What to Do in Rio de Janeiro When It Rains: Tips from a Local

When people think of Rio de Janeiro, most imagine the sun shining over Sugarloaf Mountain or the crowded sand of Ipanema or Copacabana Beach. And those sceneries really are quite common. Actually, one of my favorite things about living in the Marvelous City (Cidade Maravilhosa, Rio’s nickname) is how often the sun is out. But of course, there are days when the weather doesn’t cooperate. So, what is there to do in Rio in the rain?

If you’re still planning your trip, it’s good to know that the rainiest months tend to be spring and summer. In summer, the rain usually comes as heavy showers in the afternoon, but the whole day isn’t necessarily a washout. If you’re looking to maximize your chances of blue skies, consider visiting in the fall, when the weather is just perfect, with mild temperatures and clear skies, or in the winter, which tends to be mild enough that you can often still hit the beach.

But if you’re already here and the weather turns on you, I totally get your frustration. After all, many of Rio’s top attractions revolve around outdoor life, and even locals tend to stay home when it rains. That said, this beautiful city always has something to offer, even when the sun decides to take a break.

So, let’s get to it! From museums and cultural centers to cozy cafés, here are some ideas to help you make the most of a rainy day in Rio.

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What to Do in Rio de Janeiro When it Rains

1. Explore Museums and Cultural Centers

If the sky’s gone gray, it might be the perfect excuse to explore (or revisit) some of Rio’s most interesting museums. One of my personal favorites is the Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã). This is a stunning futuristic building (the one in the photo above) featuring an interactive permanent exhibition that invites visitors to reflect on the future of our planet and humanity. There are also temporary exhibits, which are usually great too.

Right on the same square (Praça Mauá), you’ll find the Rio Art Museum (MAR, Museu de Arte do Rio), housed in two buildings connected by a wavy walkway. MAR hosts powerful exhibitions focused on Brazilian art, culture, and identity. Some of the best exhibits I’ve ever seen were there.

Another great option is the CCBB (Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil). This beautiful historic building hosts top-notch theater, film, and art exhibitions. Most of them are free, and some can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. In those days, my advice is that you try to arrive early or book your spot online, if possible.

If you’re near the Aterro do Flamengo area (Flamengo Park), take advantage of the rainy weather to visit the Museum of Modern Art (MAM, Museu de Arte Moderna), which has a solid collection and rotating contemporary art exhibitions. It also has a cute restaurant and views of the Marina da Glória and Sugarloaf Mountain. On weekends (if it’s not pouring), you might spot people practicing dance routines or roller skating in the outdoor area. On sunny days, this is one of my favorite places in the city, but it’s worth a visit even in the rain.

A lesser-known gem is the Federal Justice Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Justiça Federal), housed in a gorgeous neoclassical building in Cinelândia, in the downtown area. It’s not a common stop for visitors, but the architecture alone is worth it, and they host some cool exhibits.

You should also check out the Paço Imperial, which once housed the Portuguese royal family and now features contemporary art shows. Nearby, the charming Casa França-Brasil is another great cultural stop. I also recommend taking a look at the Caixa Cultural’s schedule. I’ve seen excellent exhibits there and even took some free workshops.

2. Visit Beautiful Historic Buildings

Another great option for what to do in Rio in the rain is to visit some of the city’s beautiful historic buildings, most of which are located in the downtown area (Centro).

One of the most impressive and best known is the Royal Portuguese Reading Room (Real Gabinete Português de Leitura), a gem in the heart of the city center. With its towering bookshelves filled with rare volumes and colorful stained-glass windows, it looks like a movie set. Entrance is free and the visit is quick, but you can easily linger a bit to take in all the details.

On the other hand, a place that most tourists overlook is the National Library Foundation (Fundação Biblioteca Nacional), one of the largest libraries in Latin America. The building alone is worth a visit, and it houses rare books and important documents from Brazilian history. Some areas are open to the public through guided tours, where you can explore grand halls and view the art on display.

A fine example of late 19th-century Brazilian neoclassical architecture, the Catete Palace (Palácio do Catete), near Flamengo Park, was the setting for several key moments in Brazilian history, including the suicide of President Getúlio Vargas. Today it houses the Museum of the Republic (Museu da República). The gardens are beautiful and perfect for a chill afternoon, but if it’s raining, the museum is worth exploring. You’ll see preserved rooms and personal items that belonged to Vargas, as well as rotating exhibitions.

Want more? The São Bento Monastery (Monastério de São Bento) is one of the main colonial art monuments in the city and in the country. Founded in the 16th century, it features an incredibly ornate interior filled with gold details, sacred sculptures, and religious paintings. You can visit just to admire the architecture or attend a mass (check @mosteirodesaobentorj on Instagram for service times).

