What to Do in Rio de Janeiro | Top Attractions Near Leblon

What to Do in Rio de Janeiro, Top Attractions Near Leblon

Looking for what to do in Rio de Janeiro? the answer is: everything! Explore beaches, landmarks, culture, and restaurants near Leblon. Discover Rio’s best attractions and local favorites.

Staying in Leblon gives you the best of both worlds, an elegant seaside neighborhood, peaceful and safe, yet close to the heart of the city.

Recognized by UNESCO in 2012, Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes Between the Mountain and the Sea celebrates the city’s harmony between nature and urban life. Donatas Dabravolskas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro — The Marvelous City: What to Do, See, and Experience

From world-famous beaches to iconic mountains and samba-filled nights, Rio blends natural beauty, vibrant culture, and pure energy.

Here’s your complete guide on what to do in Rio de Janeiro, especially around the elegant Leblon neighborhood, where everything is close and unforgettable.

1. Relax on Rio’s Most Beautiful Beaches

One of the top things in any list of what to do in Rio de Janeiro is to enjoy its beaches, each with its own charm.

• Leblon Beach – peaceful, stylish, and ideal for long walks and sunsets.

How to get there: Walk straight from Leblon neighborhood or take Metro Line 4 → Antero de Quental Station.

Facilities: Beach chairs, kiosks, showers, lifeguards.

Best time: Sunset (around 5–6 pm).

Mariordo, Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Ipanema Beach – iconic, social, and perfect for beach bars and volleyball.

Nearest metro: Nossa Senhora da Paz (Line 4).

Tips: Posto 9 is the most famous meeting point; Sundays have a great street fair at Praça General Osório.

Fronteira, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Copacabana Beach – lively and legendary, with miles of golden sand.

How to get there: Metro Line 1 → Cardeal Arcoverde or Siqueira Campos.

Opening hours: Open all day; avoid late night walks on the sand.

Don’t miss: The Copacabana Fort and the mosaic promenade.

Wilfredor, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Joatinga Beach – a secret paradise between cliffs, great for surfers and photographers.

Access: By car/Uber (20 min from Leblon) — stairs down a cliff, so wear sandals or sneakers.

Best time: Low tide (check tide times).

Good for: Surfing and photography.

VinnyWiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

All are within 10–20 minutes from Leblon, so you can enjoy a different view of the ocean every day.

2. Must-See Landmarks and Viewpoints

Another unmissable part of what to do in Rio de Janeiro is discovering its breathtaking landmarks:

• Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado) – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, visible right from your balcony in Leblon.

How to go: Take the official train from Cosme Velho Station (Trem do Corcovado).

Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily.

Nearest metro: Largo do Machado (then Uber/taxi).

Tip: Visit early morning for fewer crowds and clear skies.

Christ the Redeemer (Corcovado) side view – showing Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Ipanema and Leblon beach. Mucio Scorzelli, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Sugarloaf Mountain – ride the cable car for the best panoramic views in the city.

Tickets: bondinho.com.br.

Opening hours: 8 am – 9 pm.

Nearest metro: Botafogo (then 10 min Uber).

Tip: Go one hour before sunset for magical light.

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Acúcar), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Wilfredo Rafael Rodriguez Hernandez, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas – ideal for jogging, biking, or paddle boating surrounded by mountains.

Activities: Biking, jogging, paddle boats, cafés.

Access: 10 min walk from Leblon Beach.

Tip: Rent a bike from Bike Rio stations and cycle around the lagoon.

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon at Night. Donatas Dabravolskas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Mirante do Leblon – a local viewpoint that offers postcard-perfect sunsets.

How to go: Walk south along Leblon Beach to the rocky end.

Opening hours: 24 hours.

Perfect for: Photos of Ipanema and Two Brothers Hill (Morro Dois Irmãos).

Viewpoint – Ipanema and Arpoador Beach seen from Leblon Lookout. Frederico Reichert Machado Neto, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Leblon Lookout – View of the Two Brothers Cliff. VinnyWiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Culture, Music & Nightlife

When planning what to do in Rio de Janeiro at night, there’s no shortage of rhythm and charm.

• Lapa – Rio’s nightlife center with samba, live music, and dancing until dawn.

How to go: Metro Line 1 → Cinelândia.

Best time: After 8 pm (Friday & Saturday).

Tip: Try the iconic Rio Scenarium bar for music and dancing.

Lapa Arches Rio de Janeiro. Claudiorgs, claudio Gonçalves, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Selaron staircase (in Lapa) to go up to Santa Teresa. Donatas Dabravolskas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Santa Teresa – a bohemian neighborhood with art studios, cafés, and colonial houses.

How to go: Take the tram (bondinho) from Centro or Uber up the hill.

Tip: Visit the Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) for photos.

Santa Teresa tram (Bonde de Santa Teresa) in the Santa Teresa neighborhood. LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) – futuristic architecture meets sustainability and science.

Location: Praça Mauá.

Hours: Tue – Sun, 10 am – 6 pm.

Nearest metro: Uruguaiana.

Tickets: museudoamanha.org.br.

The Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. Florent Pécassou, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• MAR – Rio Art Museum – a must-see for contemporary art lovers.

Next to: Museum of Tomorrow, same area.

