rio’s Botanical Garden)

After spending the morning surrounded by crowds, I always like to reset by heading back into nature.

After lunch, Jardim Botânico, or the Botanical Garden, is another Rio de Janeiro gem you can’t miss.

It’s giant — 340 acres to be exact  — so don’t expect to see everything, but spending a couple hours or so here is well worth it. It’s one of my favorite places in Rio!

It’s best known site is likely the row of giant palm trees, but there are so many other picturesque spots to see throughout the park. I really like the Japanese garden and the greenhouses, and the cactus garden is cool too, but I do get the fill of cacti living in California.

The entrance fee is currently R $80 ($15.31 USD at the time of writing), and is cash-only.

Where to eat and drink in Jardim Botânico neighborhood

• Braseiro da Gávea
• Sud, o pássaro verde
• Ella Pizzaria

Evening: Urca

For the evening, head to Mureta da Urca.

Like I mentioned before, Rio locals really have an immense appreciation for how beautiful Rio is, and and this next spot is a real hidden gem. I didn’t know about this spot til I returned to Rio to visit my now-husband — he took me here on one of my first days back in Rio, so it will always feel extra special to me because of that.

But anyways, Urca is actually one of the oldest neighborhoods in Rio, and is situated right along the Guanabara Bay. Here, you’ll find cute architecture, a walkable area, and in true Rio fashion, incredible views of the water and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Mureta translates to “wall,” and it is in fact a low wall between the street and the water that you can sit on. There are a number of bars along the street, so grab a drink and/or a snack and watch the sunset.

Where to eat and drink in Urca:

• Bar Urca — This is the most popular place here and is great for getting a drink
• Terra Brasilis — This restaurant has an amaaazing view of the Sugarloaf Mountain

Day 4: Downtown, Santa Teresa & Lapa

Morning: Museum of Tomorrow

Rio has so much more to it than just its awesome nature. It’s also teeming with history and culture, and a lot of that can be found in Downtown Rio, also known as Centro.

One essential Centro stop is one of Rio’s best museums, the Museum of Tomorrow, or Museu do Amanhã. This is a really interesting science museum that focuses on sustainability and the future, and includes a lot of interactive exhibits.

They have a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits — apparently right now, they have an exhibit going on that’s all about dreams, that sounds right up my alley! But in general, exhibits cover things like space, climate change, the ocean, etc.

The museum also just has really cool architecture, which is worth seeing. I’m not a huge science buff to be honest, but I enjoyed my visit here, which is largely thanks to the fact that most of the information was available in English.

I’d plan to spend an hour or two here.

It’s closed on Wednesdays, and tickets are R$40.

🚨 Although you should be on guard throughout Rio (yes, even in places like Copacabana or Ipanema!), Downtown has a worse reputation for safety. Be extra careful with your things and don’t walk around with your phone. If you need to use it, take it out quickly then immediately put it away.

Street art

Afterwards, walk around a bit and explore the street art in this area. When exiting the museum, make a right, and see a giant, 3,000 square-meter mural painted by the artist Eduardo Kobra, which was created for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

It features the faces of five Indigenous people, one from each of the five main continents. It’s massive, beautiful, and definitely one of the top murals in Rio.

Museu de Arte Do Rio

Speaking of art, if you have time and are up for another museum (or just really aren’t feeling the science museum and want an alternative), you can check out the Museu de Arte Do Rio.

I personally really loved this art museum, however, there wasn’t really any information in English. I would squeeze it in if you really like art like I do, but otherwise I don’t think it’s a must.

Admission is R$20.

Afternoon: Santa Teresa

For lunch, let’s head to Santa Teresa, an artsy, bohemian neighborhood that’s also a hub for Afro-Brazilian culture in Rio. To be honest, I haven’t spent nearly as much time here as I would like to — but this is seriously top of my list for my return to Rio. It’s super charming, and such a rich place for local culture. And of course, the views are incredible!

This area is especially known for having amazing food, so definitely wait to eat here!

Santa Teresa Trolley

The most scenic and memorable way to get to Santa Teresa is by taking the historic tram, known as the Bonde de Santa Teresa.

It’s one of the world’s oldest street railways, and was inaugurated in 1877. Like I said, a trip to Rio de Janeiro is all about soaking in the views, and the cute yellow tram is the way to do it.

