Rio de Janeiro is a fantastic place to visit when you are on a budget. Tourists will be overjoyed to simply take in the beautiful surroundings. From the city scape to the beaches, Rio de Janeiro offers breathtaking views and architectural marvels. For those trying to be thrifty on your vacation, here are eight places to visit for free in Rio:

1. The Cultural Center

As I mentioned above, Rio de Janeiro is a fun place to visit. Just walking through the cultural center of the city will be entertaining. For example, booking a free tour of Rio de Janeiro will take you through the bustling downtown area while providing details about the history and culture of the area. With Rio’s fascinating history, tourists will love taking one of the walking tours in Rio. This is the best free way to experience Rio!

2. Catedral Metropolitana

Located in the center of the city, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian is a remarkable sight. Its intricate and majestic stained glassed windows are works of art that you can see for free. Its unique architecture is a must-see for all Rio tourists whether or not they are religious.

3. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

Tourists should also visit this spectacular lagoon area that is considered “The Heart of Rio de Janeiro.” You can spend time observing those taking part in an array of outdoor activities such as cycling and rowing.

4. Escadeira Selaron

It is free to visit the marvelous steps designed by Chilean artist Jorge Selaron. This staircase is a must-see for Rio tourists as a symbolic work of art that took the artist years to design. The stairs include 215 steps with over 2000 brightly colored tiles from various countries around the world. Many of the Rio walking tours include this special destination on their tours.

5. Parque Lage

If you are trying to save money, but you want to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, then you can hike to the site via Parque Lage for free. This is a beautiful park is that is open to the public with walking trails and a glimpse at the former mansion of Enrique Lage and Gabriella Besanzoni.

6. Lapa

For a free glimpse at the cultural hub of Rio de Janeiro, you should visit the Lapa neighborhood. Lapa is full of artists, historical monuments, and a buzzing nightlife scene.

7. Tijuca National Park

While you do have to pay to see Christ the Redeemer, the rest of your visit to Tijuca National Park is free. It offers several scenic lookouts and is home to a wide array of plants and animals. It offers a multitude of hiking trails for those seeking outdoor adventures.

8. The Beaches

Finally, no one should visit Rio de Janeiro without visiting its beaches. With 25 miles of beaches, you can take your pick of which beaches you wish to visit for free. Families will enjoy Leblon Beach, but tourists should also visit famous Copacabana.