How to Spend THREE DAYS in Rio de Janeiro: An Ideal 3-Day Itinerary

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Rio de Janeiro is a world-famous city not only for being breathtakingly beautiful but also culturally rich and full of amazing things to do. It is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Brazil! You’ve come here in search of the best things to do during 3 days in Rio, and boy, are we going to deliver. We’ve spent a lot of time in Rio and are well-versed on the best things to see and do in one of our favorite cities in South America.

Sure, we’ve highlighted the “big hitter” attractions in this blog – infamous sights like Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana Beach, and Sugarloaf Mountain. But we’ll also peel back the layers so that you can experience the REAL Rio de Janeiro in all its captivating glory. We’ve included some off-the-beaten-path activities on this 3-day itinerary, too, such as a samba party at the historic Pedra do Sal and a wander through Tijuca National Park in an open-top jeep.

You’ll read about our favorite foodie spots in a city renowned for its food (hello Brazilian BBQ!), get an insight into the absolute best tours in Rio, and, in short, enjoy experiences that are not on most Rio itineraries. So let’s get started!

Don’t have time to read the full article? Three days in Rio de Janeiro is just enough time to scratch the surface of this vibrant city! Day one has you exploring the best beaches and hopping on a tour through the lush Tijuca National Park. On day two, you’ll tick off Rio’s top attractions, like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf on a full-day-guided tour. And for your final day, we have a jam-packed itinerary starting with a helicopter flight over the city and ending with a samba show!

Day 1

Morning – Visit Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach 

Epic beaches and Rio de Janeiro go hand-in-hand, and this coastal city…