Top Sunset Spots in Rio de Janeiro

Framed by rocky mountains and tropical forests, Rio de Janeiro is a city with an iconic skyline filled with unique silhouettes. The city’s beauty is magnified by the sunset; visit the best beaches, patios, and lookout points to watch the sun sink as the city streets light up with nightlife.

Ipanema & Ponta do Arpoador

Ipanema is one of the best-known beach spots for locals and tourists, serving up some of Rio’s most spectacular sunset views. The Posto 9 area is always bustling with people enjoying the sun, sipping on mate (a local tea infusion), or playing beach volleyball and soccer. At sundown, head over to Arpoador, the rocky point at the end of the beach. This spot is renowned for capturing the perfect selfie against a stunning pink sky while surfers catch the last waves of the day near Morro dos Dois Irmãos.

Parque da Cidade in Niteroi

The city of Niteroi is located just across Guanabara Bay and is home to several parks and beaches, most notably Parque da Cidade. This park is an ideal location to catch the sun going down over the water. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of iconic Rio landmarks, including Christo Redentor and Pão de Açúcar. Accessing the park is easy: hop on a ferry in Rio and head to São Francisco, Niteroi. From there, grab a rideshare or hike the 2km to the viewpoint.

Urca

Charming Urca is a small neighborhood situated between Praia Vermelha and Botafogo, filled with traditional houses and cozy restaurants. Avenida João Luiz Alves wraps around the neighborhood and overlooks Guanabara Bay. Here, you’ll find a local favorite for sunset-watching. Bar Urca is a small boteco where service extends to clients who position themselves on the wall lining the bay to watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Pão de Açúcar

One of the most famous tourist hotspots in Rio is Pão de Açúcar, also known as Sugarloaf Mountain. The summit soars 395 meters above the city, providing a remarkable vantage point to watch the sun go down on clear days. To fully enjoy the experience, head up in the afternoon to allow ample time for exploration, as two-stage cable cars make the ascent every twenty minutes. As evening sets in, Rio begins to sparkle with lights, creating a breathtaking sight.

Tijuca National Park

Tijuca National Park is the first replanted forest in the world; this part of the Atlantic rainforest was originally cleared away by Portuguese colonists. A reforestation effort began in 1861, and today the forest spans 3 square kilometers near Rio. Here, you can explore stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and ruins of historical coffee farms. This wildlife haven also offers some of the best sunset views in the region while you enjoy the sounds of native birds.

There are multiple spots within the park to catch the sunset, accessible by bus, train (to Corcovado and the Christ), or on foot by various trails. Make sure to visit Vista Chinesa, a lookout pavilion perfect for enjoying the sun as it sets. The best way to get there is by private car, taxi, or rideshare. Alternatively, take a bus to the last stop.

Aprazivel Restaurant

In the atmospheric Santa Teresa neighborhood lies the Aprazível Restaurant, a cozy haunt adorned with leafy trees, a warm atmosphere, and an idyllic patio. The house chef, Ana Castilho, creates exquisite Brazilian fusion cuisine, making this a wonderful place to relish new culinary experiences, laid-back evenings, and picturesque views of the sun setting over Guanabara Bay.

Paquetá Island

While Paquetá Island isn’t widely recognized as a sunset-watching location, it indeed should be. The small island operates as a car-free zone, where travel is done on foot or by bike, creating a peaceful atmosphere for watching the sun shift across the bay. For the best views, head to Pedra da Moreninha (and the beach of the same name). While here, explore the history of João da Nação Benguella, a notable figure who prayed in front of the sea for his family, from whom he was separated.

To reach Paquetá Island, take the ferry from Praça XV in downtown Rio, which departs approximately every hour and a half starting at 7am.