If you’re into religious tourism, it’s also worth stopping by the imposing Candelária Church (Igreja da Candelária), which has a neoclassical facade and was inaugurated in 1898. It’s a historical landmark in downtown Rio and is open for visits Monday through Friday. Mass is also held from Sunday to Friday. It’s an easy stop before or after your visit to the nearby CCBB.

3. Explore Rio’s food scene

I don’t know about you, but when it rains a lot, all I want to do is eat. So of course, no list of things to do in Rio de Janeiro in the rain would be complete without talking about food. While I wouldn’t call gastronomy Rio’s strongest suit, there are plenty of traditional spots worth visiting, as well as some newer restaurants, cafés, and bars that are quite good.

Looking to warm up with coffee and snacks? In Santa Teresa, you’ll find great options like the charming Mô Café and Café do Alto, which serves delicious Northeastern Brazilian food. In Botafogo, there’s no shortage of cozy spots, including Dainer, Slow Bakery, the café inside the bookstore Livraria da Travessa, and the Empório Jardim at Casa Firjan. In Flamengo, I recommend Bicho Pão and Artigrano. In the city center, Curto Café is known for its excellent beans.

In Copacabana and Ipanema, check out Tiny Cat, Café Cultura, Aussie Coffee, Empório Jardim Praia, or the pastry shop Alva. Café ao Léu is excellent but tiny. In Jardim Botânico, people speak highly of Absurda Confeitaria and the French-style bakery La Bicyclette.

And of course, we can’t forget the classics: Confeitaria Colombo, in the city center, is a must-visit for many tourists, and it’s like a trip back in time. Founded in 1894, it’s full of stained glass, antique mirrors, and elegant pastries that make teatime feel like a special occasion.

If you’re looking for something less touristy, I recommend Casa Cavé, which is even older, founded in 1860. It specializes in Portuguese sweets and doesn’t have the same grandeur, but it’s full of old-school charm and remains popular among locals.

For lunch or dinner, the city’s traditional restaurants are a solid bet on rainy days. Café Lamas, in Flamengo neighborhood, has been serving customers since 1874. Other classic choices include Armazém São Thiago (also known as Bar do Gomez) and Adega do Pimenta, both in Santa Teresa, and Casa Urich in the city center.

In Copacabana, some well-known spots are Galeto Sat’s (galeto is a type of roasted chicken, and they also have great garlic bread), Cervantes (famous for its roast pork sandwich with cheese and pineapple), Pavão Azul (try the pataniscas, a kind of cod fritter), and Adega Pérola.

Another place with history is Bar Garota de Ipanema (formerly Bar Veloso), which was frequented by Bossa Nova musicians Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes in the 1960s and where the iconic song “The Girl from Ipanema” was created.

Other notable mentions include Angu do Gomes, in Largo de São Francisco da Prainha, and Nova Capela, in Lapa, known for its roasted goat with broccoli rice and crispy potatoes. If you’re in the North Zone (Zona Norte), check out Bar do Momo in Tijuca, which offers tasty snacks at fair prices.

Of course, this list is far from exhaustive. There are many more traditional spots to visit, and if you’re interested in checking out some of the newer bars and restaurants, there’s truly something for every taste.

A few to jot down: Surubar and Jurema, between Glória and Lapa, for trendy cocktails and small plates; Meza Bar, in Humaitá, for creative small dishes with a gourmet twist; and Chanchada, in Botafogo, for laid-back bar food in a hip setting. If you can’t decide, just head to Arnaldo Quintela Street in Botafogo and explore. It’s good to know that bars can get packed on rainy days, so arrive early if you can.

And if you want to feel like you’ve stepped straight out of Rio and into the Northeast, a perfect rainy-day spot is the São Cristóvão Fair (Feira de São Cristóvão), officially called “Centro Luiz Gonzaga de Tradições Nordestinas.” This massive indoor pavilion is a world of its own, with live forró music, Northeastern restaurants, craft stalls, cachaça vendors, regional sweets, and even karaoke. It’s a big, covered, and safe space, ideal for enjoying the day without getting soaked.

4. Enjoy Rio’s Cultural Scene

You probably already know that this city has a vibrant cultural scene, being home to many of Brazil’s best actors, musicians etc. So another great option for a rainy day in Rio de Janeiro is to dive into its theaters, cinemas, and live music venues.

If you understand Portuguese and want to get a feel for local theater scene, I recommend checking out the schedules for venues like Teatro Poeira in Botafogo, Sesc Copacabana, and Teatro Riachuelo downtown, among many others.

For film lovers, one of the best things to do in Rio in the rain is visit one of the city’s independent movie theaters, which have bravely resisted the dominance of big cinema chains and offer more diverse programming. Estação Net Rio, with two locations in Botafogo and one in Gávea, shows films outside the mainstream. If you’re in Santa Teresa, stop by the adorable Cine Santa Teresa, which was recently renovated. Cinesystem Botafogo is another solid option.

