Known as the Marvelous City, Rio de Janeiro is the perfect combination of jungle, mountain and sea. Of course, this Brazilian city also offers iconic monuments, numerous theaters, performance houses, shopping centers, and numerous restaurants. To all these attractions, we must add the joyful and festive rhythm of life of the Cariocas. For all these reasons, it was the first city in the world to receive the title of Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Are you planning to travel to Rio de Janeiro? Well, you better not miss anything that we tell you below, since we are going to talk to you about the main points of interest in the Brazilian city. Can you come with us?
Beaches
How could it be otherwise, let’s start by talking about its beaches. Those of Copacaba and Ipanema are considered among the best beaches in Brazil, but you should know that the city also hides such interesting sandy areas as Prainha, Arpoador, Leblon and Playa Vermelha.
Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon
Very close to Ipanema beach is the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, a recreational area where you can practice different sports. In fact, the lagoon is surrounded by a route that can be done on foot or by bicycle . In addition, you will find beach bars, pedal boats and corners to relax.
Christ the Redeemer and Tijuca National Park
As you know, one of the symbols of Rio de Janeiro is the Christ the Redeemer, also called Christ of Corcovado. This 30-meter statue, which rests on an 8-meter pedestal, is located in the Tijuca National Park, which, of course, is worth visiting. And we are talking about the largest urban jungle in the world.
Bread of sugar
Another natural corner of Rio de Janeiro that you should visit if you have the opportunity to travel to this impressive city is the Sugarloaf Mountain, a hill located at the mouth of Guanabara Bay. You can climb this rock by taking the cable car , which runs the 1,400 meters that separate the hills of Urca and Babilonia.
Maracana Stadium
If you like soccer, you cannot miss the Maracana Stadium, one of the most legendary stadiums in the history of sports. Also, you should know that around him there is a walk of fame dedicated to the great footballers of all time.
Santa Teresa neighborhood
One of the most interesting neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro is Santa Teresa, which preserves the only electric train in Brazil: the bondinho . Known as the Carioca Montmartre, this place is distinguished by its colonial profile. Special mention should be made of Largo dos Guimarães, where you will find numerous restaurants. In addition, we recommend you cross to the Lapa neighborhood by the famous steps of the Selarón stairs.
Center
Of course, it is also worth discovering the city center, which, although few, still preserves some colonial buildings. In this part of Rio de Janeiro, it is also worth discovering the Municipal Theater and the Metropolitan Cathedral , which has a strange conical shape. Of course, it is better that you do not visit this area at night or on weekends, since it is practically empty.
Favelas
If you travel to Rio de Janeiro you will not be able to miss the opportunity to visit a favela. Some of them are safe and in fact, its inhabitants welcome tourists very well. Of all of them we want to highlight Santa Marta and Cantagalo , which offers wonderful views.
Botanical Garden
Another corner of the Brazilian city that is worth discovering is the Botanical Garden, which houses one of the largest collections of plants in the world.
Museums
If you have time to spare, you will also have to discover some of the interesting museums that the city houses. Special mention should be made of the Museum of Modern Art , the Museum of Contemporary Art of Niterói and the National Museum of Fine Arts.
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