What to do in Rio when it rains!
November 27, 2024
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Did you plan your trip to Rio, but the weather forecast surprised you with rain? Don’t give up on your sightseeing – the city has wonderful spots that can also be visited in the rain.
We Cariocas often say that “Rio de Janeiro is beautiful, but not waterproof.” Unfortunately, the classic sightseeing options significantly decrease with rain because the city’s infrastructure often falls short. Beaches, hiking trails, and outdoor parks are out of the question, but don’t get discouraged – it’s not just cinemas and shopping malls that are available, and staying locked in your hotel isn’t the only solution!
Check out this list of places you can’t miss on rainy days.
Starting Your Day
In neighborhoods like Jardim Botânico, Leblon, Ipanema, Botafogo, and the city center, you’ll find many charming bistros where you can start your day in the wonderful city with the most important meal of the day. Cariocas aren’t fans of cloudy days, so to lift the mood, we’ve listed a few spots located in strategic places to make your sightseeing easier. After all, no one wants to deal with traffic or crowds on a rainy day.
Confeitaria Colombo
The city center offers the highest concentration of museums and churches, perfect for visiting, especially on rainy days. That’s why we recommend starting your day with a coffee at Confeitaria Colombo, the renowned classic restaurant that, in addition to its beautiful structure, has hosted numerous important figures throughout its 125-year history.
For more information: www.confeitariacolombo.com.br
Forte de Copacabana
If the day is cloudy or has light rain, the Forte de Copacabana is a great option! The Confeitaria Colombo is also present in Copacabana, so enjoying a delicious breakfast with the beautiful view of the beach makes the experience even better.
For More Information: Forte de Copacabana
Sightseeing Options for Rainy Days
ROXY DINNER SHOW
An excellent choice is the Roxy Dinner Show, an evening that combines fine dining with modern cabaret-style entertainment. Located in Copacabana, Roxy offers a sophisticated dinner followed by an immersive show featuring musical performances, dance, and plenty of sparkle. It’s the perfect option for a special night out even when the weather isn’t great!
Carnaval Experience
For a unique and exciting escape from the ordinary, head to the Cidade do Samba, which offers an immersive and distinct experience for those captivated by the world’s largest show: Carnival. The Carnaval Experience invites you to witness the creation of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival from a privileged perspective. You’ll begin with a visit to the barracks of the Samba School Acadêmicos da Grande Rio, which is entirely enclosed and perfect for rainy days. Learn about the history of samba, the carnival parades, and the production of floats and costumes. Plus, you’ll get to enter the carnival spirit by trying on a real costume from previous years, enjoy a samba lesson, and a welcome drink!
Interesting Fact: This tour also supports Pimpolhos da Grande Rio – a samba school for children and an NGO dedicated to social interaction and education through carnival culture. The Carnaval Experience contributes to the preservation and future of Rio’s Carnival.
For more details: Carnaval Experience (Ticket Only) | Carnaval Experience Tour (With Round-Trip Transport)
AquaRio
South America’s largest aquarium is located in Rio, and it’s open every day for visits! The space is fully enclosed, making it an ideal option for rainy days. AquaRio features 28 tanks, 4.5 million liters of water, and over 2,000 animals from 350 different species.
Don’t forget to snap a photo in the iconic Tancão – the Oceanic Tank, which has a seven-meter-high ceiling and a tunnel running through it. You can also visit the touch tank, where visitors, especially children, can interact with some of the animals.
For more information: AquaRio Tickets
MUSICAL DINNER: BLUE NOTE
Inspired by the iconic New York venue, Blue Note Rio offers the perfect blend of top-quality music and an intimate atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of jazz, Brazilian popular music (MPB), or soul, the venue features unmissable performances by local and international artists. Best of all, at Blue Note, the rain outside becomes just a detail as you lose yourself in the magic of the music. 🎶✨
C2Rio takes care of every detail so you can fully enjoy the experience, unhurried and in total comfort. Turn a rainy night into an unforgettable show at Blue Note!
