Best things to do in Rio de Janeiro 2024

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Snap a photo on Escadaria Selarón open image in gallery Escadaria Selarón was created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón and has cemented itself as a landmark of Rio De Janeiro Escadaria selarón, also known as the ‘Lapa Steps’, is one of the city’s most-loved attractions due to its vibrant colours, which are highly Instagrammable. Visit during Carnival open image in gallery Brazil’s Carnival celebrations date back to 1723 Few places in the world party like Rio does during Carnival. Hike up Sugarloaf Mountain open image in gallery This peak is named after its resemblance to a sugarloaf Another symbol of the city, the 396-metre tall Sugarloaf Mountain stands with the Redeemer and Copacabana as the unofficial trinity of Rio’s must-see sites. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens or the Parque Lage open image in gallery The Botanic Gardens were created by Brazil’s Prince Regent in 1808 Rio’s parks and gardens provide an oasis of calm in a sometimes dizzying city, away from hectic traffic and hedonistic parties.