Sunset in Rio de Janeiro: the 6 best spots
In Rio, we take sunsets very seriously. For us, it’s like a daily natural spectacle that happens for free.
So, if you will be visiting the city for the first time, make sure you add at least one of these sunset spots in Rio to your travel plans!
I was born and raised in Rio, so I have watched the sunset from almost everywhere in the city. For this list, I selected only my top 6 places to watch the sunset in Rio.
6 Best sunset spots in Rio de Janeiro
Before I jump on the list, let me give you a quick practical tip: the sun sets towards the west of the city which means you want to go places that face that direction for the sunset.
I see a lot of guides recommending places like Dona Marta or Vista Chinesa Viewpoints. Both of these places face east, which means all you will see is the orange color in the sky, but no actual sunset.
Now, let’s jump onto the list of the best sunset spots in Rio.
1. Arpoador
The number 1 best spot to watch the sunset in Rio de Janeiro is the Arpoador.
Arpoador is a large rock located at the very end of Ipanema Beach. This viewpoint is perfect for watching the sunset because it has panoramic views of the beach, Dois Irmãos Peak in the front, and the sunset.
The downside of being popular is that it can get quite busy, especially during the summer. If you will be visiting Rio during the high season or on busy periods like New Year or Carnival, I recommend arriving in Arpoador earlier to get yourself a nice spot.
Arpoador is a very laid-back area. I honestly love coming here to watch the sunset. You will see that the place gets full of locals and tourists alike.
Local tip: At Arpoador, we always applaud when the sun sets so get ready to clap!
Read also: The best viewpoints in Rio de Janeiro
2. Sugar Loaf Mountain
The Sugar Loaf is one of my favorite sunset spots in Rio because it has the perfect angle for watching the sun going down behind the city.
From here, you won’t see the sun go down in the ocean like on Arpoador, but you’ll have a view over the entire city of Rio.
The skyline of Rio looks magical with the golden glow of sunset!
3. Mureta da Urca
Bar Urca is a very local spot located close to the Sugar Loaf. This bar is a local’s favorite for afternoon beer and snacks, especially after a beach day.
Bar Urca is extremely casual in true Carioca fashion. There are no chairs or tables, everyone just stands around the sidewalk or sits on the wall while drinking and chatting.
It’s a very popular spot for watching the sunset because you can have a view of Christ the Redeemer and Guanabara Bay from here.
This is a very local, authentic spot to watch the sunset in Rio, and one I highly recommend!
4. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is a beautiful lagoon located in the South Zone of Rio, in between the neighborhoods of Leblon, Ipanema, Humaitá, and Jardim Botânico.
During the day, a lot of us locals come here to go running or cycling.
But, due to its beautiful panoramic view, this is also a great spot for watching the sunset in Rio!
I would recommend going to a bar around this area for the best views. There are a few options for bars and restaurants around, but Badalado is a popular choice.
5. Parque da Cidade
This place is not exactly located in the city of Rio, it’s actually in Niteroi… however, you will have the most stunning view of Rio’s skyline from here.
Since Parque da Cidade is located across the bay, you can have panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro!
This spot is free to access but it can get full during the summer, so arrive early!
6. Barra da Tijuca
Barra is a very local and residential neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, so not a lot of tourists come this way.
However, it’s one of my favorite spots for watching the sunset in Rio because from here, you’ll have unobstructed views of the sunset.
In Barra, the sun sets straight into the sea during the summer, so it’s a very beautiful view.
Read also: The best beaches in Rio de Janeiro
Bonus tip: Get unique angles with a sunset sailing trip in Guanabara Bay
If you want to have a really unique sunset experience in Rio, go on a sailing sunset trip in Guanabara Bay.
I have been on many sunset boat trips in Rio and I can tell you firsthand that they are definitely worth your money. This is one of the most unique ways of experiencing sunset in Rio and you’ll have a very special view of the city’s entire skyline.
A lot of the boat trips also include drinks, which is a really nice experience!
Pro tip: I personally prefer sailing trips where you go on a smaller group, making the tour more intimate. But, if you want to have a full party, there are also some boat trips with large party boats and an open bar!
FAQ – Watching the sunset in Rio de Janeiro
Does the sun set in the ocean in Rio?
The sun sets in the ocean only during the summer months in Rio. During the winter months, the sun will set behind the mountains, which is also a beautiful sight!
To see the sun setting in the ocean, the best spots are Arpoador or Barra da Tijuca Beach.
Is Christ the Redeemer a good spot to watch the sunset in Rio?
I personally think that Christ the Redeemer is a better spot for watching the sunrise instead of the sunset. The viewpoint at Christ the Redeemer faces exactly the direction the sun rises in Rio and has its back to the sunset.
You will still see the beautiful sunset glow from the top, but I prefer watching the sunset from the Sugar Loaf instead.
Read our complete Christ the Redeemer guide here.
How to see the sunset in Rio de Janeiro on a budget?
If you don’t want to spend much, you can watch the sunset in Arpoador for free! This is the best sunset spot if you are traveling through Rio on a budget.
Organizing your trip
To help you plan your trip to Brazil, we have put together our favorite planning resources:
- Flights: Get affordable flights to Brazil on Skyscanner.com.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use SafetyWing whenever we are traveling abroad.
- Renting a car: We always use Discover Cars to get the best car deals.
- Accommodation: Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
- Activities: Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with Get Your Guide.
- SIM Card: Stay connected during your trip with Airalo.
- Personalized itinerary: We can create a travel plan tailored to your wishes!
- Rio de Janeiro map: All of our favorite places on one map.
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