Top 5 Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro

The rolling hills around Rio de Janeiro feature stunning beaches, historical landmarks, and captivating smaller towns.

However, it's important to note that public transportation beyond the city can be quite inefficient. Destinations that seem nearby, like the charming streets of Paraty or the idyllic Ilha Grande, can take up most of your day, often necessitating an overnight stay.

Keeping that in mind, here are five incredible day trips from Rio de Janeiro—three accessible by public transport and two best suited for those with their own vehicle.

1. Visit Ilha de Paquetá for a delightful island getaway

Travel Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes

As you wander the tranquil sands of charming Ilha de Paquetá, it’s hard to believe you were just in the heart of Rio an hour ago.

This quaint island, adorned with fruit trees, colorful buildings, and soft sandy beaches, is a quick ferry ride of just an hour from Praça XV in downtown. The island is wonderfully car-free, and cycling is the favored mode of transportation. You can easily rent a bike from the main street near the ferry terminal.

A short bike ride from the ferry brings you to Parque de Darke de Mattos, a lush public park featuring trails that lead to scenic viewpoints like Mirante Boa Vista, offering views back towards Sugarloaf Mountain. On one Sunday each month, the streets come alive with samba music, and the celebrations last well into the night.

Getting to Ilha de Paquetá from Rio de Janeiro: Ferries depart every 90 minutes from Praça XV (Quinze) de Novembro in Centro, beginning around 7am.

2. Ride the waves at Prainha

Travel Duration: 1 hour

To the west of Rio, the coastline becomes more rugged and secluded. While there are vast stretches of untouched beach to discover for those with leisure time, Prainha stands out as a readily accessible escape for a taste of tropical beach life.

Verdant hills embrace this stretch of white sand, complemented by powerful waves crashing against its shores. Prainha is a favored spot for skilled surfers, and its stunning scenery attracts numerous Rio residents, especially on weekends and holidays.

With large rock formations and strong currents, only the most skilled swimmers dare to venture into deeper waters; the beach does not have lifeguards. A few rustic eateries offer simple refreshments.

Directions to Prainha from Rio de Janeiro: Take the orange 'surf bus' that goes through Copacabana and Ipanema, or opt for a taxi. Bicycles can also be used to reach the beach.

3. Savor fresh seafood in Niterói

Travel time: 10 minutes

A 14km (8.7-mile) bridge links Rio to its charming neighbor Niterói, allowing for a quick trip of just 10 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by ferry, making it a convenient day excursion.

The renowned Mercado São Pedro on Av. Visconde do Rio Branco is just a few blocks from the ferry terminal and is a favorite among Rio's top chefs who come to source ingredients. Upstairs, you'll find several small restaurants offering affordable seafood. For a set price, chefs will also cook fish you've bought from the market.

Biking is a delightful way to explore Niterói, and a 15-minute ride from the market will take you to the striking Museu de Arte Contemporânea. Designed by the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, this museum resembles a flying saucer. While the contemporary exhibits are captivating, the architecture and stunning views of Guanabara Bay are the real highlights.

Getting to Niterói from Rio de Janeiro: Catch a bus from Novo Rio Bus Terminal (Av. Francisco Bicalho) or take a boat from the Praça XV ferry terminal.

4. Discover Brazil’s history in Petrópolis

Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Located just over an hour's drive north of Rio, at a refreshing altitude of 2,749 feet, lies the city of Petrópolis. Known as the Imperial City, Petrópolis serves as a grand reminder of Brazil’s imperial past. Established under the orders of Emperor Dom Pedro II and designed by German engineer Júlio Frederico Koeler, the city was first settled by German immigrants.

Don Pedro’s robust pink-and-white palace now houses the Museu Imperial, showcasing artifacts from his reign. For a glimpse of contrasting architecture from the same era, visit the glass and iron Palácio de Cristal.

Nearby lies Brazil’s oldest brewery, Cervejaria Bohemia. Stop in for a brewery tour and a taste, along with a refreshing limonada for the designated driver.

How to reach Petrópolis from Rio de Janeiro: Take the Elevado Professor Engenheiro Rufino de Almeida Pizarro in São Cristóvão from Av Pres. Vargas and follow the expressway Via Expressa Pres. João Goulart/Linha Vermelha and BR-040 to Av Ayrton Senna leading to Petrópolis.

5. Discover your ideal beach in Cabo Frio

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Located about 150km (93 miles) east of Rio de Janeiro, the charming coastal city of Cabo Frio boasts a beautifully winding shoreline with an abundance of stunning beaches, each offering its unique vibe. Popular spots include Praia do Forte and Praia das Conchas, known for their golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Surfing enthusiasts and water sports lovers gravitate toward Praia do Peró and Praia das Dunas.

Just a short boat ride away is Ilha do Japonês (Japanese Island), where paddleboarders and kayakers can glide over vibrant shoals of fish.

For a glamorous road trip, head less than an hour up the coast to the resort town of Búzios. This charming fishing village has been transformed with a touch of cosmopolitan elegance, perfect for enjoying upscale cocktails and dining at sunset.

How to reach Cabo Frio from Rio de Janeiro: Take Via Elevado da Perimetral in Caju from Túnel Rio 450 Anos and follow Via Binário do Porto. Continue on BR-101, Via Lagos, and RJ-140 to Rua Alex Novelino in Ville Blanche, Cabo Frio, and proceed straight onto Rua Alex Novelino.