By Nikola Grace Radley
Rio de Janeiro is not a city lacking tourist attractions. The key attractions — Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer), Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf), Copacabana, and Ipanema beaches — are world famous. Besides football stadiums, museums, hiking trails, samba clubs, a botanical garden, and an array of places to watch the sunset. These are still only components of a bright, vibrant, mosaic of pieces that is Rio.
Below is a list of places to visit for people looking to explore some lesser-known but still exciting attractions in Rio. Enjoy!
1. Ilha da Gigóia
The boat ride to Ilha da Gigóia alone is worth the visit to the island. The boat sets off from a pier near the Jardim Oceânico Metrô station, and the city of Rio feels very far away as you drift along the water surrounded by lush mangroves. The sensation makes you wonder if you are still in the same city. The island in itself has a low-key bohemian vibe with many people calling it their home. The island isn’t big and doesn’t take too long to wander around. There are good restaurants by the waterside to relax and settle in for a meal — a definite respite from the city.
Avenida Armando Lombardi 370, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 22640-000, Brazil
2. Aterro do Flamengo
The Aterro has something for everyone to enjoy. The beaches are clean and less hectic with excellent views of Guanabara Bay in front and Pão de Açúcar to the right. Sunbathers can relax in peace without being often approached by vendors. The park (designed by Roberto Burle Marx) is particularly suited for sports lovers. There are various sports courts, a skate park, and the option to stand-up paddle. A running track looking out onto the water weaves through the park, connecting to Praia de Botafogo. At the weekend people adorn trees with balloons and bunting to commemorate special occasions. An excellent place to spend a lazy Sunday.
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique s/n, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro 20021-140, Brazil
3. Graffiti steps Gamboa
For those who like to have an aesthetically pleasing social media these steps down an alley in Gamboa won’t disappoint. This staircase provides an excellent backdrop for Instagram. The steps painted with the image of the Brazilian flag are bold and colorful. The alley in itself with painted lamp posts is charming. Unlike Escadaria Selarón, which has queues of people lining up to get a photo, this place is generally unknown so you can take pictures at ease. Please be aware that this is a residential area and keep in mind the usual safety precautions when in Rio.
Close to 68 Rua Sacadura Cabral, Rio de Janeiro
4. Fábrica Bhering
The factory was once an old chocolate factory which closed at the beginning of the year 2000 but has now turned into quite an arts center. Fábrica Bhering is now a cultural center that is home to a broad range of ateliers. You can find a host of artists here showcasing their creations from sculptures to clothes and jewelry. As you enter the factory, the ground floor and yard have a selection of shops and tasty cafés. The factory invites you to explore the levels taking the old iron elevator up to the higher floors that still contain the old factory machinery. The abandoned style of the place provides a fantastic setting for creative photo shoots. Once a month, artists open their studios to the public.
Rua Orestes, 28 – Santo Cristo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20220-070 (a car is recommended to visit the place rather than public transportation)
5. Hotel Esqueleto (Skeleton Hotel)
This hotel presents a strikingly eerie image against the dense vegetation of its surroundings. A sixteen-floored deserted hotel that has been left for nature to take back since 1953. Situated between Gávea and São Conrado, the hotel stands alone on the hillside. It’s now a spot for graffiti artists and thrill seekers who climb the steps to the roof of the hotel for sweeping views of the area. To walk through the floors of the hotel gives one a feeling of being on the set of an apocalyptic “end of the world” movie. The neglected building has bricks and rubble on the floor; the walls are all open or wholly exposed. Be careful as there are no safety features in place.
Estrada da Canoa, 2439 – São Conrado, Rio de Janeiro – RJ (recommended to arrive by car)
6. Instituto Moreira Salles – IMS Rio
IMS Rio is in the lush green neighborhood of Gávea. The house is a benchmark in 1950’s architecture, once owned by the wealthy Walther Moreira Salles, who left the house to the public in 1999. Now, it’s a cultural center, showcasing avant-garde films, photography exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events. The building sits within landscaped gardens by Roberto Burle Marx. There is also a stylish “cobogó” [open-faced brickwork] wall. IMS Rio is also home to a fantastic café, Empório Jardim. The house is free to enter, as is parking, but the cinema isn’t. Tickets can be bought online at ingresso.com.
Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 476 – Gávea