Choose from 189 Fun Things to Do in Brazil
Pelourinho
Pelourinho is Salvador’s original colonial center and was Brazil's first slave market. Its name is derived from the post or pillory that African slaves were tethered to and whipped by their Portuguese overlords.
Despite containing the largest concentration of Baroque architecture in the Americas, Pelourinho was a seedy no-go zone until the mid-1980s largely due to drugs and prostitution.
Since being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Pelourinho has been restored to some of its former glory along with plenty of restaurants, bars and open-air cafes from which to sit and drink in the colorful and architecturally rich surrounds.
Practical Info
It’s possible to walk around Pelourinho’s main sights within a couple of hours but to truly appreciate the history and interiors of some of the most impressive buildings (and visit at least one museum!), you’ll need to allow a day or two.
To get here, catch any bus marked Praça da Sé (Pelourinho).
Parque Lage
Practical Info
National Fine Arts Museum
Opened in 1937, the museum includes a collection of Brazilian folk art with a heavy focus on northeastern Brazil, and a collection of traditional West African art, such as textiles, wood carvings, and masks. Paintings featuring religious scenes and iconography, such as Giovanni Battista Tieppolo’s reverent Saint Cajetan and 16th century humanist Francisco de Holanda’s The Lord’s Supper make up some of the signature pieces of the museum’s international holdings.
Museum of Tomorrow
Practical Info
Pateo do Collegio Church
Practical Info
Petropolis
It’s a kooky place as the rainforest is filled with European alpine architecture and the gorgeous Museu Imperial would not be out of place in Austria. Other buildings of note include the cathedral, which offers excellent views from the steps and the glasshouse (Palacio Cristal) imported from France for Princesa Isabela’s orchids.
Along Rue 16 de Marco there are lots of eateries and Rua Theresa is known for clothes shopping. If you’re after more strenuous activities you can also hike and mountain bike in the surrounding mountains.
Practical Info
Buses leave hourly from Rio de Janeiro and the trip takes about 1.5 hours. Once in town there are buses although it is easy to visit most of the highlights on foot in under 4 hours.
Jesuit Sacred Art Museum (Museu de Arte Sacra dos Jesuitas)
Practical Info
Mirante Dona Marta
Practical Info
House of Culture (Casa da Cultura)
Practical Info
Pedra Bonita
Practical Info
Museum of Modern Art (Museu de Arte Moderna)
- The MAM is a must-see for art and culture lovers.
- Teachers and students receive half-price admission to the museum.
- Laguiole is the MAM's on-site restaurant and is considered one of the best in Rio; reservations are highly recommended.
Parque das Aves (Birds Park)
Around 150 species enjoy spacious 26-foot (8-meter) enclosures in this heavily wooded, 12-acre (5-hectare) park, all thoughtfully designed by naturalists and the owners. It's a lovely stroll, and photographers will find ample opportunity for the perfect shot. Other denizens from around Brazil include caimans, anacondas, boa constrictors, marmosets and scores of gorgeous butterflies. Other biomes, such as the African savannah and Australian outback, are also displayed, housing ostriches, curassows and other exotics.
Practical Info
National Library
The library is open for public use and wows visitors with its elegant red-carpeted staircase and eclectic interior flourishes. One of the most valuable holdings inside is the late-19th century photography collection of Empress Theresa Christina Maria, Naples-born wife of Brazil’s second emperor, Pedro II, which was recognized by UNESCO for its historical significance and given to the library after her death by Pedro on the condition that the collection would be named for her. Despite moving the national capital to Brasília in 1960, a branch of the National Library didn’t open there until 2006.
Lapa Neighborhood
Pedra da Gavea
Practical Info
January Ecological Park
Practical Info
Maracajau Reef (Parrachos de Maracajau)
Known as Parrachos de Maracajaú, (coral reef of Maracajau) this complex reef formation full of coral, iridescent fish and other marine life, covers over 3.5 acres (15 sq km) and is about 7km (4mi) offshore from Maracajaú beach.
It is possible to dive in the area but, if you time your visit with the low tide, its natural pools are shallow enough for some fabulous snorkelling – possibly Brazil’s best. Floating in the warm, clear water above a coral garden as dozens of fish dart around you is a memorable way to spend the afternoon.
Most people visit Maracajaú on a tour. A boat will take you from the beach out to the floating platforms - a jumping off point to the reef but also a handy rest stop should you wish to come up for the occasional breather.
Practical Info
Pepino Beach
But besides being a lovely strip of sand, Pepino Beach is most commonly known as the landing spot for Rio’s hang-gliders and paragliders. Adrenaline-seekers jump from a platform atop Pedra Bonita before gracefully landing at Pepino Beach, and those interested in watching these daredevils in flight can get a perfect view on the water.
Wedged between Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca, Sao Conrado and Pepino beaches are usually less crowded alternatives to the famous shores of Copacabana and Ipanema. With plenty of white sand, gorgeous views and crashing waves sometimes suitable for surfing and boogie boarding, Pepino Beach is a great place to kick back and enjoy a day on the shore.