Rio de Janeiro is a state with many incredible cities, historic destinations, waterfalls, beautiful beaches, great cuisine, trails, and stunning parks. To help you explore Brazil’s most famous state, we’ve compiled a list of the best cities to visit in Rio de Janeiro State.
Discover the cities in Rio de Janeiro State
The best beach cities to visit in Rio de Janeiro are: Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, Paraty, Búzios, Arraial do Cabo, Cabo Frio, and the Capital (Rio de Janeiro).
For those who enjoy trails and waterfalls, the best cities to visit in Rio de Janeiro are: Paraty, Ilha Grande, Visconde de Mauá, Petrópolis, and Teresópolis.
The top winter cities in Rio de Janeiro are: Petrópolis, Teresópolis, and Penedo.
The most touristic cities in Rio de Janeiro are: Paraty, the Capital (Rio de Janeiro), and Búzios.
The best cities for those who enjoy parties are the Capital (Rio de Janeiro) and Búzios.
1. Rio de Janeiro: The most famous tourist attractions
Rio de Janeiro is the capital of the state and the main city to visit. It is the most famous city in Brazil, known for its grand tourist attractions like Pão de Acuçar (Sugarloaf Mountain) and Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), its vibrant and lively atmosphere, world-renowned beaches, and incredible hotels.
Rio de Janeiro is a city with many tourist spots, great bars and restaurants, cool parties, trails, viewpoints, and much more. For first-time visitors, the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are a must-see, along with visits to Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
For those who enjoy nightlife, a visit to Lapa, Bafo da Prainha, and Mureta da Urca is essential. And for adventurers, the city’s trails, such as Pedra do Telégrafo (Telegraph Stone), Pedra Bonita (Beautiful Stone), and Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Hill), await you.
There are countless things to do in Rio de Janeiro, and for those planning to travel during Carnival, you can enjoy the street parades (street carnival), the samba school parades, and all the energy and joy of the carnival season.
2. Búzios: The most lively resort town
Búzios is a favorite destination among Argentinians and many Brazilians. Located in the Região dos Lagos, 174 kilometers (108 miles) from the capital, its main attraction is its beaches.
The beaches of Búzios are beautiful, though the waters are quite cold (though not as cold as Arraial do Cabo). Besides the beaches, the city has a charming downtown, including the famous Rua das Pedras (Stone Street) and Orla Bardot, where you’ll find various cool shops, bars, and restaurants.
The local cuisine is excellent, especially the seafood, which is the specialty of most restaurants. If you enjoy dining at good restaurants, be sure to visit Porto da Barra and take the opportunity to watch the sunset there.
For those who love to party, the nights in Búzios are very lively. In addition to bars, the city has some nightclubs, like Privillege and Zapata, which keep the parties going until dawn.
The most beautiful beaches in Búzios are João Fernandes, Azeda and Azedinha, Ferradura, and Ferradurinha. The city also offers great areas and hotels for accommodations.
Hotels in Búzios, Rio de Janeiro.
3. Paraty: Best historic city
Paraty is another must-visit city in Rio de Janeiro state with beautiful beaches, located on the Costa Verde, 240 kilometers (149 miles) from the capital (a 4-hour drive) and 96 kilometers (59.65 miles) from Angra dos Reis (a 1 hour and 40-minute drive).
Paraty is a city that offers it all: stunning beaches, islands that look like they’ve come straight out of a movie, waterfalls, trails, rich history, beautiful architecture, and great cuisine. All of this is accompanied by a good dose of cachaça (a typical Brazilian distilled alcoholic drink), as the city is an important producer of artisanal cachaça.
In addition to all its natural beauty, Paraty boasts a very charming old town with colorful colonial houses and cobblestone streets. After a day of beach outings and tours, a stop in the Old Town is a must. In the downtown, you’ll find many shops with beautiful handcrafted items, as well as excellent restaurants and bars.
In Paraty, you must try the famous Gabriela cachaça and the Caipigabriela (a local version of the caipirinha). For a complete experience, stay in one of the charming inns in the Old Town.
Hotels in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro.
4. Ilha Grande: Beautiful and pristine beaches
Ilha Grande is located 160 kilometers (99.41 miles) from the capital of Rio de Janeiro and is part of Angra dos Reis. This is a favorite destination for those traveling to Angra dos Reis, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, numerous trails, and lush forests.
Ilha Grande is the largest island in Rio de Janeiro, but its population is quite small, meaning that most of the island is well-preserved.
This is not a destination for luxurious accommodations; here, you will find simple inns, cozy restaurants, and abundant nature. It’s a place where you can walk barefoot in the sand, appreciate the natural surroundings, and enjoy the joy and simplicity of island life.
5. Angra dos Reis: A Rio de Janeiro cities with paradise islands
Angra dos Reis is the base city for those planning to visit Ilha Grande. Ferries and tours to the island depart from here. This is a destination with more luxurious accommodations and restaurants and is one of the best cities to visit in Rio de Janeiro.
So, if you prefer not to embrace a simpler lifestyle, stay in Angra dos Reis and visit Ilha Grande just to explore the beaches. In addition to its incredible hotels, Angra also offers vacation rentals, including luxurious mansions on the region’s paradise islands.
The main attraction in Angra dos Reis is its beaches, including those on Ilha Grande and other nearby islands. From Angra, it’s also very easy and quick to reach Paraty by car or boat. However, the best way to explore Angra dos Reis is by renting a boat or booking tours.
6. Arraial do Cabo: Affordable destination with beautiful beaches
Arraial do Cabo is a great city in Rio de Janeiro for those looking to save money, as it is an affordable destination (except for beachside prices, which can be quite high). The city is located in the Região dos Lagos, 161 kilometers (100 miles) from Rio de Janeiro’s capital and just 36 kilometers (22.36 miles) from Búzios.
