10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Rio de Janeiro

Rio’s Jardim Botanico, spanning 338 acres of lush gardens, is one of the city’s largest parks. Founded in 1808, there are over 6,500 plant species, as well as exotic animals such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles. More than 15,000 specimens of rare bromeliads are kept in 2 greenhouses and tree-beds at the arboretum, while the Japanese Garden houses 65 species of native plants and Japanese koi carp. Children get to play with wooden toys and sandboxes at the onsite playground, while parents get to enjoy light snacks and drinks at the nearby Café Botanica.

Parque Lage is an English-style garden dating back to the 1840s. Surrounded by the Tijuca Forest, this 128-acre green space is decorated with beautiful fountains, walking paths, and colorful plants. The most impressive highlight is the majestic 19th-century mansion, which houses an art school and café overlooking a courtyard pool and surrounding foliage. Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage (Visual Arts School) hosts art exhibitions, youth programs, and music concerts in conjunction with national celebrations.

Pedra Bonita (Pretty Rock) is a hiking trail that takes around 40 minutes to reach its summit, where you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of Tijuca Forest, Pedra da Gávea Mountain, and the surrounding ocean. The trail is relatively easy, as there's a stone path leading most of the way up to Pedra Bonita. If you’re feeling adventurous, Pedra Bonita also serves as the base point for paragliding and hang-gliding.

Cachoeira do Horto is a natural waterfall within Tijuca National Park. It has 3 rock pools surrounded by tall trees and exotic vegetation, and is a popular escape from Rio’s often crowded beaches. The relatively easy hike to the waterfall takes between 10 and 15 minutes from Tijuca National Park’s main entrance. Remember to pack sunscreen and a bathing suit before making your way to Cachoeira do Horto. After swimming in the pools, you get to embark on other hiking trails within the park, or head to the oriental-style gazebo Vista Chinesa for views of Lagoa. 

Sugarloaf Mountain, with its impressive height of 396 meters, offers breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro and its iconic Christ the Redeemer. There are many hiking trails leading to the summit, but traveling by cable car is the fastest way. The glass gondola departs from its ground station on Praia Vermelha Beach, stopping halfway at Morro da Urca, before it reaches the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. A one-way trip takes about 6 minutes, giving you time to enjoy the panoramic lookout over the city and ocean.

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is a natural lake in Rio de Janeiro’s southern zone, about 4 km west of Copacabana Beach. It’s surrounded by some of the city’s most beautiful landscapes, including Rio’s Botanical Garden and Parque Lage. You get to walk or cycle along the 7.2 kilometer pathway encircling the lake, or simply share a picnic on the lakefront. On rainy days, you could make your way to nearby Cinépolis theatre to watch a movie and stay dry.

Ilha Grande (Big Island) is about a 30-minute boat ride from Rio de Janeiro, but its untouched setting is worth the extra effort and time it takes to get there. Located 150 km west of Copacabana, this car-free island boasts some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. It’s also popular among hikers as there are several trails with various difficulty levels. The most challenging hiking trail leads to Pico do Papagaio, which stands at 1,000 meters. If you prefer a more leisurely retreat, spend a day sunbathing and swimming at Lopes Mendes Beach.

Joatinga is a secluded beach in the affluent Joa district, where you can find many luxurious villas, vacation homes, and resorts set along the clifftops. The beach is only accessible during low tide, spanning around 300 meters in length. Locals often make their way to Joatinga for activities such as surfing and bodyboarding, though you may be able to spot some celebrities lounging on the beach. You can rent sun chairs and umbrellas for a few euros, or simply pack a blanket before making your way to Joatinga.

Pedra do Sal – also called Small Africa – is the birthplace of samba, with live bands livening up the streets with music and dance every Monday evening. Located 1.5 km north of central Rio de Janeiro, this historical village has a thriving African culture dating back to the early 17th century. Today, it’s a popular spot to enjoy caipirinhas (Brazil's national cocktail) and see locals dancing samba until late.

Rio de Janeiro’s eclectic dining scene is best enjoyed on the beach, especially in Ipanema and Copacabana. These dining venues often have outdoor seating, where you get to enjoy a variety of fresh seafood with the sound of crashing waves in the background. If you’re looking for a romantic night out on Ipanema Beach, notable spots include Fazendola, Gabbiano Al Mare, and Fasano.