15 Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro for Less Than $15

“What can I do in Rio de Janeiro?”

Good question. But that list would be as long as the line outside Sugarloaf on a Saturday (yikes), so let’s focus on the best things you can do in Rio for under $15 instead.

This isn’t your average top 15 list, either. While you get typical items, like spending an afternoon on Ipanema Beach, I’ll also give you the hidden gems I love, like Palácio do Catete and Ilha da Gigóia.

Ready to find out what else you can do for under $15 apart from watching soccer games at bars? Here comes a more immersive way to travel on a budget in Rio.

Let’s get you saving some money without taking away the fun!

Affordable and Solo-Friendly Rio de Janeiro

There are hundreds of things to do in Rio de Janeiro that are either free or cost very little. But for the sake of keeping this guide bite-sized, I’ll list my 15 favorites!

I’m an immersive traveler mostly going solo. Every item on this list, I have done alone, so you don’t need a plus one to enjoy them.

15 Things to Do in Rio for $15 or Less

The listed “price” at the top for each activity tells you how much it costs, but does not include transportation to get there or any snacks you may buy.

Have my guide to the Rio transportation open, too, so you know how to navigate the city!

1. Catch the Sunset at Pedra do Arpoador

Price: FREE

Rio is well-known for its stunning coastal sunsets, with cotton-candy-colored sky slowly turning deep orange. The local favorite sunset-watching spot is, of course, from atop Pedra do Arpoador.

There are two entrances to the rock, the front trail and the back trail.

The front trail leads you to the rock closest to the coast, while the back trail will get you as far out as possible into the ocean, where there is more space and fewer people.

Be careful walking on the rock as it gets slippery.

• Location: Av. Francisco Bhering, s/n – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22080-050
• Closest Metro Station: General Osório / Ipanema, line 1

2. Spend an Afternoon on Ilha da Gigóia

Price: R$5-6 (US$1)

This is my new favorite thing to introduce to people for Rio.

Nestled in the middle of the lagoon east of Barra da Tijuca, this island and its 3,000 inhabitants can give you the peace you need for an afternoon.

Just make sure it’s a weekday afternoon because it gets packed with locals on weekends!

For only R$6 tops, the boats will get you from Jardim Oceânico to any part of the island so you can spend a few hours strolling along its colorful streets.

As for the eats, I highly recommend Deck Bar and Café da Poesia.

• Departing Pier Location: -23.0052289, -43.312363
• Closest Metro Station: Jardim Oceânico, line 4

3. Have a Pastel with a Cup of Sugar Cane Juice

Price: R$15 (US$2.75)

Next to cheering on football (soccer) teams while drinking beer, this is the most Brazilian thing you’ll ever do.

Pastel, or Pastéis in plural, is a popular street food. Simply put, it’s a light-crust pie with assorted fillings. I personally love the pure cheese filling.

The local way to eat it is with a cup of freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, or caldo de cana in Portuguese. The two together shouldn’t cost you more than R$15.

When on the streets, keep your eyes peeled for a pastel truck and run to it, don’t walk.

4. Take a Tour of the Town Hall (Câmara Municipal)

Price: FREE

If you love a good peek into your destination’s political system and history, join in on a free daily tour of their Câmara Municipal in Cinelândia!

The tour lasts around an hour, taking you through important halls and rooms inside the town hall while explaining the political history and how the system operates today.

Joining in is simple. Let the security know you’d like to join a tour, and they’ll direct you to the waiting room, where you’ll write down your name and wait for the tour to start.

There are both Portuguese and English tours most of the year.

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily
• Location: Praça Floriano – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20031-050
• Closest Metro Station: Cinelândia, line 1

5. Enjoy Samba with Street Food at Pedra do Sal

Price: FREE

If you visit during the day, it’ll look like another artsy alleyway with a slanted ramp.

But recognized as the birthplace of Samba, Pedra do Sal comes to life on Monday and Saturday nights. To avoid the crazy funk parties: Go between 6 to 7 PM and leave before 10 PM.

Getting off your Uber at Largo de São Francisco da Prainha, follow the smell of Churrasco, grilled cheese, and lime, and you’ll find yourself shopping for a drink on Rua São Francisco da Prainha.

Grab that cup of Caipirinha, and maybe a stick of Queijo Coalho, and follow the commotion, and you’ll find the most popular street Samba spot in Rio!

I recommend getting there and back via Uber, as this is downtown after sunset.

• Event Hours: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Monday and Saturday
• Location: R. Tia Ciata – Saúde, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20081-040
• Recommended Mode of Transport: Uber

6. Enjoy a View of the West Zone from Pedra Bonita

Price: FREE

Among the amazing hiking trails around Rio de Janeiro, Pedra Bonita is the most non-hikers-friendly. This means that there is nothing stopping you from walking up the 40-minute trail for another gorgeous view of the city.