Arraial do Cabo is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters, which resemble the beaches of the Caribbean. The only downside is the water temperature, which is very cold, especially at Grande Beach.
The city doesn’t offer much beyond beaches and a few trails, but it doesn’t need to, as the beauty of the water and the white sands are more than enough attractions. The most beautiful beaches in Arraial do Cabo are Forno Beach, Farol Beach, and Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia.
If you’re visiting the city for the first time, don’t miss the boat tour. For diving enthusiasts, this is one of the best regions in the world. Additionally, Arraial do Cabo is a simple city, so don’t expect to find luxurious hotels and inns.
7. Cabo Frio: Popular city in the Região dos Lagos
Cabo Frio is located between Búzios and Arraial do Cabo and is another city in Rio de Janeiro State with beautiful beaches. If you prefer not to stay in Cabo Frio, you can opt for a day trip from Búzios or Arraial do Cabo.
The beaches of Cabo Frio share similar characteristics with those of Arraial do Cabo, featuring turquoise waters and cold seas. However, the beaches in Arraial do Cabo are generally considered more picturesque.
As a larger city, Cabo Frio offers both lively spots, like Forte Beach, and quieter areas, such as Bairro da Passagem, where you can find the Old Town of Cabo Frio.
When visiting the city, be sure to check out Ilha do Japonês (Japanese Island), a postcard-perfect location known for its shallow and crystal-clear waters.
8. Penedo: The only Finnish Village in Brazil
Penedo is located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, 180 kilometers (111.8 miles) from the capital (a 2-hour and 30-minute drive). It is one of the most popular winter cities in Rio de Janeiro State.
Known as “Little Finland,” Penedo was colonized by Finns and is the only Finnish village in Brazil. The town preserves some of Finland’s architecture and culture, making it a great destination in Rio de Janeiro to explore.
The main attraction in Penedo is its charming downtown, the Finnish Village. However, the area also offers other attractions, such as trails and waterfalls. Some of the region’s famous waterfalls include Cachoeira das Três Bacias (Three Basins Waterfall), Cachoeira de Deus (God’s Waterfall), and Três Cachoeiras (Three Waterfalls).
Just 30 minutes from Penedo, you’ll find Serrinha do Alambari, another destination with beautiful waterfalls.
9. Petrópolis: Nature and mild climate close to the Capital
Petrópolis is one of the best cities to visit in Rio de Janeiro during the winter. Located just 70 kilometers (43.49 miles) from the capital, in the mountainous region, it offers a cooler climate, even in the summer.
Petrópolis was once chosen by D. Pedro and his family during the Empire as a retreat to escape the heat of Rio de Janeiro. As a result, the city is rich in historical references and attractions, such as the Museu Imperial (Imperial Museum), the Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), the Casa de Santos Dumon (Santos Dumont House), the Palácio Rio Negro (Rio Negro Palace), and the Catedral de São Pedro de Alcântara (Cathedral of St. Peter of Alcantara).
The city’s architecture and tree-lined streets also enhance its beauty. In addition to the charming downtown and historical tours, Petrópolis offers natural attractions, such as the Parque Nacional Serra dos Órgãos (Serra dos Órgãos National Park), with its trails and viewpoints.
10. Teresópolis: Trails and natural landscapes near the Capital
Teresópolis is located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, 100 kilometers (62.13 miles) from the capital and close to Petrópolis. Like other cities in the mountainous region, Teresópolis enjoys mild temperatures, making it an excellent winter destination in Rio de Janeiro.
Teresópolis is a peaceful city with beautiful landscapes, a cool climate, great cuisine, and plenty of trails and waterfalls. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to relax, visit some waterfalls, and appreciate the local scenery.
Most activities in Teresópolis involve trails and waterfalls, with the most famous tourist attraction being the Serra dos Órgãos National Park. Teresópolis is also part of the Beer Route, so take the opportunity to visit the region’s breweries.
11. Visconde de Mauá: A city with many waterfalls
Visconde de Mauá is located 200 kilometers (124.27 miles) (a 3-hour drive) from the capital, Rio de Janeiro, on the border with Minas Gerais. This region is composed of three villages: Visconde de Mauá, Maromba, and Maringá.
The main attractions of the area are ecotourism activities and the local cuisine. For waterfall enthusiasts, this is one of the best cities to visit in Rio de Janeiro.
Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Visconde de Mauá include Cachoeira do Escorrega (Slide waterfall), Cachoeira do Poção (Poção Waterfall), Cachoeira da Santa Clara (Santa Clara Waterfall), and Cachoeira do Marimbondo (Marimbondo Waterfall). In addition to the waterfalls, the region offers various trails and excellent restaurants.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO RIO DE JANEIRO
Book your hotel in Rio de Janeiro in advance
To ensure the best stay in Rio de Janeiro, we recommend using Booking or Hotels.com, reservation sites we trust for all our trips. With a wide selection of hotels and the best available rates, you will find the perfect option for your stay, ensuring an incredible and economical travel experience. Our favorite hotels in Rio de Janeiro are:
- Copacabana Palace – Capital of Rio de Janeiro
- Pousada Literária – Paraty
- A concept Hotel – Búzios
- Hotel Fasano – Angra dos Reis
For greater convenience, rent a car in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a wonderful destination to explore by car, offering stunning landscapes and charming cities. If your plan is to explore more than one city and maximize your comfort and freedom, renting a car is the ideal choice. The companies we recommend for car rentals are Discover Cars and Rental Cars.
Book your tours and experiences
Planning your tours in advance can save you a lot of time during your trip. Imagine being able to book all your activities directly from the comfort of your home and even pay with your credit card. The companies we use and recommend for booking tours and buying tickets are Viator, Civitatis, and Get Your Guide.