Add plans to your travel guide Rio de Janeiro
Click on "add plan" to expand your leisure options in your travel guide.
Tourist guide: what to do and see in Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy the most colourful and spectacular panoramic views.
Want to make people jealous of your next trip? Then Río is the place to go. Established in the 16th century amongst sea, mountains, rivers and lakes, it has not stopped growing. It is one of the most beautiful and impressive cities in America, and the historic and tourist capital of Brazil. Its culture, colours and smells, as well as its beaches and lights, will end up seducing you. From high up at the Christ Redeemer statue, you have a panoramic view of the urban geography, with its jungle green and ocean blue shades. These mix with the colourful hues of the Brazilian clothing. Breathe in the Brazilian culture and let yourself go!
How other travellers see it
Share your travel experience with #riodejaneiro, #InstantesIberia and @Iberia
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
Street Markets with Character
If you want to do more shopping, there are two markets that will satisfy your needs. Do not miss them!
Two similar markets with an unusual touch
Quinze de Novembro Square has historically been one of the main places for commercial activity in the centre of Río de Janeiro. As long ago as the colonial period, it was known as the customary meeting place for its citizens, who came here to buy food and other items. This attitude still exists today. On Thursdays and Fridays between 08:00 and 18:00, the square hosts a popular street market where you can buy clothing, bags, ornaments and typical Brazilian food, as well as artwork and handicrafts. You can find a similar market in Sans Pena Square, right in the centre of the Tijuca neighbourhood. During its golden years, visitors came here to watch films and theatre debuts, which led to a growth in shops and commercial businesses. Today, the square is still home to a handicraft street market, open all day on Fridays and Saturdays. It sells items similar to the other market, with a number of stalls selling clothing and T-shirts, as well as handmade jewellery and typical regional food and drink.
Arts and Crafts in the Copacabana Streets
An interesting mix of handicrafts in the most chic area of Río
Weekend street vendors
Very close to the elegant Copacabana Palace you can find Lido Square Fair, open every weekend, and comprised of more than 150 stalls and tents. Open from 08:00 on Saturday until 18:00 on Sunday, it has a very similar feel to the hippie fair in Ipanema. Here the costume jewellery and furs are the main focus, as well as antiques, handicrafts, clothing and ornaments. It is particularly recommended for those who want to return home laden with small gifts and souvenirs for family and friends. For a few reales, you can buy key-rings, rings, small gold and silver trinkets, belts and all types of handmade products. Very near here, on Avenida Atlântica, there is a traditional fair selling artwork and handicrafts, open Mondays to Saturdays from 18:00 until midnight. Filled with costumes and masks during Carnival, this fair is the perfect place to be photographed (or caricatured) by any of the impromptu artists, right in the heart of Copacabana. You can also purchase textiles and small gold and silver items.
São Cristovão Fair
We have your Saturday mapped out; shop for handmade crafts and traditional food, whilst enjoying the street performances
It's not just a fair
Maracaná is not the only attraction in the São Cristovão neighbourhood. Its pavillion, on Campo de São Cristóvão Street, is home to this popular fair (www.feiradesaocristovao.org.br), also known as Noreste Market, on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Established in the 60s as an open-air street market, it allowed its visitors to buy all types of products typical of the Bahia, Maranão, Rio Grande do Norte and Piauí states. The enclosure, which has been remodelled over the last ten years, currently has more than 700 stalls and a number of vendors offering a wide selection of handicrafts, amongst which you will find hammocks, key-rings and hats. Food and drink also plays its part at this market, with many readily prepared meals and smoked meats. More than 3,000 people visit every weekend in search of spices, cheeses, butter and other delicacies. But let's not forget that it is also a place to go for a bit of fun during your free time. The fair is surrounded by bars and restaurants which, on Saturday nights, host a mass of musical performances. Amongst the most requested rhythms are the forró, xote, baião and xaxado, typical of North-Eastern Brazil.
H. Stern Jewellers
As well as being one of the oldest jewellers in Río, here you can learn about the journey of these precious stones
For those who want a special souvenir from Río
It is one of the most traditional jewellers in Rio de Janeiro, and the biggest in Latin America. Situated on Garcia D'Avila Street in the Ipanema neighbourhood, it has branches throughout Brazil and 11 other countries. It was founded in 1945 by Hans Stern, a businessman who, at just 30 years old, became a millionaire through the selling of gemstones. His first shop opened next to the city's quay, retailing exclusive precious gemstones to tourists. Its current headquarters goes beyond a simple shop. With a gemological laboratory, it is a space dedicated to the craft of jewellery-making, and even boasts a showroom. Throughout the week you can take a guided tour of the building, Mondays to Fridays from 08:30 to 18:00, and on Saturdays from 08:30 to 12:00. Inside the shop, you will learn about the entire preparation process and gemstone sculpting, as well as the design and manufacture of the jewellery. Amongst the large collection on display is Brazil's gem, the amethyst, ranking highly as one of the world's most popular gemstones. One of the main attractions of this jewellers-museum is the price, cheaper than buying in its other shops, but still not for tight budgets. More information is available at www.hsterninrio.com.
Artíndia Shops
Not only will you find a unique souvenir, but you'll also be helping to maintain these indigenous communities
Indigenous handicrafts
The National Indian Foundation (FUNAI) has a chain of shops throughout Brazil, which sell items relating to the life and history of the indigenous peoples of the country. Integrated into the Artíndia programme, the shop in Río de Janeiro is located in the Indian Museum on Palmeiras Street in the Botafogo neighbourhood. The shops offer a collection of specialised books, as well as films, CDs, and numerous handmade products. There is also a section for souvenirs, including T-shirts and other items of clothing. The existence of these shops is very important for the survival of the indigenous communities, as the proceeds are dedicated to maintaining their way of life and developing their level of education. For this reason, the prices of the Artíndia products are relatively cheap, since one of its main purposes is to educate visitors about these Brazilian inhabitants. This is not the only work of FUNAI (www.funai.gov.br), an institution linked to the Ministry of Justice and founded in 1967. It is also in charge of promoting sustainable development policies, in order to prevent the destruction of the ecosystems that exists in many of these towns.
Sunday's Hippie Fair
If your style is more 'hippie', you can't miss this street market in the middle of Ipanema
An alternative street market
There are two obvious signs that Río de Janeiro is a city of great contrasts. The first are the favelas surrounding city, in contrast to the huge skyscrapers in the centre. The second is in Ipanema, with the luxurious shops on Visconde de Pirajá Street at one end, and the hippie fair, held every Sunday in General Osório Square, on the other. Also known as the antiques market, it was established at the end of the 1960s, and it is surprising that it has survived the city's spectacular growth in recent years. Yet every week, it is filled with inquisitive shoppers exploring its makeshift stalls, where they can find countless handicrafts from different parts of the country. It sells practically everything, especially if you're looking for something connected to the classical hippie aesthetics of the 70s, and is filled with a varied and colourful collection of clothes, necklaces and handmade bracelets. These days, the most popular products are hammocks and leather poufs, some of which are truly innovative in design.
Visconde de Pirajá Street in Ipanema
If you want to see some of the more expensive shops, you'll find what you're looking for on this street
Shopping in Ipanema
Just like Copacabana, the Ipanema neighbourhood has a street parallel to the beach which is particularly recommended for its shopping. It is called Visconde de Pirajá Street, spanning from Espanha Square to General Osório. Mainly concentrated in Nossa Senhora da Paz Square, here there are a number of glamorous shops, as well as jewellers and local fashion and tinket shops. You should also visit its bookshops, some of which include a coffee service, where you can enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet. One of the most famous bookshops is Letras e Expressões Ipanema, open 24 hours a day and with a selection of books, newspapers and magazines of all kinds to choose from. On Visconde de Pirajá Street there is space for everything, which also includes shopping centres. The most well-known is Top Center Shopping Ipanema (www.topcenteripanema.com.br), located at the crossroad of Visconde de Pirajá and Aníbal de Mendonça Street. This huge building is 24 stories high, and boasts some of the major Brazilian and international fashion brand chains.
