The best viewpoints in Rio Janeiro

Best time: Before 9am for clear skies or late afternoon for sunset

Pro tip: Book tickets online in advance; avoid cloudy days for best views

Best time: Sunset at Arpoador Rock. Locals applaud as sun sets over ocean

Pro tip: Directly on the beach for best sunset views with Two Brothers Mountain backdrop

Best time: Late afternoon for Cristo Redentor views across lagoon

Pro tip: Walk or bike the path for panoramic views of Christ Redeemer, Dois Irmãos, and surrounding mountains. Anywhere in that area, location is of a bar to have some drinks with a great view

Best time: During the day, sunset is fully recommended

Pro tip: There is a small bar there to have some drinks

Best time: Sunrise or late afternoon sunset. Avoid midday heat

Pro tip: Go at sunrise — no crowds, cooler temps, unreal 360° views of Ipanema and Sugarloaf

Best time: Weekday mornings to skip queues. Sunset view from outside is stunning

Pro tip: Free entry on Tuesdays. Outside walkway is worth it even without entering

Best time: Sunset. Locals applaud as sun dips below horizon (carioca tradition since 1960s)

Pro tip: Arrive early for best spot. Views of Dois Irmãos, ocean, both beaches. Free access

Best time: Sunset for magical views. Cable car runs 8:30am-8pm, last ascent 6:30pm

Pro tip: 360° panoramas of Cristo Redentor, Copacabana, Guanabara Bay from 396m peak. Wait till the cable car is closing, go to the last station (near heliport)

Best time: During the day, try to go early to avoid many people there

Pro tip: Take your time to get the best photos. If you go to the last steps less people around

Best time: During the day, sunset is behind this view

Pro tip: There are 2 places (quiosques) to get some drinks there

Best time: Sunset for iconic Rio views. Arrive before 7pm on weekends (gets crowded)

Pro tip: Buy cold beer and shrimp pastels from Bar Urca, sit on seawall for Sugarloaf & bay views

Best time: During the day, but finished in the maps location attached good view in the evening

Pro tip: If you are in Pao de acucar and you want to walk a little bit, this is your option

Best time: During the day

Pro tip: If you are walking around Botafogo is a must this view. Easy to go