Rio de Janeiro is naturally beautiful, so there’s no shortage of free options for enjoying the city to the full. However, if you don’t know what to do with so many options, we’ve put together some tips for free tours in Rio de Janeiro that you can’t miss! Check out our guide!
Table Of Contents
Beaches in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro
1. Copacabana
If you don’t want to be cliché, then don’t even start! But, jokes aside, there’s no getting away from Copacabana beach with the most famous promenade in Brazil! The ‘Little Princess of the Sea’ deserves all the fame she has and, best of all, you can enjoy it for free!
2. Ipanema
Did you know that Ipanema is one of the best beaches in the world? Well, it’s well worth a stroll along the Ipanema waterfront, not only to enjoy the sea, but also to enjoy the relaxed vibe of the neighborhood.
3. Leblon
How about feeling like the protagonist of a Manoel Carlos soap opera? To have a typical Helena day, just go to the Leblon neighborhood – after all, looking costs nothing! When you get there, don’t forget to take a dip in the sea and stroll along the promenade!
4. Red Beach
Unlike the more clichéd beaches, Praia Vermelha is smaller and quieter. For this reason, many Cariocas love to sunbathe and relax there. For those who enjoy walking in nature, it’s worth taking advantage of the Cláudio Coutinho Track, which is right next to the beach, on the left-hand side.
📌Praça General Tiburcio, – Urca
5. Sunset at Arpoador
Late afternoon in Rio de Janeiro is unbeatable! That’s why, taking advantage of the beach theme and following the carioca clichés, going to Arpoador to enjoy the sunset is one of the free tours in Rio de Janeiro that you can’t miss. Don’t forget to applaud!
📌Avenida Francisco Bhering, s/n – Ipanema
Beaches in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro
6. Barra Beach
Going to the other side of the city, Praia da Barra is in the West Zone and is a great option for those who want to get away from Rio’s more touristy spots. It is also considered to be the longest beach in the state, with a length of 14.4 km.
7. Pepê Beach
Praia do Pepê is right at the beginning of Barra da Tijuca and is known as such because of the famous juice and sandwich kiosk of the same name. It’s also the perfect place for those who like a more youthful atmosphere, as it’s a hotspot for young people and surfers in the area.
8. Recreio Beach
Recreio Beach is at the end of Barra da Tijuca, further away, but it’s a great option for a day or night out. There are plenty of kiosks to choose from and it’s also perfect for enjoying the waterfront, whether you’re walking or riding a bike. However, it is important to note that the sea is usually rough, which is a good option for practicing sports.
Museums with free admission
9. CCBB
The Banco do Brasil Cultural Center is one of the most visited museums in the world – and no wonder. This is because, with free admission and always with great exhibitions, the CCBB in Rio is a must-see in the city. The architectural beauty of the building makes the tour even more incredible!
📌Rua Primeiro de Março, 66 – Centro
10. Rio Art Museum
MAR should also be on your cultural itinerary in the city. But beware: it only has free admission on Tuesdays! So take advantage of the day to visit and enjoy all the exhibitions taking place there. Also, be sure to go up to the terrace for an incredible view!
📌Praça Mauá, 5 – Saúde
11. Museum of Tomorrow
Right next to MAR, the Museum of Tomorrow impresses with its architectural forms. But that’s not all! Its interior also holds great surprises and has exhibitions that make us reflect on our future.
📌Praça Mauá, 1 – Centro
Free tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro
12. Lapa Arches
Located in the city’s most bohemian neighborhood, visiting the Arcos da Lapa is a must on our list of free tours in Rio de Janeiro. After all, it’s not only one of the city’s postcards, but also because of its cultural and historical richness.
13. Selarón Staircase
One of the most popular places in the city, the Selarón Staircase is a tourist attraction. That’s because everyone who visits wants to take a photo on the colorful steps and learn more about this gift, decorated and left by slipper artist Jorge Selarón.