A Souvenir from Copacabana
You choose: shop as a tourist, or shop as a local
Two parallel streets, two very different shopping experiences
This is Río de Janeiro's tourist epicentre, with two large streets where you can do some shopping. The first is Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, which runs parallel to the promenade. The shops on this street are, for the most part, where the locals go about their daily lives. On the other hand, Barata Ribeiro Street is where you can find traditional shops, with tourists buying last-minute presents and souvenirs before they leave. On Avenida Nossa Senhora, the hotels share the street with supermarkets and pharmacies, as well as shops selling clothes and crafts from around the country. As you would expect, there is a large selection of beach products and swimwear available to buy here. This is why shop windows are filled with traditional Brazilian flip flops, bathing suits, sarongs, sun hats and all kinds of surfing equipment. Replacing your summer beach wardrobe couldn't be easier in Copacabana, as there are stalls full of bikinis on almost every street.
The Biggest Shopping Centres
If you prefer to visit a shopping centre for your souvenirs, here you will find a huge space with all types of shops
Shopping in Río
On this side of the Atlantic, Botafogo is known as Río de Janeiro's shopping epicentre, with huge complexes of shops and restaurants. Although the neighbourhood is predominantly a residential area, its coastline is also home to three large shopping centres, which are open throughout the day and well into the night. The first of these is Botafogo Praia Shopping (www.botafogopraiashopping.com.br), on Avenida Praia de Botafogo. Here you can find everything from sophisticated costume jewellery to fast food restaurants, although most of the centre is made up of clothes shops. After you finish shopping, take a saunter up to its rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a drink whilst admiring some spectacular views of Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance. A little further south, on Avenida Lauro, you will find Botafogo Plaza Shopping, a more exclusive complex with restaurant chains and clothing stores boasting international brands. Approximately 200 metres from here, on Lauro Müller Street, sits one of the city's oldest shopping centres: Rio Sul Shopping (www.riosul.com.br). You can buy practically everything in this centre, and can even drop the kids off at Cidade Animasom, where they can play whilst you enjoy your shopping.
Largo da Carioca
Get your wallet at the ready and do not worry about the price! Here you will find everything from luxury shops to market stalls
Rio's comercial zone
This central zone in Río de Janeiro is always filled with busy shoppers. Not only is it the financial heart of the city, but it is also the best place to buy all types of items. Here, the traditional shops branch out onto different streets, including Uruguaiana, Buenos Aires and Gonçalves Dias Street. Their window displays show off a never-ending number of bags, jewellery and handicrafts, some of which are not suitable for the tighter budgets. On the pavements you will also find a vast array of street vendors, selling everything from beachwear (towels, bikinis and sandals), to flags, trinkets and, in general, any other souvenirs that will preserve the memory of your trip to Río de Janeiro. Another place not to miss is Carioca Street, where there is a selection of musical instrument shops. On this street you can discover small percussion instruments, used by the citizens of Río during the Carnival. To finish your shopping spree, there is nothing better than paying a visit to the enormous open air market at the crossroad of Uruguaiana Street and Avenida Presidente Vargas crossroad, where you can buy almost anything at relatively affordable prices. A word of warning before you start though, in Brazil, unlike other Latin American countries, haggling is frowned upon.
Quinta da Boa Vista (Nice View Park)
In its museum you will find everything, from archaeological remains to mummies and meteorites!
For the whole family to enjoy
This park is part of the historical São Cristóvão Palace, located on Avenida Dom Pedro II in the São Cristovão neighbourhood. Inside the building, there are two different museums. The most famous, the National Museum (www.museunacional.ufrj.br), was founded in early 1818 by the Portuguese Monarch João VI, and moved to this part of the city at the end of the 19th century by the Government of the newly proclaimed Republic of Brazil. This museum showcases numerous archaeological and anthropological objects, such as a selection of Egyptian mummies, preserved animals and even a collection of meteorites. A large part of this space is reserved for researchers of the Río de Janeiro Federal University , studying a variety of different postgraduate degrees. You can visit it on Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00. Additionally, Quinta da Boa Vista is home to the Museum of the First Reign (http://www.funarj.rj.gov.br/museus/mpr_01.html), which is temporarily closed for construction. Here, you can witness the glamorous lifestyle of the early 19th century Brazilian aristocracy, through an interesting collection of paintings, sculptures and period furniture. The nearby Museum of Fauna, dedicated to the different Brazilian ecosystems, is also currently being remodelled.
Museum of History and Diplomacy
Its extensive collection of objects will give you an insight into Brazil's past
A journey through Brazil's diplomatic past
Inside Itamaraty Palace, on central Avenida Marechal Floriano, you will find this enormous museum, which opened in 1957. Although part of its heritage dates back to 1970, when the Ministry of Foreign Affaires was moved to Brasilia, the largest part of its tradition comes from inside, and can still be seen today. Divided between two floors and 23 rooms, the museum looks back at Brazil's diplomatic history, through an extensive collection of more than 5,600 pieces, including furniture, coins, carpets, crockery, porcelain figures and French watches. There is also a space designated to tapestries, medals and works of art, amongst many other antiques. Most of the items and documents displayed are from the colonial period, dating back to earlier than 1808, when the Portuguese Royal Family arrived in Río de Janeiro. Over the last 30 years, the building has been subjected to different renovations, in order to resolve different technical problems and recreate a traditional 19th century Brazilian home with a neoclassical edge. There are guided tours available throughout the day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. These can last up to 45 minutes, and allow tourists to submerge themselves in the most profound moments of Brazil's diplomatic history.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)
This strange building, with its varied and important collections, gives you the chance to do something different with your evening
Do something different in Río
The city of Niterói is home to one of the most modern buildings in Río de Janeiro, designed by the famous architect Oscar Niemeyer, who described it as a blossoming flower. Its opening took place in 1996 and the building is renowned for its peculiar shape, that for many of its visitors, is reminiscent of a flying saucer. Situated in front of Guanabara Bay, in the Boa Viagem neighbourhood, one look at the outside of the building will justify your visit, although there are many other attractions inside. Marvel at Roberto Coda Zabetta's paintings and sculptures, which pay homage to the missing and imprisoned Brazilians during the military dictatorship that governed the country between 1964 and 1985. The museum also offers some spectacular views of Río de Janeiro, Sugarloaf and Corcovado Mountain, and the bay, through the glass panes that surround the building. Additionally, the museum features a luxurious restaurant, serving different cuisine from its international contemporary kitchen, which comes to life in the evenings with live musical performances. Amongst everything else it offers, there are regular storytelling sessions, film showings and cultural exhibitions. The permanent exhibition can be visited Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00. More information is available at www.macniteroi.com.br.
Museum of Native Americans
An interesting exhibition about the first inhabitants of the country and their culture
Take a look at America's origins
The extensive collection in this museum (www.museudoindio.org.br), on Das Palmeiras Street in the Botafogo neighbouhood, includes more than 14,000 original items linked to the indigenous Brazilian culture, such as a vast number of ethnological publications and thousands of audio and photographic archives. The exhaustive analysis of the country's ancestral races is completed with various original-size constructions relating to many other cultural traditions. The institution's origins date back to the year 1953, when Brazilian anthropologist Darcy Ribeiro created the National Indian Foundation to promote and conserve indigenous cultures. The move to its current venue took place in 1978. This old 19th century mansion was initially the home of a well-known businessman from Río de Janeiro, who worked in the food industry. Currently, the museum is divided into 11 rooms, with a large spacious landscape and an interesting craft shop, Artíndia. The entire complex can be visited Tuesdays to Fridays from 9:00 to 17:30, and during weekends and holidays from 13:00 to 17:00.
Museum of Modern Art
If the building itself is considered to be a modern art masterpiece, just imagine what you can see inside
Immerse yourself in Brazil's contemporary artwork
The setting up of this museum (www.mamrio.com.br), on Avenida Infante Dom Enrique de Flamengo, is thanks to several of Río de Janeiro's businessmen, led by patron Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya. It was opened in 1948 and includes numerous contemporary Brazilian art exhibitions, such as one particular permanent collection of over 11,000 pieces. Most of these were given to the museum in 1993, courtesy of businessman Gilberto Chateaubriand, who has the largest private art collection in Brazil. Before this, on 8th July 1978, most of the museum's artistic heritage was destroyed by a fire, including important masterpieces from Spanish artists Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Salvador Dali. During its first few years of existence, the institution was set up in Río de Janeiro's Culture Palace, until it opened its current venue in 1958, on land donated by the city council. A prime example of Río's modern architecture , the building is one of the most emblematic projects by Afonso Eduardo Reidy, and was meticulously remodelled after the fire in 1978. You can visit the museum Tuesdays to Fridays from 12:00 to 18:00, and during weekends and holidays from 12:00 to 19:00.
