Must-see in Rio de Janeiro: a first-timer's guide

New to Rio de Janeiro? These are the sights locals send visitors to first — enough for a long weekend, and all reachable without a car. 1. Christ the Redeemer 2. Sugarloaf Mountain cable car 3. Copacabana and Ipanema beaches 4. Selarón Steps 5. Santa Teresa neighbourhood 6. Tijuca rainforest hike Tip: go early for the big-ticket sights, and leave one afternoon free to just wander a neighbourhood on foot. That is usually where Rio de Janeiro sticks with you.