The best attractions of Rio de Janeiro with photos and descriptions. Photos and descriptions of the sights of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro the most beautiful places
Sunny Rio de Janeiro, located along the coast of a fabulously picturesque bay, is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places on earth. The streets of the city are buried in tropical greenery, sandy beaches stretch for several kilometers, ultra-modern buildings amaze with the unusualness of their shapes, and colorful carnival processions draw you into the atmosphere of an eternal holiday. Rio de Janeiro is not deprived of attractions, which we will consider later in the article.
1. Christ Statue
The world famous statue of Christ the Redeemer is the most recognizable symbol of Rio de Janeiro, and even the whole of Brazil. Anyone who has ever seen footage of popular Brazilian TV series is familiar with the mesmerizing panorama of Mount Corcovado and the sculptural image of Jesus Christ, ready to embrace the whole world.
Construction of the statue began at the beginning of the 20th century and was timed to coincide with the upcoming centenary of Brazil's independence from Portugal. The author of the project was the talented engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. Specialists from other countries took an active part in the construction, since it was simply not possible to produce parts of such gigantic sizes in Brazil. The head and hands of the statue were made in France, and the soapstone for construction was brought from Sweden.
The attraction is striking in its gigantic size - its height is 38 meters, which can be compared to a modern twelve-story building. In addition, the height of the hill on which the statue of Christ is located exceeds 700 meters, so the monument is visible from anywhere in the city, and the observation deck at its foot offers stunning views of Rio.
The majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer has become a unique symbol of the country's revival. It is deservedly considered one of the most grandiose structures erected by man, as evidenced by its inclusion in the list of 7 new wonders of the world. If you haven't visited this famous place, then you haven't been to Rio de Janeiro!
2. Copacabana Beach
Copacabana is the most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the city district of the same name. Stretching four kilometers along the Atlantic coast, it is a tourist hotspot, attracting thousands of holidaymakers every day.
The history of the resort began in the middle of the 20th century, when representatives of the bohemian world - wealthy writers, artists and performers - began to relax here. Today Copacabana is a modern city beach with all its delights:
beach soccer and volleyball tournaments, surfing and boat trips. The real decoration of the beach and its highlight are the original sand figures. The embankment is replete with a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops, and on holidays and carnivals bright and unforgettable performances are held here. World celebrities - Elton John, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, the Rolling Stones - have repeatedly given concerts on the main beach of Brazil.
3. Sugarloaf Mountain
One of the most exotic places in Rio de Janeiro is a mountain with the unusual name Sugarloaf. There are several versions of its origin. According to one of them, the outlines of the mountain range are similar to the shape of cone-shaped clay containers in which the Portuguese transported sugar. After transportation, large lumps of sugar took on the shape of a container, which is why they were called sugar loaves.
Despite the fact that the mountain is not very high (only 396 meters), from its top there is an amazing view of the city. You can climb to the observation deck by cable car. By visiting one of the restaurants on the mountain, you can enjoy excellent cuisine and a stunning panorama of Rio in the rays of the setting sun. In addition, every weekend, from November to February, the vibrant musical performance “Carioca Nights” takes place here. This is a must visit place in Rio.
4. Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro
The oldest botanical garden in Rio de Janeiro was founded at the beginning of the 19th century on the initiative of King Joao VI of Portugal. The enterprising ruler, having arrived in Brazil, ordered the import of nutmeg, black pepper and cinnamon for the preparation of spices. So that plants could adapt to the unusual climate, a botanical garden was created. Over the years, his collection has been replenished with unique plants from different parts of the planet - carnivorous bromeliads, giant water lilies, pau brazil hedgehog tree and many others. Today this is one of the most beautiful attractions in Rio, where you can stroll in the shade of centuries-old imperial palm trees, admire the beauty of delicate orchids, and even find rare birds and animals hidden in the dense thickets of tropical trees.
5. Tijuca National Park
Tijuca National Park is the world's largest forest located within a city. Interestingly, this forest is entirely man-made. In the 19th century, trees were actively destroyed in Brazil to create coffee and sugar plantations. After deforestation caused a serious problem with fresh water in Rio, the city's mayor, Manuel Gomes Archer, ordered the replanting of about a hundred trees. This is how Tijuca Park appeared on this site, which over the years has turned into a real forest. Today this is a popular and very beautiful place in Rio de Janeiro, on the territory of which, in addition to an abundance of tropical plants and animals, you can find several picturesque waterfalls, a small chapel, an elegant gazebo, cozy restaurants and many more pleasant surprises.
6. Church of Candelaria
The Catholic Church of Candelaria is a true masterpiece of Brazilian colonial architecture, the main religious attraction of Rio de Janeiro. The history of the creation of the shrine began in the 17th century. One day, sailors sailing from Spain on the ship Candelaria were caught in a severe storm and vowed to build a temple if they managed to survive. Fate turned out to be favorable to the travelers, and they kept their promise by founding a small wooden chapel. Several decades later, it was decided to convert the chapel into a full-fledged stone church.
The magnificent new Catholic church, designed by the Portuguese engineer Francisco Joao Rocio, was the tallest building in all of Rio de Janeiro at the time of its opening. The church building harmoniously combines elements of Baroque and Neoclassicism. Massive bronze doors, decorated with artistic carvings, are a valuable work of art in themselves. The windows of the temple are decorated with bright German stained glass windows, and the ceiling is painted with colorful images reproducing the history of the founding of the church. In addition to services, the temple hosts live concerts of classical and sacred music.
7. St. Sebastian's Cathedral
The Cathedral of Saint Sebastian in Rio de Janeiro is one of the most original churches in all of Latin America. Its appearance is a cross between an ancient Mayan pyramid and a modern industrial structure.
This impressive building was erected in the mid-20th century according to the design of the architect Edgar Fonseca. The huge 75-meter structure amazes with its spaciousness - it can accommodate up to 20,000 people. An amazing feature of the cathedral is the principle of its lighting - thanks to four incredibly long rectangular stained glass windows and a cross-shaped window in the center of the hall, the temple mainly uses only natural daylight.
8. Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the main cultural attractions of Rio de Janeiro. It is famous not only for its collection, but also for its fantastic appearance. The outstanding Latin American architect Oscar Niemeyer designed the museum building in the shape of a flying saucer in the mid-20th century, making it one of the most original buildings in Brazil. The museum's collection consists of paintings, sculptures and installations in the style of expressionism, futurism, modernism and other modern movements. In addition to the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, the building houses a cinema showing films from the first half of the 20th century.
9. National Museum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts opened in 1937. The Portuguese king Joao VI, having arrived in Brazil at the beginning of the 19th century, brought with him valuable paintings by Italian artists, which later became the first exhibits of the museum. Today its richest collection numbers about twenty thousand works of art. A unique collection of paintings, prints, illustrations and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the present day helps trace the evolution of Brazilian art. Periodically, the art museum organizes exhibitions of famous authors - Auguste Rodin, Salvador Dali and many others.
10. Portuguese Royal Library in Rio de Janeiro
The Royal Library contains the largest collection of books in Portuguese outside Portugal. The history of the library began in the first half of the 19th century, when wealthy Portuguese emigrants decided to collect famous works of their native literature under one roof, helping to promote Portuguese culture to the masses.
In its appearance, the building resembles one of the monasteries of Lisbon. The interior decoration amazes with its splendor and abundance of books. The interior of the reading room is especially beautiful, with its huge chandelier, mosaic floor and elaborate stained glass windows. Tall bookshelves made of precious wood and decorated with decorative carvings. The Portuguese Royal Library is one of the five most beautiful libraries in the world. Its richest collection today numbers more than 350,000 volumes.
11. Selaron Staircase
This original and interesting place in Rio de Janeiro once again proves that even an ordinary staircase can be turned into a work of art. Ceramic artist Jorge Selaron, who moved into a house next to the old, unattractive staircase, decided to transform it. With his own funds, he purchased multi-colored tiles, which he used to decorate several steps. When the eccentric artist ran out of money, admiring tourists from around the world began bringing him tiles. This is how an ordinary staircase turned into a popular attraction.
12. Maracana Stadium
Considering sights of Rio de Janeiro, it is simply unacceptable not to highlight the largest Maracana stadium in Brazil, which sports fans invariably associate with grand matches and magnificent goals performed by legendary football players. At the 1950 World Cup, the final match between Brazil and Uruguay was watched by about 200,000 spectators - a record that has not yet been broken by any football stadium. After reconstruction, the Maracana stadium became less spacious, but did not lose its popularity. This is the second sports arena in history to host the world football championship twice - in 1950 and 2014. In 2016, the legendary arena will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics.
“The Amazing City,” as another unofficial name of Rio de Janeiro sounds, founded in the 16th century by Portuguese conquistadors, is known today throughout the world thanks to its wonderful beaches, colorful, large-scale carnival, spectacular football, passionate samba and traditional capoeira. But the traditional attractions of Rio de Janeiro are no less interesting.
In the arms of Christ
There is probably not a single person who, having seen Christ with outstretched arms crowning a mountain peak, would not recognize the city and would not understand what country we are talking about. Majestic statue on top of Corcovado– one of the new wonders of the world, and a world cultural heritage.
The idea to erect a sculpture of Jesus Christ on the top of the mountain arose in connection with the upcoming centenary of Brazil's national independence.
After nine years of construction, in October 1931, the statue was revealed to the world.
The sculpture is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone according to the sketches of the Brazilian artist Carlos Oswald. The author of its final design is the Brazilian engineer Heitor Costa. The details of the sculpture were assembled in France. They were raised to the top of the hill with the help of a railway laid in the 19th century.
Miniature train, consisting of two red trailers, and today it carries everyone up it.
