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Attractions

Steeped in a rich and diverse cultural history, Rio de Janeiro is a sightseer's dream with hundreds of spectacular attractions awaiting them! With the verdant Amazon rainforest, miles of beautiful coastline and some seriously exciting neighbourhoods to explore, this city has so much to offer.

A trip to Rio de Janeiro would not be complete without heading up Sugar Loaf Mountain or an obligatory visit to the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the seven New Wonders of the Modern World and Rio de Janeiro's most famous landmark. Ipanema is the place to go for sun worshippers, where miles of sugary white beaches and shopping opportunities abound.

Sip on a caipirinha cocktail while singing along to the hit Barry Manilow tune in the Copacabana, or explore the cobblestone streets of downtown Centro, Lapa and Santa Teresa. Sports lovers should head down to the Estádio do Maracanã and enjoy a spot of the national sport of soccer.

Tourists will do well to purchase the Rio Pass which enables the bearer to gain free entry to four of Rio's charging tourist attractions, 50% off on all other admission fees, discounts on nightlife, 15 additional deals, and a free map and guidebook full of need-to-know information. The pass is valid for seven days and can be bought from tourist offices around the city starting from a cost of $50.

Corcovado

The distinctive statue of Christ the Redeemer, arms spread to welcome the world, is the symbol of Rio de Janeiro and one of the seven New Wonders of the Modern World. It rests on top of Rio de Janeiro's Corcovado Mountain, 2,330ft (710m)...  see full details

Sugar Loaf

The summit of Rio's unique 1,299ft high (396m) belvedere, named Sugar Loaf because of its resemblance to the loaves of sugar used by the Portuguese colonists, can be reached by a two-stage cable car ride. The first stage takes visitors up 722ft (220m)...  see full details

Botanical Gardens

Rio's Botanical Gardens were created in 1808 by the Prince Regent of Portugal as a temporary site for acclimatising imported plants. Today it is home to some 2,600 species of plant life, particularly bromeliads and orchids. Colour is added to the botanical treasures by...  see full details

Ipanema

Immortalised in a popular song, 'The girl from Ipanema', this part of Rio offers not only its legendary beach, but numerous excellent hotels, bustling nightlife, sophisticated shopping opportunities and quality restaurants, all within walking distance of each other. Ipanema (the name, incongruously, means 'bad...  see full details

Copacabana

This famous Rio beach neighbourhood was just a small fishing village until a new highway changed the face of it sometime in the 1900s. The Copacabana Palace Hotel first opened its doors in 1923, and since then the area mushroomed with Neoclassical and...  see full details

Estádio do Maracanã

Built over 50 years ago for use in the Soccer World Cup, this stadium is the largest on the continent, seating a crowd of over 95,000. The stadium is currently used to host the local soccer league games, and is the home of...  see full details

Tijuca Forest

The world's largest urban forest, Tijuca spans 7,900 acres (3,200ha) and sits on Rio's doorstep. Inside the forest, walkabouts will lead you past caves, waterfalls and an abundance of exotic and rare flora and fauna. Stop and enjoy a pre-packed lunch at the 'Mesa...  see full details

Santa Teresa

Having had their fill of the beach, tourists seeking the 'real Rio de Janeiro' should make a beeline for one of its most iconic neighbourhoods, Santa Teresa. Located at the top of Santa Teresa Hill, the neighbourhood is famous for its winding, narrow...  see full details

Rocinha

Even though Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's foremost holiday destinations, boasting great beaches, vibrant night-life, and significant tourist attractions, the hard fact is that it remains a city of gross economic inequality - as typified by its sprawling urban slums (favelas),...  see full details