The entrance to the tram is just a short walk from the Carioca Metro Station, and tickets cost R $20 for a single ride ($3.65 USD). The trolley leaves frequently, but space is limited, so the line can move slowly. I waited around 45 minutes when I visited last. While I personally love the trolley, if you’re short on time/hate waiting, then skip this!

Parque das Ruinas

Santa Teresa is up in the hills overlooking Rio, and is full of street art and colonial-style buildings. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes, so get lunch here and spend the afternoon exploring.

The best way to experience Santa Teresa is just walking around, and checking out its cute galleries and shops.

But if you do want a specific thing to do in Santa Teresa, Parque das Ruinas is a public park with a cultural center/museum within the ruins of a mansion. I tried to visit a couple of times and it was closed, but I finally made it there on my last visit — in any case, I’d suggest checking online ahead of time just to make sure it’s open. It has a gorgeous view of Rio too, which just never gets old!

It’s closed on Mondays and entry is free.

Where to eat and drink in Santa Teresa

• Bar Simplesmente — A traditional bar/restaurant — get the feijoada!
• Bar do Mineiro — A beloved spot for classic Brazilian food and snacks, has been around for 30+ years
• Aprazível — A fancier option with a beautiful atmosphere and view

Evening/Night: Escadaria Selarón and Lapa

To exit Santa Teresa, you can take the tram back, but I suggest walking down the Escadaria Selarón instead. Created by the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón as a dedication to the Brazilian people, these colorful 215 steps feature tiles from around the world.

They’re also known as the Lapa Steps, as they connect Santa Teresa to the Lapa neighborhood. I also make it a point to stop here every time I’m in Rio — while I guess they’re categorized as touristy (or at the very least one of the top photo spots in Rio), I honestly just think they’re really cool! Every time you come here, you notice something different in its tiles.

After this, get dinner in Lapa, a neighborhood known for its nightlife.

There are tons of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, many of which have live music going on. It’s also one of the most affordable areas in Rio, which is a plus!

Just keep in mind that it gets really crowded here on weekends, so just be mindful of your things (as you should always be in Rio, to be honest).

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore Rio’s nightlife, you can join a bar crawl. This is actually how I met my husband, so I’m a *bit* biased, but I think it’s a great idea as long as you drink, and especially if you’re solo traveling! You get to check out some local spots while meeting lots of people.

But otherwise, you won’t have any problem finding a fun place. From chill bars, to nightclubs, to samba bars with live music, there’s something for every kind of vibe.

Where to eat and drink in Lapa

• Café Cultural Sacrilégio — An iconic Lapa institution that’s been around since 2001. As their website says, “It’s sacrilege not to visit!”
• Casa da Cachaça — Allegedly has 2,000 types of cachaca here!
• Boteco da Garrafa — A traditional boteco or “root bar” (kind of like Rio’s style of dive bars)

Day 5: Ipanema and Leblon

Morning and afternoon: Ipanema

After a busy day exploring Rio and its nightlife scene, today is going to be a much chiller day, spent in the South Zone, where you can find the most famous beaches in the city.

Ipanema is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Rio, and spending some time at this beach is seriously a non-negotiable for your time here. This neighborhood is really walkable, has tons of restaurants, cafes, bars, and stores, and is just beautiful. The beach, of course, is also just one of the best beaches in Rio de Janeiro.

I always tell my husband that if we ever live in Rio, I’d want to live here!

Spend the morning here relaxing on the beach, walking around and checking out the different shops.

Hippie Fair (Sunday Market)

If you’re there on a Sunday, stop by the Hippie Fair (officially known as the Feira de Arte de Ipanema). This is a great place to browse, souvenir shop, and people-watch. Find all kinds of things ranging from cute jewelry, clothing, and lots of handmade goods. During one of my visits to Rio, I spent five weeks staying in the Ipanema neighborhood, and loved walking through here each Sunday and checking out all the art and other crafts.

It’s been going on since the 1960s, and is located at Praca General Osario, and goes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. I would bring some cash just in case, but many vendors do accept card nowadays. Allegedly, haggling is acceptable here, but if you decide to do that, just make sure you’re keeping things fair for the vendor.

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

A few blocks from the beach, there’s also the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, which is a nice place to walk or bike around. During that same trip, my husband and I came here a bunch of times, including one time when I attempted to poorly bike for the first time in like 10 years and nearly crashed.

🚴 TIP: If you have at least moderately more biking skills than I do, Rio has a bike-sharing app, Bike Itaú, and you’ll find bike stations throughout the city.