A winding staircase called a “snail” leads to the very foot of the monument. Two hundred and twenty steps - and the whole city is at your feet! Those who do not want to experience such serious physical exertion can go upstairs on the escalator. There is a small chapel inside the pedestal.
The sculpture looks stunningly beautiful behind a cloud curtain and at night, beautifully illuminated by spotlights. Christ, with his arms outstretched, then seems to float in the air above the blessed city.
Sweet symbol
Some of Rio's attractions are skillfully created by nature itself. One of them is granite remnant of Pan di Azúcar in Botafogo Bay. The almost bare cliff is better known as “Sugar Loaf”, as its outline resembles the shape of an ancient packaging of cane sugar. Tourists happily storm its smooth top, climbing up in a cable car.
The Italian carriage starts from Praia Vermelha.
Along the way, he makes a stop at the observation deck of Mount Morro da Urca.
There is a restaurant, cafe, summer theater, and souvenir shop here. Those interested can book a helicopter excursion.
It’s incredibly pleasant to drink a cup of coffee while admiring the panoramic view or wander through the tropical forest, hoping to meet some exotic wildlife.
Those who have chosen these thickets tiny monkeys, cause special delight among visitors.
At the final destination, delighted passengers survey the fabulous landscapes that opened before them. city views, snow-white horseshoe beaches, the Niteroi bridge, green hills, islands, the top of Corcovado with the sculpture crowning it.
On the horizon, the ocean merges with the sky, and in the late afternoon you can watch how, during the rapid sunset, the darkness of the night engulfs a city of millions, fighting back with hundreds of thousands of lights.
Lungs Rio
Biosphere Tijuca Nature Reserve– this is a huge area of real jungle, right in the heart of a modern metropolis. Back in the 19th century, the Brazilian Emperor Pedro II, extremely concerned about the widespread deforestation for the sake of coffee plantations, ordered the restoration of green spaces. This case was entrusted to Major Gomez Archer. In a short period of time, he managed to grow a huge number of plants.
His work continued, and in 1961 the park already occupied 3,000 hectares. The diversity of flora and fauna that is present on the territory of the reserve is simply amazing. It is recognized by UNESCO as a world repository of the biosphere. Its existence significantly improves the quality of life of city residents.
Visitors can enjoy the cleanest air, exotic tropical plants, stunning landscapes, invigorating swimming in picturesque waterfalls, observation decks with Chinese pavilions, encounters with wild animals and exciting jeep excursions.
Epicenter of the carnival
Looking at the dull, concrete walls of the Sambodrome, it is difficult to imagine that once a year a huge number of people from all over the world strive to get here.
For several days, it becomes a real place of pilgrimage for passionate fans of the enchanting show - the Brazilian carnival. Hotels in Rio de Janeiro increase their prices enormously during this period and, nevertheless, still find themselves overcrowded.
It was built in 1984 according to the design of Oscar Niemeyer, the founder of Brazilian architecture, the author of most urban projects. The huge area of the Sambodrome is divided into twelve sectors, which, in turn, are divided into categories: from cheap, unnumbered, and uncomfortable seats to VIP boxes, with soft sofas, bars and other comforts.
In the evenings, from Friday to Sunday, carnival rehearsals are held here. You can attend them absolutely free.
The Sambodrome is also used for other special events.
Legendary stadium
Long time legendary Mario Filho Stadium, better known as Maracana, built in 1950 for the FIFA World Cup, held the title of the largest stadium in the world. Its stands could accommodate 180-200 thousand people.
After perestroika, in 2006, at the request of FIFA, the number of seats was significantly reduced by eliminating the cheapest ones for poor fans. But thanks to this, the view of the field has become much better.
Today, not only football matches are held here, but also various competitions in the indoor sports hall, festivals and concerts. There is a museum at the stadium. There are photographs of footballers who went down in history, Pele's chair, Garrincha's massage couch and other football relics on display.
Benedictine monastery
The historical sights of Rio de Janeiro are concentrated in the Old Town. In this area, after modernization, ancient buildings literally survived by miracle. From early morning until six o'clock in the evening, the doors of the operating monastery of St. Benedict, built at the end of the 16th century by Benedictine monks, are open to visitors.
The straight lines of the colonial architectural style give its appearance a stern severity, and the more unexpected it turns out luxury interior decoration. Carvings and gold are literally everywhere here.
This is especially true for the later-built Church of Our Lady of Montserrat. The main altar and sacristy are decorated with works by the great artist Fra Ricardo and the outstanding sculptor Ferreira Pinto. Mosaic floors, picturesque panels depicting saints, intricate carvings of church utensils, gilded stucco moldings evoke genuine delight among numerous visitors.
On the territory of the monastery there are educational institutions and a museum. During Sunday Mass, the old organ and Gregorian chants from the church choir are heard.
Our Lady of Candelaria
Church of Candelaria built according to the design of the architect F. J. Rocio on the site of a wooden temple that previously stood here. According to legend, it was erected by grateful sailors who escaped the storm. From the time of the project proposed by Rocío until its opening in 1890, 115 years passed.
In the old days, the cathedral towered above all the buildings in the city. Its appearance is one of the most striking examples of colonial architecture, and interior interior bears the features of the Italian neo-Renaissance.
The wall paintings were made by famous Brazilian and European artists. The main values are the main altar, German stained glass windows, French bronze doors, and two Art Nouveau pulpits.
The history of the temple is overshadowed by one sad event.
In 1993, near the church, an incident unprecedented in its cruelty occurred. The police arrived at night and opened fire on homeless children sleeping peacefully near the temple. Several of them were killed. This terrible crime caused a worldwide outcry. In memory of the innocent victims, a monument was erected near the church with the names of the victims.
Modern style of the cathedral
An unusual modern high-tech building in the central part of the city, nothing more than a cathedral Cathedral of San Sebastian. And although the author of the project was Edgar Fonseca, the ubiquitous Oscar Niemeyer also had a hand in it.
The four entrances to the huge reinforced concrete building of the cathedral, reminiscent of a truncated Indian pyramid, are located according to the cardinal directions. Massive bronze doors are decorated with bas-reliefs. Installed in front of the temple monument to Pope John Paul II.
The very original belfry matches the cathedral.
Inside- benches for parishioners, but if all the worshipers stand, the cathedral can accommodate 20,000 people.
On the ceiling– white stained glass window in the shape of a cross.
Along the walls There are also narrow stained glass stripes.
As if floating above the altar, cross hanging on ropes, with a sculpture of Jesus Christ.
The light pouring through the colored stained glass windows and the flickering of candles create an unusually solemn atmosphere in the temple. In the underground room there is a museum containing 5,000 valuable exhibits of religious themes.
Rio's main value
Hundreds of thousands of tourists who want to relax, have fun, and see interesting cultural monuments are hosted by Rio de Janeiro Airport – Galeão.
Located just two dozen kilometers from the Southern Zone, where the most famous beaches and landmarks recognizable throughout the world are located.
But the most important value of Rio is ten million friendly people coexisting peacefully with each other.
Different nationalities, views, and social backgrounds. They create a light, joyful atmosphere that allows anyone to feel as comfortable as possible here.
We can talk about this city, its historical and natural values forever, but isn’t it worth seeing it all with your own eyes once? Amazing discoveries and adventures await everyone here, everyone will find what they need, but everyone who has been here will undoubtedly learn the most important thing: just enjoy life!
Video
Rio de Janeiro “From Dusk Till Dawn” in fast motion:
I always pronounce the name of this city with a smile - it’s as if you can hear the fluttering of a thousand colorful butterflies, who can’t wait to fly out and spin to the rhythms of bossa nova (“bossa nova” is a special style of Brazilian music, which is a mixture of jazz and samba).
Rio de Janeiro is amazing!
Passions rage in the hearts of people here no more quietly than in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It seemed to me that the city lives according to the yin-yang principle, without realizing it. All extremes coexist harmoniously here: poverty and prosperity, beauty and ugliness, spiritual kindness with blatant aggression. Next to the elite, very green and beautiful areas of the city, there are always neighborhoods of the poor - favelas, with sun-scorched exteriors, graffiti and endless poverty. One townsman will happily change his route to show you the way if you get lost, while another will steal your bag and threaten you with a gun. Just like in the movies, honestly. And all this to the rhythms of bossa nova.
And by the way, don’t forget to take a phrasebook with you. Because everyone here speaks Portuguese. And there is no more beautiful, completely incomprehensible, waffle-crunching language in the world.
Short video about Rio de Janeiro
How to get there
How to get to Rio de Janeiro if you, like me, live in Moscow? This sunny metropolis is located in South America, and it is very far away. The words “very far” mean the figure 11,543 km - this is exactly the distance from Moscow to Rio de Janeiro. Therefore, the main way to get to Rio is by plane.
But there is another option - to go on a cruise and arrive in Rio on a multi-deck white ship. This is exactly how my idol Ostap Bender dreamed of being in the sultry city of happiness.
And if you are already in South America, then there is nothing easier than getting to the former capital of Brazil by bus. In general, bus service is very developed in South American cities; they are quite comfortable and allow you to save money and sometimes time.
By plane
There are no direct flights from Moscow to Rio. You need to fly with a transfer. The minimum duration of the entire flight is usually 16 hours or more, depending on the chosen connection.
Having monitored the proposals of various airlines (Lufthansa, KLM, Emirates, Etihad, Delta participated in the tender), I came to the conclusion that plane tickets to Rio de Janeiro should be purchased from the airline Air France connecting in Paris.
- Firstly, this is the most budgetary flight option (my boyfriend paid for the trip, and this point was the most important for him :-)).
- Secondly, a convenient connection at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport.