RIO SCENARIUM
Located in the heart of Lapa, Rio Scenarium was once an antique shop and today appears on The Guardian’s prestigious list of the world’s 10 best bars. The setting impresses from the moment you arrive: three floors filled with relics, historic furniture, and exuberant décor, all connected by charming staircases and a Belle Époque elevator that seem to tell stories in every detail. Learn more.
Beyond its unique visuals, Rio Scenarium hosts unforgettable live shows, with some of the country’s best musicians bringing the night to life with samba, forró, and Brazilian popular music (MPB). For those looking for a complete, worry-free experience, the venue offers options with fast-track entry, a full dinner (starter, main course, and dessert), and three hours of open bar, as well as optional transportation from hotels in Rio’s South Zone. It’s the perfect choice for anyone wanting to experience the essence of Rio’s nightlife with comfort, great music, and that vibrant atmosphere only Rio can offer.
For Overcast Days
Rio Boat Tour
At Marina da Glória, the Rio Boat Tour offers daily catamaran trips around Guanabara Bay with stops in Rio and Niterói. Inspired by classic tours in places like Paris and New York, this tour offers a rich mix of history and beauty. Guests can enjoy around 20 attractions from a unique perspective, including the thrilling experience of watching an airplane take off right above the boat as it lands at Santos Dumont Airport. Tours depart at 11 am and 4 pm, providing the chance to witness a stunning sunset.
Considering the navigation limits set by the Navy, this is a wonderful option for overcast days. You’ll be able to marvel at the city, just like the locals. For more information: Rio Boat Tour
Loucos por Futebol
For those who love football, Loucos por Futebol is another great option. This tour takes you to two legendary places in Brazilian football: the Maracanã Stadium and the Flamengo Museum + Club Headquarters – home to Brazil’s most popular football team. Football fans and Mengão supporters will enjoy a fun and exciting experience learning about the history of Brazil’s football, visiting the stadium that has hosted historic moments, and reliving Flamengo’s great achievements.
Both visits take place on the same day, with round-trip transportation and a specialized guide, making it a very convenient option. For more details: Loucos por Futebol Tour
IMPORTANT: There is also the option to purchase tickets separately. You may choose to buy only the Maracanã Tour ticket or just the Flamengo Museum admission, according to your preference, without access to the C2Rio transfer and guided tour. BUY HERE.
FIND OUT MORE DETAILS AT:
Parque Lage
One of Rio’s most Instagram-worthy spots, Parque Lage is a must-visit when the weather is overcast. If it’s raining heavily, it’s best to prioritize other attractions, as the park is entirely open and surrounded by nature. However, it’s still a great option if you’re traveling with kids.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the listed mansion, which has been featured in several films, TV shows, and music videos. Take iconic photos by the pool and beneath the mountain that houses the Christ the Redeemer statue. If time permits, take a break for a delicious snack at Plage Café, or explore the little shop in the mansion that sells art, design, and fashion items.
For More Information: Parque Lage – EAV
Escadaria Selarón
Arguably one of the most charming and colorful spots in Rio, the Escadaria Selarón (Selarón Steps) is a must-see. This iconic staircase features 250 steps covered in over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries, making it the world’s largest sculpture created by a single individual – the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. The steps have also served as a backdrop for numerous music videos, movies, advertisements, and fashion editorials.
The best part? The Escadaria Selarón is always open to visitors at any time of day, rain or shine, with no entrance fee. However, we recommend visiting on overcast or sunny days for the best experience, as the vibrant colors of the tiles are most striking when the weather is clear!
Here, the photo opportunities are diverse explore your creativity and capture great shots! And if you prefer, you can visit other beautiful spots on the same day by taking a tour with us: Half-Day Tour in Rio.
