Rio de Janeiro is a stunning city in Brazil. It has all of the usual attractions like beautiful vistas, beaches, mountains, and lots of fun things to keep you entertained. However, Rio has a lot more to offer, especially if you are willing to get out of the centre. Here are the best day trips from Rio de Janeiro.
Table of Contents
1. Visit Minas Gerais
There are some great day trips to Minas Gerais. You can drive to Petropolis, one of the most famous cities in Brazil. It is home to the second oldest surviving building in the Americas, The Monastery of Saint Caetano.
You could also drive all the way to Mantiqueira, the city that was built under the British Governor. Or if you don’t want to drive, then visit Canoa Quebrada, a great spot for hiking, swimming and climbing.
See Related: Best Day Trips from Jaipur, India
2. Visit Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande is a 14km long island in the bay of Rio de Janeiro. It is a perfect spot for a day out. The best way to do this is to take a boat from the city center. You could also try catching a ferry from Barra do Piraí.
See Related: Best Day Trips from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3. Visit Niterói
Niterói is a little over an hour away from Rio de Janeiro. You can visit Vila Isabel, part of the city’s downtown area. It’s a great spot to go for a stroll and grab a brunch and a coffee.
You could also visit other parts of the city including Parque Lage, Parque Internacional de Niterói, Boa Viagem, and Largo do Barra da Tijuca.
See Related: Best Day Trips from Jerusalem
4. Visit São Paulo
São Paulo is only a 3-and-a-half-hour drive from Rio de Janeiro. Of course, there are attractions that you would normally visit, such as Corcovado Mountain, Santos Dumont Airport and Parque do Ibirapuera. However, there are plenty of other places worth visiting, such as Paulista Avenue, Selaróna Park, Avenida Paulista, and Rua Augusta.
See Related: Best Day Trips from Park City Utah
5. Head over to Maracana
Maracana is the most famous stadium in the world. It is the site of the 1950 FIFA World Cup Final and is home to many sports, including the 2014 FIFA Confederations Cup. Just up the road is Riocentro, a shopping center hosting many stores and events.
Related Resources