Iconic Landmarks & Historic Neighborhoods
6 activities
TRIP'N'AI
Rio de Janeiro
This vibrant 2-day itinerary lets you experience the best of Rio de Janeiro, balancing city sightseeing, iconic landmarks, local bars, and the famous beach life. You'll discover Rio's rich culture, enjoy breathtaking views, and soak in the lively atmosphere of its storied neighborhoods, all with a medium budget and a solo traveler's spirit.
Daily Itinerary
Activities
Day Theme: Iconic Landmarks & Historic Neighborhoods
Christ the Redeemer Statue
Visit Rio's most iconic landmark, Christ the Redeemer. Take the cog train through lush forest up Corcovado Mountain for panoramic city and bay views. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Duration: Plan for about 2-2.5 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: R$89-145 (train + entry)
Opening Hours: Open 08:00–19:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 08:00–10:00
Popularity Rating: 4.8/5
Here's what you need to know: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, unmatched city views.
Visit Rio's most iconic landmark, Christ the Redeemer. Take the cog train through lush forest up Corcovado Mountain for panoramic city and bay views. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Duration: Plan for about 2-2.5 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: R$89-145 (train + entry)
Opening Hours: Open 08:00–19:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 08:00–10:00
Popularity Rating: 4.8/5
Here's what you need to know: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, unmatched city views.
Cosme Velho Neighborhood Stroll
Explore Cosme Velho, a historic neighborhood known for colonial mansions and the starting point of the Corcovado train. Enjoy the old-world charm and photo ops.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 45 min
Opening Hours: Open Always open
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Morning
Popularity Rating: 4.3/5
Here's what you need to know: Atmospheric streets and classic Rio architecture.
Explore Cosme Velho, a historic neighborhood known for colonial mansions and the starting point of the Corcovado train. Enjoy the old-world charm and photo ops.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 45 min
Opening Hours: Open Always open
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of Morning
Popularity Rating: 4.3/5
Here's what you need to know: Atmospheric streets and classic Rio architecture.
Café do Alto
Enjoy hearty Northeastern Brazilian cuisine in the artsy Santa Teresa district. Perfect for refueling before more sightseeing.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Cuisine: Specializes in Brazilian (Northeast) cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Opening Hours: Open 08:00–17:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 12:00–14:00
Popularity Rating: 4.6/5
Feijoada or tapioca pancakes
If you're wondering what to order, Classic Brazilian flavors, vegetarian options available.
Here's what you need to know: Authentic regional dishes in a colorful house.
Enjoy hearty Northeastern Brazilian cuisine in the artsy Santa Teresa district. Perfect for refueling before more sightseeing.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Cuisine: Specializes in Brazilian (Northeast) cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 1 hour
Opening Hours: Open 08:00–17:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 12:00–14:00
Popularity Rating: 4.6/5
Feijoada or tapioca pancakes
If you're wondering what to order, Classic Brazilian flavors, vegetarian options available.
Here's what you need to know: Authentic regional dishes in a colorful house.
Santa Teresa Tram Ride & Selarón Steps
Take the iconic yellow tram up to Santa Teresa, then walk to the vibrant, mosaic-tiled Selarón Steps—one of Rio’s most photogenic spots.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 1.5 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: R$20 (tram)
Opening Hours: Open Tram: 08:00–17:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 14:00–16:00
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Here's what you need to know: Historic tram and world-famous staircase by artist Jorge Selarón.
Take the iconic yellow tram up to Santa Teresa, then walk to the vibrant, mosaic-tiled Selarón Steps—one of Rio’s most photogenic spots.
Price Range: Expect to pay $
Duration: Plan for about 1.5 hours
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: R$20 (tram)
Opening Hours: Open Tram: 08:00–17:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 14:00–16:00
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Here's what you need to know: Historic tram and world-famous staircase by artist Jorge Selarón.
Parque das Ruínas
Visit this open-air cultural center atop a ruined mansion for panoramic views of downtown Rio and Guanabara Bay. Great for art lovers and photographers.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Duration: Plan for about 45 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 10:00–18:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 16:00–17:00
Popularity Rating: 4.6/5
Here's what you need to know: Art exhibitions with spectacular cityscapes.
Visit this open-air cultural center atop a ruined mansion for panoramic views of downtown Rio and Guanabara Bay. Great for art lovers and photographers.
Price Range: Expect to pay Free
Duration: Plan for about 45 min
Entrance Fee: Entry fee: Free
Opening Hours: Open 10:00–18:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 16:00–17:00
Popularity Rating: 4.6/5
Here's what you need to know: Art exhibitions with spectacular cityscapes.
Bar do Mineiro
A lively and classic Rio bar known for its feijoada, cachaça, and eclectic clientele. Experience the night vibe of Santa Teresa.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Cuisine: Specializes in Brazilian bar food cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 2 hours
Opening Hours: Open 11:00–23:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 19:00–22:00
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Feijoada and caipirinha
If you're wondering what to order, Best pairings at a legendary local spot.
Here's what you need to know: Walls covered in art, friendly atmosphere, regular live music.
A lively and classic Rio bar known for its feijoada, cachaça, and eclectic clientele. Experience the night vibe of Santa Teresa.
Price Range: Expect to pay $$
Cuisine: Specializes in Brazilian bar food cuisine
Duration: Plan for about 2 hours
Opening Hours: Open 11:00–23:00
Popular Times: To avoid crowds, visit outside of 19:00–22:00
Popularity Rating: 4.7/5
Feijoada and caipirinha
If you're wondering what to order, Best pairings at a legendary local spot.
Here's what you need to know: Walls covered in art, friendly atmosphere, regular live music.
Accommodation
Mama Shelter Rio de Janeiro
Trendy boutique hotel in Santa Teresa with vibrant décor, rooftop bar, and easy access to the city’s bohemian heart. Perfect for solo travelers who value style and social spaces.
Local Tips
- Buy Christ the Redeemer tickets online for timed entry and shorter waits.
- Wear comfortable shoes; Santa Teresa and Cosme Velho have cobblestone hills.
- Keep valuables secure, especially around popular landmarks.
- Santa Teresa is safest to explore in daylight; stick to main streets at night.
Photo Spots
- Escadaria Selarón mosaic steps
- Parque das Ruínas terrace
- View from Corcovado
Share Trip
Share this amazing trip itinerary