Edison Carneiro Folklore Museum
An interesting journey through the folklore of the country, and a more in-depth look at its culture
Not everything is about Samba in Río
Its name is reminiscent of the popular Brazilian author Edison de Souza Carneiro (1912 - 1972), whose work focused on Africans in Latin America. The museum (http://www.cnfcp.gov.br/interna.php?ID_Secao=2) is located on Catete Street in the Catete neighbourhood, and is responsible for the dissemination of culture and traditional folklore in Brazil. It is for this reason, that the museum collects objects from different regions of the country, including a vast number of books and archives of huge cultural importance. In total, its collection is formed by almost 14,000 items, 70,000 audiovisual documents and 130,000 references. Currently, the areas open to the general public are the Popular Artists Room, the Mestre Vitalino Gallery, the Amadeu Amaral Library and the shop, where you can buy affordable reproductions of objects and literary and musical works. The Folklore and Popular Culture National Centre is a Ministry of Culture institution, set up by the Campaign for the Defence of Brazilian Folklore in 1958. Its aim is to conserve the museum, which you can visit Tuesdays to Fridays from 11:00 to 18:00, and during weekends and holidays from 15:00 to 18:00.
Chácara do Céu Museum
With an extensive history behind it, this museum also offers breathtaking views of the city
See the vast selection of national and international paintings, amongst its other treasures
The driving force behind this museum (www.museuscastromaya.com.br/chacara.htm), on Martinho Nobre Street in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood, was Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya, a rich businessman who inherited a large part of his father's collection. Before his death in 1968, this popular patron created a foundation that was responsible for the maintenance and management of his entire artistic legacy. However, the foundation crumbled two years later, leaving its funds to the Historical Heritage and National Artistic Institution. Inside the museum, you can marvel at the numerous antiques and pieces of furniture, such as paintings from famous Brazilian artists like Cândido Portinari, and international painters including Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet and Maurice de Vlaminck. The building that is home to these masterpieces, known as Chácara do Céu since the 19th century, is one of the oldest Castro Maya family residences and was renovated in the mid-1900s by Vladimir Alves de Souza. This remodelling included a spacious garden, designed by Roberto Burle Marx, which offers an impressive panoramic view of the city centre and Guanabara Bay. Open Wednesdays to Mondays from 12:00 to 17:00, excluding Christmas, New Year's Eve, New Year, Carnival and holidays.
Espaço Cultural da Marinha
This museum is worth visiting just to see its real-life submarine, amongst other attractions
The history of the Brazilian Navy
Sitting in front of Quinze de Novembro Square, on Avenida Alfred Agache, is a place that carefully peels back Brazil's nautical history and the war events involving the country's navy. Marvel at the Naval and Oceanographic Museum (www.mar.mil.br/dphdm), where you will find numerous artillery artefacts, maritime maps and plans, as well as model warships and other objects relating to the world of the sea. The first floor is home to the museum's permanent exhibition, split between seven different rooms, while the second floor is reserved for temporary displays. The eclectic-style building was erected in 1868 as Clube Naval headquarters, and was transformed into a museum as of 1972. Years later it underwent an intense transformation, concluding in 2006. The Espaço Cultural da Marinha is completed by a submarine, the Riachuelo, and a vessel, Nau dos Descobrimientos, which serves as a floating museum, and in turn hosts the Helicopter Museum. Both ships remain anchored in front of Río de Janeiro's pier, and can be visited, along with the rest of the complex, Tuesdays to Sundays from 12:00 to 17:00.
National Museum of Fine Arts
If you are into art, here you will see one of the best collections in the country
The importance of art in Brazil
This is considered to be the best artistic museum in Río de Janeiro, and one of the most important in Brazil. Situated in the Cinelândia area (Avenida Rio Branco), its opening took place in 1938. Its origins, however, date back to 1808 with the arrival of the Portuguese Royal Family in the city, and the numerous artistic works they brought with them. Part of this legacy forms the core of its collection, such as the religious art and19th century Brazilian paintings. Amongst the most prominent local artists are Candido Portinari, Pedro Américo de Figueiredo e Melo and Victor Meirelles, although there is also a section designated to African art and photography. The building that is home to the museum was built between 1906 and 1908, and its initial design, inspired by the Louvre in Paris, was entrusted to Spanish architect Adolfo Morales de los Ríos. Once completed, the building had an eclectic air to it, with different style facades, including neoclassical and French and Italian renaissance. Because of the precarious state in which it was found, it was subject to an extensive renovation during the 80s, in order to maintain its original style. You can visit the museum Tuesdays to Fridays, from 10:00 to 18:00, and during weekends and holidays, from 12:00 to 17:00. More information is available at www.mnba.gov.br.
Museum of National History
A relatively new museum which showcases the evolution of Brazil from the colonial era to the present day
An essential visit to understand Brazil's history
Located in the central Marechal Ancora Square, this is a must-see for anyone interested in delving into the history of Brazil. With the aim of preserving and maintaining Brazil’s legacy, its construction was commissioned in 1922 by Epitácio Pessoa, the president at the time. Its permanent exhibition takes a chronological look at Brazil from the colonial period to the present day, with exhaustive details about Brazil’s most decisive moments. It is made up of more than 280,000 pieces, amongst which are collections of gold, silver, crosses and ivory, as well as carriages from different periods in the main hall. The museum also houses the biggest coin collection in Latin America, and in its library there are more than 50,000 titles and other such documents and photographs. The building was completely restored in 1985, and inside you will also find a colonial palace built on what was previously the Santiago Fort. If you can, take a walk around the central courtyard, where you will discover various bronze cannons from the different eras. The museum is open to the public every day of the week except for Mondays. Tuesdays to Fridays from 10:00 to 17:30, and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 14:00 to 18:00. More information is available at www.museuhistoriconacional.com.br.
Tijuca National Park
Grab your bike or simply stroll along the route, marvelling at the breathtaking views
The oldest natural park in the heart of Río
Declared by Unesco as a Biosphere Reserve in 1991, this is the largest natural space in the whole of Río de Janeiro. For centuries it was home to coffee farms, but when these started to become unprofitable they were replaced with different species of plants. Its conservation began mid-19th century, when this part of the mountain was found almost completely destroyed, jeopardising the city’s water supply. The reforestation was launched thereafter, driven by Emperor Pedro II, and resulted in the planting of 60,000 trees and the recovering of more than 1,600 hectares. Thus, the formation of the park took place in 1961 and was divided into three sectors; A, B and C. It has numerous access points, such as from Vista Chinesa Road, which leads to the viewpoint of the same name and from which you can see Río's entire coastline. When filled with visitors, it makes the perfect place to go for a trek or cycle, a regular weekend pastime. One of its most well-known spots is Floresta da Tijuca, abundant with different species, such as the striking silver-leaved Cecropia tree. It is also home to more than 150 species of animal, including toucans and Marmosets, which share their territory with Macaque monkeys. More information is available at www.parquedatijuca.com.br.
The Botanic Gardens
Inside one of the best neighbourhoods in Río, you will find this park with species from all over the word
If you want to escape the roads, this is where you should head
Jardim Botânico is one of the neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Río de Janeiro, and takes its name from this large green area within its perimeters. There is a higher standard of living here due to the abundance of single family homes, and it is not unusual to bump into a TV star on its streets. Amongst its main attractions is the Santos Dumont Square, bustling with people at weekends, and, of course the famous Botanic Gardens (www.jbrj.gov.br). Its origin dates back to the arrival of the Portuguese Monarchy in the city in 1808. It was at this time that King João VI ordered the construction of a large garden of Asian plant species, on top of an area that, at one time, had been a sugar plantation. Years later in 1824, the area was remodelled by Pedro I, who transformed it into what is now the Botanic Gardens, filling it with plants from almost every corner of the globe, and opening it to the public. Some of its most prominent features are the fountain on the central path, the beautiful orchids, lily ponds and, above all, Imperial Palms Avenue. These spectacular trees, today a symbol of Brazil, made the long trek from Mauritius in the 19th century.