I also just have a soft spot for this lagoon since it’s where my husband proposed to me.

On another cute side note, pretty much every time I’ve been here, I’ve seen capybaras! I’ll admit, the first time I saw them I was a little creeped out since they are essentially giant rodents. But over time, they have grown on me and I’ve come to find them cute.

Where to eat and drink in Ipanema

• Etta Bar — A delicious gastro bar. They sometimes have live music! (Rua Teixeira de Melo 53)
• Boteca Belmonte — A really fun atmosphere with a 10/10 view. (Av. Vieira Souto, 236)
• T.T. Burger Arpoador — Where I go for a quick, no-frills, burger (R. Francisco Otaviano, 67)

Evening: Leblon

After you’ve had your fill of Ipanema (if that’s even possible), walk through the fancy neighborhood of Leblon. It’s right next to Ipanema, so you can easily walk there, or just grab a quick and affordable Uber.

Leblon is another walkable area with lots of restaurants, bars and shops. Here, you’ll find the Shopping Leblon, an upscale mall, which I have yet to actually check out, but I’ve been told it’s really nice.

My favorite area in Leblon, however, is another awesome sunset spot.

Mirante do Leblon is a beautiful viewpoint that’s overlooking the ocean. You can get a coconut water or a beer here as well. It always has a very chill vibe, with people just enjoying the view. I’ve come here a handful of times and always find it super relaxing.

Where to eat and drink in Leblon:

• Massa + Ella — an upscale Italian restaurant
• Pabu Izakaya — Rio has a surprisingly big Japanese food scene, and this is a popular spot
• Boteco Rainha — Every neighborhood needs its classic boteco bar, and this is among the best in Leblon

Day 6: Downtown (Centro)

Morning: Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, Royal Portuguese Reading Room

Although you stopped in Downtown the other day, there’s honestly way more to see here that there just isn’t time for in one day.

So, trust me when I say that it’s worth another day on your week in Rio de Janeiro itinerary.

Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil

First things first, check out the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil.

This is a really cool museum that also happens to be free. Like most of the buildings in Downtown Rio, the architecture is also just really beautiful. It’s not a huge museum, but I’d plan to spend an hour-ish here.

I’ve visited it a number of times and have always really liked the exhibits. I’ve seen all kinds of exhibits here, ranging from one about art nouveau to another about coins.

Royal Portuguese Reading Room

Next is the Royal Portuguese Reading Room. This is one of the most gorgeous buildings in the city, and it’s also free!

It was established in the 1800s, and houses the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal.

It’s not huge, so I’d expect to just spend 30 minutes or so here. I don’t believe you’re actually allowed to touch the books unless you’re a researcher or have special permission, so it’s really just the time it takes to walk around and check out the incredible architecture.

It took me a few visits to actually make it out here — and it’s really such a hidden gem in Rio.

Afternoon: Confeitaria Colombo & Rio’s Little Africa

Confeitaria Colombo

Afterwards, stop by one of Rio’s most famous historic sites, Confeitaria Colombo. This is a beautiful cafe that first opened in 1894. Over the years, it became an important meeting spot for everyone from politicians to authors, and today, it’s one of Rio’s most impressive historic landmarks.

I’ve been in here a couple times but never gotten any food since it’s understandably not the most affordable option out there, so I can’t vouch for it. But they do serve lunch items, as well as lots of little snacks and pastries, and of course coffees and teas. Tbh, I’ve heard the food isn’t the best, so I would skip getting a full meal and just try a little appetizer or dessert, or even just a coffee so you can get the experience of hanging out here. It’s the prettiest cafe I’ve ever seen!

Little Africa

Then, you’ll want to take a quick Uber ride to Rio’s Port Zone, also known as the Little Africa neighborhood.

This area is the oldest continually inhabited Black neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. Rio’s Black community has had such a huge role in shaping so much about what makes Rio, well, Rio — from Carnival, to its music, to its food.

With that said, learning about Afro-Brazilian culture in Rio and culture is really key to understanding the city, and a must on your Rio cultural itinerary.

So, I’d definitely suggest going on a tour to learn more if possible.

Here’s a free walking tour option that I went on and would really recommend taking (although it’s free, make sure to tip your guide!).

Night: Pedra do Sal (on Monday)

Rio de Janeiro as a whole is seen as one of the birthplaces of samba, and that’s largely thanks to Pedra do Sal.

