Is a sunny Saturday synonymous with the beach in Rio de Janeiro? Not necessarily! We know that cariocas don’t like cloudy days and can’t resist the sea and a cold mate on the sands, but the beach is just one of the places to visit in Rio and enjoy a sunny weekend.
In fact, there’ s no shortage of different and fun things to do on a sunny Saturday in the Marvelous City . So check out our unmissable tips on places to visit in Rio de Janeiro and update your list now!
Take the cable car and stroll around Santa Teresa
One of the city’s most charming neighborhoods, Santa Teresa is on the list of places to visit in Rio because it has many gastronomic, cultural and historical options to explore. However, going to Santa Teresa and not taking a cable car ride is like going to Italy and not eating at least one plate of fresh pasta!
That’s why your trip to the neighborhood has to start there. On Saturdays, it starts running at 9 a.m. and goes around different parts of Santa Teresa, but you don’t have to do the whole route if you don’t want to.
It’s even a good idea to take the cable car up to Santa Teresa and walk down to enjoy the privileged view of the city and indulge in the food and drinks you find along the way.
Enjoy a feijoada in a samba school court
As well as the beach samba also has a guaranteed place in the hearts of cariocas.
When Carnival approaches, the samba schools’ courts are buzzing with rehearsals, drumming, beer and beautiful people. That’s why they’re on the list of places to visit in Rio!
In this case, it’s well worth taking advantage of a sunny Saturday to taste the traditional feijoadas that usually take place throughout the year. And don’t worry about your digestion: with so much samba on your feet, you’ll even get hungrier!
Pick up pieces at the Praça XV Antiques Fair
Whatever you can imagine in terms of different objects and articles, you’re sure to find at the Praça XV Antiques Fair in the city center. The stroll is worth it for the history: the cultural fair has been held every Saturday in the same place since 1970!
So, if you don’t know what to do on a sunny Saturday, the suggestion is to take the subway, get off at Carioca station and head towards Praça XV to pick up the best pieces.
Arrive early, because the fair starts at 6am!
Have a picnic in Parque Lage
With lots of greenery and a beautiful view of Christ the RedeemerParque Lage is a favorite spot in Rio de Janeiro for those who want to enjoy a sunny Saturday with peace and leisure.
The tip is to take advantage of all the nature and the outdoor gardens to have a picnic, full of delicious food, listening to good music or reading a book.
As the historic palace is also home to the School of Visual Arts, it’s not hard to come across an exhibition or occupation by the students themselves in the surrounding area. And don’t forget to take a photo by the park’s swimming pool.
It’s a cliché, but who doesn’t love a classic?