The mountain serves as the paragliding base, so you can watch people take off and glide down to São Conrado below. It also gives you the best view of the majestic Pedra da Gávea.

• Hours: Trailhead closes at 3:00 PM
• Taxi Drop-Off Point: -22.983646, -43.2789008
• Closest Metro Station: São Conrado, line 4

7. Take a Walk Around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

Price: FREE

Don’t underestimate the power of a calming, aimless walk.

Even a short 15-20 walk around this lagoon can greatly alter your brain chemistry. But can you imagine setting aside an hour or two just exploring what’s around it?

Making a complete round takes about 2 hours, much less if you’re running, of course. Each neighborhood surrounding it has completely different vibes and is safe to walk in.

If you don’t want to make the round, however, I recommend the south and east sides. They’re both further away from the streets, so cars won’t be running right by you.

• Recommended Hours: Before 5:30 PM
• Lagoon Location: 22.973137, -43.211829
• Recommended Spots: Ipanema Entrance, Parcão da Lagoa, Pier dos Pedalinhos
• Closest Metro Station: Nossa Senhora da Paz / Ipanema, line 4

8. Admire the Architecture at the National Library

Price: FREE

While paying zero cents, you can see, not a lot of books, but one of the most stunning interior architectural works in Rio de Janeiro.

Contrary to the famous Royal Portuguese Reading Room, you will find more Brazilians and fewer foreigners lining up to enter this building.

While visitors can’t enter the national archives and look at the books, they can wander around the first 2 floors of the main hall, which are mesmerizing.

To enter, simply join the line by the front door and wait to be called in. After entering, you’ll receive a sticker for your shirt. Just put it on and start exploring!

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed Saturdays and Sundays)
• Location: Av. Rio Branco, 219 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20040-008
• Closest Metro Station: Cinelândia, line 1

9. Immerse in Brazilian Culture at Museu de Arte

Price: R$20 (US$3.68), Free on Tuesdays

If you can plan to visit on a Tuesday, it’ll cost you nothing. If you can’t make it on a Tuesday, it’s still less than $4, and it’s not just another art gallery.

With 5 floors and even more exhibition halls, you’ll find installations that showcase art in conjunction with Brazilian culture and history.

Here, you’ll learn not just about the painted works that advocate for the Brazilian Indigenous life, but also the Afro-Brazilian identity, how the Indigenous languages shaped Brazilian Portuguese, and more.

• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last ticket sold at 5:00 PM)
• Admission Ticket: R$20 (US$3.68)
• Location: Praça Mauá, 5 – Saúde, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20081-240
• Closest Metro Station: Parada dos Museus, VLT Tram line 1

10. Admire the Landscape from atop Morro Dois Irmãos

Price: R$10

If you’d like to see the iconic view of Rio de Janeiro with your own eyes (see below to know what I mean), Morro Dois Irmãos is your go-to trail.

From most stops along the coasts of Zona Sul, grab a van (numbers listed below) west towards São Conrado and get off at Vidigal.

There, look beyond the plaza, and you’ll see motorbike taxis waiting to take people up the hill. Take one up to “Campo do Vidigal.” The ride should cost you R$10-20.

At Campo do Vidigal, look to the left of the field, and you’ll see the trailhead. Pay the worker R$10 and start on your journey up, which should take about 40-50 minutes.

• Recommended Hours: Start the hike before 3:00 PM
• Trailhead Location: -22.996141, -43.2457538
• Transportation: 104, 552, 557, 2334, 2335, 2338

Alternatively, joining a guided hike up to the top for sunrise was an otherworldly experience I’ll never forget. This was the exact hike I did.

11. Pay a Quick Visit to Palácio do Catete

Price: FREE

Palácio do Catete, also Museu da República, was Brazil’s presidential palace from 1897 to 1960.

It also belonged to the Baron of Nova Friburgo, a Portuguese-born coffee producer, whose son sold the house shortly before the First Brazilian Republic.

Today, you can walk straight in and admire the architecture, each room inspired by a different European city, as well as learn all about the past Brazilian presidents.

Caution: This was the site of Getúlio Vargas‘ suicide. His pajamas and the gun used are displayed in his bedroom on the third floor. If you don’t wish to see them, stick with the first two floors.

• Weekday Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
• Weekend Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Free Admission
• Location: R. do Catete, 153 – Catete, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22220-000
• Closest Metro Station: Catete, line 1

12. Spend Tuesday Afternoon in the Copacabana Fort

Price: FREE

It gives you a gorgeous view of Copacabana from off the coast.