Feira de São Cristóvão
One of the liveliest and most cultural spots in Rio! The Pavilion of Northeastern Culture is an excellent option for those wanting to learn more about Brazilian cuisine and music, especially on rainy days, as the space is nearly entirely covered. The Feira (Market) offers activities for all ages throughout the day, with live regional music performances in the morning and afternoon, accompanied by delicious typical restaurants. At night, it hosts some nightclubs, making it a favorite spot for young Cariocas.
In addition, it features a variety of shops. You’ll find spices, sweets, drinks, typical foods, handicrafts, clothing, all infused with good humor and irony. An interesting curiosity is that the alleys are named after states from Brazil’s Northeast region (e.g., Sergipe Street, Piauí Street, Paraíba Street).
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday | Free entry from Tuesday to Thursday.
For more information: Feira de São Cristóvão
Museums
How about taking advantage of the weather to explore the history of Brazil and the world? Here’s a list of some of the main classic attractions in Rio, perfect for cloudy, rainy, or even sunny days. After all, enjoying the national culture is always a good idea!
Treasures of Historic Rio Tour
Ideal for those who want to dive into the city’s history without worrying about the weather, the Treasures of Historic Rio Tour takes you through some of the most iconic buildings in downtown Rio. One of the highlights is the National Library, considered one of the largest and most important libraries in Latin America.
Real Gabinete Português
The library is considered one of Rio’s most traditional spots and one of the most beautiful libraries in the world! It’s also known as the “Carioca Hogwarts” because of its stunning architecture, making it a super cool and unique place for photos.
You can visit without an appointment, Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. (Mondays tend to be busier than usual.) However, to consult books, you must make a reservation via email, as it’s not allowed to pick books directly from the shelves.
ABOUT THE TOUR:
The experience begins at Cinelândia, known in the early 20th century as the “Paris of Rio.” The square became famous for its monumental buildings that marked the arrival of the Portuguese Royal Family in Brazil, especially the impressive Municipal Theatre, one of the city’s greatest cultural symbols.
Continuing the route, the visit includes the Church of St. Francis of the Penitence, voted the second most beautiful church in Rio de Janeiro by TripAdvisor and Viagem e Turismo magazine. The tour then reaches the Royal Portuguese Reading Room. The perfect moment to recharge comes at the legendary Confeitaria Colombo, a constant presence on international lists of must-visit cafés. Founded in the late 19th century, it preserves the charm of early 20th-century Rio.
After the break, the tour heads toward Praça XV, passing through Beco dos Barbeiros, a spot full of little-known stories and curiosities. Along the way, you’ll visit the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, another gem of the city’s religious heritage. Nearby, Praça XV marks the site where Dom João VI established his first residence upon arriving in Brazil.
The itinerary continues through the Arco do Teles area, where Carmen Miranda once lived, and along Rua do Rosário, with a stop at Casa Tucum, a cultural center dedicated to promoting the art and craftsmanship produced by diverse Indigenous peoples of Brazil. To wrap up the experience, you may opt for the complete version of the tour, which includes a delicious lunch featuring traditional Brazilian cuisine, making the visit even more memorable.
CCBB (Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil)
The famous Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB) enchants visitors with its beautiful architecture from the moment they enter, especially when they look up at the ceiling. The museum hosts numerous interesting exhibitions, often with free entry. It’s a great cultural space to enjoy both art and history while staying indoors on a rainy day.
CCBB (Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil)
The CCBB operates every day and features a variety of exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, along with cinema rooms. It is a great place for cultural exploration and entertainment, especially on rainy days.
For more information: CCBB Website
Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio, and Olympic Boulevard
This tour combines science, sustainability, and leisure in a modern and engaging itinerary. The Museum of Tomorrow, with its futuristic architecture designed by Santiago Calatrava, offers an interactive reflection on the future of the planet and humanity, making it an excellent option for cloudy days. The tour then continues to AquaRio, the largest marine aquarium in South America, where you can closely observe a wide variety of species in fully covered environments. The itinerary also includes the Olympic Boulevard, a revitalized area of the Port Zone, perfect for a light walk surrounded by urban art and views of Guanabara Bay.