Largo do Boticário's Peculiar History
Before you start the ascent of Corcovado, walk around the unusual Largo do Boticario and delve into its history
Gateway to a stranger part Río
Cosme Velho is one of Río de Janeiro's smaller neighbourhoods. It is situated on the hilltops, and you can reach it by taking the train up Corcovado Mountain. It is home to one of the most loved corners of the city, Largo do Boticário, a well-known square on the other side of the Carioca River. The area has an extraordinary history, as it has nothing to do with the Portuguese colonial era, even though there are many reminders of this historical Brazilian period. The land was bought at the start of the 20th century by the wealthy Bittencourt family, who filled it with neoclassical-style buildings and other authentic colonial motifs, such as lamps, tiles, stones and wrought iron. They even used authentic colonial materials from other buildings in Río de Janeiro, that would have otherwise been destroyed. The beauty of this place was recognised by Lewis Gilbert, who used the area to shoot several scenes from his 1979 film Moonraker, in which Roger Moore played the role of James Bond. The name of the Boticário cosmetic brand was named after Joaquim Luís da Silva Souto who, until 1831, ran the former pharmacy situated on one of the surrounding streets.
Pay a Visit to Santa Teresa
A walk through its streets will give you an idea of the significance of this neighbourhood
One of the most well-known neighbourhoods in Río
For many years, one of Río de Janeiro's most popular tourist attractions was the old tram (bonde), which departed from the city centre and traveled to the bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. However, a fatal derailment in August 2011, which left several dead and dozens injured, hastened its closure. Río's authorities have announced that it will reopen in 2014, bringing with it a significant restructuring of its infrastructures. Its yellow wagons departed from Largo da Carioca, then crossed over Arcos de Lapa, an old 18th century aqueduct, later converted to a viaduct. The route ended in the highest part of Santa Teresa, a rundown neighbourhood, home to Río de Janeiro's wealthiest inhabitants during the colonial period. It is still possible to imagine the streets lined with period mansions and religious buildings, such as Matriz de Santa Teresa Church or Nossa Senhora das Neves. It is worth taking a look from the viewpoints, from which you can see some of the spectacular sights of Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana or Sugarloaf Mountain. If you're not able to take the tram, at least you can still take a look back at its history in the Bonde Museum on Carlos Brant Street, where there is an extensive collection of photographs, models, objects and uniforms.
Stroll Through Cinelândia
Enjoy a pleasant morning in a square full of life and culture
Río's biggest public square
Its official name is Floriano Square, in honour of Floriano Vieira Peixoto the second Brazilian president, and who the large monument in the square is dedicated to. It spans out over a large area in the centre of Río de Janeiro, with Mahatma Gandhi Square on one side, in homage to the historic Hindu leader. This small landscaped square also has a large central fountain and a statue of the precursor of peaceful resistance. The skyscrapers that surround the area were erected during the mid-20th century and vary in style - eclectic, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and neoclassical. They have given the area a unique architectural ensemble, in which stands the Municipal Theatre (www.theatromunicipal.rj.gov.br). Completing the image are other iconic official buildings such as the Supreme Court of Justice, the National Library and the City Chambers. The name Cinelândia became popular amongst the locals in the 1930s when the square ,filled with theatres, clubs, restaurants and auditoriums, became the epicentre of Río's cultural life. A lot has changed since then. For one, due to the increasing number of large shopping complexes, the number of films being shown at the Odeon (www.grupoestacao.com.br), also called the Odeon BR or Petrobrás, has dwindled.
Campo de Santana Park
Take a walk around a park steeped in history
A big green space to cool off
This is one of Río de Janeiro's parks with the most historical significance. Amongst other things, because it was witness to the declaration of Pedro I as Emperor of Brazil in 1822. This is why, every year, it hosts the country's commemorative military parades. It was also here in this square, in 1889, where Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca established the Republic of Brazil, which is why the park is also known as Republic Square. Located just a few metres from the Sambadrome, for centuries the area was covered by a swamp, which vanished during the colonial period. In 1753, the zone was named Campo de Santana in honour of the church that was built there, but demolished 100 years later during the construction of Río's first railway. The green 'lung' of the city centre is made up of large gardens and a beautiful woodland, as well as different species of animals, including ducks and peacocks. At the end of the 19th century it underwent a profound transformation, designed by French engineer and landscape artist Auguste Marie François Glaziou.
Visit the Favelas
Discover the famous favelas in the safe hands of an organised tour group
See the favelas up close
Director Fernando Meirelles shows his more human side in his film City of God, while José Padilha depicts a more violent Brazil in the Elite Squad saga. These are, in fact, two faces of the same reality: the Brazilian favelas. They originated from the surge of emigrants who relocated from the countryside to the city during the 70s and 80s, almost causing complete chaos. Rocinha is one of the most populated, with more than 300,000 inhabitants. These favelas, which are home to the more humble population, are famed for drug trafficking, brutal gun fights with the police forces and the gang violence which runs rampant through their narrow streets. Nevertheless, organisations such as Favela Tour (www.favelatour.com.br) offer completely safe guided tours to these towns. If you are really keen to understand this Brazilian way of life, you can visit areas like Vila Canoa or the busy Rocinha with the guides from this agency. By doing so you will be contributing to a good cause, as all the proceeds are used for development and education projects, such as the maintenance of schools in which the youngsters from the favelas try to build a future away from this tough life.
Crossing Guanabara Bay
If you have time, take a boat trip to Niterói
Río, but from a different perspective
The city of Niterói is located just in front of Río de Janeiro, although Guanabara Bay separates the two. As a matter of fact, Niterói is considered as the capital’s little sister, and its residents tend to call themselves Cariocas (the Portuguese word for Río’s native inhabitants). You can get there by road via the 14km bridge connecting both sides of the bay. The centre of the bridge lifts into a huge central arc, 800 metres wide and 80 metres high, which allows large merchant boats to get into Guanabara. However, following the tradition of most of the residents that make the crossing daily, we suggest you use the ferries. Departing every 15 minutes (or less during peak times) from Estaçao de Barcas in Río (www.barcas-sa.com.br), the trip takes approximately 20 minutes, and is worth it just for the spectacular views of the Río coastline. There are also boats to nearby Ilha de Boa Viagem, connected to Niterói by a footbridge, with an impressive ancient fort and Boa Viagem Church. It is also a place filled with charm.
Beach and Sport
Don’t forget to visit some of Río's beaches if you like sun and sport
Showing off on the beach
It is a fair assumption to say that the beaches in Río de Janeiro are famous around the world, both for their liveliness and the lack of swimming costumes on those who visit! The most famous has to be the half-moon shaped, 4.5km long Copacabana beach. Amongst its most famous attractions: pitches for beach football, volleyball, foot-volleyball, and other emerging and popular sports from this part of Brazil. Why not enjoy a relaxed stroll along the promenade (known as Copacabana’s Border), whose sidewalks are decorated with mosaics, and stop off at some of the many kiosks which sell juice, soft drinks and coconut water (the best thirst-quencher according to the locals). Beach bars, with their wooden floors and stylish bars, and lifeguard watch towers (more commonly called ‘postos’) are also abundant on the beach. Body-worshippers should not miss a chance to visit Praia do Arpoador in Ipanema and its famous outdoor gym. Surfers, cyclists and skaters complete the scene, where, for them, sport is almost a way of life. But in Río de Janeiro there are many other beaches where you can swim in the ocean, some of which give name to their neighbourhoods, such as Ipanema, Leblon and Botafogo.
Take a Cable Car to the Top of Sugarloaf Mountain
Another must-see in Río, both for its views and its charm
A natural masterpiece
Urca neighbourhood is home to this incredible mountain, one of the must-sees of any visit to Río de Janeiro. The cable car (www.bondinho.com.br), known as ‘bondinho’ to the locals, sets off every half hour and was opened in 1912, making it the third of its kind in the world at that time. The ascent is split into two sections: the first runs for little over half a kilometre and goes from Praia de Vermelha to Morro da Urca, taking approximately 30 minutes. The second section, more or less lasting the same amount of time, takes you to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain. En route to the summit you will see some spectacular views with Guanabara Bay at the front, Niterói and the city’s skyscrapers to the side and Corcovado Mountain in the background. You can also gaze at the vastness of Río’s southern neighbourhoods - Flamengo, Botafogo, Copacabana, Ipanema and Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Try to avoid this trip between 11:00 and 15:00, as this is when the area is crowded with buses and excited tourists.