If you attend an airline promotion, the ticket will cost you 38,000 rubles (round trip).
Air France flies daily to Rio de Janeiro. I advise you to choose flight AF 1745 from Moscow with an arrival in Charles de Gaulle at 21:45 and then departure from Paris at 23:35 and arrival in Rio de Janeiro at 05:40 in the morning. Choose a return flight depending on price and preferences. There are 1 or sometimes 2 flights a day from Rio de Janeiro (the schedule is constantly changing). There are morning flights and evening flights.
You can view flight schedules, connection times, and air ticket prices.
Arrival airport for international flights ()
All international flights head to Rio de Janeiro airport Galeão Rio De Janeiro. At the airport you will find exchange offices, taxis and everything you need. The center is 20 km away.
At the airport, many employees speak English, so you definitely won’t be lost here :-)
Airport of arrival for domestic flights ()
A charming airport with a runway directly along the Atlantic Ocean. Located in the historical center of the city.
By bus
In Brazil, as in many other countries in South America, bus services between cities are very well developed. Traveling by bus to Rio de Janeiro is a smart alternative to renting a car if, for example, you are afraid to drive in such an exotic country.
The main cities of keen interest to the traveler, from which you can get to Rio by regular buses:
- Sao Paulo.
- Florianapolis.
- Belo Horizonte.
- Arraial do Cabo.
- Buzios.
- Iguazu.
And even from neighboring countries, such as Paraguay, you can come to Rio by bus. But it’s very far away, about 2 days on the road.
Major bus companies
The bus service in Rio (as in Brazil in general) is organized super competently, and I envied it, to be honest (I wish it were like that here!). There are several large bus companies, each with its own website with an English version, and on the website you can easily get directions from point A to point B.
For myself, I highlighted these bus companies (their websites seem to be created for non-Portuguese-speaking tourists :-))
Travel and bus logistics
The logistics of your bus trip will be like this. Go to the website, choose the desired direction, buy a ticket, come to the station and pick up your tickets. It is very easy to understand where to pick up tickets: at the station, look for a kiosk with the name of the bus company, which will be indicated in large letters on the booking sheet.
I advise you to buy the tickets themselves on the website also because promotional rates are published there, which the cashiers often know nothing about. Well, besides, it will be difficult to communicate with the cashiers if you do not speak Portuguese.
Bus stations
Now as for the bus stations themselves. There are several of them in Rio. Foremost - .
The station is located in the city center at: Av. Francisco Bicalho, 1, Santo Cristo.
I recommend getting here by taxi. Although it is located in the center, this part of the city is not safe. The bus stop is quite far from the station, and you will have to walk to it. Judging by the faces that I saw on the street at the entrance to the station, I would not have walked.
And the station building itself is beautiful - very clean, cozy, a lot of shops, the smell of cheese pies (Pão de queijo) and freshly brewed coffee in the air. And yes, there are charging stations for all gadgets. By the way, this service is free, unlike at Moscow train stations. As I remember now, I arrived on the morning train from St. Petersburg to Moscow, the phone rang out, and recharging cost 100 rubles. Fi.
About buses
The buses themselves are very comfortable. When booking tickets, you can choose a bus class:
- VIP, which means this bus is air conditioned.
- STANDARD. There will be no air conditioning.
By the way, the Antarctic climate prevails on buses. I strongly advise you to take the precaution of having warm clothes with you.
By car
In general, in Brazil everything is fine with the roads. In theory, motorists can reach Rio de Janeiro by car from any Brazilian city. And even from other countries in South America, subject to successful passage through customs points.
Personally, I am sure that traveling by car to the “outback” parts of the country may not have the most favorable consequences; after all, the country is not very rich, you can easily be robbed. Well, there’s really no one to ask for advice on the road - no one “speaks” in English.
If you are a fan of road trips, then try to build a route that runs along safe and modern highways.
So, you can come to Rio de Janeiro from Sao Paulo along the largest highway BR-116
By ferry
Rio owes much of its stunning landscapes to its amazing geographical location. The city stretched along the southeastern coast of Brazil and seemed to be squeezed between the mountains on one side and Guanabara Bay (the most beautiful bay in Rio de Janeiro) on the other. Such a good location means that you can get to the city by water - on a luxurious white ship, if you want to make Ostap Bender’s dream come true, or on a small cozy ferry.
By the way, the first sailors sailed to Rio on ships and thought that the bay was the January river in Rio de Janeiro, after which the city was named.
The ferry connects Rio with other Brazilian cities and islands - Niteroi, Cocota, Mangaratiba, Angra dos Reis, Paqueta Island, Ilha Grande Island. These ferries dock at the sea terminal in Rio (by the way, they depart from there). This station is called Estação das Barca and it is located in the city center close to Praça XV near Carioca/Cinelandia metro station.
Travel time, schedule and cost can be viewed on the carrier. As a bonus, everyone traveling on the ferry is offered a gorgeous view of the city and the great statue of Christ from Guanabara Bay.
Cruise ships
If we talk about cruise ships, they sail from various cities of the world to a huge and significant port for the whole country - Port of Rio de Janeiro, to the terminal. The port is located not very far from the city center, at Av. Rodrigues Alves, 10 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20081-250. The nearest metro station is Retiro. Here's the terminal.
In general, the terminal is cool - modern, functional, with all the infrastructure necessary for a traveler. By the way, if you are already in Rio and do not intend to sail anywhere on any ships, there is still a reason to come here - at night, incendiary night parties with samba and caipirinha are often held here. Everything is as it should be.
Private yachts
And, if suddenly you are traveling on your private yacht and don’t know where to drop anchor, then head for the beautiful port. By the way, it was in this harbor that races for yachtsmen from all over the world took place at the 2016 Olympic Games. The Marina da Gloria port is located in the charming Flamengo Park near the city center and, believe me, absolutely fantastic panoramas of Rio open up from here. There are nice restaurants in the harbor, where you can learn sailing, or go diving or fishing with a small group.
Clue:
Rio de Janeiro - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 6
Kazan 6
Samara 7
Ekaterinburg 8
Novosibirsk 10
Vladivostok 13
When is the season? When is the best time to go
Just the name of the city radiates sunlight, right? But it also rains here.
During our Russian summer in Rio, winter brings intermittent rain to the city, and the sunny metropolis is plunged into a haze of gray clouds. At the same time, the air temperature rarely drops below +23, and the rains are most often short-lived and warm. So bad weather in Rio is a relative concept. Another thing is that in the gray haze you can’t see the incredibly bright colors of the city. The clearest days in Rio de Janeiro are between November and March.
When planning our trip, we avoided the New Year period, just as we were afraid of fire in February (carnival takes place in February). These are the most expensive periods; prices for holidays in Rio de Janeiro soar several times. And if we talk about prices, then Rio is by no means a cheap city.
We flew to Rio during the season - March 10, a couple of weeks after the carnival. By the time we arrived, the last carnival decorations had, fortunately, been dismantled and prices returned to normal. The weather was good, hot, +38. Sometimes there were long rains during the day (and we were grateful to them), and in the evening the sun invariably appeared, which, when leaving, gave us incredible sunsets - so many heavenly colors, perhaps, can only be found in Monet’s fictional paintings.
Rio de Janeiro in summer
If we talk about our summer months, in Rio they are considered the rainiest and grayest. The air temperature, however, is not lower than 25 degrees, the water is also warm - 21-23 degrees. When traveling to Rio de Janeiro in the summer, take a windbreaker and an umbrella with you.
Rio de Janeiro in autumn
The season officially begins in November in Rio. In general, the division into seasons here is very arbitrary, because the tourist flow does not stop all year round. But if we talk about the weather, then yes, it becomes less cloudy from November. In the autumn months the air temperature is 27-29 degrees. The advantages are the absence of sweltering heat and a gentle wind.
Rio de Janeiro in spring
In my opinion, spring is the ideal time to visit Rio. At this time, the city becomes calmer; the carnival with its madness and wild prices is behind us. The weather is wonderful. It is very hot, up to 38 degrees, with occasional refreshing rains.
Rio de Janeiro in winter
Our winter in Rio de Janeiro is considered summer. In guidebooks, the months from December to March are designated as the most attractive for visiting the country. During this period, the likelihood of rain is low, the waves in the ocean are quieter, and the sky is mostly cloudless. All this is very good, but the number of tourists in the city is such that you want to leave the metropolis with a mysterious name as soon as possible. The largest influx of tourists occurs during the New Year and Carnival, which takes place annually in February.
Clue:
Rio de Janeiro - weather by month
Districts. Where is the best place to live?
As soon as Vadik bought tickets to Rio, we immediately started thinking about where to live, which part of the city to choose. I wanted to be on the sea, and at the same time in the mountains, and to be closer to all the bars and attractions. But when we are talking about such a big city (and Rio is really huge), you need to set priorities :-)
I'll tell you how the city works and what choice we made.
Conventionally, the city is divided into 4 zones:
- South.
- Central.
- Northern.
- Western.
Individual areas of Rio de Janeiro are concentrated in these zones (there are currently 34 areas in the city)
Southern part of the city
These are the legendary beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Flamengo. Perhaps these areas are the most attractive for tourists, everything here is like in a movie - gorgeous beaches, beautiful houses with fences, like in the series “Tropicana”, all the streets are paved with neat tiles, palm trees, ficuses and eternal trees decorate the entrance to each building.
The areas of this part of the city are considered the safest, everywhere you look - there are only police officers. From the southern regions it is easy to reach the main attractions, some of which are located right here:
- Sugarloaf.
- Mount Corcovado with a statue of Christ.
- Lake Rodrigo de Freitas.