Petrópolis Tour: The Imperial City
For those who want to leave Rio behind and enjoy a milder climate, the Imperial City Tour is an excellent choice. Known as the Imperial City, Petrópolis charms visitors with its European-style architecture, tree-lined streets, and rich historical heritage. The tour includes attractions such as the Imperial Museum, the former residence of Emperor Dom Pedro II, as well as historic buildings, palaces, and cultural centers. Even on rainy days, the experience remains enjoyable thanks to the many indoor attractions and the cozy charm of the mountain region.
Museu Fiocruz
A hidden gem that many people overlook! The Museu da Vida at Fiocruz is breathtaking and definitely worth a visit, even though it is a bit farther from other major tourist attractions.
Fiocruz is internationally renowned for its influence in education and science, and its museum offers an integration of science, culture, and society. It welcomes all ages and explores themes related to life, health, and human intervention in life.
Besides its wonderful gardens, the museum features exhibitions and activities in eight different spaces, including experiments, theater performances, and even direct interaction with biodiversity through the Borboletário (Butterfly House).
Religious Temples
Igreja da Candelária
First, we begin this topic with the most traditional church in Rio de Janeiro. In addition to being the site of the city’s most important weddings, the Igreja da Candelária is an icon, a historical, religious, and cultural landmark of the city. The church has over 400 years of history, and the details of its structure are breathtaking.
For more information: https://www.candelariario.org.br/
Monastery of São Bento
If you enjoy delving into history and experiencing Brazilian culture from centuries past, you cannot miss visiting the Monastery of São Bento. The construction of the Monastery and its Church was the largest building project in the city during the 17th century, and is also considered the finest example of architecture and construction from the 1600s and 1700s.
The sculptures and carvings are regarded as some of the most beautiful examples of Brazilian Baroque, holding great artistic significance both nationally and globally.
For more information: https://www.mosteirodesaobentorio.org.br/ | (21) 2206 8100
Metropolitan Cathedral
With a striking construction that stands out among the buildings in the city center, the unique architecture of the Cathedral catches everyone’s attention and surprises those who visit it.
The visit is completely free and can be made every day from 7 am to 5 pm. However, if you prefer to explore other destinations on the same day, we are sure you will greatly enjoy this experience with us. (Christ the Redeemer Tour by Van and Selarón Staircase)
For more information: https://catedral.com.br/
What to do in Barra da Tijuca?
If you’re staying in Barra da Tijuca, it’s good to know that you’re a bit farther from the main attractions, most of which are concentrated in the South Zone of Rio. But don’t worry, we’ve got plans for you to enjoy the city even if it rains!
Breakfast at Boulangerie Carioca
To start your day, breakfast is a must. Inspired by the sophisticated bakeries of France, this spot opened in the gastronomic Olegário Maciel neighborhood. Throughout the day, the venue takes on the vibe of a Parisian bistro, perfect for a light meal in true European style.
For more information: http://www.boulangeriecarioca.com.br/
Bowling
Next, let’s talk about a classic option. Bowling is a popular activity at several locations in Barra da Tijuca and is a fun choice to enjoy with friends or family on rainy days. It’s also a great option if you’re with kids.
Cidade das Artes (City of Arts)
The City of Arts ushered in a new era for Rio’s cultural life. Between theater, art exhibitions, music, shows, fairs, and festivals, it showcases a wide variety of Brazilian and international artistic expressions, aiming to transform the area into a major cultural hub.
Additionally, you can visit the model of Rio de Janeiro made entirely out of LEGO! This permanent display at Cidade das Artes is a cultural legacy.
For more information: http://cidadedasartes.rio.rj.gov.br/programacao
Where to eat in Barra
Olegário
If you’re looking to enjoy Rio’s lively nightlife, why not check out this famous spot in Barra? Known for its wide variety of bars and restaurants, Olegário Maciel Avenue offers countless options to suit all tastes. It’s a great place to experience the bohemian culture of Rio.
