There are so many things to do. omg.

1. First of all, Carnival! there will be pop up music, parties, and blocos all over the city. Plans will be shifting and evolving so jump in and out as your energy/ intrest draws you and stay hydrated.

2. Hikes!

Pão de Açucar is the famous sugar loaf mountain with a cable car (teleferico) that you've seen in photos. You can only get to the top top with the teleferico (which is a little pricey), but you can hike to the smaller mountain still and achieve 360 views that include Pão de Açucar. If you go here, may as well check out Praia Vermelho, the little beach there (more detail in Beaches section below).

Hike to Cristo from Parque Lage. jungle, monkeys, iconic views, lots of elevation (start early, this hike is moderately tough).

Dois Irmãos is a fairly short hike that starts at the top of Vidigal (take a moto taxi up to the trailhead) incredible 360 views of the City, great selfie opp.

Pedra da Gavea is perhaps the best hike near the city that I know of. Take an Uber (or bus if you're bold). Lots of jungle and some light scrambling. Not a beginner hike.       

Cachoeira do Horto is a jungle waterfall in the Jardim Botanico neighborhood. This ones pretty easy. you could uber right to the water, in theory, but the walk up the park road is very beautiful and you will quickly lose the sounds of the city. once you get there, climb up! The higher you go, the more private the waterfall will become... (bonus: La Biciclette is a french style cafe on the way)

3. Beaches! ok so your not here to hike, thats ok! there are lots of great beaches. The main beach starts at Leblon and connects Ipanema, Copacabana, and Lemy. All are beautiful, but Copa beach will be the most crowded. A great bike/ walking path connects them all.

At the base of Vidigal is a lovely little beach that we call Prainha (little beach). Prainha is a bit more quiet and more local.

Praia Vermelha may appeal to the Nostalgic crowd. Sat at the base of Pão de Açucar, and its teleferico, and with an old colonial era military base on one side, you might feel back in time at this beautiful little beach.

if you want more adventure, there are endless beaches put side the city. One great destination is Ilha Grande, take a bus down the stunning coast, and eventually a boat out to the little island and you can enjoy all (or some) of the glories of Pirate Life, with none of the downsides!

4. Parks in the city. There are so many: Parque Lage, Parque Guinle, Lagoa, Jardim Botanico, Aterro do Flamengo/ Flamengo Beach, Parque das Ruinas, and many more small parks and green spaces.

5. Category?!?

Feira da Gloria is a great farmers market on Sunday mornings. If you forget to sleep on Saturday, dont bother! just go straight to the veg.

Uruguaiana is a multi block, open/ closed market where you can find a lot of wierd knockoffs and trinquets. Its a lot more tame than it used to be sad

:( But! walk to Confeitaria Columbo for some pretty dense old streets.

Bondinho is a cute, old timey cable car (think Porto, Portugal or San Francisco!) that goes from Centro/ Lapa to Santa Teresa. Fun, slow little ride with beautiful scenery.

Lapa (this neighborhood has in section in the "places to stay" tab). Lapa is a famous night life neighborhood. Check out the Arcos, Escaderia Selaron, get a tall Caipirinha from Fatima, get Gabriela from Academia da Cachaça, or grab a table outside somewhere and get a plate of shareables (gurjão de frango!?).