There are also taxis running here around the clock. We chose a hotel 2 steps from Ipanema beach and did not regret it for a minute. The beach in Rio is the main stage of the city, everyone flocks here - both locals and tourists. Want to feel the real atmosphere of Rio? Then you're off to the beach. And I’ll tell you what, living next to the beach in Rio is a must. Early in the morning, before a long journey into the wilds of a sunny metropolis, you will always have the opportunity to wake up along with the city, run along the embankment, swim in the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean, which can only be like this in the morning, drink freshly squeezed mango juice at a fruit bar on the beach. What could be better? This is how a morning in Rio de Janeiro should begin. And in the evening, no matter where you return from, the sunset will await you to the rhythms of bossa nova - the locals really like to come to the beach with a guitar.
Central part of the city
This is the so-called down town, the historical center of Rio de Janeiro. There are business centers and many historical attractions, including the National Library, the Tiradentes Palace, the Municipal Theater, the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Cathedral and the Pedro Ernesto Palace.
On weekdays, downtown is very lively, with people in business suits scurrying here and there. But come on a Sunday and you won’t recognize the business district – there’s not a soul in the area. Never in my life have I seen more deserted streets.
What impressed me most was the bohemian neighborhoods of Lapai Santa Teresa. I advise all party-goers who want to fall asleep and wake up to the rhythms of the city to stay in Lapa. Well, Santa Teresa will appeal to those looking for romance and solitude.
Northern part of the city
Football fans often visit the northern part of the city, since this is where the legendary stadium in Rio de Janeiro is located. I highly recommend attending one of the football matches held at this stadium, even if you are not a fan. An exciting game, emotions, tears of victory and loss and incomparable energy await you. Football is an integral part of Brazilian culture and way of life. And you should see it with your own eyes!
There are other, lesser-known stadiums in the northern part of the city. But I wouldn’t recommend walking further than the stadium – there are favelas around, dangerous neighborhoods of bandits and poor people.
Western part of the city
This area is the farthest from the city center and therefore tourists very rarely come here. The poorest neighborhoods of the city are closely intertwined with areas for the rich, as if proving to the traveler that Rio is a city of contrasts. The pretty district of Barra da Tijuca is located in this part of the city, as is the 20-kilometer beach, the longest in all of Rio.
What are the prices for holidays?
Tours to Rio de Janeiro are expensive. The City of God itself is not cheap. How . But, of course, you can easily save money here if you think about many things in advance. But not at a hotel - accommodation here is expensive, whether in a hotel or a hostel.
Rio de Janeiro hotel prices
We rented a double room in a 3* hotel 2 minutes from Ipanema beach with spacious rooms in white colors and a huge window, on the windowsill of which ringing hummingbirds hung out every morning. The room cost about $100 per night with breakfast.
Ipanema is a magical area, like a piece of cozy Europe inside Rio with the cutest restaurants, beautiful houses and a gorgeous clean beach.
For the same money ($100 per day) in the bohemian district of Santa Teresa you can rent a room in a chic boutique hotel. There are many cool boutique hotels in the area. The views from the hotels in Santa Teresa are stunning.
But there is a minus. The area is located on a mountain, and at night taxi drivers refuse to go up here without explanation. Therefore, if night walks are in your plans, this is probably not the most suitable area.
In Copacabana, hotels cost from $150 per night. By the way, Copacabana beach itself is very dirty, and all the restaurants along the beach are terribly tasteless and also expensive.
You can still live on the party Lapa. A bed in a good hostel can be found for $60, and a hotel room can be rented for $80. At night it is very noisy and the crowd in the area is very diverse - here are the glamorous partygoers of Rio, and bandits, and homeless people. My friend Natasha told me that it was here that they were threatened with a pistol. As if as a joke.
I usually monitor prices and book hotels on Booking -, but you can check if there is a more attractive price somewhere.
You can see the prices for renting private apartments using the link.
Taxi, bus and metro prices
Getting around the city is exactly where you can really save money if you use public transport.
So, on average, the cost of a taxi trip in the southern part of the city will be 50-70 reais (15-20 dollars). A bus ticket costs 4 reais (about 2 dollars). Feel the difference. The cost of one metro trip is 3.20 reais (1 dollar), which is more expensive than in Moscow, but still several times cheaper than a taxi.
Prices for restaurants, cafes and bars
Good restaurants are quite expensive. Dinner can cost from 200 reais ($60) for two. Take advantage of the “serving for 2” menu offer. Believe me, this will be a serving for 4 people, but it will be more economical than everyone ordering a whole dish.
There are many restaurants in Rio, and you can find something simpler. But here's my advice to you - never go to restaurants in Copacabana. Everything here is terribly tasteless and expensive.
The cost of a caipirinha in a beach bar is 8-10 reais (about 3-4 dollars), but in a bar the price will be 25 reais (8 dollars).
Freshly squeezed juice in juice bars (such bars are a specialty of Rio, they are scattered throughout the city) - from 5 reais (2 dollars).
To summarize, I will say that both the holiday in Rio de Janeiro and the prices are all at the highest level! :-)
Clue:
Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things
Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub Brazilian Real, R$
Main attractions. What to see
Rio is a real treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders, interesting and unusual city routes.
There is a list of places that are absolutely MUST SEE:
- Statue of Christ the Redeemer.
- Sugar Loaf.
- Botanical Garden.
- Tijuca Forest.
- Maracanã Stadium.
- Art Museum of Art.
- National Library (the largest in all of South America).
By the way, the beaches in Rio are also among the attractions. Be sure to visit the beaches " Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon, Flamengo» and you will see that each of them has its own unique atmosphere.
Walk through the world's largest urban national park Tijuca Park and you will be pleasantly surprised to meet cute, but very arrogant coatis, impressed by giant eucalyptus trees and signs that warn about dangerous and insidious snakes. By the way, the Statue of Christ - the most legendary monument in Rio de Janeiro - is located at the top of this park, and if you dare to get to it on foot (too long and hot), you will have indescribable emotions and the most beautiful photographs in your arsenal.
Once in the Lapa quarter, be sure to take the Bondinho (an old wooden tram) that will take you up to the area of the rich and mansions - Santa Teresa.
And if you want to experience the real life of the slums, then take a motorcycle taxi and go to the favelas. At one's own risk.
Don't forget to watch the stars of South America through a telescope at the Rio de Janeiro Planetarium. Remember that all museums have free days to visit, which will make your holiday in Rio de Janeiro more budget-friendly.
And you can easily avoid queues at various museums and, most importantly, at the statue of Christ, by using the service fast track, which is offered by several local travel companies, for example, Matuete. The cost of this service is about $40 per person.
Top 5
Statue of Christ the Redeemer
Just as the alphabet begins with the letter “A,” so the top list of Rio attractions begins with the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is not only the main symbol of Rio de Janeiro, but also the main identifying sign of Brazil as a whole.
My local friends told me that the monument was erected thanks to the efforts of one very rich man as a sign of his gratitude to the City of God, in which he was able to get rich. The official version says that the Statue was erected to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Brazil's independence. I trust my friends more, because Rio is a city of miracles.
The statue itself in Rio de Janeiro is located at the top of the Tijuca National Park, and its height is about 38 meters. You can get there by special tourist train, minibus, car or on foot. The last option is for the most desperate travelers - you will have to walk for a long time and in the heat, but you will have the most stunning views of the city, plus you will explore the world's largest urban national park.
We didn’t know about the fast track service, which I talked about above, so we spent 4 hours in 3 queues under the scorching sun!!! When, after all this hell, we found ourselves at the statue, I wanted to cry. Such a number of people as there were around the statue could probably only have been in the main Bombay market. It's horrible.
Try to focus on the magnificence of the monument. Because the figure of Christ emits truly powerful energy, which easily spreads to a million Chinese people around. Both this energy and these stunning views justify any torment. It is not for nothing that the monument is included in the list of modern wonders of the world.
- Opening hours: daily from 8:30 – 17:00.
- Price: Admission for adults is 51 reais ($16).
For up-to-date information on opening hours and costs, see the Rio de Janeiro Metro website.
Read more about the Statue of Christ the Redeemer at.
Lapa & Escadaria Selarón
The Lapa district is geographically located in the central part of the city, and despite the fact that there are always a lot of tourists here, it has not lost its very special flavor.
The Lapa quarter is a kind of Parisian Montmartre, an area where artists, poets, dancers and other creative personalities have found refuge. At night on the streets of Lapa everyone dances samba and sings bossa nova. Do you want to go to the carnival? This carnival is here all year round.
In one of the alleys you will find Selarone staircase (EscadariaSelaron) . Just ask any passerby - everyone knows where it is.
In 2013, the artist was found dead on his stairs. They say that one of his own students killed him out of envy. Jorge Selarone is still alive in the hearts of people, and his staircase has become one of the best examples of Brazilian modern art.
Visiting the staircase is free.
Santa Teresa and the Bondinho
Santa Teresa is a district of mansions. Remember the series “Tropicana”, “Wild Rose”? So everything there looks the same - rich houses, rose fences, labyrinthine streets and gorgeous views of Guanabara Bay.
The best time to go to Santa Teresa is after a walk through the Lapa district. From here this can be done in a completely unusual way - using “bondinho”. This is what cariocas (locals) call the old wooden tram, which has been transporting people from one area to another for decades.
In theory, the tram departs every 20 minutes from the Carioca metro station. But this is only in theory. In fact, the tram follows only the schedule known to it. The tram does not have a website, and I generally doubt that this type of transport functions officially. The opening hours are not written at the entrance, but I know one thing for sure: at exactly 16:00 the tram stops moving (the first time we decided to take a ride at about 5 pm and came to the closed doors of the station). He also does not make routes after rain. We were convinced of this when we came to the station for the second time :-). And only for the third time luck smiled on us.
