The undulating landscape that surrounds Rio de Janeiro is studded with wilderness-backed beaches, ancient sites, and fascinating smaller-scale urban hubs.
However, public transport outside the city often lacks efficiency. Trips to destinations that appear close—such as the cobbled streets of Paraty or the island charms of Ilha Grande—could well take most of the day. Consequently, a night’s stopover may be necessary.
With that in mind, here are five amazing day trips from Rio de Janeiro—three achievable via public transport, plus two for those with their own set of wheels.
1. Head to Ilha de Paquetá for an Island Escape
Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes
As you stroll the sandy simplicity of peaceful Ilha de Paquetá, it is hard to believe that just an hour ago you were in central Rio.
This small island, dotted with fruit trees, pastel-hued buildings, and golden sand, is only an hour-long ferry ride from Praça XV in the city center. The island is gloriously car-free, and the most popular mode of transport here is by bicycle, which you can easily rent from the main street in front of the ferry terminal.
A short cycle from the ferry leads you to Parque de Darke de Mattos, a leafy public park featuring trails that offer viewpoints such as Mirante Boa Vista, where you can catch stunning glimpses of Sugarloaf Mountain. On the first Sunday of each month, the streets come alive with samba, and the rhythmic festivities continue well into the night.
How to get to Ilha de Paquetá from Rio de Janeiro: Ferries leave every 90 minutes from Praça XV (Quinze) de Novembro in Centro, starting around 7am.
2. Catch a Wave at Prainha
Travel time: 1 hour
West of Rio, the shoreline becomes wilder and increasingly secluded. While there are endless rustic coastal areas to explore, if you’re looking for a quick slice of tropical beach life, Prainha is one of the most accessible beach options.
Lush greenery hugs this beach’s white sand, and its dramatic backdrop is matched by powerful waves. Prainha is a favored spot among experienced surfers, and its beauty attracts many Rio residents who come to escape the hustle and bustle of the city on weekends and holidays.
Due to large rock formations and strong currents, only confident swimmers should venture out beyond the shallows, as there are no lifeguards on duty. A scattering of rustic eateries can be found nearby for simple refreshments.
How to get to Prainha from Rio de Janeiro: Catch the orange “surf bus” that passes through Copacabana and Ipanema or take a taxi. The beach is equally reachable by bicycle.
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3. Eat Fresh Seafood in Niterói
Travel time: 10 minutes
A 14km (8.7-mile) bridge connects Rio with its little sister city of Niterói. This distance allows for a quick 10-minute bus ride or a leisurely 20-minute ferry trip, making it an easy day trip.
Visit the renowned fish market Mercado Sao Pedro on Av Visconde do Rio Branco, which is just a few blocks from the ferry dock. This market is a hotspot for many of Rio’s top chefs who source fresh ingredients. Upstairs, several small restaurants offer affordable seafood, and for a fee, chefs will prepare the fish you purchase.
Renting a bike in Niterói provides a pleasant way to explore. A 15-minute cycle from the market takes you to the futuristic Museu de Arte Contemporânea, designed by famed Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, where you can appreciate contemporary exhibits and enjoy breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay.
How to get to Niterói from Rio de Janeiro: A bus can be taken from Novo Rio Bus Terminal (Av Francisco Bicalho), while boats depart from the Praça XV ferry terminal.
4. Explore Brazilian History in Petrópolis
Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Located just over an hour’s drive north of Rio at a refreshing elevation of 2,749ft, the city of Petrópolis awaits. Known as the Imperial City, Petrópolis serves as a stunning reminder of Brazil’s empire days. It was created under the instruction of Emperor Dom Pedro II and designed by German engineer Júlio Frederico Koeler, with early inhabitants being German immigrants.
Don Pedro’s striking pink-and-white palace is now home to the Museu Imperial, showcasing a collection of items from his reign. Don’t miss the chance to explore the contrasting architecture of the glass and iron Palácio de Cristal.
Nearby, you can find Brazil’s oldest brewery, Cervejaria Bohemia, where you can enjoy a brewery tour and a refreshing drink, as well as a limonada for the designated driver.
How to get to Petrópolis from Rio de Janeiro: Take 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 to Petrópolis.
5. Find Your Perfect Beach in Cabo Frio
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
About 150km (93 miles) east of Rio de Janeiro is the charming coastal city of Cabo Frio. Its intricately weaving shoreline offers stunning beaches, each with its own unique personality. Favorites include Praia do Forte and Praia das Conchas, known for their bright blonde sands and smooth turquoise waters.
Surf enthusiasts and water sports fans flock to Praia do Peró and Praia das Dunas, while a short boat trip will take you to Ilha do Japonês (Japanese Island), a popular spot for paddleboarders and kayakers to glide over colorful fish shoals.
If you’re seeking a more extended road trip filled with vibrancy, drive for less than an hour further up the coast to the resort of Búzios—a picturesque fishing village that has been infused with cosmopolitan chic. Here, you can stop for luxurious cocktails and sunset dining.
How to get to Cabo Frio from Rio de Janeiro: Follow Via Elevado da Perimetral in Caju from Túnel Rio 450 Anos and Via Binário do Porto. Continue along BR-101, Via Lagos and RJ-140 to Rua Alex Novelino in Ville Blanche, Cabo Frio, then follow Rua Alex Novelino.
This article was first published on October 23, 2022, and updated on September 30, 2023.
