Rio de Janeiro Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Rafael Rabello de Barros (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Alby Set, Adalberto Mota · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Brazil
- Region:
- South America
- Coordinates:
- 22.9111° S, 43.2056° W
About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, also known simply as Rio, is the capital and largest city of the state of Rio de Janeiro. It is the second-largest city in Brazil after São Paulo, and the largest by international tourists. It has a population of 6 million in the city proper, and 13 million people in its metropolitan area as of 2025. It is also the sixth-most-populous city in the Americas.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Rio de Janeiro on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Patrick Oliveira · via Google Maps Cultural landmark
Christ the Redeemer
4.8 (132,859) 4.6 km from port
Giant, 30-m-tall mountaintop statue of Jesus Christ, accessed by train & offering city views.
Near: Corcovado (6 m) · Cristo Redentor (45 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “Definitely buy tickets in advance and take the train, not the bus. The views are spectacular if it isn't cloudy…” — Kurt Monteiro
- 5 · “Cristo Redentor is one of those places that truly impresses you, even if you have seen it thousands of times…” — Lucas Afonso
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Photo: Imanol Gallego · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Escadaria Selarón
4.6 (95,690) 2.7 km from port
Landmark public stairway adorned by artist Jorge Selarón with colorful & hand-painted tiles.
Near: Os Ximenes (22 m) · Headquarters Of Cos (30 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Very interesting and touristy area. Multiple stairs covered by very colourful ceramics from around 60 countries. Very nice and lively…” — Alain Tremblay
- 5 · “Very busy with tourists all trying to get that perfect photo in the middle of a crowd. There was a…” — Ceri Ceejay
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Photo: Roberto Fernandes · via Google Maps Church
Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro
4.7 (29,730) 2.5 km from port
Distinctive, modern Catholic cathedral resembling a pyramid, inaugurated in 1979.
Near: Techint Engenharia e Construção (185 m) · Fundição Progresso (192 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
- 5 · “This is one of the most unique churches I have ever visited. From the outside, the cathedral looks like a…” — Virginia Lio
- 5 · “The Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião is one of those places that truly surprises you. From the outside it already…” — Nicolás Souza
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Photo: Ralph Schmidt · via Google Maps Performing arts theatre
Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
4.8 (25,343) 3.0 km from port
Storied, Parisian-style theater from 1909 offering ballet & classical-music performances plus tours.
Near: Condomínio do Edifício Municipal (83 m) · Museu Nacional de Belas Artes (93 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Amazing experience. So beautiful place, and so talented people. Will love to come back.” — Baby Leti
- 5 · “The Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro is absolutely stunning. From the grand exterior to the intricate interiors, every detail…” — Mariana Henriques
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National Park
Tijuca National Park
4.8 (21,719) 9.1 km from port
Urban rainforest with hiking, waterfalls, birdwatching & vista points of Rio's iconic sights.
Near: Recanto dos Pintores (52 m) · Tijuca National Park Visitor Center (95 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “Beautiful beyond words. We hired a local guide who took us through trails and caves and all the scenic spots.” — Tim Nowack
- 5 · “Tijuca National Forest is honestly breath-taking. There’s a lot of history here, and our tour guide was fantastic. There are…” — Sara S
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Tourist attraction
Mirante do Leblon
4.8 (19,455) 9.1 km from port
Seafront observation deck on a beachside boardwalk, with palm-shaded cafes & sunset panoramas.
Near: Quiosque Oka Vista (34 m) · Square Zózimo Barrosos do Amaral (140 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
- 5 · “Safe ride with one of the best views in the world. It goes to the beach of São Conrado which…” — Romain Bessuges-Meusy
- 5 · “Mirante de Leblon is a must do activity in Rio. The views are amazing and you can see all Leblon…” — Luis Caldera
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Tourist attraction
Mirante do Joá
4.8 (2,888) 13.7 km from port
Tranquil lookout point with a colorful tile mosaic affording panoramic views over the beach & ocean.
Near: Villa Rio (297 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Beautiful views at Mirante do Joá. Just pull right up and park on the hillside. Walk right up to look…” — Michael Ochoa
- 5 · “Beautiful lookout. It is possible to see São Conrado, the sea and a bit of the bike path over the…” — Enrico Perocco
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Tourist attraction
Monumento à Princesa Isabel, a Redentora
4.3 (364) 6.8 km from port
Statue honoring a monarch who abolished slavery in Brazil, popular for photographs at sunset.
Near: Consulate General of Canada in Rio de Janeiro (33 m) · Atlantic Business Center (39 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “The statue of Princess Isabel is the only royal figure that is commemorated near Rio‘s most famous beaches. The Avenida…” — P S
- 5 · “A calm place in Leme (a small neighborhood near Copacabana) good place to take photos, to relax and also get…” — Ricardo Vernaut Jr
Map of Rio de Janeiro and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Rio de Janeiro
Deals update daily — see all South America cruises.