You sit in one of 5 wooden trailers, the benches are distributed equally between tourists and cariocas. The tram climbs up the hillside, deftly maneuvering between beautiful mansions with colorful fences and ancient buildings, the architectural appearance of which quietly takes us to Rio of past centuries. Winding through the labyrinth of old streets, the tram periodically pampers passengers with views from the cliff of the sea in Rio de Janeiro. Undoubtedly, this was one of the most romantic and extraordinary trips of my life.
Sugar Loaf (Pão de Açúcar)
Sugarloaf is a mountain called Pão de Açúcar, and its height reaches almost 400 m. It is called so because it supposedly looks like a piece of sugar. The essence of the visit is that you take a cable car to the top of this mountain.
During this time, the traveler will have 3 stops at different heights - Praia Vermelha, Urca and the top of the mountain itself.
You definitely need to go here to see the sunset. And if you are lucky and the sky is cloudless, you will fall into a trance from the beauty around you. By the way, there are no crazy crowds of tourists here. You can relax, sit on a chair, drink a can of beer and enjoy your stay in Rio. The views from the top are stunning. Everything is as in the picture, honestly.
- Opening hours: 8:10 – 21:00. Funiculars depart every 20 minutes.
- Cost of the funicular ride: 62 reais (almost 20 dollars). This price includes all 3 ascents and 3 descents.
Favelas (FAVELS)
Favelas are poor people's neighborhoods scattered haphazardly throughout the city. For some reason, the incredible piles of houses on the mountain are fascinating.
Each favela is like a separate state with its own orders, structure, drug lords, schools, hospitals. Have you seen the movie "City of God"? This is exactly how the poor people's neighborhoods here actually work.
Favelas are an acute social phenomenon, which personally does not frighten me so much as makes me empathize with the inhabitants of these neighborhoods. The number of people living in Rio de Janeiro's favelas is alarming! Millions of people. From year to year, the state ignores the problems of communities, and sometimes their very existence, deprives residents of even minimal social support and thereby condemns the poor to earn their bread through crime.
In these areas, poverty, not carnival, rules the roost. Rarely does a tourist get to see this side of the city. Looking into a favela is a dangerous undertaking and can sometimes cost your life. But not looking here means not understanding anything about the city. Because Rio is not only beaches, samba and mansions with beautiful fences. Rio is a city of completely different destinies, a carnival city in which millions of people are doomed to starvation.
Beaches. Which ones are better
The most famous and beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro () are Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon.
- "Ipanema"– in my opinion, this is the most amazing beach in Rio de Janeiro. Azure, turquoise water, view of the Two Brothers rocks, seagulls overhead. The elite crowd of Rio de Janeiro hangs out here, and surprisingly there are not as many tourists as in Copacabana, for example. Cape Aproador, which separates the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, deserves special attention. As soon as the sun begins to sink behind the mountain, all the locals gather on the cape to watch the sunset. Take a bottle of good wine from the nearest store and be sure to come here. I close my eyes and see those sunsets and hear a beautiful cariocas girl singing “Girl from Ipanema” with a guitar. Read more.
- "Copacabana" is a four-kilometer public beach. And there is no such person who would not dream of being in Copacabana. I dreamed too. And what I will say is that Copacabana Beach is beautiful from afar. In fact, it is very dirty, and the waves are so high that every step in the ocean must be carefully thought out, otherwise you simply won’t be able to swim. They say that you can often see celebrities here, but I didn’t meet them, but there are more than enough dubious-looking people on the beach. On the outskirts of the beach is the Copacabana Fortress, which houses the Army Historical Museum, where you can see German submarines from the early 20th century. Details.
- "Leblon» – this beach is a continuation of Ipanema and at the same time is considered the most respectable beach in the city of God. It's good to come here on Sunday, when Copacabana and Ipanema are crowded. After all, all city residents spend their weekends on the beach :-)
If you are a fan of surfing, then go to the beaches " Barra de Tijuca» And " Recreo» . High waves are guaranteed here all year round.
By the way, about the waves. If you want to enjoy their absence and the silence of the sea, then you will like it beach "Urka"» , which is located at the foot of Sugar Loaf.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
In Rio de Janeiro, everyone believes in God; it is not for nothing that this metropolis is called the City of God. Within the city there are a huge number of churches, temples and monasteries. I will highlight the most beautiful and significant for the city residents.
- Temple of Saint Zenaide is a magnificent, incredibly cozy Orthodox church, the history of which begins in the 19th century. After the 1917 revolution, many Russian emigrants found refuge in Rio de Janeiro. Every Russian family invested money in the construction of this church. It is located in the beautiful Santa Teresa area, people come here to rest their souls, pray, and think about the main thing. I highly recommend taking the time to visit this church. On the temple website you can see opening hours, learn more about the history of its creation and much more.
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
There are a lot of museums in the city. To see them all, I advise you to apply for permanent residence in the City of God. I’ll tell you about the most iconic ones and also about the most unusual ones, where tourists usually never set foot. In Rio de Janeiro, attractions can be found where you might not expect them.
Art Museum ()
There are a lot of tourists in this museum. And this is not surprising, because there is a huge collection of works from the greatest masters of this world. Particularly interesting are the exhibitions of African and Brazilian art.
- Address: Av. Rio Branco, 199 - Centro.
- Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10.00 – 17.00. On Sunday admission is free. On other days, 8 reais ($2.30) per person.
Or it is also called “the museum of tomorrow.” The fact that this is a museum of the future is immediately clear; the architect of the building, Santiago Calatrava, seemed to have flown into space and spied how everything worked there. As for the exhibitions, you will find various media panels, interactive things and other high-tech interests. I highly recommend taking a look here.
- Address: Praça Mauá, 1 - Centro.
- Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 10.00 – 17.00. On Saturdays admission is free, on other days 10 reais ($3) per person.
Modern Art Museum ()
Everything here is like in all IOM museums around the world - many exhibits of contemporary art, with preference given to Brazilian creators. This museum was designed by the famous Brazilian architect Afonso Reidy.
- Address: Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 85 - Parque do Flamengo.
- Opening hours: Tue-Fri 12:00-18: 00. Tickets cost 14 reais (5 dollars).
Gallery of Contemporary Carioca Art ()
This is perhaps the most popular gallery in Rio de Janeiro among art lovers. There are very interesting collections of famous and completely unknown local pen artists here.
- Address: Rua Gonçalves Lédo, 11 e 17 - Centro.
- Working hours: Mon-Fri t 12:00-19:00. WITH Ticket prices vary and depend on the specific exhibition. On average it varies from 2 to 12 reais (1-5 dollars).
All the museums listed above are classics of the genre. Everyone knows about them, everyone includes them in the program. Below is a list of places you should definitely check out if you want something like this.
School of the Arts ()
It’s like it’s not really a museum, but a functioning art school. This school is a real palace, already dilapidated for a long time, but not devoid of dignity. It is located on the territory of a real jungle, despite the fact that this jungle is located almost in the middle of the city. You can go inside and walk around the school, this is where you will see real contemporary art, without refined frames and established cliches. But the most important thing is the flocks of divine toucans, who, sitting on the balconies of the palace, protect the young masters from failure.
- Address: R. Jardim Botânico, 414 - Jardim Botânico.
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 -16:00. Free admission.
Aunt Rose's legendary samba school (Grêmio Recreativo Escola de Samba Unidos de Vila Isabel)
Dona Rosa is an outstanding old lady. We wish all of us girls could be like this old lady. There is fire in the eyes, a smile on the lips, samba in the movements. Do you want to know where the most incendiary dance in the world begins and how the carnival works? Come to the Vila Isabel school and they will show and tell you everything. True, the conversation will be in Portuguese. But don’t let this scare you, I assure you, everything will be clear, because samba knows no language barriers. If you're lucky, you'll catch Rosa, whose team, by the way, regularly wins the carnival.
- Address: Boulevard 28 de Setembro.
- Opening hours: no set opening hours. Try coming on a weekday afternoon. Admission is free, but tips for the development of the school are welcome :-)
Parks
Residents of Rio de Janeiro love to spend time outdoors - on the beach or in parks. Where you need to go for local flavor is in city parks, each of them has a special atmosphere, because citizens come here to take a breath and rest their souls. There are a lot of parks in the city, and they are stunning - with eucalyptus trees, bamboos, birds, butterflies and toucans.
The most famous, but without losing their charm:
- Flamengo Park. This park seems to reflect the serene Brazilian soul. The aroma of grilled meat is in the air (Cariocas often host barbecue parties), single visitors hum bossa nova to themselves, they play football on the grass, and build castles on the sand. Entrance is free, it is better not to walk at night. Address: Rua Brigadeiro, Eduardo Gomes, Flamengo. Metro: Largo de Machado or Catete.
- Park near Lake Rodrigo de Freitas. Here you can not only enjoy romantic walks along the alleys, but also take a boat or catamaran ride on the lake. It is especially pleasant to glide along the surface of the water in the evening, when the heat subsides; you can watch how the city smoothly plunges into twilight and the illumination washes over the river, as if in a wave. The boat will cost you 15 reals ($4.5) for 30 minutes. You can rent it at the Tretbootverleih Pier. Admission is free, boat rental is open from 10:00 to 20:00. Address: Avenida Epitacio Pessoa, Parque do Cantagalo, quiosque 20. Metro: Gal.Osorio.
- Botanical Garden . An absolute MUST SEE in Rio de Janeiro. Think for yourself where else you will see alleys of giant palm trees, a lake with delightful giant water lilies and white lilies, bamboo labyrinths and dozens of other exotic plants. By the way, the garden contains not only Brazilian vegetation, but also completely non-local vegetation, brought here from all over the world by Prince João VI, who in 1800 turned this garden into a royal park.
