Stay Smart In Copa

Rio de Janeiro Guide

Itineraries, sights, museums, beaches, nightlife and plans for every travel style, all starting from Copacabana.

Smart concierge

A new way to plan your Rio trip

Smart Studios Copa is a strategic base: beach, metro and quick access to Urca, Centro, Lagoa, Ipanema and the port district. Filter by category, distance, price and rating to build your itinerary.

Guest tip: Buy official tickets and check the weather before going to the viewpoints.

Curated itineraries

first visit

Rio in 1 day

A straightforward plan to feel the city without rushing.

  • Christ the Redeemer
  • Sugarloaf Mountain
  • Copacabana beachfront

classic

Rio in 2 days

Classics on day one, Downtown and Lapa on day two.

  • Christ the Redeemer
  • Sugarloaf cable car
  • Museum of Tomorrow
  • Lapa

balanced

Rio in 3 days

Time for beaches, nature and food.

  • Copacabana
  • Ipanema
  • Botanical Garden
  • Santa Teresa

slow travel

7 days in Rio

A week to enjoy Rio in layers: beach, culture, hikes and nightlife.

  • Beaches
  • Museums
  • Hikes
  • Downtown
  • Food

families

Rio with kids

Outings with breaks, good facilities and less travel time.

  • AquaRio
  • Museum of Tomorrow
  • Morning beach
  • Rio Sul mall

couples

Rio for couples

Sunsets, good dinners and easy days in Copa.

  • Sugarloaf cable car
  • Botanical Garden
  • Santa Teresa
  • Ipanema

budget

Rio on a budget

Metro, beach, free viewpoints and local food.

  • Copacabana
  • Leme
  • Downtown
  • Markets

premium

Luxury Rio

Special experiences, rooftops, fine dining and private tours.

  • Helicopter
  • Restaurants
  • Cable car at sunset

international guests

Rio for international visitors

A safe, clear itinerary that is easy to follow in any language.

  • Christ the Redeemer
  • Sugarloaf
  • Copacabana
  • Ipanema
  • Museum of Tomorrow

Hours, prices and ratings can change. Use the map buttons and official websites to check before you go.

CClassic sights

Christ the Redeemer

about 12 km · $$$

The symbol of Rio. Sweeping views, big crowds and a better visit with tickets bought in advance.

  • Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Alto da Boa Vista
  • Walk: not recommended · Uber: 35 to 60 min
  • 4.8 approx.
  • Check the official website
  • Time needed: 2.5 to 4 h
  • Best time: early morning or late afternoon

Smart tip: Check the weather before buying. Clouds can hide the view.

SClassic sights

Sugarloaf Cable Car

about 3 km · $$$

Very close to Copa and one of the best sunsets in the city.

  • Av. Pasteur, 520, Urca
  • Walk: 40 min · Uber: 10 to 18 min
  • 4.8 approx.
  • Check the official website
  • Time needed: 2 to 3 h
  • Best time: sunset, arrive early

Smart tip: Pair it with Urca and the Mureta for a true carioca late afternoon.

SDowntown and Lapa

Selarón Steps

about 8 km · $

One of the most photogenic spots between Lapa and Santa Teresa.

  • Rua Manuel Carneiro, Santa Teresa
  • Walk: not recommended · Uber: 20 to 35 min
  • 4.6 approx.
  • Open-air; go by day
  • Time needed: 40 min to 1 h
  • Best time: morning

Smart tip: Go by day and combine it with the Lapa Arches or Santa Teresa.

MMuseums

Museum of Tomorrow

about 12 km · $$

A modern museum at Praça Mauá, good for cloudy days and cultural outings.

  • Praça Mauá, 1, Centro
  • Walk: not recommended · Uber: 25 to 45 min
  • 4.7 approx.
  • Check the official website
  • Time needed: 2 to 3 h
  • Best time: an unhurried morning or afternoon
ARio with kids

AquaRio

about 13 km · $$$

A large aquarium in the port district, easy with kids and on rainy days.

  • Praça Muhammad Ali, Gamboa
  • Walk: not recommended · Uber: 25 to 45 min
  • 4.6 approx.
  • Check the official website
  • Time needed: 2 to 3 h
  • Best time: weekday mornings
MSports

Maracanã

about 12 km · $$$

The temple of football. Check the match schedule, tours and entry rules.

  • Av. Pres. Castelo Branco, Maracanã
  • Walk: not recommended · Uber: 25 to 45 min
  • 4.7 approx.
  • Varies by match/tour
  • Time needed: 2 to 4 h
  • Best time: match day or guided tour
BNature

Botanical Garden

about 8 km · $$

A green, beautiful and calm outing, great for slowing down.

  • Rua Jardim Botânico, 1008
  • Walk: not recommended · Uber: 20 to 35 min
  • 4.7 approx.
  • Check the official website
  • Time needed: 2 to 3 h
  • Best time: morning
PNature

Parque Lage

about 7 km · $

A mansion, gardens and a view of Christ the Redeemer. Pairs well with the Botanical Garden.

  • Rua Jardim Botânico, 414
  • Walk: not recommended · Uber: 18 to 30 min
  • 4.7 approx.
  • Check the official website
  • Time needed: 1.5 to 2.5 h
  • Best time: morning
SNeighborhoods

Santa Teresa

about 9 km · $$

Art studios, bars, viewpoints and a more bohemian Rio.

  • Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
  • Walk: not recommended · Uber: 25 to 45 min
  • 4.6 approx.
  • Best during the day
  • Time needed: 2 h to half a day
  • Best time: lunch or late afternoon
LNightlife

Lapa

about 8 km · $$

Samba, bars, live music and one of the hubs of Rio nightlife.

  • Lapa, Rio de Janeiro
  • Walk: not recommended · Uber: 20 to 35 min
  • 4.5 approx.
  • Evenings; varies by venue
  • Time needed: 2 h to all night
  • Best time: Friday or Saturday night
PHikes and viewpoints

Pedra Bonita

about 16 km · $

An accessible hike with an amazing view. Bring sneakers and water.

  • São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro
  • Walk: not recommended · Uber: 35 to 60 min
  • 4.8 approx.
  • Go in the morning; check conditions
  • Time needed: 3 to 4 h
  • Best time: early morning
TNature

Tijuca Forest / Vista Chinesa

about 14 km · $

Nature, viewpoints and a greener side of Rio.

  • Parque Nacional da Tijuca
  • Walk: not recommended · Uber: 35 to 60 min
  • 4.7 approx.
  • Check park conditions
  • Time needed: 2 to 4 h
  • Best time: morning