Sights

Cristo Redentor - Corcovado

Cristo Redentor - Corcovado

Marc D. Berger

There is much more to see in Rio than just Copacabana. From Lapa and Santa Teresa to Christ the Redeemer and the Sambodrome, Rio de Janeiro has it all. Located between huge mountains and beautiful beaches, you will certainly enjoy this city.

It hosts numerous interesting museums, some great colonial buildings and impressive churches. A must-see is Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar). There are also numerous galleries with good works of Brazilian artists.

The best way to explore the city is by foot, as you will get a good taste of what Rio is all about. Public busses are generally good, but they are difficult to navigate as there is no route map. Prefer the air conditioned ones (with the words "Ar Condicionado" written on the front side). If you are visiting for a short period of time, it might be worth making longer trips by taxi; they are not very expensive. But be aware that the taxi drivers (especially during Carnival) do not always charge the correct fare for the desired destination. Most Cariocas do not take taxis, unless it is an emergency, it is raining, or they are late for something. The subway (Metro) is another good and safe option for getting around the touristy areas. There are also vans (white) with destinations written on a sign in the front window used mainly by the locals to move about the city rapidly. These vans are not recommended for tourists who are not familiar with Rio, or who cannot speak any Portuguese.

For a list of attractions: http://www.rio.rj.gov.br/riotur/en/atracao/

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Christ The Redeemer - Corcovado

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!

type:	Landmarks
World66 rating:	[rate it]
tel:	(21) 2558-1329
url:	www.rio.rj.gov.br
address:	Parque Nacional da Tijuca
accessibility:	By Tram (bondinho): Estrada de Ferro Corcovado - Rua Cosme Velho, 513 - Cosme Velho.

Sugar Loaf (Pao de Acucar)

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.

type:	Landmarks
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Avenida Pasteur, 520 - Urca
openinghours:	8 am to 10 pm, daily
tel:	(21) 2240-4239
url:	www.rio.rj.gov.br

Tijuca Forest (Floresta da Tijuca)

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

type:	Parks, Gardens and Zoos
World66 rating:	[rate it]
tel:	(21) 2492-5407
url:	www.riodejaneiro-turismo.com.br

Isle of Paquetá

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..

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]
url:	www.riodejaneirophotoguide.com
address:	Paqueta Rio de Janeiro

Fort Santa Cruz da Barra

Fort Santa Cruz da Barra Niteroi Rio de Janeiro

Fort Santa Cruz da Barra Niteroi Rio de Janeiro
photo by: Marc D. Berger

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..

type:	Hotspots
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url:	www.riodejaneirophotoguide.com
address:	Niteroi

Modern Art Museum

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

type:	Public Buildings
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address:	Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, 85 – Aterro – Centro
tel:	2102188
url:	www.rio.rj.gov.br

Aterro do Flamengo

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...

type:	Parks, Gardens and Zoos
World66 rating:	[rate it]
url:	www.rio.rj.gov.br

Museu Historico Nacional (National History Museum)

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.

type:	Hotspots
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address:	Praça Marechal Âncora, s/nº - Centro
openinghours:	10 am - 13:30 on Tuesday- Friday / Saturday, Sunday and holidays 2 pm - 6 pm
openings:	10 am - 13:30 on Tuesday- Friday / Saturday, Sunday and holidays 2 pm - 6 pm
tel:	(21) 2220-2328
url:	www.rio.rj.gov.br

Lagoa

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..

type:	Landmarks
World66 rating:	[rate it]
url:	www.rio.rj.gov.br
address:	Av. Epitacio Pessoa and Av. Borges de Medeiros - Lagoa

Banco do Brasil Cultural Center

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).

type:	Public Buildings
World66 rating:	[rate it]
url:	www.rio.rj.gov.br
address:	Rua Visconde de Itaborai, 78 - Centro

Amsterdam Sauer Museum of Precious Stones

A collection of more than 3000 stones and minerals.

type:	Synagogues
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openinghours:	9 am - 6 pm, Mon-Fri and on Saturday only until 3 pm
tel:	5121132

Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico)

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.

type:	Parks, Gardens and Zoos
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Rua Jardim Botanico, 920 - Jardim Botanico.
openinghours:	8 am - 5 pm
url:	www.rio.rj.gov.br
tel:	2390718

Forte de Copacabana

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..

type:	Hotspots
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address:	Copacabana / Arpoador

Sao Bento Monastery

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.

type:	Hotspots
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tel:	2291-7122
url:	www.rio.rj.gov.br
address:	Rua Dom Gerardo, 68 - Centro.

Urca and Praia Vermelha

Sugar Loaf

Sugar Loaf
photo by: Carlos T.D.Madeira

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

type:	Landmarks
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Wet'n Wild

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

type:	Palaces
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openinghours:	10 am - 5 pm, Thu-Sun, in summer time until 6 pm

Hotel Copacabana Palace

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..

type:	Hotspots
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address:	Copacabana

Candelaria Church

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.

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Praca Pio X - Centro
openinghours:	7:30 am- 4 pm, Mon-Fri and 9 am - 1 pm, Sat-Sun
tel:	2332324
url:	www.rio.rj.gov.br

Lido

The area between Copacabana Palace and Av. Princesa Isabel is known as Lido. It concentrates a number of landmark art-nouveau and neoclassical buildings, a living memory of a glamourous past. Masterpieces like building Itahy on Av. Copacabana 252 are not to be missed (the mermaid). Many of these buildings have huge 5-bedroom apartments with only one bathroom and no garage, as parking on the street was the norm. Most were adapted to other uses by language schools, and other businesses.

type:	Hotspots
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Museu do Acude (Acude Museum)

Museu do Açude

Museu do Açude
photo by: Eduardo Affonso

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

type:	Hotspots
World66 rating:	[rate it]
openinghours:	11 am - 4.30 pm, Tue - Sun
tel:	4925443

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