A very important point - do not forget to take all available repellents with you, there are many more mosquitoes here than there are visitors. Opening hours: daily from 8 to 18, admission costs 6 reais (1.55 dollars) Address: R. Jardim Botânico, 1008 - Jardim Botânico. Metro: Botafogo + bus 170/172/176.
Tourist streets
The most important tourist streets in Rio are considered beaches “Ipanema”, “Copacabana”, “Leblon”» and their embankments with millions of boutiques, juice bars, beach markets and cozy restaurants. On such streets, the wind from the Atlantic always blows towards you, and passers-by compete for the most fashionable outfit, which here is, of course, a bikini.
Once in the city center, be sure to take a walk around the Cinelandia quarter. At the beginning of the 20th century, the mayor of the city, Pereire Passuso, demolished more than 700 residential buildings to create a “little Paris” in the city center. So come here and take a look at this one. It’s convenient to start your walk from the Cinelandia metro station in Floriano Square, surrounded by beautiful ancient palaces; the world famous Rio de Janeiro Theater is located next to the same square. The central streets of Rio de Janeiro are beautiful.
What to see in 1 day
It’s very sad if you only have one day in Rio, because in such a city a whole life is not enough. Well, there’s nothing to be done, I would plan 24 hours in the City of God like this:
- Morning (8-10 am). Travel to Ipanema and watch the city awaken. The best way to watch it is from a cozy cafe, where they will serve you coffee and signature cheese buns. You have 2 hours for breakfast, the ocean and a bikini.
- Late morning (10-12 am) When you leave the beach, don’t cry, because you have a whole day ahead of you, filled with searching for interesting things to do in Rio de Janeiro. The closest metro station to Ipanema is Gal. Osorio. Take the metro and you'll end up at Cinelandia station. And now you are in the historical center of the city, take a walk through the Cinelandia quarter and nearby streets - colonial houses, architectural monuments, beautiful churches, in general, everything that usually attracts the city center awaits you.
- Lunch (12:00-13:00) Have lunch at one of Lapa's restaurants. Feel free to order meat and beer!
- Afternoon (13:00-15:00) From the restaurant, walk to Carioca metro station. Here is the stop of the local old Bondinho tram, which with a slight rattle will take you to the bohemian district of Santa Teresa mansions. Along the way you will enjoy magnificent views of Guanabara Bay.
- Day (15:00-18:00) After you leave the tram, quickly go to Sugar Loaf (Botafogo metro), where you should definitely catch the beginning of sunset. If the sky is cloudless, I guarantee it will be the most incredible sunset of your life.
- Evening (18:00-22:00) If you have time, and especially if you are a football fan, I advise you to buy tickets for the match, which takes place at the Maracanã stadium. An amazing game of Brazilian teams, tears, joy, a thousand emotions in one bottle awaits you. Tickets are inexpensive, and the game schedule can be viewed on the stadium's website.
What to see in the area
Nearby Islands
Lost 120 km from Rio is an amazing tropical Ilha Grande island. This is a real green patch of Amazonia in the middle of the ocean and one of the most beautiful places in Brazil, and maybe in all of South America.
Ilya Grande is like an island from the books of Jules Verne. The Tupinamba Indians once lived here, and the paths they laid can still be used for walking.
The main attraction of Ilha Grande is its wild nature and beautiful beaches. Take a water taxi (it costs pennies here) and go on a tour of Ilha Grande Bay with its many islands, wild beaches, waterfalls and other natural wonders. In the village of Abrau, located in the middle of virgin forests, you can rent a room in a small house and enjoy the sunset in one of the local restaurants in the evenings. By the way, there are no ATMs on the island and only cash is accepted. Don't forget about it.
How to get there
From Rio de Janeiro you need to take a bus from the train station to the Rodoviaria Novo Rio station (Costa Verde bus company) to the Conceicao de Jacarei stop, and then by ferry. Ferries depart daily (about 5 departures per day). Mono tickets can be purchased directly on the spot, costing about 15 reais (5 dollars) per person.
Food. What to try
Rio has never laid claim to being the country's gourmet gastronomic capital. I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t one like this in Brazil at all. Everything here is simple, satisfying, sometimes tasty, sometimes not.
In this city you have to eat meat. It is correct, juicy, awesome. My friend, a vegetarian, once admitted over a glass of Burgundy that she doesn’t eat meat anywhere except Brazil and Argentina. You can eat meat here in a variety of variations, but to avoid mistakes, I advise you to just take steak. As a rule, it is served with vegetables and French fries.
Street food deserves special attention in Rio. I still remember the scent Pão de queijo de tapioca(round cheese buns), which is simply in the air in Rio. Every morning I devoured them in quantities of at least 7 pieces. By the way, the balls can also be fish. And they are also very tasty. Are called «
Bolinhos de bacalhau»
.
A dish with the oriental name “feijoada” is also popular in Rio. It is generally considered a traditional Brazilian treat, and was previously the food of slaves. The ingredients are as follows - beans, meat and whatever comes to hand. You will find this dish in restaurants and street stalls. I wouldn't say it's very tasty, but, without a doubt, interesting :-)
In downtown, next to the Carioca station, very colorful Brazilian women entice all passers-by with shrimp sandwiches. It looks very tasty, but Vadik did not allow me to try it because of the suspicious green sauce. This sandwich is called empada. If you're in Rio, eat 2! :-)
Drinks deserve special attention in Rio de Janeiro. I think everyone knows about caipirinha. Local alcohol, which is sold at every turn, is a mixture of cachaça (Brazilian vodka), lime, cane sugar and sometimes mint. Very tasty and very drunk. After 3 days, this cocktail is impossible to look at. Another thing - tangerine caipirinha. In one of the bars on Lapa, I met a resident of Sao Paulo, and she advised me to order it. As a rule, tangerine caipirinha is not on the menu and bartenders make this drink at the request of those in the know. Be sure to try it - this is an amazing cocktail that never gets boring.
I would classify the juice bars of Rio de Janeiro as gastronomic wonders. They are scattered throughout the city and offer visitors to try a variety of exotic juices. Where else will you have the opportunity to enjoy drinks made from acerola, graviola and acai?
Budget
- Delírio Tropical, a chain of restaurants around the city.
- "Baixo Gago", Laranjeiras.
- "Bar do Adão", a chain of restaurants around the city.
- "Corujão", Benfica.
Mid-level
- "Tacacá do Norte", Flamengo.
- "Botero", Laranjeiras.
- "Point Lunches", Tabajaras.
- "Fat Choi", Gloria.
Expensive
- "Pergula", Copacabana.
- "Lasai", Botafogo.
- "Olympe", Lagoa.
- "Quiteria Restaurante", Ipanema.
Holidays
The most important holiday in Rio de Janeiro is February.
It is in February that the world-famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro starts annually, photos of which are replete with all the magazines. And this, of course, is a magnificent show with its own traditions, which has no analogues. The essence of the event is that all citizens and guests of the city dress up in bright dance costumes and go out into the street to watch the competition of the best samba dance schools. All groups of speakers move on special platforms; each school is allocated about 80 minutes to perform.
If samba has been tapping out naughty steps in your soul for a long time, then visiting the carnival will become a pearl in your travel treasure. Here, where you will find a lot of useful information, life hacks and tips on how to organize your trip to the carnival.
As for me, I adore samba and yet I decided not to go to the carnival! :-) Because it's very expensive. And I also don’t like tourists, and a carnival definitely involves crowds of people. During my stay in Rio, I made local friends, and all of them (being of different age categories, gender and financial status) admitted that they were trying to leave the city during the carnival. In addition to the madness that is happening on the streets, prices increase tenfold, as does the crime rate, unfortunately. My Brazilian friends also reported that the place of a tourist at a carnival is invariably on the side, in a crowd of completely different people, often vulgarly drunk and literally dangerous. So it goes.
The carnival is very beautifully depicted in fantasy, but in reality it can disappoint with its turmoil, as it disappointed many of my friends who nevertheless decided to attend this celebration of life. Therefore, I advise you to weigh the pros and cons of such a trip. And I also want to inform you that the spirit of carnival always reigns in Rio. Only in other months this spirit is not associated with crowds of tourists.
Safety. What to watch out for
Rio is a beautiful city, but dangerous. I advise you to always be alert and, when going on long walks, not to take all your jewelry with you. Your earrings will instantly cease to belong to you - such are the clever street scammers here.
I admit, I looked at Rio through rose-colored glasses and nothing bad happened - no scenes with robbery and shootings. But I assure you, this is not uncommon in Rio, as evidenced by the experience of my fellow travelers and the stories of local friends. Take care of yourself in this city and be attentive to others!
Things to do
When you're in Rio, your soul feels like it's in flight. You feel like a seagull, relaxingly soaring in the streams of a cloudless sky. And it seems to me that not making a real flight in this city is a crime!
And here are a couple of options that will become a unique experience in your life.
- Hang gliding flight. Well, I highly recommend it. You will not just see the city from a bird's eye view, but you will also feel like a real bird. The emotions that such a flight will give you are difficult to describe in words; such adrenaline awaits you that it will be enough for another year without traveling. The stunning views of the City of God will appear in the palm of your hand: the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, and Sugarloaf, and the green peaks of the Tijuca National Park, and, of course, the outlines of all the beaches with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. There are many companies in the city that offer flights. I advise you to contact one of these agencies in advance, because this is a very popular entertainment among tourists and cariocas. I can recommend a local company, Matuete, or ask your hotel concierge.