Bar do Adão
Finally, one of the most traditional botecos (bars) in Rio, Bar do Adão is famous for its pastéis (Brazilian-style turnovers) and has become a favorite hangout for locals. The fillings range from the classic to the unique, like the “burrito carioca.”
Additionally, several of our tours pick up passengers from various hotels in Barra. Of course, we won’t leave you hanging!
Extra suggestion: go shopping (and eat well!)
Cloudy days are also perfect for exploring Rio de Janeiro’s shopping malls, which go far beyond shopping and offer excellent dining and leisure options.
Rio Sul Shopping
Located in Botafogo, Rio Sul is one of the city’s most traditional malls. Built on the site of a former department store, it offers privileged views of Sugarloaf Mountain from some floors, as well as a large food court and easy access.
📍 Rua Lauro Müller, 116 – Botafogo
📸 Instagram: @riosulshopping
Botafogo Praia Shopping
Charming and well located, Botafogo Praia Shopping stands out for its frontal view of Sugarloaf Mountain—especially from the restaurants on the top floor. It’s a great spot to combine shopping, movies, and dining with a stunning backdrop.
📍 Praia de Botafogo, 400 – Botafogo
📸 Instagram: @botafogopraiashopping
Shopping Leblon
A symbol of sophistication, Shopping Leblon brings together luxury brands, renowned restaurants, and an elegant atmosphere. Ideal for those seeking comfort, exclusivity, and great cuisine in one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods.
📍 Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco, 290 – Leblon
📸 Instagram: @shoppingleblon
VillageMall
Rio’s ultimate luxury reference, VillageMall in Barra da Tijuca is home to international designer brands, award-winning restaurants, and a discerning crowd. It’s the perfect destination for those looking for premium experiences.
📍 Av. das Américas, 3900 – Barra da Tijuca
📸 Instagram: @villagemall
BarraShopping
One of the largest shopping malls in Latin America, BarraShopping offers an enormous variety of stores, cinemas, services, and restaurants—operating almost like a small covered city, perfect for spending hours without worrying about the weather.
📍 Av. das Américas, 4666 – Barra da Tijuca
📸 Instagram: @barrashopping
Shopping Nova América
Located in the North Zone, Nova América occupies the space of a former textile factory, preserving historic elements in its architecture. Today, it’s a vibrant hub with a strong focus on gastronomy, leisure, and cultural events.
📍 Av. Pastor Martin Luther King Jr., 126 – Del Castilho
📸 Instagram: @novamericaoficial
Uptown Barra
Inspired by open-air villages, Uptown Barra stands out for its producers’ market focused on artisanal gastronomy, along with a variety of restaurants, cafés, and food-related events. Even on lightly rainy days, it’s an excellent option for eating well and strolling at a relaxed pace.
📍 Av. das Américas, 500 – Barra da Tijuca
📸 Instagram: @uptownbarra
C2Rio offers complete tours, comfortable transfers, and carefully designed experiences to ensure peace of mind and fun for the whole family in Rio de Janeiro. Whether visiting attractions like AquaRio, Roxy, or Blue Note—or even heading to Petrópolis—we take care of every detail so you can enjoy every moment with the ones you love. 💙
Ensure your next trip to the wonderful city with C2Rio and discover Rio in a unique way! You can book these experiences by clicking here or via WhatsApp at +55 21 3828-0370. Enter or apply the coupon BLOG5 and get 5% OFF on this and many other experiences across Rio de Janeiro.
If you are a travel agent, tour operator, or DMC, you need to check out the C2Rio Travel Agent Portal: there, we offer our full product portfolio across the state of Rio de Janeiro with NET rates, immediate confirmation, and a 12-hour advance purchase.
Easy and Uncomplicated: Through our system, you also get real-time reservation reports, easy payment via Pix, PayPal, and Credit Card, WhatsApp support, and entry to attractions with a single QR Code.
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