14 Best Things to Do in Arraial do Cabo: Day and Night!
Updated September 21, 2022
Are you thinking about visiting Região dos Lagos (Lake District) of Rio de Janeiro? We have selected the best things to do in Arraial do Cabo, both in the day and at night.
Arraial do Cabo (RJ) is an incredible place for those who want to rest, have fun and enjoy amazing tours in the region. In the city, you can go scuba diving, take boat and buggy rides, watch the sunset, go to restaurants and night bars, and visit beautiful beaches.
To help you enjoy the best attractions, we have put together a guide with the 14 best things to do in Arraial do Cabo. Check it out and prepare yourself to have a memorable trip to one of the most beautiful places in Brazil!
Best attractions in Arraial do Cabo
Although it is a small town, there are many attractions for all of the visitors in Arraial do Cabo. However, because it is coastal, the beaches and natural beauty are part of almost every activity.
These are the best attractions that will make you thrilled:
Boat Tours
The boat tour is an essential activity for those who are visiting the city for the first time. There are several tour companies that offer the activity for a reasonable price.
Usually, it stops at the main beaches in the region and you can choose some extras, such as lunch and drinks, for example.
Scuba diving
Scuba diving is also an excellent alternative for those who go to Arraial do Cabo. In fact, if you feel like diving, this is one of the best places for it.
During the activity, you can see turtles, different species of fish, and other sea animals up close.
Buggy ride
The buggy tour is one of the most popular activities in Arraial and it never disappoints.
The prices are a little high, but it's worth it, since it lasts more than 2 hours on an incredible tour along the beaches.
Enjoy the beautiful view at Fishermen's Deck
If you've seen at least a few pictures of Arraial do Cabo, you've certainly noticed that the landscapes are amazing. One of them is the Fishermen's Deck, an excellent background for those who like to take pictures for social media.
Take a walk on the beach
In total, there are more than 10 beaches in Arraial do Cabo. So, there will be no lack of beautiful locations for you to visit every day you are in town. The sands are fine, the water is very blue and the landscape is breathtaking. We recommend going to at least the main ones.
Watch the Sunset at Mirante do Pontal do Atalaia or Praia Grande
Do you want to see the most beautiful sunset in the region? Then you won't regret going to the Mirante do Pontal de Atalaia or Praia Grande. The experience is incredible and tends to yield good moments at the end of the afternoon.
Surf at Praia Brava
Due to its strong waves, Brava Beach is the perfect place for those who like to surf. In fact, it is not suitable for swimming. Therefore, if you are not a surf lover or don't enjoy surfing, the tip is to visit other beaches in the region.
Best beaches to visit
Since the city's main attractions are its beaches, there is no way not to mention the best ones. Check out the main ones and make your ideal itinerary!
Go on a Day Trip to Cabo Frio
Although Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo are two different cities, they are very close to each other. The distance is about 13 km, and by car it takes about 30 minutes from one city to another.
The place has beautiful beaches and visitors can go scuba diving, visit the islands, go to the Lençóis do Peró and the historic districts, besides contemplating incredible landscapes.
Visit Azeda Beach in Búzios
Búzios is also a town near Arraial do Cabo with beautiful tourist attractions. It is a little further away than Cabo Frio, about 37 km. But 1 hour is enough to get there.
As it is a beach town, the attractions are very similar to the others we mentioned: beaches, buggy and schooner rides, a beautiful coastline and historical neighborhoods.
Visit Praia do Farol
Praia do Farol, or the Lighthouse Beach is a true attraction in town, so be sure to visit it. It is famous for its crystal clear waters, white sands, and a truly paradisiacal landscape.
The place is protected by the Brazilian Navy, has been considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, and is perfect for those who want to get in touch with nature.
Go on to Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia
The little beaches of Pontal de Atalaia are also among the most beautiful and really have a paradisiacal scenario, with clear and calm waters, ideal for swimming and diving.
The access can be made by boat or by car, but it is not free, you have to pay a small fee on the spot to get in.
The best night attractions
For those who like to go out at night there is no lack of things to do. It is the perfect time to have fun, meet new people, and eat at nice restaurants.
Take a stroll through Praça Daniel Barreto de Marco
Popularly called Praça do Cova, the Daniel Barreto de Marco Square is one of the busiest places in town. At night it becomes a meeting point with bars and restaurants for all tastes.
There are arts and crafts fairs, live performances, nightclubs, and a very active nightlife. It is not difficult to find good places to have fun.
Discover the best restaurants
If you want to enjoy tasty Brazilian food, you certainly won't be disappointed by the restaurants in Arraial do Cabo. At night, you can visit some of the best restaurants, such as:
- Casa da Piedra;
- Pimenta Rosa Gastronomy;
- Tuga's Codfish
- Saint Tropez
- Bistrô da Praia;
- Nansen Bottle.
Have a drink in a pub
The city's bars are also excellent attractions for those who like to have good drinks while having fun. In fact, although there is not a huge list of bars, there is no shortage of alternatives either. Among the main ones are
- El Farol Bar;
- Santo Gole Bar and Grill
- Esquina da Onda
- Container Steak Bar;
- Beach Chopp Grill and Appetizers.
How to get to Arraial do Cabo
After getting to know the best things to do in Arraial do Cabo, you may be wondering how to get there. Don't worry, though! The city is located in Rio de Janeiro, one of the most famous states in Brazil.
Even if you are staying in any other Brazilian state, it is not difficult to get to the city. However, if you are staying in one of the two most popular cities, it is much easier to get there.
From Rio de Janeiro
Being in Rio de Janeiro it is much easier to get to Arraial do Cabo, since both cities are in the same state and 165 km apart (about 2h30 to 4 hours by car).
Visitors can rent a vehicle, take one of the buses that leave from Rodoviária Novo Rio or hire a tourist van. Generally, the bus trip is more cost-effective, since it is cheaper and doesn't take as long as leaving from São Paulo.
From São Paulo
Since it is a neighboring state, it is not difficult to travel from São Paulo to Arraial do Cabo. It is possible to rent a car, hire a shuttle service, go by plane or take a bus, which usually leaves from the Terminal Rodoviário Tietê.
When to visit Arraial do Cabo
The truth is, you will have a positive experience at any time of the year. However, we recommend that you take some things into consideration before you choose when to visit. For example, high season and rainy periods. So, here we go:
- December and January: are the rainiest months;
- Between December and March: it is summer in Brazil, the waters are (a little) warmer and it is considered high season;
- April and May: are the best months for those who want to save money, because it is low season;
- Between June and August: it is winter in Brazil and, therefore, the water is usually colder than normal and the temperature can drop frequently. But the flow of people is lower;
- Between September and November: because it is low season, this is an excellent time to travel. But it is important to point out that rain may appear, especially in November.
Tips for visiting Arraial do Cabo
To sum it up, we brought some tips that will help you to enjoy yourself more while you are in the city:
- Arraial do Cabo's sea is usually cold all year round. Therefore, if you want to enjoy warmer waters, travel in the summer;
- Some beaches are very crowded, so if you're driving, arrive early to park;
- Are you going to travel during high season? Book your lodging in advance, so you can choose the best accommodations;
- Define the tours and attractions that you want to do and draw up a small script to make the most of the days of the trip.