Hours: Tue – Sun, 11 am – 6 pm.

Combined ticket: Save money with joint entry.

Rio Museum of Art (Museu de Arte do Rio – MAR) located near the Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã), this cultural landmark combines two historic buildings linked by a modern footbridge. Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Parque Lage (Public Park & Café)

Tip: A beautiful park at the foot of Corcovado Mountain, known for its historic mansion, art school (Escola de Artes Visuais), and tropical gardens, a great spot for photos with the Christ the Redeemer in the background.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Free entry.
How to get there: Take a taxi, Uber, or bus to Rua Jardim Botânico, 414 – Jardim Botânico. It’s about 10 minutes from Ipanema or Leblon.

Courtyard of Parque Lage with Tijuca Forest and Corcovado Mountain in the background. Wilfredor, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

• Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro (Botanical Garden)

Tip: One of the most peaceful places in Rio, the Jardim Botânico features over 6,000 species of plants, royal palm trees, orchids, and quiet shaded paths, perfect for a morning stroll.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission around R$ 70 for foreigners (check latest price).
How to get there: Located next to Parque Lage — walk (10 min), take a short taxi, or ride bus lines stopping at Rua Jardim Botânico, 1008.

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden with Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer in the background. JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Rio Carnival

If you’re lucky enough to visit in February, don’t miss Rio Carnival, the world’s biggest party.

When thinking about what to do in Rio de Janeiro, Rio Carnival is an absolute must-see. This world-famous festival transforms the city into a sea of color, music, and dance, samba schools parade through the iconic Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí, captivating millions of visitors from around the globe.

Devlamahler, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

• When: February/March (dates vary).
• Where: Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí.
• Tickets: Buy early at Liesa Carnival.
• Local tip: Book your accommodation early, hotels in Leblon and Ipanema fill up fast.

From dazzling costumes to rhythmic samba beats, Rio Carnival is more than a festival, it’s the heartbeat of Brazil.

(Raphael David/Agência Brasil), CC BY 3.0 BR, via Wikimedia Commons

5. Where to Eat and Shop in Leblon

Food and fashion are essential parts of what to do in Rio de Janeiro, especially in Leblon:

• Sushi Leblon – one of Rio’s most famous restaurants.

High-end Japanese, open 12 pm – midnight.

• Sìsì Cucina – elegant Italian restaurant, fresh handmade pasta, great wines

Only 2 min walk from Monsieur Le Blond. Relaxed yet refined. Open Sun–Thu 12–5 pm / 6–11 pm, Fri–Sat 12–5 pm / 6–12 am.

• Zazá Bistrô Tropical – colorful, creative, and perfect for dinner.

Cozy fusion restaurant near Ipanema, open Tue – Sun, 6 pm – 11 pm.

• Shopping Leblon – luxury shopping and rooftop cafés.

Luxury brands and rooftop restaurants, 10 am – 10 pm.

• Rio Design Leblon – elegant mix of Brazilian and international brands.

Brazilian design shops and cafés, 10 am – 10 pm.

• Beach kiosks – enjoy coconut water, açaí bowls, and grilled cheese while people-watching.

Open daily from sunrise to sunset, perfect for água de coco or açaí.

6. Getting Around Rio de Janeiro

To make the most of what to do in Rio de Janeiro, move around easily:

• Metro: The Antero de Quental Station in Leblon connects directly to Ipanema, Copacabana, and Downtown. Line 4 connects Leblon to Ipanema, Copacabana, Botafogo, and Downtown.
• Uber / 99: Safe, affordable, and widely used.
• Taxi: Always choose official (blue-plated) vehicles.
• Tip: Keep your phone secure and use cards or digital wallets for convenience.
• Bike Rio: Rent bikes via app for short rides around Lagoa and beaches.
• Airport tips: Use Uber from GIG (Intl) or SDU (Domestic) — about 30–45 min to Leblon.

7. Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

If you’re looking for where to stay while exploring what to do in Rio de Janeiro, choose comfort and location:

👉 Chic 1 BR Apartment in Leblon with Corcovado View
Stay steps from the beach, with a private balcony and stunning views of Christ the Redeemer — modern design, fast Wi-Fi, and 24/7 security included.

8. Final Tip — Enjoy Rio at Your Own Pace

• Rio de Janeiro is not just a destination; it’s a feeling.
• Take time to explore its beaches, hike its hills, and connect with its people.
• Whether you’re admiring the sunrise from Leblon Beach or watching the sunset from Arpoador, you’ll understand why locals call it Cidade Maravilhosa — the Marvelous City.

Remember, the secret of what to do in Rio de Janeiro is simple, live like a local, embrace the joy, and let the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) surprise you.

And if you’re lucky enough to be in Rio during the holidays, don’t miss the magic of New Year’s Eve on Copacabana Beach, one of the most spectacular celebrations in the world.
Every December 31, over two million people dressed in white gather along the shore to welcome the new year with music, fireworks, and the joyful Carioca spirit that defines Rio de Janeiro.

Your adventure in Rio starts here, and who knows, maybe your next sunrise will be the first of a brand-new year in the Marvelous City.

New Year’s Eve fireworks in Copacabana. Cesar Vieira, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons