Rio de Janeiro 3-Day Itinerary

This plan assumes a base in Ipanema or Copacabana, close to a metro station. Check the forecast each morning and swap the days around so the viewpoints get the clearest skies.

Day 1: Christ the Redeemer and Santa Teresa

Take the first Corcovado train or van of the day. Come down to Santa Teresa for lunch and a wander among the studios and mansions, then walk down the Selarón Steps to Lapa and see the Arcos da Lapa. If it's a Monday or Friday, end the evening with samba at Pedra do Sal, or with live music in a Lapa samba bar.

Day 2: The old centre and Sugarloaf

Spend the morning in Centro: the Theatro Municipal, the Royal Portuguese Reading Room and a coffee at Confeitaria Colombo. Ride the VLT to Praça Mauá for the Museum of Tomorrow, the Rio Art Museum and the murals. In the late afternoon, take an Uber to Praia Vermelha and ride the cable cars up Sugarloaf for sunset. Have dinner in Botafogo.

Day 3: A Carioca beach day

Rent a chair at Ipanema in the morning and do as the locals do: swim, eat from the vendors and watch the volleyball. Walk to Leblon for lunch, then visit the Botanical Garden and Parque Lage in the afternoon. Be at Arpoador for sunset, then have a last caipirinha in Ipanema.

With more time

Hike Dois Irmãos or Pedra Bonita, catch a match at Maracanã, take the ferry to Niterói, or head for the coast or mountains with our day trips guide.