A Light Meal to Settle Your Stomach
You do not always have to eat grilled meat! Choose something a bit lighter from these restaurants
Something for the more delicate stomachs
After spending a few days in Río de Janeiro your stomach might be weighed down by all the barbequed meat. For something a bit lighter, you can not beat a visit to one of the numerous Gula Gula (www.gulagula.com.br) restaurants. Although there is no business connection with its Spanish counterpart, this chain was inspired by Madrid’s famous restaurants of the same name. It has premises in Río’s city centre (1st de Março Street and Senador Danta Street), as well as in the Jardim Botânico (Avenida Alexandre Ferreira), Ipanema (Henrique Dumont Street) and Leblon (Avenida General San Martin) neighbourhoods, amongst many others. The common denominator is its selection of light meals, predominantly made up of various delicious salads. On Prado do Júnior Street in Copacabana, you will find Cervantes (www.restaurantecervantes.com.br), a restaurant that, as its name indicates, has Hispanic roots. Opened in 1955, it was taken over a decade later by two Spanish partners who popularised their pork and pineapple sandwiches and chicken salads. Recently they have experienced a huge surge in popularity, allowing the owners to open two new branches in Via Parque Shopping Centre (Avenida Ayrton Senna) and Comercial Parque Palace Shopping Centre (Avenida das Américas), both in the Tijuca neighbourhood.
Breweries
Combining tradition and beer; enjoy the flavour of Río’s breweries
Who could refuse a cold beer?
Río de Janeiro has numerous renowned breweries, with Boteco Belmonte (www.botecobelmonte.com.br) perhaps the most famous of them all. The origins of this brewery chain date back to the mid-1900s, and it has premises in Ipanema (Teixeira de Melo Street), Lagoa (Jardim Botânico), Copacabana (Domingos Ferreira Street), Urca (Avenida de Portugal), Lapa (Avenida Mem de Sá), Leblon (Dias Ferreira Street) and Flamengo (Praia do Flamenco). Frequented by Río de Janeiro’s younger generations at the weekend, these local pubs serve their beers with typical Brazilian ‘pasteizinhos’ (pasties and croquettes stuffed with cheese and meat). Armazén do Chopp (www.armazemdochopp.com.br) on Marqués de Abrantes Street in the Flamengo neighbourhood, is another popular brewery, offering one of the city’s most diverse selections of beers. Garota de Ipanema (Vinícius de Moraes Street) gets its name from one of Brazil’s most famous songs, known in Spain as La chica de Ipanema (The Girl From Ipanema). The reason why? This is where the song writers, Vinícius de Moraes and Antônio Carlos Jobim, composed the song. Today, for Ipanema residents, it is still one of the best places to relax with a drink and a bite to eat.
Empadas and Empadãos
A beef empada or a shrimp empadão? You don't have to choose, try them both!
Do not get confused, they are not the same!
Before eating at a Brazilian restaurant, it is advisable to know the difference between ‘empadas’ and ‘empadãos’. The former are commonly known as ‘patties’ in Spain and other European countries. They make ideal snacks during the day and can be stuffed with almost anything, such as cheese, meat or tuna. Traditional Brazilian empadãos are like pies, also filled, but this time normally with meat or prawns, as well as vegetables and palm stems. It is a dish typical in the Miniero, Bahiano and Paulista areas, although its origins can be traced back to the culinary traditions of the Portuguese, Russians and Italians (it is not known for sure who developed it first). The popular Casa da Empada chain (www.casadaempada.com.br), with numerous restaurants in different neighbourhoods in Río de Janeiro, is known for serving some of the city’s best empadas at affordable prices. Empadãos can be bought by the kilo from most restaurants, such as Restaurante Fellini (www.fellini.com.br) on General Urquiza Street, in the Leblon neighbourhood. One of their most renowned empadãos is the frango y palmito (chicken and cabbage), although this is just one of many.
Putting All the Meat on the Grill
If you are looking for grilled meat for all tastes and budgets, here are some suggestions
Have you tried the carne do sol?
Barbequed meat is not exclusive to the churrascarias or rodizios (barbeque and steakhouses). This type of Brazilian restaurant has waiters moving from one table to another serving all types of dishes. There are similar restaurants on this side of the Atlantic that also offer grilled delicacies. A good example is Galitos Grill (www.galitos.com.br) on Farme de Amoedo Street in Ipanema. This restaurant, with its large street terrace, will give you the opportunity to try its magnificent skewers and other meats, either standing at the bar or seated at a table, for a moderate price. In Río, one of the common characteristics of restaurants specialising in meat is the abundance of food. A single serving is often enough to feed two or even three people! This can be proven with a visit to Bar do Arnaldo on Almirante Alexandrino Street in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood. One of the most popular dishes at this restaurant, established in 1970, is the carne do sol. This Brazilian speciality combines chunks of barbequed, or sautéed, meat with farofa (a condiment made with manioc or corn flour), and boiled beans and other vegetables.
An International Flavour
In Rio you can also find the more creative chefs and luxurious restaurants
International cuisine with a flavour of Río
Even the most demanding of palates will be spoiled for choice in Rio de Janeiro, with to its diverse range of restaurants offering traditional recipes from around the world. One of the finest and most luxurious is Le Pre Catelan (www.leprecatelan.com.br), in Hotel Sofitel Rio Palace on Avenida Atlântica in Copacabana. You can enjoy its French cuisine, with their unusual Brazilian touch, whilst enjoying the views and live music until midnight. Traditional Portuguese dishes are also very present in the city’s streets. In the Lapa neighbourhood, Cosmopolita on Travessa do Mosqueira, and Adega Flor de Coimbra (www.adegaflordecoimbra.com.br) on Teotônio Regadas Street, are two options, both with a bohemian touch and interesting background music. The Glòria neighbourhood is home to Casa Da Suíça (www.casadasuica.com.br), the main place to go for Swiss cuisine in Río de Janeiro. Founded in 1956 and managed by some of the most famous Swiss chefs, its excellent customer service and affordable prices make it famous amongst most of the locals. Meanwhile, for risotto fans, an obligatory stop on the map is Provence Bistrot, on Praia do Flamengo, for its exclusive Italian and French specialities and excellent wine list.
Traditional Brazilian Cuisine
If you love traditional food, here are some of Río's best restaurants that will cater for your taste
Get in touch with Brazilian dining
As you will see for yourself, like almost everything related to Brazil, its cuisine is the result of a surprising combination of flavours from Portuguese, Amerindian and African culinary traditions. Severyna de Laranjeiras (www.severyna.com.br), on Iparanga Street in the popular Iparanga neighbourhood, offers a great selection of traditional recipes from North-Eastern Brazil. We suggest trying the moquecas, a dish of lightly fried fish or shellfish served with rice and other ingredients. At night there is traditional live music and their prices don’t rocket. The feijoada is the national dish of Brazil, made with delicious meat and beans and served with white rice, garlic, peppers, green cabbage and slices of orange. You can try this Brazilian speciality in Bar do Mineiro, on Paschoal Carlos Magno Street in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood. Their portions are plentiful and the atmosphere is very pleasant. Botequim (www.botequimrestaurante.com.br) is another interesting place to find delicious Brazilian cuisine. It can be found in a small, pretty green house on Vizconde de Carabelas de Botafogo Street and is renowned for its wooden decor and exclusive atmosphere.
Fast Food by the Kilo
If you don't want to waste much time eating, here is where to go for fast, traditional food
Eat quickly and continue with the sightseeing!
Find delicious Brazilian fast food in the relatively new ‘kilo’ restaurants - where customers pay based on the weight of the food they eat. It is a kind of buffet, offering all types of food at low prices, and usually full of businessmen who do not have time to sit down for their lunch. So much so that there are a number of these types of restaurants, each with limited space. You can stand at the counter to eat, or alternatively go out on to the street. Just in front of Catete Palace on Catete Street, you can find an old two-storey colonial building called Estaçao República Restaurante, one of the city’s most traditional kilo restaurants. It offers cuisine such as meat, rice, pasta and local specialities, and is affordable for almost any budget. Amongst its luxury and glamour, Copacabana also has space for kilo restaurants. Another one of which is the famous Adega Pérola on Siquiera Campos Street, where they offer different types of Brazilian cuisine.
The Delicious Churrasco Steak
A deliciously traditional Brazilian meal!
Prepare yourself for this feast!
