RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A perfect destination for those who love to enjoy the bustling life of a great metropolis while delighting in beautiful natural scenery all at once. The city of Rio de Janeiro is the second largest national metropolis and is located in the Southeast of the country.
Affectionately nicknamed the Marvelous City, this is undoubtedly the number one tourist destination in Brazil.
Internationally known for its many cultural and landscape icons, such as the Sugar Loaf, the statue of Christ the Redeemer (one of the seven wonders of the modern world) and the beaches and neighborhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca, the city is teeming with places to see during a visit to this destination.
More than a postcard, Rio de Janeiro is virtually a state of mind. The city has about 30 km of coastline surrounded by promenades that encourage visitors to take long walks while admiring the natural beauty that surrounds the city.
It is not only the beaches that make Rio de Janeiro famous. The fun nightlife in Rio de Janeiro and the bohemian atmosphere of some neighborhoods like Lapa is one of the bustling key points of the city.
Typically trendy, Rio de Janeiro is home to major cultural and sporting events throughout the year. The city is even busier in the summer when the two main celebrations in the country attract people from all over the world.
On New Year’s Eve, tons of fireworks color the skies of Copacabana to greet the turn of the year, while at Carnaval fun takes over the streets, having its great apogee with the typical blocks and the Sambadrome, the setting for the busy parades of the samba schools.
And by the way, like the samba schools, the soccer teams are renowned as yet another national passion; every Rio de Janeiro citizen has their club at heart. For visitors wanting to grasp the lifestyle of Rio residents, another obligatory itinerary after the beach is to enjoy a nice beer in a bar or dive, where snacks such as bean soup, pastries, and pork sandwiches are worth a full meal.
But there is no point in visiting the Marvelous City and not liking the accommodation. This is why the El Misti Hostels network, which has a great variety of hostels in Rio de Janeiro, is recommended. So visitors may enjoy all the places listed below yet still pay for an affordable stay to suit their preferences.
What to do in the city of Rio de Janeiro
Beach
In the south zone are the most popular beaches for tourists. Three of the most beautiful beaches in the world may be admired on a pleasant walk: Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. These three beaches are always busy. Tourists, residents and street vendors roam the extensive stretch of sand and the city’s famous promenade.
The Arpoador, favored by surfers, is one of the best places to enjoy the sunset in the Marvelous City. Every day dozens of people climb on the rocks that divide Copacabana Beach and Ipanema to contemplate this phenomenon with a view of Morro Dois Irmãos.
Only 200 meters in length and surrounded by beautiful hills, the Praia Vermelha (“Red Beach”) is located very close to Morro da Urca (“Urca Hill”). The attraction is very close to the entrance to the famous cable cars of Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Christ the Redeemer
The city’s main postcard and one of the seven wonders of the world, Christ the Redeemer is 30 meters high on an eight-meter pedestal. The enormous structure is located at the top of Corcovado Hill, 710 meters into the Tijuca Forest.
Sugar Loaf Mountain
A very popular ride is a cable car up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. The car departs from Praia Vermelha and has two stops, the first at Morro da Urca at 220 meters of altitude where there is a beautiful view of Guanabara Bay and the Botafogo cove. The second stop is 400 meters above sea level and from there one has a panoramic view of the entire southern area and Niterói.
Lage Park
Located between the slopes of the Corcovado Hill and the Botanical Garden Street, the Lage Park is one of the most pleasant parks in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro and has picnic and outdoor activities areas.
Botanical Garden
Located in the neighborhood of the same name, the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro is regarded by many as a living museum in terms of botany. The park is home to hundreds of Brazilian and foreign species, and is a great option for family outings.
Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro
One of the most traditional show houses in Brazil, the Rio de Janeiro theater offers a guided tour for tourists to take a closer look at the architecture and details of the construction.
Lapa
The most bohemian neighborhood in the capital of Rio de Janeiro is one of the city’s most bustling points. Lapa features several bars and clubs playing all kinds of music. The Aqueduto da Carioca (“Carioca Aqueduct”), better known as “Arcos da Lapa” (“Lapa Arches”), is a famous landmark in Rio de Janeiro, which preserves a little of the colonial period.
Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon
Always very busy for jogging, cycling or even walking enthusiasts, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas features 9.5km of perimeter and is connected to the sea by the Jardim de Alá (“Garden of Allah”) channel, which separates Leblon from Ipanema. On the shores of the lagoon, visitors will find a busy gastronomic center with kiosks offering dishes from different countries, as well as live music at night. Adjacent to it is the Catacumba Park, exhibiting 30 sculptures by Brazilian and foreign artists in the open air.
Santa Teresa
Located on top of a hill cut by tramway tracks that traverse the region, the picturesque Santa Teresa neighborhood provides privileged views of the southern and central zone of the marvelous city. The area is also lined with squares, studios, cultural venues, bars and restaurants.
Copacabana Fort
The Copacabana Fort is located on a rocky tip embedded in the shoreline bordering the sea. With a privileged landscape that encompasses Arpoador beach on one side, and Copacabana and Leme beaches on the other, the area that houses cafés and a museum covers a total area of 114,169 m², the Copacabana Fort was inaugurated in 1914 and is reputed “the most modern War Square in South America”.
Museum of the Republic
The Museum of the Republic is housed in the Catete Palace, the stage for some of the main events in Brazilian history. The building was built in the mid-19th century as the urban residence of the Barons of Nova Friburgo and in 1894, during the government of Prudente de Moraes. The Palace was the seat of the Presidency of the Republic until 1960 when Juscelino Kubitschek transferred the Federal District to Brasília.
Lookouts
The best way to enjoy the beauties of the marvelous city is from the many lookouts scattered around the capital of Rio de Janeiro.
Other places to visit in the city of Rio de Janeiro
National Library
Catacumba Park
Sambadrome
Maracanã Stadium
Gávea Rock Mountain
Monastery of São Bento
Museum of the Republic
Copacabana and Ipanema Beach
Tijuca National Park
MAM – Museum of Modern Art
Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro
Banco do Brasil Cultural Center
Tijuca National Park
São Bento Monastery
Royal Portuguese Reading Room
Moreira Salles Institute
Selarón Staircase
Church of Our Lady of Candelaria
Metropolitan Cathedral of São Sebastião do Rio De Janeiro