Sights

Christ The Redeemer - Corcovado

Edit This

Elected one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World".
Corcovado (the hunchback) is the mountain dominating the Rio skyline. On the top is the statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor). This statue was built to commemorate 100 years of Brazilian independence.
The view of the city from the top of Corcovado is worth a visit!

Sugar Loaf (Pao de Acucar)

Edit This

The hill 396m above Rio is a must-see. There are two cable cars bringing you to the top. They leave every half-hour from Praca General Tiburcio at Praia Vermelha in Urca. To get to Urca, catch a bus number 107 from the Centre or bus number 500, 511 or 512 from the Zona Sul.

Isle of Paquetá

Edit This

The island of Paquetá is located in the Bay of Guanabara.
Cars are prohibited on the whole island and so horse wagons are common.
High security and pure carioca locals you will find on this Island for lovers, which is in fact a very romantic and beautiful place.
Indeed already the Imperador Dom Pedro II spent time to relax on this island. His coming was announced by cannon fire.

You can take a ferry at Praca 15 de Novembro which takes about an hour to get there. You will pass under the world's longest bridge of this specific construction type: The Rio-Niterói more..

Parque Lage

Edit This

The "Parque Enrique Lage" is a public park in the southern zone (Zona Sul)of Rio de Janeiro, located in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood beside the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, directly at the foot of the Corcovado mountain with the Cristo Redentor statue on its top.

The land was formerly the residence of industrialist Enrique Lage and his wife, singer Gabriela Bezanzoni. During the 1920's Lage had the mansion remodeled by Italian architect Mario Vodrel, with interior paintings by Salvador Payols Sabaté.

In the 1960's the land became a public park, with more..

Tijuca Forest (Floresta da Tijuca)

Edit This

Tijuca National Park is said to be the largest urban forest in the world.

Aterro do Flamengo

Edit This

Located in the heart of town, this giant park covers 120 hectares along the shores of the Guanabara Bay.
Project credited to Lota Macedo Soares, the gardens were created by Roberto Burle Marx during the 60s. It has a marina, beach, jogging tracks, museums...

Modern Art Museum

Edit This

The MAM displays a well-known collection of modern paintings. The museum itself is housed in an interesting building.
Architect: Affonso Eduardo Reidy, 1953.

Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico)

Edit This

The Botanical Garden was founded in 1808. The garden covers 137 hectares. The neo-classical gateway dates back to the last century, with XVIII century bronze statues scattered along its paths and lawns.

Museu Historico Nacional (National History Museum)

Edit This

The National History Museum is a must-see. It displays a great collections of historical items, for instance, maps, paintings, arms and colonial sculptures. Admission is about $-US 1. Call 2400088 for further information. To get there take bus No. 123, 125, 172, 180, 2017, 2018 or 2145.

Lagoa

Edit This

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is the lagoon that limits great part of the city's south zone (Zona Sul): Ipanema, Leblon, Jardim Botanico, Gavea and Corte do Cantagalo (way to Copacabana).
It provides access to Tunel Reboucas, the tunnel that leads to the city's north zone (Zona Norte).
The view of Lagoa after crossing the tunnel to Zona Sul is one of the most impressing and unforgettable sigths you'll get from Rio.
There are a lot of options, from kiosks along the edge of the lagoon to fine restaurants in the more..

Banco do Brasil Cultural Center

Edit This

Two theaters, four exhibition halls, a computerized library, an auditorium, video rooms, a movie theater, tea room, bookstore.
It's located near Candelaria Church and Casa Franca-Brasil (another exhibition hall).

Fort Santa Cruz da Barra

Edit This

This is not Rio de Janeiro, but Niteroi, another city!

The Fort that was protecting the entrance to the Guanabara Bay which you can see best from top of Sugar Loaf is a must visit when staying in Rio de Janeiro. You can go there taking the Barcas - Rio/Niteroi ferry connection - at Praca 15 de Novembro at Centro. At the terminal in Niterói is leaving a tourist bus from the tourist authority of Niterói - Neltur. You will have a wonderful impression of the Sugar Loaf from the other side of the Bay and learn something about the more..

Amsterdam Sauer Museum of Precious Stones

Edit This

A collection of more than 3000 stones and minerals.

Hotel Copacabana Palace

Edit This

Rio's most glamourous hotel, Copacabana Palace has played a major role in the social and cultural life of Rio de Janeiro since it opened its doors, in the early 20's. The project by architect Joseph Gire was inspired in grand European hotels like the Negresco in Nice, and the Carlton in Cannes. Edith Piaf, Nat King Cole, Rock Hudson, De Gaulle, Eva Peron, Queen Elisabeth (and Charles and Diana), Walt Disney... the list of VIP's who have stayed here is endless. It was the setting for the Fred and Ginger's Flying down to Rio. Even books have been written about it. If you cannot more..

Urca and Praia Vermelha

Edit This

These very nice historical locations along the Guanabara Bay, around the Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar) are calm and pleasant.

Forte de Copacabana

Edit This

The structure that dominates the corner of Copacabana and Arpoador is well worth a visit. This is where you get to take the classical photo of Copacabana Beach you see on postcards. Take a short walk uphill for photos of Arpoador Park, Ipanema and Leblon. The Forte was built by the military around 1908 in the spot where the old Copacabana chapel used to be. Powerful cannons were installed in the rock to protect the city from invaders. Today Forte de Copacabana is a cultural center, and you are welcome to visit inside. The fireworks cascade along Forte de Copacabana is one of the more..

Sao Bento Monastery

Edit This

Benectine monastery built between 1617 and 1805. A gem of Brazilian religious art. The Sunday mass, at 10 am, is a must. Dress appropiate. Call 2917122 for further information.

Candelaria Church

Edit This

This famous church is located in Rio downtown. It is a good example for the late XIX century taste for opulent, Neo-Barroque architecture, with beautiful wall paintings. The following busses are passing: 107, 121, 123, 125, 172, 180, 2017, 2018 and 2145.

Wet'n Wild

Edit This

The attractions are located on an area of 110 square metres.

Museu do Acude (Acude Museum)

Edit This

An interesting collection of handicrafts and tiles from Northeast Brazil. The museum is located near the Tijuca Forest. Access only by road.