Choose from 117 Fun Things to Do in Southeast Brazil
Parque Lage
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Paco Imperial
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Pedra da Gavea
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Praia Vermelha
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Paraty Bay
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Praca Quinze
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Paraty House of Culture (Casa da Cultura)
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Pacaembu Stadium
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Paraty Historic Center
Spend an afternoon people watching in the grassy lawns of quaint Martiz Square or wandering through streets lined with old colonial architecture. A handful of churches are worth a visit, including Ingera Marriz Nossa Senhora do Rosario, the largest church in Paraty, and Capela de Nossa Senhora das Dores, religious home to Paraty’s well-heeled. After church-hopping, head to Rua do Comercio, where local merchants hawk handicrafts and Brazilian cuisine. Then unwind with incredible bay views at the Shambhala Asian Day Spa, just a 10-minute walk from the Historic Center.
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Rio Niteroi Bridge
Officially named for former Brazilian president Lucio Costa e Silva, the bridge rises to 236 feet at its highest point and was the world’s second-longest span when it opened in 1974, trumped at the time only by Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain causeway. While not as picturesque an experience as the ferry link across the bay, the views from the bridge heading west into Rio are still stunning, with downtown Rio, Sugar Loaf, and Corcovado all striking a picture postcard pose. Scores of low-flying jets landing at nearby Santos-Dumont airport every few minutes also add to the spectacle.
Pateo do Collegio Church
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Plataforma
It might not be Carnaval time in Rio but it is always Carnaval time at Plataforma. This lively Brazilian restaurant is where to get your fix of razzle and dazzle all year round.
The colorful show tells the story of Brazil's history (with Portuguese, Indian and African influences) through song and dance (including samba), with a highlight being the Brazilian drums. The finale involves a sparkling parade of outfits reflecting the yellow, blue, green and white of the Brazilian flag.
The show is family friendly although it does end sometime between 11:30pm and 12:30am, so not for the 'early to bed' crowd.
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Due to the late finishing time it is a good idea to have transport home from the show pre-arranged or to go with a tour who will take you back to your hotel.
To get there you can catch the 415 bus or a taxi, Ipanema is the closest metro but it isn't in walking distance.
Post Office Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Correios)
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Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico)
- Rio’s Jardim Botânico is a must for nature and wildlife lovers.
- Entrance fees are payable in cash only. Guided tours of the garden typically include these fees.
- The Children’s Park offers a sandbox and play structure for kids 10 years old and under, as well as picnic tables and a café with kid-friendly food.
- The Jarbô Café and Garden Café offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beverages.
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.
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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.
Prainha Beach
- Prainha Beach is a must-see for nature lovers, surfers, and travelers wishing to escape the bustle of downtown Rio.
- On the beach, kiosks serve sandwiches, juices, and acai bowls.
- The neighboring Abrico Beach is Rio de Janeiro's only nudist beach.
Rio de Janeiro Cathedral
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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.
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Recreio dos Bandeirantes Beach
Less busy and crowded than the South Zone beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, Recreio embodies Rio’s laidback, active, surfer lifestyle. Locals love the area for the wealth of outdoor and water activities, from waterfront running paths and beach volleyball to paddle-boarding and surfing. Recreio Beach is one of few places on Rio’s massive beachfront where the waves are consistently small and gentle, perfect for beginner surfers.
To get a great view of the long stretch of sand from Barra da Tijuca to Recreio das Bandeirantes, it is possible to climb Pontal Rock. At low tide, visitors can walk right up to the rock and reach the top in about 10 minutes. There’s a short but steep portion where a cord is installed to help hikers ascend.