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 detailsSugar 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 detailsBotanical 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 detailsIpanema
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 detailsCopacabana
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 detailsEstádio do Maracană
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 detailsTijuca 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 detailsRio Scenarium
The most festive spot in what is arguably the most festive city
in the world. Rio Scenarium is a three floor dance club dedicated
to sultry, sweaty summer salsa nights. The decor is interesting,
set in an abandoned antiques warehouse, the club is...
see full details