Also, keep an eye out for film festivals or special screenings happening around the city, they often happen in cultural centers like CCBB or at Estação Net Rio. You might be lucky enough to catch a discussion panel, a restored classic, or a thought-provoking documentary, often at affordable prices or even for free.

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5. Visit Science-Focused Spaces

In addition to all the cultural offerings, I also suggest exploring Rio’s science-focused attractions. They’re interactive, indoors, and educational, making them ideal for rainy days, especially if you’re traveling with kids or just enjoy learning through play.

A great place to visit is the Rio de Janeiro Planetarium (Planetário do Rio), located in Gávea. It’s home to the Museum of the Universe (Museu do Universo) and offers weekly stargazing events, plus immersive dome sessions that take you on a journey through the cosmos even when the skies are cloudy.

Another unique experience is the Museum of Life (Museu da Vida), in Manguinhos. It’s farther from the touristy neighborhoods, but worth the trip. The museum blends science, health, and citizenship through creative installations and guided tours. It was established in 1999 as part of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), a center dedicated to promoting scientific outreach, research, education, and documentation related to public health and biomedical sciences in Brazil.

Last but not least, one of tourists’ favorite spots is AquaRio. Located in the Port Zone, this aquarium is the largest in South America and is home to thousands of marine species. These days, I personally avoid zoos, aquariums, and other places where animals are kept in captivity for entertainment, but if that’s not a concern for you, it might be worth a visit. Tip: consider combining it with a stop at the nearby Museum of Tomorrow.

6. Take a Themed Guided Tour

Is it raining, but not too much? If the weather isn’t great but still manageable, a themed walking tour can be a great alternative. There are tons of guided tours available throughout the city, especially in the historic downtown area, which holds much of Rio’s architectural and cultural heritage.

You’ll find routes focused on Brazilian history, architecture, street art, or Afro-Brazilian culture, and most of them have English speaking guides. My personal favorite is the “Little Africa” (Pequena África) tour, which takes you through important sites for understanding the legacy of slavery and African heritage in the city and the country.

Prefer to stay entirely indoors? Some cultural spaces offer guided indoor tours, like the stunning Theatro Municipal. Inspired by the Paris Opera House, the building is a masterpiece inside and out. Guided tours are currently offered Tuesday through Saturday at various times, and tickets are sold on-site.

You can also visit places like the Palácio Tiradentes, the former seat of the National Congress and now home to the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (ALERJ), or the Museum of Justice (Museu da Justiça), both located downtown.

7. Relax at a Spa or Enjoy a Self-Care Day

Here’s a rainy-day idea I haven’t tried yet, but would love to. Rio has a variety of urban spas that offer everything from relaxing massages to therapeutic baths, facials, saunas, hot tubs, and more. A quick search on Google Maps for “Spa Rio de Janeiro” will bring up dozens of options with reviews. I’ve heard good things about Buddha Spa, for example.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, you could simply schedule a massage, a foot soak, or a manicure at a nice salon in the neighborhood where you’re staying.

8. Go Shopping

What about taking advantage of the bad weather to get to know local brands? My favorite places to shop in Rio are the open-air street markets like the Praça XV flea market, the Lavradio fair (both on Saturdays), and the Gloria market (every Sunday). Unfortunately, heavy rain can put a damper on those.

If that’s the case, take the chance to explore some of the cool indie shops in neighborhoods like Ipanema and Botafogo. Another option is to take shelter in a shopping mall. Besides good local shops, many malls in Rio also have great bookstores, cafés, restaurants, and even theaters.

Some good ones to check out are Shopping Rio Sul in Botafogo and Shopping da Gávea. If you’re into high-end (and high price) brands, you might like Shopping Leblon. My tip there is to stop by Cafezin and try their chocolate cake with brigadeiro sauce. It’s seriously good.

Did you know you can stay in Rio de Janeiro for free? Volunteer here through Worldpackers! This platform offers opportunities to exchange your time and skills for accommodation and other benefits, like meals and tours. There are dozens of volunteer positions in Rio, both in the capital city and other parts of the state. You can browse them for free. When registering, use the coupon JANELASABERTAS for a 20% discount.

9. Enjoy a Guilt-Free Lazy Day

Not every trip has to be about packing your schedule with activities. If the skies are gray and the rain keeps falling, maybe the best plan is… no plan at all. And that’s perfectly okay! A lazy day can be exactly what you need. If you’ve booked a charming place to stay, this might be the perfect time to fully enjoy it.

Grab a book, order some comfort food, do an online yoga class, catch up on your favorite shows, open a bottle of wine… Sometimes a rainy day is just the pause we need to remember that rest is part of the vacation too.

I hope you like these tips on what to do in Rio in the rain. While the city is best known for its sunshine, it still has plenty to offer even when it’s pouring. With a little flexibility and curiosity, you can still have a great experience here, no matter the weather. Enjoy!