The Brazilian churrascarias (where the meat is barbequed in churrasco style) have expanded over the last few years, giving American burger joints and Italian pizzerias a run for their money in the large shopping centres. Although it originated in the ‘gaúcho’ area of Southern Brazil, you can see people enjoying churrasco meat anywhere in the country, including Río de Janeiro. Making it is easy: throw some meat of your choice on the barbeque, cut it up, marinate and grill the chunks of meat over the embers and finally add some coarse salt. One of Río’s most popular churrascarias is Taberna Carioca on Carioca Street, which offers succulent barbequed meat at affordable prices. Carretão (www.carretaochurrascaria.com.br) is another, more traditional, place with almost 30 years’ experience in the art of barbequing meat. It has restaurants in Copacabana (Siqueira Campos Street) and Ipanema (Visconde de Pirajá Street) and offers not only churrasco, but also salads and Japanese cuisine. Churrascaria Porçao (www.porcao.com.br) on Avenida Infante Dom Enrique is one of the finest restaurants on Flamengo Beach, and its prestigious meat is accompanied by an extensive wine list. It is also an ideal place to see the Sugar Loaf Mountain whilst enjoying your meal.
Coffees with Character
If you are craving a good coffee, you are in one of the best cities to get one!
Time for a traditional coffee
Coffee production in Brazil accounts for more than one third of the coffee sold around the world, so it comes as no surprise that this is one of the most common drinks in Río de Janeiro. For better or worse, its history is closely linked to its cultivation. One of the most traditional places to enjoy Brazil’s famous coffee is Restaurante Café Lamas (www.cafelamas.com.br), on Marquês de Abrantes Street in the Flamengo neighbourhood. With more than 100 years of history behind it, the 1980s saw a number of Brazilian intellectuals and trade unionists debating country policies around its tables. It offers a wide selection of traditional dishes, and even after-coffee drinks. Yemanjá, situated very close to Ipanema Beach on Visconde de Pirajá Street, is another sure-fire coffee hotspot in Río de Janeiro. Here the coffee is a delicacy, only served after dinner during the week, but throughout the day at weekends. On Laranjeiras Street in the Laranjeiras neighbourhood, don’t forget to visit Mercado São José das Artes. This company owns a number of bars, offering coffee with a friendly atmosphere where you can spend the hours chatting away.
Río de Janeiro Sweetness
Take your time and enjoy these sweet delicacies without feeling guilty
Sweet temptation
Río de Janeiro is a city with a sweet tooth. Ice creams, cakes and, in general, anything that will make the life of its citizens that little bit sweeter. Besides clubs and restaurants, the city centre and the beachfront are filled with places you can go to enjoy these sweet delicacies in a relaxing atmosphere, especially in the evenings. One of the most popular is Confeitaria Colombo (www.confeitariacolombo.com.br) on Gonçalves Dia Street. Its bakery is one of the most well-known bakeries in Río de Janeiro. The Art-Nouveau style building, founded at the end of the 19th century, is located in the city’s most commercial area, so there are normally lots of chairs for its visitors. Café do Forte, on Cel Eugênio Franco de Copacabana Square, belongs to the same chain and offers a selection of tasty treats, including their delicious biscuits, perfect for enjoying a quiet breakfast or lunch on the beachfront. Cafeína is another hotspot, with cafes in Copacaba (Constante Ramos Street) and Ipanema (Farme de Amoedo Street). It is a favourite with Río’s younger generation and famous for its meals, herbal teas and, especially, its delicious homemade cakes.
Music in the Sand
Whether you are splashing the cash or watching your budget, there is a beach party for everyone!
Have fun at a beach party
‘Party', 'night' and 'beach' are, for its citizens, terms that are synonymous with Río de Janeiro. Places to listen to live music and dance until morning on Río’s sandy white coastline are almost endless. One of the most famous in the Urca neighbourhood is Praia Vermelha Bar and Restaurant, next to Praia Vermelha Beach. At the weekends, you will find dozens of youngsters enjoying the live chorinho music and other popular Brazilian rhythms here. Along the Copacabana promenade, there are also hotels with their own seafront nightclubs, although the entertainment here costs a lot more. Even though the bulk of the nightlife is concentrated on Farme de Amoedo and Vinicius de Morais street, the Ipanema neighbourhood also has numerous drinking spots beside the beach. One such place is Caneco 70, where you can try the traditional house pizza before getting started on the beers, drinks and Samba.
Sunset in Copacabana
Imagine it, sunset on a terrace by the sea with an ice-cold caipirinha
Time to party in Copacabana
Aside from its famous beach, Copacabana is home to quite a few streets filled with bars, restaurants, clubs and even strip clubs. In short, there is something for everyone. Perhaps one of the most glamorous places in the area is Chá do Copa, next to Copacabana Palace Hotel on Avenida Atlântica. For decades this place served as a meeting spot for well-known Brazilian businessmen and actors from around the world. Nowadays its terrace is a unique place where visitors can enjoy their first caipirinha of the night whilst watching the Río sunset. Afterwards, there are a few options depending on your taste and what kind of night you are looking for. On Almirante Gonçalves Street, Bip Bip is a classic for its fruit smoothies and groups that form outside (due to its very limited capacity) to watch the dozens of young people dancing Samba or Chorinho. The sound notably increases in any of the bars owned by hostel chain Sindicato de Chopp, where beer is the queen of the party, although its fruit juices are also pretty famous. In Copacabana there are two such bars, one on Avenida Atlântica (www.sindicatoposto6.com.br) and the other on Santa Clara Street.
The Legendary Bar Luíz
The bar with the most history in the city, making it a must-see in Río
A bar with character
Most cities have a few local bars which, for some reason or other, have become a hotspot for visitors to the area. And here is one of them. For many, Bar Luíz (www.barluiz.com.br) on Carioca Street is the most famous bar in Río de Janeiro. Indeed it is one of the most legendary, with its opening dating back to 1887, when it was named Zum Schlauch after its first German owner. At the start of the 20th century up until World War II, it changed its name and ownership a number of times, until it finally adopted the name Bar Luíz by the German Movement that took over Brazil. Business peaked during the 60s when it was commonplace to find noted figures of the Brazilian cultural scene sitting at its tables. Its survival was threatened in 1985 during the construction of the city's Metro, but in the end it was saved at the hands of its beer fans - considered to be the best beer in Río de Janeiro. At the end of 2011, Río's Mayor, Eduardo Paes, included this bar in his record of traditional pubs, which earned it a mention in the City's Cultural Heritage.
Live Music in Catete Park
Take a rest in this park while listening to some local music
A place to relax and enjoy yourself
Made up of vast green areas and enormous trees, this is one of the most important areas of Brazilian history, where you will most certainly find a peaceful haven. Located next to the Republic Palace and the Republic Museum, it is a perfect place to soak up the tranquility for a few minutes, before resuming your visit to Río de Janeiro. It is also great for enjoying live music from makeshift local artists, who you will find at all hours of the day making music with their instruments or acting out dramatic plays. It is by no means the only place in the city where you will come across young people trying to earn a living through their artistic talent, but it is one of the best ways to enjoy the shows in a calm environment. Furthermore, it is a space that accommodates for all types of people. During the weekends, one of the corners of the park acts as a children's play area, filled with dozens of Brazilian children eager to play with anything they can get their hands on, while the adults enjoy some snacks and live music at a nearby Belle Époque style restaurant.
The Íris Cinema
Take a whole day to enjoy this place, not only the beauty of the building, but also to experience the evening shows
Spend an evening like a local in Río de Janeiro
This popular establishment in the centrally-located Carioca Street has two distinctly different sides to it. During the day it is a calm film-screening room, but at night it transforms into a well-known meeting spot for fans of Río's famous raves. Situated on the ground floor of an apartment building, its opening dates back to 1909, under the original name of Sovereign Cinema. In 1919, the number of seats rose from 200 to 1,200 (although its current capacity has been reduced to less than 500), and it was renamed the Iris Cinema-Theatre, although almost everyone knows it simply as the Iris Cinema. After its early years of splendour, the cinema had a period of decline which led to a dwindling number of films being screened, mainly limited to a few low-budget martial arts movies. Its second transformation took place in the 80s, when it became the usual place to go, like other well-known auditoriums in the city, if you wanted to watch an erotic film. At present it is a relic, from an artistic point of view, for its modern style and is a must-see at night during the weekends when it is filled with the city's young electronic music fans. More information is available at www.cineiris.com.br.
Maracaná, the Famous Football Stadium
Do not miss the opportunity to experience a football match in Maracaná, even better if it’s 2014!
