It’s hard to think of Rio without picturing the Christ the Redeemer monument. Voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, visit by taking a van or train up Corcovado mountain or by hiking through the Tijuca Forest to the entrance instead. Whichever route you take, book a tour or tickets in advance to avoid lines. You can fit in the Selarón Steps and the Maracanã stadium on the same day.

Much of Rio’s cultural heritage, from samba to Carnival, is heavily shaped by the country's history of slavery. Learn more by taking a tour of the downtown region (known as Little Africa), and visit the Memorial of the New Blacks, a mass grave for thousands of enslaved Africans from the 18th century; the Valongo Wharf port where they first arrived; and Pedra do Sal, where Rio’s samba originated. Nowadays, Pedra do Sal is one of the city’s most famous and liveliest outdoor parties.

If there’s one thing Rio isn’t short on, it’s views. Catch the sunrise from the Mirante Dona Marta viewpoint or hike to the top of the Two Brothers Mountain and stop to visit the Vidigal favela. For ocean views without a building in sight, opt for vantage points just outside the city, such as at Pedra do Telégrafo. For the best views of all, go even higher. Thrillseekers can hang glide from Pedra Bonita or take a helicopter ride over Rio.

No trip to Rio is complete without a visit to the famed Copacabana Beach. Stroll along the black-and-white promenade, watch lively games of football (soccer) on the sand, and take a dip in the sea. Later, head to the sands of Arpoador next to Ipanema Beach for crystal-clear waters and one of the city’s best sunsets. For a taste of paradise, visit picturesque beaches just outside Rio’s bustling city, such as Joatinga and Grumari.

Explore Ipanema’s outdoor Ipanema Hippie Fair every Sunday to shop for paintings, ornaments, accessories, and a whole lot more. Head to the indoor São Cristóvão Fair, known for Brazilian handicrafts and live music, and to the Saara open-air shopping district to pick up items like clothes and makeup or electronics and souvenirs (it’s the ideal spot to shop for Carnival costumes and accessories). Then, explore the wide range of fruits and vegetables available lat the local daily street markets.

In a city with one of the world’s most extensive urban forests, you can find nature around every corner. Cycle around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon while keeping an eye out for different birds and capybaras before heading to the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, home to a huge collection of native and exotic flora that attracts wild toucans, monkeys, and other wildlife. For a peaceful retreat, visit the Parque Lage mansion at the foot of Corcovado mountain for lunch.

Rio’s hilly peaks and swaths of forest have earned it the nickname "The Marvelous City." Nature lovers can explore the Tijuca Forest waterfalls, visit a series of caves, or be rewarded with sweeping views at the top of the city’s highest peaks, Pico da Tijuca and Pedra da Gavea, in the Tijuca National Park. Depending on the time of year, avid hikers can take a Travessia Petrópolis-Teresópolis camping trip or a hiking nature adventure through the Saco de Mamanguá fjord.

From popular restaurants like Churrasqueira Rio to street food stalls, Rio de Janiero has plenty of variety. Foodies can also opt for a home cooking experience that includes a market stroll to learn more about Brazilian staples and a hands-on lesson on famous dishes in the kitchen of an experienced local host and cook. Sample Brazilian classics on a food tour while learning about Rio's rich history, or try a little bit of everything by visiting a variety of food stalls throughout the city.

Spend time observing the impressive art displays and temporary exhibitions at the Rio Museum of Art, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Bank of Brazil Cultural Center. But remember that Rio’s creativity isn’t confined to galleries—check out the city’s street art scene or consider a cultural tour. Learn more about Brazil’s history at the Catete Palace and Museum of the Republic or discover the intriguing world of Carnival at the Brazilian Handicrafts Center.