Discover Authentic Rio de Janeiro: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure

The black-and-white wave-pattern mosaic along Avenida Atlântica is as iconic as the beach itself. Walk it at sunrise before the sand fills up, when the joggers and coconut-water vendors are just setting up.

The statue watches over the whole city from Corcovado mountain. Go early or book a timed slot — the viewing platform gets packed by mid-morning, and clouds can roll in fast.

Two cable car legs carry you up granite peaks for a view over Guanabara Bay. Late afternoon works well — you get the daylight view on the way up and the city lights coming on for the descent.

Arpoador rock, between Ipanema and Copacabana, is where locals gather to watch the sun drop behind the hills — a small ritual of applause often follows a good one.

A working military fort at the southern end of Copacabana beach, with a small museum and a café terrace looking straight down the length of the sand.