Being a city rich in natural beauty, Rio de Janeiro certainly isn't short of places to sit and watch the sun go down. To help you select the best spots, we've compiled a list of the top five places to watch the sunset in Rio de Janeiro, so all you need to do is make sure you arrive on time and don't forget your camera!

1) Sugar Loaf Mountain

Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of the best places to see the sunset in Rio de Janeiro, as it offers a bird's eye view at 396 meters above sea level, from the entrance of Guanabara Bay. From here you will be able to see the horizon beyond Copacabana Beach and watch the sun go down behind Corcovado Mountain. Moreover, seeing the city all lit up at night from this level is quite simply spectacular.

[caption id="attachment_7793" align="alignnone" width="500"]The sunset from Sugar Loaf Mountain The sunset from Sugar Loaf Mountain / source[/caption]

2) Arpoador Beach

Arpoador Beach is the small area of sand between the start of Ipanema Beach and Copacabana. It is the birthplace of surfing in Rio and, during the summer months, it offers what is undoubtedly the most beautiful sunset in the whole city. People gather on Pedra do Arpoador (Arpoador Rock), sit back with a coconut and await this spectacle of nature, which takes on a lovely soft pink haze. Once the sun has set, the locals have a tendency to applause, showing their admiration of its wondrousness.  

[caption id="attachment_7794" align="alignnone" width="622"]Perch on Arpoador Rock to admire the city's most beautiful sunset Perch on Arpoador rock to admire the sunset in Rio de Janeiro / source[/caption]

3) Copacabana Fort

Right at the end of Copacabana Beach is an enormous fort, which is not only a fantastic place to visit during the day, but the evenings there are very special too. The views over Copacabana, Leme and Sugarloaf Mountain are even more incredible at sunset, and the fort regularly hosts cultural events such as festivals of Brazilian music and dance, which take place at this time.

4) Pestana Rio Atlantica

Five star hotel Pestana Rio Atlantica has a rooftop bar with a pool and dazzling view overlooking Copacabana beach. The sunset here is incredible not only for the views but for the atmosphere too, which is sophisticated yet relaxed. Combined with cocktails and ambient music, this makes for a very luxurious spot to sit and bask in the evening rays.

[caption id="attachment_1246" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Not a bad view from here! / source Not a bad view from here! / source[/caption]

5) Pedra Bonita

Pedra Bonita is a hidden gem, towering above Tijuca National Park at 2,283 feet and offering a bird’s eye view across the city. This is the ideal place to visit in summer, when the park remains open until later, enabling you to watch the sun set over Barra da Tijuca's beach and the lagoons.

[caption id="attachment_7851" align="alignnone" width="667"]Barra da Tijuca's beach and lagoons from the top of Pedra Bonita Barra da Tijuca's beach and lagoons from the top of Pedra Bonita / source[/caption]

As well as these, there are several other places to watch the sunset in Rio de Janeiro, such as Posto 9 on Ipanema Beach, from where you can see it gradually descend between the mountain Dois Irmãos.

Visit our website for more information, or to book tours and activities in Rio de Janeiro.

By: Camilla Day - English Content Manager