How I Experienced the Real Rio de Janeiro (10 Moments That Stayed With Me)

Ronda McKnight
Jan 5
6 min read

Rio de Janeiro is one of those cities that stays with you long after you leave. It’s vibrant, layered, and full of contrasts—in the best way possible. From iconic landmarks to deeply meaningful cultural experiences, Rio surprised me, challenged me, and completely won me over. If you’re planning a trip (or dreaming about one), here are 10 experiences that made me fall in love with Rio de Janeiro.

Visit a Favela (Responsibly and with a Local Guide)

One of the most impactful experiences I had in Rio was visiting a favela with a knowledgeable local guide. This wasn’t about sightseeing—it was about gaining a deeper understanding of community, resilience, and daily life beyond the headlines. Walking through the neighborhoods, hearing personal stories, and learning about the social and economic realities gave me a much greater appreciation for the people who call these communities home. When done respectfully, this experience adds essential context to Rio, and those realities linger with you long after you leave.

Visiting Rocinha specifically was one of the most eye-opening moments of my time in the city. Experiencing the community offered insight into the pride, strength, and sense of connection that exists within the favela. It was a powerful reminder that Rio’s story is layered and complex—and it can’t be fully understood without seeing and acknowledging all of its parts.

Spend Time at Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach is iconic—and yes, it lives up to the hype! What I loved most wasn’t just the beach itself, but the life happening all around it. From sun up to sun down, you can find locals playing volleyball and soccer, vendors walking by with snacks and drinks, and people simply enjoying the moment. Whether you’re relaxing, walking the promenade, or people-watching, Copacabana gives you a real sense of Rio’s rhythm.

Experience a Night Out in Lapa

Lapa at night is electric. After dark, this historic neighborhood transforms into one of the liveliest parts of the city. You can hear live music from the streets and people dance around instead of walking – the energy is contagious!

Spending an evening at Rio Scenarium was such a fun way to experience Rio’s nightlife. This spot is full of personality with vintage décor and winding staircases to multiple floors each still giving you a full earshot of Brazilian music. Rio Scenarium felt less like a typical club and more like a cultural experience, and it was impossible not to get caught up in the music, the dancing, and the overall vibe of the night.

Ride Up Corcovado Mountain

Riding up Corcovado Mountain was an experience in itself and gave me a deeper appreciation for just how dramatically Rio is set between nature and city. The mountain rises over 2,300 feet above sea level and sits within the lush Tijuca National Forest, so the journey up is surrounded by dense greenery and crazy views. As you ascend, you start to see the city unfold below—beaches, neighborhoods, and the coastline all coming into view at once. Long before reaching the top, you understand why this mountain has been such an important and symbolic part of Rio’s landscape.

Stand Before Christ the Redeemer

Standing in front of Christ the Redeemer, it’s hard not to feel the weight of both the history and the moment itself. It was a powerful moment! The statue has watched over Rio since 1931 and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Brazil, representing peace, openness, and acceptance. Up close, the scale is impressive, but what really stood out to me was the setting—arms outstretched over the city, mountains, and the sea all within view. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down, take a breath, and fully appreciate just how special Rio’s landscape truly is. Yes, it’s going to be busy—but it’s worth it!

Explore Little Africa (Pequena África)

Exploring Little Africa (Pequena África) was one of the most meaningful and grounding experiences I had in Rio. This area holds deep historical significance as one of the main entry points for enslaved Africans in Brazil, and it played a critical role in shaping Afro-Brazilian culture, music, religion, and identity. Walking through the neighborhood, you’re not just visiting a place—you’re stepping into layers of history that are often overlooked but essential to understanding Rio and Brazil as a whole.

What struck me most was how alive this history still feels today. Through guided storytelling, landmarks, and cultural spaces, I learned about resilience, resistance, and preservation, as well as Little Africa’s connection to samba and Afro-Brazilian traditions. It added powerful context to everything else I experienced in the city and served as an important reminder that Rio’s story is complex and deeply rooted in the contributions of its Black communities. This is not a stop to rush through—it’s one to experience thoughtfully and with intention.

Participate in a Samba Experience

Experiencing samba in Rio went far beyond just watching a performance—it was about understanding the heart and history behind it. Visiting Acadêmicos da Grande Rio’s samba school was one of the most memorable moments of my trip. We learned about the origins of samba, its deep roots in Afro-Brazilian culture, and how it has evolved into one of Brazil’s most powerful forms of storytelling and expression.

What made the experience especially fun was getting a behind-the-scenes look at how samba schools prepare for Carnival. From learning about the intense competition and year-round preparation to trying on the elaborate costumes ourselves, it brought a whole new level of appreciation for the artistry and dedication involved. Being immersed in the music, movement, and history made samba feel less like a performance and more like a living tradition—and it’s an experience that truly captures the spirit of Rio.

Visit Tijuca National Forest

Visiting Tijuca National Forest felt like stepping into a completely different world—one that’s lush, peaceful, and surprisingly right in the middle of Rio. As one of the largest urban rainforests in the world, Tijuca is filled with shaded walking paths, stone stairways, lookout points, and winding roads that take you deeper into the forest. The trails range from easy, leisurely walks to more adventurous hikes, making it accessible whether you want a gentle nature break or something more active.

As I explored, I came across waterfalls, very tall trees, and quiet moments where the sounds of the city completely disappeared. There are plenty of viewpoints along the way reminding you just how closely nature and city life coexist here. Tijuca isn’t about rushing—it’s about slowing down and experiencing a side of Rio that many visitors don’t expect but absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Tour the Museum of Tomorrow

The Museum of Tomorrow is striking both architecturally and conceptually. This isn’t a traditional museum—it’s interactive and thought-provoking. Focused on sustainability, climate change, and humanity’s future, it encourages reflection and conversation. I left feeling inspired and more aware of our shared responsibility for the planet.

The Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro

Walk the Selarón Steps

Walking the Selarón Steps was one of those stops that ends up being much more meaningful than you expect. Created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, the staircase was his long-term passion project and personal tribute to Rio. He spent years covering the steps with tiles from all over the world, many of them inspired by his own life experiences and the heartbreak of a lost love that influenced much of his work.

As I made my way up the steps, it was impossible not to stop and take it all in. Every tile felt different—some bright and playful, others more emotional—almost like pieces of a story unfolding as you climb. Selarón believed the steps would never truly be finished, and that ongoing evolution is part of what makes them so special. It’s definitely a great photo spot, but it’s also a place where art and emotion come together in a really unique way.

Final Thoughts

Rio de Janeiro is not a one-note destination—it’s layered, complex, joyful, and deeply cultural. The magic of Rio comes from experiencing both the famous landmarks and the meaningful, local experiences that give the city its soul. If Rio is on your travel list, I can confidently say—it deserves a spot at the top!