You can enjoy a delicious meal at Café 18 do Forte or a cup of coffee with snacks at a satellite branch of Confeitaria Colombo. And you can learn all about the weapons and wars of Brazil‘s past.

No interest in the Fort Museum? Climb on top of the fort and chill up there with the view for a bit. Yes, it’s allowed!

Although it’s free on Tuesdays, entry will cost R$6 (US$1.1) on other days of the week. So I repeat, go on Tuesday unless you have a real interest in war history.

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed on Monday)
• Admission: Free on Tuesdays
• Location: Praça Cel. Eugênio Franco, 1, Posto 6 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22070-020
• Closest Metro Station: General Osório / Ipanema, line 1

13. Chill on Ipanema Beach

Price: FREE

My favorite beach is, of course, my home beach, Ipanema. The water is cleaner than the neighboring Copacabana, and the skies are superior here.

If you’d like to test my statement, go in the afternoon, walk a bit into the water, and look right towards Morro Dois Irmãos.

Admire that epic view with the soft afternoon light you’ll only see here, and tell me it isn’t magical.

One important note from me: Leave your beach towel in your room. Go and buy yourself a Canga and use that instead, or you’ll look like a creature from another planet. (Just kidding. You’ll be fine, you just won’t blend in.)

Some snacks you might want to consider: Globo biscuits, Queijo Coalhos, and Empanadas. Most vendors accept credit cards here, which I think is brilliant, but have cash on you just in case.

• Recommended Hours: Before 6:00 PM
• Things to Bring: Canga, sunscreen, shades, cash/credit card

14. Discover the Wonders Inside Parque Lage

Price: FREE

No, I don’t mean “go look at the Roman Mansion and leave.” Yes, Parque Lage is famous for the mansion, and it sure is beautiful, but there are more wonders hidden inside among the trails.

This place will hit you harder if you love fantasy. You’ll find yourself discovering an abandoned arch, a watch tower covered in plants, and a quiet pond where you can take a few minutes to yourself.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Location: R. Jardim Botânico, 414 – Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22461-000
• Transportation: 105, 119, 112, 309, 409, 410, 538, 548, 583, 585

15. Hike Mount Corcovado

Price: FREE

If you’re feeling much more adventurous than just Parque Lage, go early and start your hike up to Mount Corcovado, the home of Christ the Redeemer.

Not everyone hikes the trail to visit the statue, so if you’re just longing for a good workout, it’s okay to hike up to the top and back down. You’ll get an amazing view of the city regardless.

The hike takes around 2 and a half hours on average and is fairly strenuous.

I wrote about it in detail in my guide to visiting Christ the Redeemer, including how to behave when running into monkeys, which you very likely will.

If you’d like to visit the statue, you’ll need R$81.50 (US$15), extra money to buy the ticket, plus R$33.50 (US$6) for the train back down if you don’t want to hike back.

The ticket price drops to R$56.50 (US$10) on weekdays during the low season.

• Opening Hours: The trailhead closes at 3. I recommend entering by 2:00 PM at the latest.
• Location: -22.9591906, -43.2122658
• Transportation: 105, 119, 112, 309, 409, 410, 538, 548, 583, 585

Follow My 4-Day Itinerary for Rio!

Not sure how to start putting all these affordable stuff together? I’ve designed an itinerary that helps you immerse yourself in the local culture in four days.

Yes, you get to do most of the things listed above. I also include my favorite food stops!

Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

Use the map below to browse for hotels and rentals in Rio de Janeiro, if you don’t want to stay where I recommend. Keep in mind that I advise against staying near Centro, Santa Teresa, Lapa, or Copacabana.

Traveling to Rio de Janeiro

I hate how “famously dangerous” Brazil is when I never felt that terrible throughout three months of my stay there. Was the danger real? Yes. But you just have to know how things work.

Learn what to do to navigate the risks and stay safe before you go, and for extra bonus with the locals, read up on some of their cultural points.

Here are some basics to get you started on safety.

• Have a copy of your important documents (passport and any travel documents) saved on your phone and other devices, just in case they get stolen.
• Dress down. This city is not for showing off your riches on the street.
• Avoid taking long walks alone. Even in the safest countries in the world, it takes crossing ONE street to feel the difference between a safe neighborhood and a less safe one in the city.
• If you get robbed, do NOT fight the assailant, as you don’t know whether or not they have a weapon. Give them what they want and immediately report the incident to the police.

Other Helpful Travel Resources for Brazil

• Make sure you protect your trip with a travel insurance.
• Get this eSIM for local data without giving up your number.
• Must-have Apps: Google Maps, Uber, WhatsApp

As a bonus, grab a copy below of the template I created and personally use to plan my own trips. It’s completely free for you!

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