Rio de Janeiro is known as the Marvelous City —and for good reason! After all, with so many landscapes and attractions, it’s impossible not to surrender to the charms of the “errejota. “ But beyond so many options, some experiences must be lived. Here are our 5 suggestions!
The coolest street in the world is in Rio de Janeiro. And it’s not just us saying so: it was named in Time Out’s 2025 global ranking!
So, if you don’t know Rua do Senado, in the city center, the best thing to do is to enjoy a whole Saturday there. There areantique shops, super cool bars and restaurants, century-old mansions and, of course, samba at Armazém do Senado, open since 1907 and responsible for the lively samba circles!
Enjoy a Baile Charme at the Madureira Viaduct
Known as Dutão to its friends, the Madureira Viaduct, in the North Zone, is home to the largest charm dance in the world.
The event, which began in the 1990s, is one of the most entertaining in the city and attracts many locals and tourists. Those who have been there know: it’s impossible to stand still!
Watch the sunset at Pedra do Arpoador
Is it cliché? Yes! But watching the sunset at Pedra do Arpoador on an autumn afternoon (or any day) is an experience that must be had!
That’s because when the sun sets behind Morro Dois Irmãos, a true show of lights and colors happens in the sky. That’s why it has become a tradition to applaud at the end of this spectacle!
Go to a feijoada at a samba school
Regardless of which samba school you support, or even if you don’t care much about Carnival, it’s worth enjoying a day of feijoada at one of Rio’s samba schools.
The atmosphere is always lively, with lots of samba and good food! The best thing is that feijoadas (bean stews) are usually held monthly throughout the year, so you don’t even have to wait for Carnival to arrive!
Take the Santa Teresa tram and stroll through the streets of the neighborhood
The Santa Teresa neighborhood is one of the most charming in Rio de Janeiro. That’s why walking through the streets of the neighborhood, getting to know its studios, bars, and museums, is such a delight.
But for the tour to be an unforgettable experience, you have to take the cable car up the hill, a historic icon of Rio de Janeiro that has been in operation since 1896!