WITH The cost of a tandem flight is not small - from $150 per person. True, this price already includes transfers from the hotel to Tijuca Park (it is from here that the flight starts from the Pedro Bonita ramp), entrance tickets to the park, insurance and the flight itself (about 12 minutes in the air). Believe me, it's worth it!
Shopping and shops
Along Ipanema and Copacabana there are many boutiques where you can buy beautiful clothes from Brazilian and leading world brands. Everything is VERY expensive. The city also has shopping centers, and if necessary, you can buy any clothes. But Rio, comrades, is not a place to hunt for brands. The only thing worth buying are Havaianas brand slippers, which are sold in shops throughout the city. Well, sneakers from the Rainha brand, which you wear for 10 years.
Pay attention to antique and art stores. Here you can buy truly outlandish and unusual things. I recommend checking out these shops:
- L.A.VEREDAHANDICRAFTS. A rich selection of paintings by local artists, clay figurines from the state of Pernambuco, bright Bondo-style T-shirts. Address: R. Alm. Alexandrino, 428 - Santa Teresa.Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 20:00. There is no website.
- PE DE BOI . This seems to be the best store for art lovers. You can even just come here to have a look, the store is like a gallery. Rare works by artists from the Amazon and other distant corners of Brazil are collected here. Address: R. Ipiranga, 55 – Laranjeiras.Opening hours: daily except Sunday from 10 to 19.
- PLANOB. This is the place where you can dig up both old jazz records and modern CDs with the best music of Brazilian musicians. DJ parties are often held on weekends. See the poster on the website. Address: R. Francisco Muratori, 2 - Santa Teresa.Opening hours: check the website, they change all the time.
Bars. Where to go
One of the best and most atmospheric bars where they play and dance samba is.
It opens at 10 pm, and by this time there is already a line out front to get in. Admission is paid, it costs about $10. At the same time, you will be given a bracelet, and you can enter and exit as often as you like. But you won’t want to go out – such a captivating atmosphere and amazing music. At the same time, there are a lot of people here aged 45+, mostly Brazilians, everyone is dressed very beautifully and tastefully. Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 79 – Centro.
The bar is no less colorful. The regulars are local artists, drinking draft beer and listening to quiet samba. But in the evening the decibel level rises sharply and the bar fills with partygoers of all sorts. Address: R. Áurea, 26 - Santa Teresa.
And here is a list of great places:
- Lapa 40 Graus(R. Riachuelo, 97 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro).
- Jazz In(R. Sacadura Cabral, 63).
- Bar Bukowski(R. Álvaro Ramos, 270 - Botafogo).
- Bla Bla Champanheria(Av. Érico Veríssimo, 843 - Barra da Tijuca).
Clubs and nightlife
Rio seems to be made for party people. You can trust me in this matter, I am like that myself.
People come to Lapa for non-stop fun, alcohol and samba. In the labyrinth of small streets and dilapidated buildings, bossa nova thunders, and after 12 or more incendiary tunes. The coolest thing is that the music here is live. Dancing in Rio de Janeiro until the morning - in bars, near bars, on the street, in other words, everywhere and absolutely everything.
The party scene in Rio de Janeiro at night is concentrated mainly in bars. But there are also a couple of excellent clubs with parties “for the rich”. Celebrities often come here on vacation; everyone is dressed beautifully and stylishly. And still the main leitmotif is samba until the morning.
And here’s another thing I want to say: during the day there is also a party in Rio de Janeiro. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are at your service.
Extreme Sports
The most extreme sports in Rio de Janeiro are perhaps hang gliding and surfing.
I have already written in detail about hang gliders in the “What to do” section. As for surfing, it is very popular in Rio. The waves here are year-round, but the structure is quite difficult if you are a beginner.
If you are an experienced surfer, then take a board and go to the beaches of Recreo or Barra de Tijuca. On the beaches you can find equipment rental points, which always have experienced instructors. Lesson cost is negotiable :-)
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
Havaianas slippers
These are the best slippers ever. Already on the second day of my stay in Rio, my legs claimed first-degree disability, such were the consequences of a 30-kilometer walk in the pouring rain in Tijuca. I decided that this was a completely worthy excuse to beg Vadik for new shoes. And so we went to the Havaianas shop (they are everywhere in Rio). Millions of models of beach shoes, sneakers, and slip-ons opened up to my greedy gaze. The prices are super reasonable. Good slip-ons can be purchased for 75 reais ($20). In Brazil, everyone wears these shoes, and this is not surprising, because they will not cause you the slightest discomfort and look bright and stylish.
Musical record by Chico Buarca
Chico Buarqui is a legendary Brazilian singer, actor, public figure and just a handsome man. His music is magical. Buy his CD for yourself and it will remain in your heart forever. The song Bye Bye, Brasil still makes me cry. A wonderful gift for music lover friends. The price of the record is from 50 reais (15 dollars).
Natural cosmetics Granado
The most natural, most Brazilian cosmetics. It is famous primarily for its glycerin soaps. But there are also body lotions and much more. The persistent smell of exotic plants, fruits and freshness will give you a Brazilian mood every day. Prices start from 5 reais (2 dollars). And here are them.
How to get around the city
In Rio, the cheapest way to get around is by public transport, the safest is by taxi, and the most enjoyable is by bicycle.
A one-way bus ride costs from 2.7 to 5 reais (1-3 dollars), by metro - 4.1 reais (2 dollars).
By the way, the metro has a Subway + MetrôRio bus service ticket, which includes one trip on the metro and one on a special bus. Cost – 4.1 reais (2 dollars).
A taxi ride in the center starts from 30 reais (10 dollars) - this is the basic fare.
And along the city’s beaches I advise you to ride bikes. Bicycle rental for 2 hours is about 15 reais (5 dollars).
Taxi. What features exist
Undoubtedly the safest and most convenient form of transport. Cars run throughout the city. You can catch it right on the street or call it through the "easy taxi" app. There are 2 types of taxis – yellow and white. Yellow - you are driving through traffic. White – fixed tariff.
There are also motorcycle taxis in the city, their stations are mainly based at the foot of the favelas.
How to get from Galeo International Airport to the city center by taxi
At the exit of the main terminal you will see a row of white taxis that operate on fixed traffic. All machines will say "100 reais" ($30) or a number similar to this. This is the price of a trip to the city center.
There is also an official city taxi stand at the airport (all cars are yellow). Price is negotiable - you can take a fixed rate or by meter.
How to get from Santos Dumont Airport to the city center by taxi
In the airport building at the exit there are city taxi stands. You go to any one, name the final destination, and they tell you the cost. You pay. The driver will already be waiting for you on the street. The cost of a trip to the center (the airport itself is located in the center) is 70 reais ($20).
Trams
In Rio, I found only one tram - the Bondinho, running from Lapa to Santa Teresa. I talked about him earlier. However! During my stay in the city, rails were laid throughout the center. I assume for the tram. But at the moment there is still no tram service.
Metro
The Rio de Janeiro Metro is convenient, has modern stations, and is very easy to navigate. The metro is divided into 2 lines: orange (Linha 1) and green (Linha 2). I advise you to actively use the metro website, there is an interactive map with which you can understand how to get from point A to point B.
In addition, on the site you will find information about all the main attractions of the city, including descriptions, current entry prices, opening hours and how to get to them by metro.
And one more thing - the metro in Rio is damn cold, take a blouse with you or something.
Buses
There are a lot of buses in the city, especially in the center, and they are all constantly crowded with citizens. However, such invaluable advantages as a dedicated lane and low ticket prices give this mode of transport enormous advantages. By the way, on buses you can watch the locals, believe me, it’s very interesting.
It is almost impossible to understand the numbering of buses and their directions without prior preparation. My advice is to always plan your route to a particular part of the city in advance and find out what bus number you need. A sign to help.
How to get from the international airport to the city center by bus
From Galeão Rio De Janeiro Airport to the city center it is about 14 km.
We arrived at 5:40 am and were in absolutely no hurry. So we decided to go by bus. At the exit terminal 2 yellow buses stop. If you need to go to the city center, follow the sign “CAPACABANA”. This bus travels through the entire center and stops at every stop. Show the driver your address and he will stop as close to the desired address as possible. The fare is about $1.50 per person (4 reais).
In theory, it would take 40 minutes from the airport to the Capacabana stop, but we got stuck in every possible traffic jam and were only there a couple of hours later.
Transport rental
Cars
My opinion is this: it is better to do without a car in Rio and not bother with renting. Traffic in the City of God is intense, the geography of the city is insanely difficult to quickly understand, there is no parking, and the fines are large. Well, there are also a large number of cases of car robbery.
If you still decide to rent a car, then it’s better to rent from local companies, the price will be 10 percent lower. You can look at prices in advance and monitor promotional offers. Don't forget to take your international driver's license and credit card. When you register your car, you will be provided with insurance at the rate of approximately $12 per day. A cash deposit is sometimes required at the discretion of the moving company.
Bicycles
Renting bicycles in Rio is very cool. There are various rental companies located along the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. I advise you to find the points. These bikes are free for the first hour, and if you rent for the whole day you will only pay 5 reais ($1.50).
To rent such a bike, you need to have a mobile phone and 300 reais ($95) on your credit card (will be temporarily blocked as a deposit).
Rio de Janeiro - holidays with children
Rio de Janeiro is a great destination for a holiday with children.
Believe me, your little overlords will be absolutely delighted with the exotic nature of this city. After all, here they will meet toucans, monkeys, coatis, pelicans and other terribly cute animals. I am sure that children will see this sunny metropolis exactly as it is shown in the cartoon Rio!
Still, there are obvious obstacles and difficulties that you need to think about before taking your children to Rio.
- Firstly, a tiring long flight. After all, in total you will spend at least 16 hours on airplanes. Will your fidget survive such an adventure?