Brazil's football temple
Although its official name is Jornalista Mário Filho Stadium, it is more popularly known as Maracaná (www.maracanaonline.com.br). Its informal name gives meaning to 'Maracanazo' – a word which will trigger any football fan to think back to the famous 1950s match, when Uruguay were crowned World Champions in front of the Brazilian team. This stadium is the biggest in the world, with a capacity sometimes surmounting 200,000 spectators, and is in the São Cristovão neighbourhood. It was built for the 1950 World Cup, in which, in a game narrated by Matías Prats Senior, Zarra gave Spain one of the most memorable moments in football history with his famous goal against England. On one of the daily guided tours, you can walk on the grass and see the hallways and locker rooms of this football temple, although it is much more exciting to go to a match involving either of Río de Janeiro's most successful teams - Flamengo and Fluminense. Because of the second Brazil World Cup, which will be celebrated in 2014, the stadium has been the focus of a huge rennovation, which includes the building of a roof similar to that of the Amsterdam Arena and other modern European stadiums. Its capacity has also been sensibly reduced to just under 79,000 seats.
Samba Until Dawn
For the party animals, what could be a better way to end the night than dancing Samba?
Are you brave enough to dance the Samba?
Visiting the Sambadrome, the Carnival Museum and some of Río de Janeiro's main Samba Schools is all very well, but there will be those who do not learn much. These visitors can demonstrate their newly-acquired Samba skills, or simply their self-confidence, in the numerous nightclubs where the Brazilian rhythms play until dawn. The Lapa neighbourhood is the ideal place to go for this, with bars like Bar Carioca da Gema (www.barcariocadagema.com.br) on Avenida Mem de Sá. A good time and a great atmosphere are guaranteed here, especially from Wednesday to Saturday, when it is usually at full capacity. Another, less-crowded, alternative is Ava Branca on the same street, with live Samba almost every night of the week. One of the most well-known places in Río de Janeiro is Semente Bar on Joaquim Silva Street. Despite its small interior and surrounding space, young caipirinha fans congregate to enjoy the Batucada beat.
Explore the Nightlife in the Lapa Neighbourhood
You will find lots of different evening activities with a walk through this neighbourhood. Time to have fun!
An interesting way to spend your free time in the evenings
The majority of Río de Janeiro's bars, restaurants and clubs are concentrated in Lapa, a neighbourhood that comes alive when everywhere else is sleeping. Here caipirinha and 'chopp' (the name popularly given to draft beer) are the favourites, as well as live music and clubs where you can dance until the early hours of the morning. If you are looking for somewhere with tradition and a great reputation, try Simplesmente on Pascoal Carlos Magno Street. This place is ideal for getting something to eat, whilst having the first few drinks of the night and listening to Brazilian music. After that, nothing beats Casaráo Cultural Dos Arcos on Avenida Mem de Sá, which showed the city's first audio-enabled film at the start of the 20th century. Today it hosts rock and electro concerts, amongst many other musical performances. On the same street you can find Odisséia Theatre, an old warehouse from the 1900s, now converted into a club and concert hall. In Club Six, on Marrecas street, there are six areas for different musical tastes (www.clubsix.com.br). This is the place to be for those looking to visit Río's trendiest nightlife spots.
The Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome
Even watching this parade can’t prepare you for the breath-taking spectacle of Carnival
Samba for everyone!
It’s difficult to imagine this place empty. Its popularity is thanks to one season of the year, when more than 50,000 spectators fill out the stands to watch the city’s best Samba Schools show off their talents. For the rest of the time it is a pretty soulless building, more than 500 metres in length, designed by the multifaceted Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. It was unveiled in 1984 and included the incorporation of a Carnival Museum. This museum contains a tremendous amount of photographs, which look back at the history of the Samba Schools and their famous parade. Also known as the Samba Museum, it explains, amongst many other things, that the schools are named after their community and are, themselves, responsible for organising the participation of their members in the Carnival. It also looks at the logistics of the parades that take place in the Sambadrome. These normally last more than one hour, always sticking to the same order: with the members of the school at the front, then the float, the ceremony master, the flag bearer and finally the singers. In some cases, the size of this procession can exceed 5,000 members.
Visit the Samba Schools
Let yourself be blown away by the rhythm of the dancers, and try to keep up!
Have some fun for a few hours
Behind the quick hip movements and bursts of Carnival colour appearing on our television screens from the other side of the Atlantic, there are hours and hours of effort and coordination involved. All the behind-the-scenes preparation takes place in the Samba Schools, and intensifies in the weeks leading up to the Carnival celebrations. In these schools, the routines that will be performed in the Sambadrome are repeated over and over. This spectacle is one to rival the Carnival itself. Almost all Samba Schools in Río de Janeiro allow visits for curious onlookers (some prepaid and others free of charge), with the night usually ending in everyone dancing wildly to the Batucada rhythm. Amongst the most popular schools are Mangueira (www.mangueira.com.br), whose rehearsals are on Saturday nights on Visconde de Niterói Street, Beija-Flor (www.beija-flor.com.br) and Salgueiro, open on Friday nights and located respectively in Pracinha Wallace Paes and Silva Teles Street. However, it is only worth a visit for those with no inhibitions, who love music, and just want to have a good time.
Nossa Senhora da Lapa dos Mercadores Church
In the hustle and bustle of the centre you will find this church, with a mountain of history behind it
A small church but a big symbol of the city
Despite its small dimensions, this temple has a lot of history. It is situated in central Travessa do Comércio and its construction dates back to 1743, when the residents and traders of the area decided to construct a church in honour of Nossa Senhora da Lapa dos Mercadores, sometimes referred to as the Traders' Church. Its construction dragged on for over a decade, and it was not until some forty years later that its finished interior could be seen, crammed with rococo motifs, amongst Antônio de Pádua e Castro’s woodwork. In the 1870s it underwent an important renovation, which allowed it to withstand enemy attach without much damage. This was put to the test during the Brazilian Navy Rebellion in 1893. The main impact on the church was the collapse of its 25 metre statue in the belfry. Miraculously, the monument remained practically intact which is why it is now exhibited, next to the grenade, in the sacristy of the church. Another anomaly from the 19th century reform, was an enormous medallion, found buried in the ground directly behind the temple. This medallion represents the Coronation of the Virgin and still decorates the main facade to this day.
The Municipal Theatre
Another must-see for the building's beauty as much as its cultural activities
A stage visited by some of the biggest stars
Located in the area known as Cinelândia in Marechal Floriano Square, this is a space of more than 4,200 square metres, and one of Río’s most distinguished symbols of the early 20th century. Its construction took place between 1905 and 1909, at the proposal of mayor and engineer, Francisco Pereira Passos, who was devoted to giving the city a modern feel. The eclectic design of the theatre, produced by architects Francisco de Oliveira and Albert Guilbert, was inspired by the Paris Opera House by Charles Garnier. For its construction, they used materials imported from Europe and the Old World. During its first few years, the shows performed inside were fundamentally by French and Italian drama companies. With more than 2,300 seats, its interior boasts paintings and sculptures from the most notable Brazilian artists such as Eliseu Visconti and Rodolfo Berardelli. In 1931 the theatre put together its own artistic group, the Río de Janeiro Municipal Theatre Orchestra, formed by a ballet, a choir and a symphonic band, that still performs inside to this day. Artists such as Maria Callas, Igor Stravinsky and Arturo Toscanini, amongst many more, have also taken to its stage. More information is available at www.theatromunicipal.rj.gov.br.
Catete Palace
A multicultural space where you can learn some of the country's history or relax with a coffee
An old mansion that will transport you to a time of grandeur
The Catete neighbourhood, in southern Río, was the core of the city's political, commercial and financial life from the mid-19th century to the start of the 20th century. This golden age saw a rapid increase in stylish buildings and hotels, such as Catete Palace, built between 1858 and 1866 from the designs of Carl Friedrich Gustav Waehneldt from Germany. António Clemente Pinto, Baron of Nova Friburgo and Brazilian businessman, who made his fortune in the coffee industry, managed its funding. Originally known as Largo do Valdetaro Palace or Nova Friburgo Palace, the building was converted to a home for the baron's family until 1889, when it was sold by its heir to a group of investors. After changing to government control due to debts, Vice President Manuel Vitorino converted it to the Brazilian Government headquarters in 1897, which it remained as until 1960. Its corridors saw the death of various presidents, such as Alfonso Pena and Getúlio Vargas, and within its walls, declarations of the 1917 and 1942 Wars were signed. The palace is surrounded by a lake and various gardens, today a public park. Take a walk around the area! It is also a crowded cultural space that houses the Republic Museum, a library, a cafe and a music room.
