Rio de Janeiro: what to see in 3 or 4 days

You discover Rio as much through its way of life as through its landmarks: a fresh fruit juice at the counter, a game of futevôlei on the beach, a roda de samba at the end of the day. To enjoy it, it’s best not to overload your days and to group your visits by neighborhood.

Day 1: the city’s two icons

Start with Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer, ideally early in the morning, before the clouds and the crowds. The little cog train climbs through the Tijuca Forest to the summit. In the afternoon, take the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car in two stages, via Morro da Urca, for sunset over Guanabara Bay.

Brazil Vip tip: Check the weather before going up Corcovado: when the summit is in the clouds, you can’t see a thing. We always keep a little flexibility in the schedule so we can pick the right day.

Day 2: the historic center and Santa Teresa

Downtown Rio hides some real treasures: the Theatro Municipal, the Confeitaria Colombo with its Belle Époque decor, the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, and the Museu do Amanhã on the revitalized waterfront. Then head up to Santa Teresa, a bohemian neighborhood of cobblestone lanes and artists’ studios, and walk down the Escadaria Selarón to Lapa.

Day 3: beaches and nature

Devote a day to the Zona Sul: the stroll along Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, and sunset from the Arpoador rock, a favorite with the Cariocas. In the morning, the Botanical Garden and Parque Lage, at the foot of Corcovado, offer a lovely green interlude.

Day 4: your choice

With an extra day, you have several options: a hike in the Tijuca Forest, a boat day among the islands of the bay, an excursion to Petrópolis, the imperial city in the mountains, or simply a beach day. In the evening, Pedra do Sal, the birthplace of samba, hosts lively rodas on certain days of the week.

• Day 1 — Plan: Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain — Highlight: sunset over the bay
• Day 2 — Plan: historic center, Santa Teresa and Lapa — Highlight: the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura
• Day 3 — Plan: Botanical Garden, Ipanema and Arpoador — Highlight: the applause at sunset
• Day 4 — Plan: Tijuca, Petrópolis or the beach — Highlight: a day at your own pace

Where to stay?

Copacabana is convenient and lively, Ipanema and Leblon are more elegant and residential, and Santa Teresa is ideal for charming boutique places. For a first visit, the Zona Sul by the ocean remains the most comfortable choice.

Brazil Vip tip: As in any big city, follow a few simple habits: no flashy jewelry, keep your phone put away on the street, and use taxis or pre-booked transfers at night. Our guides and drivers will tell you which neighborhoods are best depending on the time of day.