- And secondly, do not forget that Rio is a city in the middle of the jungle, where any mosquito bite can have consequences even for an adult. And there are a lot of mosquitoes here, as well as other insects, flying and crawling. Have you heard about the Zico virus? So, it seems that I got sick from it during the trip. He appeared out of nowhere and just as suddenly disappeared. But for 3 days I was in a severe fever, lying with a temperature of +39.
Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil, its beautiful location on the South Atlantic coast transforms every vista and landmark into an impressive landmark. From the charm of white sandy beaches with crystal clear and warm water, to the rocky hills that rise majestically against the colorful cityscape, you can enjoy absolute natural beauty during your holiday. Numerous historical sites will help you fully immerse yourself in Rio's rich cultural heritage. It will take a long time to visit all the interesting places in this inspiring city, but the Top 10 Attractions in Rio de Janeiro are definitely not to be missed.
1. Christ the Redeemer Statue
The most recognizable symbol of Rio de Janeiro is the amazing statue of Christ the Redeemer. It stands high above the city as a symbol of Brazilian Christianity and is located on Mount Corcovado, about 800 meters high. This beautiful and charming Art Deco statue is considered to be the largest Jesus statue in the world. Be sure to put a visit to this outstanding Rio landmark on your list. Moreover, you can climb to the top where you can truly feel like God. The panoramic view of the landscape is unique and breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset.
2. Sugarloaf Mountain
The next imposing sight is Sugarloaf Mountain, which rises 400 meters above the calm waters of Guanabara Bay. This huge monolithic rock is one of the most remarkable additions to the coastal rocky hills that rise majestically between water and land. The view of Sugarloaf Mountain is truly incredible, but the vistas at the peak of the mountain will truly impress anyone. A ride on two cable cars leads to the top, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro, the bay with countless boats, and the mighty statue of the Redeemer.
3. Sambadrome Marques de Zapucai
One of the best places to experience the colors, lifestyle and spirit of Rio is the Sambadrome Marques de Sapucaí. The huge parade ground, located right in the city center, is the largest stage for the many samba events that take place in the arena during Rio's famous Carnival. The arena is actually an extension of the main street, which has been turned into the main stage for the Carnival. During this fantastic spectacle of lights, colors, sounds, scents, shapes and entertainment, you can fully experience the charming atmosphere of the city.
4. Copacabana Beach
Most of the above-mentioned hills are spread across the southern part of the city, where you can also encounter another main attraction of Rio de Janeiro - Copacabana Beach. Copacabana, almost 4 kilometers long, with perfectly white sand, attracts tens of thousands of visitors. Copacabana Beach is one of the most famous in the world due to many factors. Firstly, the completely clear waters of the ocean on one side, as well as all the modern amenities of the city on the other side. Additionally, two historical forts stand majestically at either end of the long beach. This is the best place to enjoy endless views of the ocean, feel the warm sand under your feet and smell the refreshing coastal air in Rio.
5. Ipanema Beach
Ipanema Beach is another incredible place right next to Copacabana Beach. In fact, it is not much different from Copacabana in terms of recreation, but it offers completely different landscapes in terms of surrounding beauty. This is a great place for a walk or a romantic evening. Many people come here to watch the sunrise or sunset.
6. Maracana Stadium
The Maracanã Stadium is the largest football stadium in Brazil and on the continent, with over 82,000 seats. Built in 1950, the stadium has been used for a variety of football tournaments, major cultural and musical events, concerts and other games. Today, the Maracana Stadium is still one of the most famous in the world and is one of the most impressive landmarks in Rio de Janeiro. If you are planning to visit the city when a major event is taking place at the stadium, do not miss the opportunity to experience its atmosphere.
7. Laguna Rodrigo de Freitas
Rodrigo de Freitas is a large lagoon located between Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach in the southern zone. The shores of the lagoon are truly magical places, with some of the most beautiful scenery in Rio. The eastern shore of the lake and canal to the ocean is bordered by parks popular for biking and viewing the enchanting mountain peaks. Above them, only the endless and dark blue sky dominates. This landscape is especially impressive at night, when the night lighting of the city is reflected in the calm surface of Lagua Rodrigo de Freitas.
8. Carioca Aqueduct
The sights of Rio de Janeiro include many architectural monuments. The Carioca Aqueduct is a scenic bridge that is located right in the heart of the city. Its colonial architectural style includes two levels of smaller and larger arches, while during the construction of the aqueduct in the 18th century it was used to supply fresh water to the city. Nowadays it is a significant landmark, located right in the city center and converted into a bridge. The tram crosses the bridge and connects the city center with other areas.
9. Enrique Lage Park
Lage Park is one of the most beautiful places in southern Rio, with a huge mansion, gardens and a fountain. There is an elegant cafe in the atrium of the mansion. After a cup of coffee or tea, you can enjoy a relaxing walk through the park, surrounded by subtropical trees. From here you have a wonderful view of the Corcovado Peak and the Statue of the Savior.
10. Quinta da Boa Vista
This large natural park in the city center is an attractive place for a walk or a picnic. The landscapes include calm blue ponds surrounded by vast green meadows, tall palm trees and other plantations. Numerous activities and historical sites are available. The National Museum of Brazil is located in a huge building of the former imperial palace. Another famous landmark in the park is the Rio Zoo. Both children and adults are sure to enjoy this place.
The incredible city of Rio de Janeiro offers ideal opportunities for tourism and travel lovers. Visit at least the top 10 Rio de Janeiro attractions on our list to get your own Rio experience. We guarantee that you will love this place and remember the trip for the rest of your life.
Incendiary samba, carnival, the strongest football players on the planet, endless tropics - these are the most recognizable features of Brazil. The pearl of this magnificent country is, of course, Rio de Janeiro.
And, if you find yourself in the most picturesque city in the world, you simply must enjoy all the delights of an exciting Brazilian trip.
Carnival in Rio
More than 500 thousand tourists from all over the world come to Rio every year specifically to see with their own eyes the most important event of the year in Brazil - the carnival.
Crazy energy, colorful costumes, sparkles, feathers, music and, of course, non-stop dancing. Having visited the carnival just once, you will remember this event for the rest of your life!
The most important thing is that you don’t remember the carnival for its huge costs. The fact is that during the holiday, prices for hotels, food, and services soar.
Besides, The entrance ticket to the carnival is also not cheap - from $200. For about the same price, you can take part in the final day of the carnival yourself.
To do this, you just need to buy a costume from one of the samba schools that won a winning place at the carnival. Participation in the carnival will not require any special skills from you.
The main thing is to hold out for several hours in a tight, heavy suit, not forgetting to constantly move to the Sambo rhythm along with the entire column.
One of the seven new wonders of the world, the symbol and amulet of Rio de Janeiro - The statue of Christ the Redeemer is recognized in every corner of the world.
And if you find yourself in Rio, you should definitely visit Mount Corcovado, on which the famous statue is located.
The ideal time for an excursion is early in the morning, when the queues of tourists have not yet reached their maximum, and the hot Brazilian sun has not had time to heat up the air particularly strongly.
An entrance ticket to the foot of the statue will cost about $6.
Additionally, you will have to pay for transport that will take you to the mountain itself. If you are not strapped for cash, you can book an excursion to the statue of Christ the Redeemer by helicopter.
From a bird's eye view, without the fuss of numerous tourists, without long queues, you can enjoy the stunning view and take great photos. The cost of a helicopter flight will be about $300.
Copacabana Beach
You will recognize the snow-white outlines and curves of Copacabana Beach on any postcard or advertising brochure about Rio de Janeiro.
This is more than a place for a great holiday on the Atlantic Ocean. This is a lifestyle in the rhythm of Rio.
Here they play football and dance, do capoeira, kiss, sunbathe and the most beautiful people of Rio simply enjoy life.
Although Copacabana is considered the longest beach in the world(its length is about 4 kilometers), it is never empty!
In the evening, Copacabana is transformed into a place for romantic walks, fun or relaxing in one of the coastal restaurants with a glass of Caipirinha.
Sugarloaf Mountain got its name due to its bizarre shape. Locals compare it to a lump of sugar.
The ascent to Sugar Mountain is made by cable car, thanks to which, from the first minutes of your journey, you will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Rio.
During the climb, you make three stops - at the Red Beach (Praia Vermelha), Mount Urca and at the very top of Sugar Loaf.
On Mount Urca, in addition to an extensive observation deck and several restaurants, You will meet small and very cute Mikos monkeys.
There is also an observation deck at the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers a magnificent view of the city.
Which tour operators fly to Cuba, and how to choose the right ones for your trip, find out in this article:
Don't forget to take warm clothes on your trip to Sugarloaf. Otherwise, you will have to warm up with strong drinks, which are offered in abundance by local restaurants and cafes.
How to save money in Rio?
Undoubtedly, Rio de Janeiro is a city where it is difficult to vacation on a budget. You will definitely want to go on every excursion and look into every corner of this fabulous city.
Meanwhile, if you remember these simple tips, you can save a lot of money.
Choose the right time to rest. If the Brazilian carnival is not your ultimate dream, come to Rio on any other days.
Prices for accommodation and various services will be much lower.
Walk more around the city.
You can not only save on travel, but also enjoy the inimitable beauty of Rio, which is literally surrounded by tropical greenery.
Shop for souvenirs and gifts at the Sunday market in Ipanema. As in any other tourist cities, the highest prices for souvenirs await us in shops located near various attractions.
Choose less presentable taxi cars. The younger and more expensive the car, the more you will pay for travel. It is important that many drivers will ask you to pay extra to turn on the air conditioning.
Video sketch about Rio de Janeiro
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