Visit Rio de Janeiro

Of course, no trip to Rio is complete without a visit to the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue, its arms outstretched, embracing the sprawling Guanabara Bay below. It’s one of the 7 Wonders of the World, so it’s usually a bit of a crowd-puller. But trust me, it’s worth the extra trouble. You can get there by bus, train or on foot. Choose the bright red cogwheel train for the most scenic views. It passes through Tijuca National Park and takes you to the top of Corcovado mountain in 20 minutes. Fares are constantly changing, so be sure to check the official Corcovado mountain website. The train is a little pricier than the bus (but not by much), but if you’re on a budget, you can always hike. It’ll take you about 1 hour. Try to get there early in the morning to avoid the infamous Rio fog that blocks the views!

Morro Pan de Azucar

Sugarloaf mountain is yet another must-see in the city. The Portuguese named it so for its uncanny resemblance to the blocks of refined sugar that sailors used to carry on ships during the sugar trade. You can take two cable cars to the top for amazing city views! Want to save some cash and still enjoy a forest walk in the company of monkeys? You can walk up to the first mountain peak (approx. 45 min.) and buy a ticket just for the second cable car section. Pro tip: stay up there to watch the sunset!

Beaches

Rio de Janeiro’s beaches are more than just stunning backdrops for sunbathing and swimming. They’re the beating heart of the city. Here’s an overview of some of the most emblematic ones:
– Leblon: the beach of choice for Rio’s elite. Nestled in the quiet Leblon district, it’s serene, with gorgeous sunsets over the Two Brothers Mountain.
– Ipanema: It’s impossible not to hum the the iconic ‘Girl from Ipanema’ tune as you stroll along Rio’s beachfront. It’s the city’s most popular beach and a go-to meeting spot.
– Copacabana: This is the most famous beach in Rio, Brazil or perhaps the entire world! A stroll along its famous black and white mosaic promenade will leave you humming its iconic namesake song.

Also worth a visit:

– Flamengo: The first of the beaches on the Guanabara Bay shoreline, with a stunning vistas of Niteroi.
– Botafogo: Once Rio’s posh neighborhood, Botafogo’s beach offers superb views of Sugarloaf Mountain!
And if you prefer secret beaches off the beaten path:
– Joatingade: A wild beach that’s accessible only at low tide and a little hard to find. But you get the idea! It’s a hidden gem away from the crowds, ideal for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
– Praia da Reserva: As its name suggests, this beach is part of a nature reserve, further away from the city center and therefore less crowded, not to say deserted.

Niteroi

Right opposite Rio, across Guanabara Bay, you’ll find its twin sister city, Niteroi. Hop on a 15-minute boat ride or cross the longest bridge in Latin America, and explore this less touristy haven full of hidden gems.
– Here, you’ll see the very final creation of Brazilian architect Oscar NiemeyerIt. He practically built Brasilia from the ground up and didn’t stop there. He’s the one that designed the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum, a futuristic architectural marvel offering breathtaking views of Rio. This exceptional site can be found along the Caminho Niemeyer, the Niemeyer Path. I’ll say no more, as you truly have to go and walk the cool white, curved passageways to get the full picture.
– On this side of the bay, you’ll also find the magnificent Parque da Cidade. This nature protection area offers stunning views of the bay and it’s a popular spot to catch the sunset. Keep in mind it closes at 6 PM.

Samba

Samba is the heart and soul of Rio, and it will leave you spellbound. Let the infectious rhythm sweep you off your feet! How and where, you might ask. Well, here are a few options:
– You can visit the famous Samba City, with its fourteen massive factories where they create carnival floats, costumes and other props used in the parade. You can also attend one of the many workshops and learn to dance or play percussion.
– You can even catch a samba school rehearsal in the run-up to the Carnival.
– Want the ultimate experience? Then head to the happening music clubs in Lapa and mingle with the Cariocas! Try Rio Scenarium or Carioca de Gema.

