25 Free Things To Do In Rio De Janeiro
Street mural by Eduardo Kobra|© Agência Brasil Fotografias/Flickr
Rio de Janeiro is rich in culture and riddled with iconic monuments. Whilst some places are priced based on the conception of wealthy tourists, there are plenty of cool things to do around and about that are completely free and allow you to dive straight into the diversity and fun of this incredible city.
Ponder over our planet’s future and the possibilities ahead at the Museum of Tomorrow, free to enter on Tuesdays.
Browse through Brazil’s most important literary collections at the National Library of Brazil, the largest library in Latin America.
The inside of the Royal Portuguese Reading Room | © Edu Mendes
Get a bird’s-eye view of the city by setting off on any of these hikes.
Experience the largest urban rainforest in the world at Tijuca Forest.
Bathe under a calming waterfall in a secret spot surrounded by the nature and peace of Tijuca forest.
Stroll around Lagoa, Rio’s most beautiful lake in the south of the city and keep an eye out for a capybara or two.
Reenergize at Parque Lage, a stunning mansion surrounded by tranquil forests, monkeys chattering and birds singing.
Sunset at Arpoador | © vana/Flickr
Listen To Music
Pedra do Sal represents samba in Rio de Janeiro, so head to the city center and listen to the samba classics outdoors with a mass of other samba lovers.
Get swept up in samba dancing and forro swinging at Arco de Teles, where live bands play out on the streets to those looking to let their hair down.
Mosey down the side of Ipanema beach to listen to the live bands that pop up in the evenings, especially on the weekends when a rock band plays near Arpoador.
Let loose and dance to samba at Mais que Nada in Copacabana, where on Wednesdays they have a live samba band with free entry.
Grab a football and start a game with a group of budding Brazilian footballers next to the shore — there will always be people keen to play.
Yoga on the beach | © Lets Go Out/Flickr
Walk along the world’s largest street mural by Eduardo Kobra in the city center.
Street mural by Eduardo Kobra | © Agência Brasil Fotografias/Flickr
Reenact Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams from their single ‘Beautiful’ at the famous Lapa steps, Escadaria Selaron.
Enjoy the quiet of the day or the street parties of the night under the Acros de Lapa, the big white arches in Rio’s nightlife district.
Stroll along the antiques and vintage items that take you back to Rio’s past at Feira Rio Antigo.
Escadaria selaron | © Adelano Lázaro/WikiCommons