Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 4 Day Itinerary

Rio de Janeiro 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown Rio & Sugarloaf Mountain

  • Morning: Check-in at your hotel in Copacabana or Ipanema (recommended: Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro, Belmond Copacabana Palace)
  • Breakfast: Café Palo Alto - traditional Brazilian breakfast (Cafepaloalto.com)
  • Morning: Visit Praça XV and Museu Histórico Nacional to learn about Rio’s history
  • Lunch: Confeitaria Colombo - historic pastry shop with a variety of dishes (R. Sete de Setembro, 45 - Centro)
  • Afternoon: Visit Catedral Metropolitana and Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR)
  • Evening: Ride the iconic Selarón Stairs (Escadaria Selarón) and enjoy a drink at Bar do Selarón
  • Dinner: Aprazível - rooftop restaurant with stunning views of Guanabara Bay (R. Joaquim Silva, 84 - Lapa)
  • Nightlife: Experience the lively Lapa neighborhood (consider Carioca da Gema for samba music)

Day 2: Relax at Copacabana & Ipanema Beaches

  • Morning: Breakfast at your hotel or try a local bakery like Padaria Bonanza or Padaria e Manteiga Leite Coelho
  • Day: Spend the day lounging, swimming, and people-watching on Copacabana or Ipanema beach; rent chairs and umbrellas for comfort (be aware of potential pickpockets)
  • Lunch: Bar do Arpoador - popular seafood restaurant with views over the two beaches (R. Joaquim Silva, 104 - Arpoador)
  • Afternoon: Take a surf lesson or try stand-up paddleboarding at Ipanema beach
  • Evening: Visit the iconic Arpoador rock for sunset and enjoy dinner at Jiji Brazilian Steakhouse (R. Barata, 1073 - Ipanema)

Day 3: Discover Christ the Redeemer & Corcovado

  • Morning: Breakfast at your hotel
  • Morning/Afternoon: Take a train or bus to Corcovado Mountain and visit the famous Christ the Redeemer Statue. You can also explore Tijuca Forest, one of the world’s largest urban forests (consider hiring a guide for a hike)
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic or dine at Paineiras do Corcovado near the base of the mountain
  • Evening: Head to Leblon beach and enjoy a seafood dinner at Fisherman’s Village (R. Bizantina, 21 - Leblon)
  • Nightlife: Avenida Vieira Souto in Leblon has several bars and restaurants for a relaxing evening out

Day 4: Explore Santa Teresa & Jardim Botânico

  • Morning: Breakfast at your hotel or try Rua do Jeitão, a street lined with eateries in Santa Teresa
  • Morning/Afternoon: Take the historic Tram 3 to Santa Teresa, and explore the neighborhood’s colorful streets, art galleries, and bars (consider visiting Pérodactilo or Ruína for drinks)
  • Lunch: Casa da Térêza - casual restaurant with a terrace offering views of downtown Rio (R. Almirante Alexandrino, 215 - Santa Teresa)
  • Afternoon: Visit Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) and see its diverse collection of tropical flora
  • Evening: Return to your hotel to pack up for departure or enjoy a final dinner in Copacabana or Ipanema

Tips & Things to Know:

  1. Use Uber or local taxis for transportation (be cautious when using cash, consider mobile payment options like Uber)
  2. Always carry small bills and watch your belongings closely, especially in tourist areas
  3. The official language is Portuguese; it’s helpful to learn a few basic phrases
  4. Brazilian currency is the Real (BRL). Credit cards are widely accepted, but have local cash on hand for smaller establishments or street vendors
  5. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites like churches and Christ the Redeemer statue
  6. Tap water is generally not safe to drink in Rio; stick to bottled water instead
  7. Brazilian time zone is UTC-3 (2 hours behind Eastern Standard Time)