During the colonial era, this was the site of a slave market, as well as a gathering place for enslaved and freed people, who would play music and develop what would go on to become samba.

Centuries later, the samba tradition is still going strong, and every Monday at 8 p.m. (as long as it’s not raining), you can enjoy some live samba for free. It’s a really fun vibe, with vendors selling drinks and snacks, and people just hanging out in a casual atmosphere.

Get there a bit earlier (around 7:30ish) to get a good spot! It can (and probably will) get crowded.

There’s also music on Fridays, but it’s not as well-known as the Monday event. Even if this doesn’t work out with your timing, samba is a huge part of local culture, so definitely try to enjoy some live music at some point while here.

You’ll find that there’s live music and plenty of restaurants and bars throughout the neighborhood.

I don’t think you need to worry significantly more about safety here or anything, but like throughout Rio, stay aware of your surroundings while here Of course, also follow other precautions like using a bag that securely closes and not carrying all your money with you.

Where to eat and drink around Downtown Rio

• Casa Porto — one of the best-known spots in Little Africa, it has a view overlooking the neighborhood
• Rio Scenarium — a beloved spot for listening to samba
• Bistrô do Paço – A European-inspired restaurant

Day 7: Barra da Tijuca & Hidden Beaches

Morning: Barra da Tijuca

I don’t know about you, but my last day somewhere always makes me feel super melancholy and nostalgic for the place I’m leaving.

To remedy that feeling (at least somewhat), spend the last day of your week in Rio in a super underrated beach area.

While Copacabana and Ipanema are world-famous, not nearly as many tourists venture further west to Barra da Tijuca. This is another place I didn’t know about until my husband took me, and it quickly became one of my favorite areas for its chiller atmosphere and unique beauty.

It’s much less chaotic than the South Zone beaches, and is also really beautiful. From the Copacabana area, it takes about an hour to get here. You can Uber or take public transportation to get here (check out this guide if you want the run-down on public transportation + navigating around Rio).

The main Barra da Tijuca beach is the best place to start off, as well as to have lunch, since you’ll find a number of restaurant and bar options, as well as beachside kiosks.

Afternoon: Praia Secreto and Prainha Beach

The farther west you go, the more natural and hidden the beaches get.

Some of the best hidden beaches in Rio are undoubtedly Praia Secreto (Secret Beach) and Prainha Beach. They’re both insanely beautiful, and so worth a visit! They feel really secluded, surrounded by greenery, and are an amazing place to spend the afternoon, watch the sunset, and wrap up your time in Rio.

Praia Secreto

To get to Praia Secreto, you’ll have to park your car on the street then walk five minutes or so. You’re going to have to climb over some rocks, so just make sure you’re wearing proper shoes. Coming here also depends on the tide, since it’s all about the gorgeous natural pools here.

Prainha

Prainha Beach, on the other hand, is known as more of a surfing beach, and you’ll find more facilities here — it’s also my all-time favorite.

I spent my birthday here one year, and it’s one of my most special memories ever.

After a full week of exploring, a slow-paced beach day is the perfect way to end your week in Rio.

Where to eat and drink in Barra da Tijuca

• Vizinho Gastrobar — Has been rated one of the world’s best restaurants and bars!
• Bar do Oswaldo — It’s all about the feijoada here plus the batida cocktails
• Brewteco — Is a popular spot with a few different Rio locations

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

I’ll be honest — Rio de Janeiro is a huge city, so the best place to stay really depends on what you’re looking for — whether it’s maximum beach time, time away from the crowds, proximity to nightlife, etc.

I stayed at Windsor Leme for one night on my last trip there and loved it. My friends and family also stayed there, and they’d all recommend it too! Read my full review here.

For more of a neighborhood breakdown that will give you a better idea of which area is best for you, with all my top affordable picks in each spot, this guide is for you.

Adding on to your Rio trip

If you have more time, or this is a repeat visit, I definitely recommend adding on to your 7-day Rio itinerary so that you can explore more places in the state of Rio de Janeiro!

Here are a couple easy day trip ideas to explore more of the area:

• Niterói is a city close to Rio that has an awesome art museum, some cool hiking, beautiful beaches, and good food!
• If you’re looking for a super relaxing, slow-paced destination, a day trip to Ilha de Paquetá is also a great choice.

Head to this weekend getaway and day trip guide for some more ideas — if you’ve got a couple extra days, it’s got some seriously bucket list-worthy places on it.