📌Rua Manuel Carneiro – Santa Teresa
14. Largo do Boticário
Largo do Boticário still has its colonial mansions and, despite the ravages of time, its bucolic charm. That’s why it’s worth taking this free tour to visit one of Rio de Janeiro’s historical heritage sites.
📌Beco do Boticário, 26 – Cosme Velho
15. Pedra do Sal
From an old salt loading and unloading point to one of the most famous places in Rio de Janeiro, going to Pedra do Sal is an experience. The place has extreme historical and cultural value and is also the stage for the city’s liveliest samba circles.
📌Rua Tia Ciata – Saúde
16. Valongo Quay
Like Pedra do Sal, Cais do Valongo is also part of the area known as Little Africa, since this region is home to much of Rio’s African heritage. It’s well worth a stroll!
📌Avenida Barão de Tefé – Saúde
Parks and outdoor spaces
17. Flamengo Embankment
A bike ride around Aterro do Flamengo is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. In addition to the bike path and the incredible view of Sugarloaf Mountain, all the lanes are closed on weekends. So don’t miss out!
📌Avenida Infante Dom Henrique – Flamengo
18. Praça XV
Among the free walks in Rio de Janeiro, Praça XV is the kind of place you can spend the whole day. So our tip is to enjoy a Saturday morning at the Antiques Fair and take advantage of the museums and cultural centers around the square. What’s more, there’s always some music going on in the side streets!
19. Mauá Square | Olympic Boulevard
One of the legacies of the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Boulevard is a true leisure and entertainment space for the whole family. There, outdoor activities, markets and incredible views make the space very charming.
20. Botafogo Cove
The whole neighborhood of Botafogo has a very modern and cool vibe, always with something new to eat and culture. But Enseada de Botafogo, with its privileged view of Sugarloaf Mountain, is a classic that never goes out of style.
21. Madureira Park
The suburbs of Rio de Janeiro also have classic walks that are not to be missed. Among them, visiting Madureira Park, a huge, wooded space with lots of options for children and adults to have lots of fun!
📌Rua Soares Caldeira, 115 – Madureira
22. City Park
Parque da Cidade was once the private property of the Marquis of São Vicente, located in Gávea. But, open to the public, the place always has a fun and cultural program, as well as being a very green space, perfect for picnics!
📌Estrada Santa Marinha, 57 – Gávea
23. Quinta da Boa Vista
The former residence of the royal family, Quinta da Boa Vista still has some of its historic buildings. What’s more, the park’s immense green space, with various attractions, is a great place to entertain the little ones – and the big ones too!
📌Avenida Pedro II, s/n – São Cristóvão
24. São Salvador Square
On soccer match days or just for those who want to get around, Praça São Salvador (São Salva) is where people gather to drink and chat. As well as samba circles and even Carnival blocks, every Friday there’s a lively forró. Just come along!
Churches to visit in Rio
25. São Bento Monastery
The monastery was built in the 16th century and has undergone many renovations. However, its interior and much of its façade have been preserved, so it’s well worth a visit. It’s also possible to attend mass, but you have to arrive early!
📌Rua Dom Gerardo, 68 – Centro
26. Church of São Francisco da Penitência
With its gold-plated interior, the Church of São Francisco da Penitência is an imposing space in Rio de Janeiro and you can visit it for free. The 18th century sacred place stands out for its baroque style and gilded carvings.
Street markets
27. Feira da Glória
Sometimes all you need to start the week off right is a Sunday at Feira da Glória. Between vegetables, decorative objects, exotic foods and a samba circle, Feira da Glória concentrates the pure juice of Rio de Janeiro. Not to be missed!
📌Avenida Augusto Severo – Glória
28. Feira da General Glicério
For those who enjoy a chorinho, the Feira da General Glicério is the place to go. The fair takes place every Saturday and always has lots of music, good food and handicrafts. The weekend there is always very pleasant!
📌General Glicério Street – Laranjeiras
So, which of these free tours in Rio de Janeiro did you enjoy the most?