Maracaña stadium

Football fans are in for a treat in Brazil. Football is more than just a sport here – it’s a religion. And visiting its sacred grounds is a must-do. Whether you’re a seasoned football fan or a curious newcomer, catching a game at the legendary Maracanã stadium is an experience that will leave you forever changed! This iconic stadium isn’t just a venue for thrilling matches; it’s also a reminder of a national heartbreak. In 1950, Brazil built the then-largest stadium in the world, the Maracanã, to stage the FIFA World Cup. The home team was sure to win. They easily made it to the final. The pre-match pep talk went something like this: “In a few minutes, you’ll be world champions!”. And then, against all odds, Uruguay won the match. For Europeans, this was a major blow, but for Brazilians, it was a national tragedy. This defeat became known as the “Maracanazo”, meaning “The Maracanã Blow”. Many documentaries explain the dramatic consequences of this defeat, both for the black players, who were ostracized from the national team for years, and for the goalkeeper, who was made a scapegoat. Playwright Nelson Rodrigues summed up this defeat as follows: “Every place has its own irreparable national catastrophe, its own Hiroshima. Our catastrophe, our Hiroshima, was our defeat against Uruguay in 1950. The FIFA President had not even planned a ceremony in the event of Uruguay’s victory! His speech, to be given in Portuguese, was never delivered, and the trophy was given half-secretly to the Uruguayan captain amidst a heavy silence. Even the Uruguayans felt sorry for the Brazilians and did not celebrate their victory. All this to show the deep-rooted significance of football in Brazil and the unwavering dedication of fans there!

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

Rio isn’t all about beaches! It also has a saltwater lake with two small islands. It’s the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, near the Copacabana and Ipanema districts. Bordered by the Botanical Gardens, the lagoon is a local favorite and perfect for a fun day out. You can choose between jogging, cycling, rollerblading, as well as rowing, boats and pedal boats, all in this breathtaking setting.

Museums

Museums here aren’t just architectural beauties; they’re treasure troves waiting to be explored! Their collection are rich and interesting. Here are a few must-sees:

– Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow): A science museum with futuristic architecture (pls google it!) designed to raise public awareness of the consequences of global warming and human impact on our planet. A must-see interactive museum that mixes science, art and technology!
– Museu Histórico Nacional (National Historical Museum): History buffs will love this museum, which traces the entire history of Brazil. From prehistory and indigenous groups, to Portuguese colonization and the proclamation of the Republic of Brazil (Free on Sundays).
– Museu de Arte do Rio (Rio Art Museum): This art museum traces the country’s evolution through its art. Embracing a socially conscious agenda, it sheds light on contemporary social issues. (Free on Tuesdays)
– Museu Nacional de Belas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts): Every major city has a Museum of Fine Arts, and Rio is no exception. Here, you’ll find an extensive collection of 19th- and 20th-century art by Brazilian artists. (Free on Sundays)
– Museu de Arte Moderna (Museum of Modern Art): This modern art museum opened in 2014, and has become one of the country’s most important cultural institutions. (Free on Wednesdays)

Petropolis
If you fancy discovering imperial cities, then head for Petropolis, just 68 km from Rio. Nestled in the Serra dos Orgaos National Park, Petropolis owes its tourist appeal to the former imperial palace, now Brazil’s imperial museum. Brazil quickly became an empire, and Petropolis was built as part of an ambitious urban project to become its capital. Here you’ll find colonial houses, palaces of noble families, the Crystal Palace and the beautiful Gothic cathedral. A journey through time to see Brazil in a whole new light.

Ilha Grande

Can’t squeeze in visits to all of Brazil’s diverse regions? Consider a getaway to Ilha Grande. This island is a protected biological reserve of unparalleled wild beauty and it happens to be just a stone’s throw from Rio. It’s off-limits to cars, and full of heavenly nooks and crannies accessible on foot or via excursions. We recommend spending at least 2 or 3 nights here.

Buzios

Buzios is another must-see on the outskirts of Rio. Although very touristy and swarming with Argentinians in summer, Buzios is a little slice of paradise. Picture this: crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, lively streets and music on every corner. Vacation vibes at their finest!