Rio de Janeiro is the city most sought after by Brazilians and gringos to enjoy the end-of-year season. There’s no shortage of options in the Marvelous City! And if you fall into this category, this guide will help you! Here we’ve put together an itinerary for those who want to make the most of their vacation in Rio de Janeiro!
Chaves: The Exhibition
Just like adults, children are usually on vacation during this period. So how about a family program?
Take the opportunity to visit the Chaves exhibition, which pays tribute to the 40th anniversary of the premiere of one of Brazil’s – and Latin America ‘s – most beloved TV series !
With sets, memorable characters, behind the scenes and curiosities, the exhibition takes you on a nostalgic and very entertaining journey through the universe of the series. Everyone will love it!
📌Via Parque Shopping | Avenida Ayrton Senna, 3000 – Barra da Tijuca
📅Until February 2026 | Tuesday to Sunday
💵 From R$ 20, | Tickets here!
Michelangelo – The Master of the Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo – The Master of the Sistine Chapel’ is another exhibition that’s really hot in the Cidade Maravilhosa, at the Centro Cultural Correios.
The exhibition recreates the murals of one of the world’s most famous chapels in great detail and with lots of technology, as well as delving into Michelangelo’s life and work. It ‘s well worth a look!
📌Centro Cultural Correios | Rua Visconde de Itaboraí, 20 – Centro
Until February 2026 | Tuesday to Saturday
💵 From R$ 25, | Tickets here!
Visit to the Maracanã (no queues!)
One of the most famous stadiums in the world is in Rio de Janeiro and, if you’ve only seen the Maracanã on television, take advantage of your vacation to get out on the field!
On this visit to the Maracanã, you’ll not only see the stadium itself, but you’ll also visit one of the changing rooms, the warm-up room and the press conference room.
What’s more, you’ll have the chance to see up close items related to players who have made their mark on the stadium’s history, such as Pelé, Garrincha and Zico!
📌Rua Prof. Eurico Rabelo – Maracanã
📅Until March 2026
💵 From R$115, | Tickets here!
Stroll down the coolest street in the world
Did you know that the coolest street in the world is in Rio de Janeiro? The British publication Time Out chose Rua do Senado, in the center of Rio de Janeiro, as the coolest street of 2025 and there are many options for having fun there!
On a Saturday, for example, you can admire the centuries-old mansions, enjoy a roda de samba, have a beer, browse the antique shops and more! We’ll tell you more details here!
BioParque do Rio
BioParque do Rio is also a great place to go on vacation in Rio de Janeiro. The best thing is that, this season, the park will be open daily until the end of January!
With a special and varied program , visitors can enjoy workshops and various educational activities, as well as seeing the most varied animals up close. In all, there are 650 animals from 124 species!
📌Quinta da Boa Vista | São Cristóvão
📅Every day | 9am to 5pm
💵 From R$ 30,50
Carnival Fan Fest
Anyone who thinks Carnival only starts in February is mistaken, because in Rio de Janeiro, the revelry never ends!
So, the Carnival capital has news for 2026! Cariocas and tourists will have a new space to feel the atmosphere of the revelry even before the parades at Marquês de Sapucaí – and right on Copacabana Beach!
Called Carnaval Fan Fest, the space will be transformed into a huge carnival celebration point, with workshops with samba dancers, a symbolic procession at sunset and much more!
📌Praia de Copacabana | Rua República do Peru, height of Posto 3
📅from 20/01 to 21/02
💵 Free of charge