Nossa Senhora da Glòria do Outeiro Church
Although some details of its history are unknown, this is considered to be one of the treasures of Brazilian heritage
Feel at peace at the top of this hill
It is the gem of the Glòria neighbourhood, which gives the church its name, and one of the most noted Baroque legacies of the colonial period. Situated at the top of a hill, on what was once an old 17th century chapel, it is not known for sure the date of its construction. Some claim that work started on it during the 1730s, although others date it earlier to 1714. What is certain, however, is that it opened in 1739. Another uncertainty is who designed it. Traditionally it was assigned to architect José Cardoso Ramalho, although there is no documentation to prove this. One thing that we can be sure of though, is that the area was chosen by Emperor Pedro II to host his marriage and the baptism of his daughter. It is also understood that less than a century ago, at a time when the coastline stretched up the hill, the emperor would bathe his feet in the water. This octagonal building is a place of harmony and incredible beauty, with Portuguese tiles covering the 18th century sacristy and altar, sculpted by Mestre Valentim. In 2006 it underwent a rofound restoration, affecting, amongst other things, the altars, the facade and the sculptures. More information is available at www.outeirodagloria.org.br.
Quinze de Novembro Square
Make a visit to this square to gaze at some of the city's landmarks
The oldest square in the city
This is one of the most characteristic places in the centre of Río de Janeiro, boasting various artistic, historical and cultural treasures. Firstly, Chafariz do Mestre Valentim, a mid-18th century, neoclassical style fountain which was initially situated in Largo de Paço. Decades later it was moved to the seaside area of the square, although currently it is centrally located due to the successive extensions it has undergone. Beside the area's decorative gardens, the social hub during the colonial period, stands the Paço Imperial, once a royal residence after the arrival of the Portuguese Monarchy in 1808. In front of this building is Tiradentes Palace, another great example of Río's neoclassical style,and whose name pays tribute to one of the first leaders of the Brazilian Liberation Movement. Currently used as a place to hold conferences and conventions, it is located next to São José Church, constructed between 1808 and 1824. Completing the square is the Barcas ferry terminal, from which ferries depart to Ilha Paquetá and Niterói, and the Espaço Cultural da Marinha.
Itamaraty Palace
From the Republic Government to the History Centre, this building has an interesting and varied story behind it
If its walls could speak…
The history of Itamaraty Palace, built halfway through the 19th century on Avenida Marechal Floriano, has strong ties with Brazil's diplomatic traditions. The project was initially assigned to two French artists, but it was the Brazilian architect José Maria Jacinto Rebelo who finally took up its construction, opting for a markedly neoclassical design. Inside you can discover the building's most important legacy. Amongst its spectacular furnishings and extensive library, more than 30,000 objects relating to cartography can be found, amongst many other documents. During its first 40 years of existence, the palace was a residence for the Brazilian aristocracy's most prominent members, the Republic Government (between 1889 and 1898); and thereafter the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, until 1970 when it was moved to Brasilia. This strong link with Brazil's diplomatic body ended up giving it the name Itamaraty, an expression traditionally used by Brazilians to refer to a body of country officials. Currently, Itamaraty Palace is home to the Museum of History and Diplomacy, the Diplomatic Documentation and History Centre of the Alexandre de Gusmão Foundation, and the UN Information Bureau in Brazil.
Río's Cathedrals
With almost 200 years difference between them, each has its own charm and history
Two of the city's iconic symbols within walking distance from one another
Located on 1st do Março Street, the Nossa Senhora do Monte do Cormo Church officially opened in 1770 to give the Carmelite nuns a temple in which to pray. The first few years were dedicated to its interior design, worked on by Mestre Valentim and Inácio Ferreira Pinto, two of Rio de Janeiro's most important colonial artists. After the Napoleonic Invasion of Portugal in 1808, the Portuguese Royal Family were forced to settle in the city, and used the convent as a Royal Chapel. This period featured some important historical events, such as the funeral of Queen María I, in 1916. Six years later, once Brazil announced its independence, the chapel was renamed the Rio de Janeiro Cathedral. Portuguese architect Pedro Alexandre Cavroé was commissioned to complete its unfinished front and give it a subtle neoclassical feel. In 1964 construction of the new cathedral started in Avenida de la República de Chile, in honour of São Sebastião. It opened in 1976 and was popularly known as the Metropolitana (www.catedral.com.br). It is a large conical-shaped structure, 96 metres in diameter and 75 in height. It is currently home to the Archdiocese of Río de Janeiro.
Tiradentes Square
Make the most of this square by taking some time to relax whilst you find out a bit more about the history of its buildings
A square with history
Influenced by American Independence and the French Revolution, Joaquim José da Silva Xavier was one of the first leaders of the Brazilian Liberation Movement. His plan to end Portuguese control led him to jail, and in 1792, to the gallows. In 1890, nearly a century later, the name Tiradentes (Charlatan) was given to this square, as tribute to the Brazilian. This name was the derogatory nickname used for the leader during the trial that sentenced him to death. Paradoxically, this area in Río de Janeiro remains plagued by the remnants of former Portuguese colonial power, including the equestrian statue of Pedro I, the first emperor of Brazil. Situated in the centre of the square since 1862, the monument was designed by native artist João Maximiano Mafra and sculpted by Frenchman Louis Rochet. In front of it stands two buildings. One is the João Caetano Theatre, opened in 1813 in honour of Prince Regent Don João VI. The other is the Carlos Gomes Theatre, which has suffered three fires and multiple reconstructions throughout its history, dating back to 1872. Both theatres have each changed their names over time to coincide with the cultural splendour that existed in this part of the city in the first few decades of the 1900s.
Santo Antônio Convent
It is surprising that in the financial centre of Río you can find a place so peaceful
Reminiscent of its colonial past
Currently situated in Largo de Carioca, epicentre of the financial district, this building is one of the main symbols of Río de Janeiro's Portuguese past. Its history dates back to 1592, when the hilltop on which it is situated became the property of the first Franciscan monks to arrive in Brazil. Its construction, started by Fray Francisco dos Santos, lasted from 1608 to 1620, although the building underwent significant changes in the 18th century. Amongst the most prominent is the inclusion of the Santo Antônio statue in the hall, and the vestry, whose decor boasts Baroque paintings, Portuguese wall tiles and wood carvings. At the rear are the catacombs, in which historic figures of the Franciscan Order rest. There is also a mausoleum, with the remains of various members of the Casa Imperial Brasileña, including the first empress, Doña Leopoldina. The artistic ensemble is completed by the neighbouring Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência church, whose chapel is adorned with Baroque altarpieces that recall the saint's life. Outside on the bustling square, you can allow yourself some time to relax around the city's first public fountain, built back in 1723. More information is available at www.conventosantoantonio.org.br.
Corcovado Mountain
To leave to Brazil without having visited the mountain's impressive statue is like not having been to Brazil at all
The symbol of Brazil
It is one of the most famous places in Brazil and, possibly, the entire Catholic world. The image on the Corcovado postcard shows Christ the Redeemer at the summit, with Río de Janeiro and the Guanabara Bay in the spotlight, and the Atlantic coast in the horizon. The spectacular views from the mountain also include the hillside favelas on one side, and the crowded beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana on the other. The driving force behind this statue's eccentric construction comes from bishop Sebastião João, while artist Carlos Oswald took care of the design, and architect Heitor da Silva Costa was in charge of development. The idea was to commemorate the first hundred-year anniversary of Brazilian independence, in 1922, but the opening ended up being delayed for a decade. Christ the Redeemer was sculpted in soapstone by the French-Polish artist Paul Landowski, who completed the work in France. Upon its completion, the 1,145 tonne sculpture was transported by train to the top of the mountain, where it was assembled on an iron and steel frame. The base measures eight metres in height and the statue itself stands 30 metres tall, equal to the length of Christ's outstretched arms which symbolise protection and refuge. It is possible to take a taxi or bus to the base of the statue, although it is a lot more charming to go by the Trem do Corcovado train (www.corcovado.com.br), after touring the amazing Tijuca National Park.
Find your trip to Rio de Janeiro
Documents for travelling as a tourist to Rio de Janeiro
Check the documents you need for your trip.