Lonely PlanetOct 9, 2026
15 Best Things to Do in Brazil
Nature and wildlife, Carnaval and street parties, and incredible food – here are the experiences you shouldn
22 things in this story
- Christ the Redeemer statueAttractionAdmire the Rio skyline from this 710m-high statue.
- CarnavalFestivalCelebrate in Rio or Olinda with samba, frevo, maracatu, or afoxé.
- Ipanema BeachSightPeople enjoying the water.
- Pão de AçúcarSightOffers spectacular 360-degree views of Rio de Janeiro.
- Parque Nacional da TijucaTrailHikes offer breathtaking views from Pico da Tijuca and Pedra da Gávea.
- Maracanã StadiumSightLegendary stadium that hosted World Cup final and Olympic ceremonies.
- SambódromoSightParade down this venue during Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro.
- Elsewhere
- Ilha GrandeSightAngra dos Reis, BrazilIsland with warm seas and white sandy beaches fringed by forest.
- Beco do BatmanAttractionSão Paulo, BrazilTop spot for street art and a tourist honeypot.
- Iguaçu FallsSightFoz do Iguaçu, BrazilGet soaked by 1.5 million liters of water pouring over the edge.
- PantanalSightCuiabá, BrazilTrack jaguars in the expansive wetlands.
- Parque das AvesZooFoz do Iguaçu, BrazilSanctuary where visitors can feed the birds.
- Itaipú DamSightFoz do Iguaçu, BrazilWorld's second-largest dam, accessible via Brazil or Paraguay.
- IlhabelaPlaceSão Sebastião, BrazilIsland combining good restaurants, beaches, and cozy guest houses.
- Ilha do MelPlaceParanaguá, BrazilRemote island with a lighthouse, fort, and caves to explore.
- BoipebaPlaceCairu, BrazilIsland with over 20km of palm-lined beaches and a castaway vibe.
- Praia do RosaNeighborhoodImbituba, BrazilTop surf destination where southern right whales breed in winter.
- Pacaembu StadiumSightSão Paulo, BrazilArt deco jewel with a soccer museum underneath.
- Superagui National ParkTrailGuaraqueçaba, BrazilMangroves and salt marshes with scarlet ibis and parrots.
- Sebui nature reserveNature reserveGuaraqueçaba, BrazilAtlantic Forest species fill the skies at sunset.
- MinhoçãoNeighborhoodSão Paulo, BrazilRoad closed to traffic, perfect for strolling and admiring artwork.
- Museu Aberto de Arte UrbanaMuseumSão Paulo, BrazilOpen museum of urban art on huge columns under a metro line.
