Choose from 189 Fun Things to Do in Brazil
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Angra Dos Reis
With miles of white sand beaches, aquamarine waters and a backdrop of forested mountains, Angra dos Reis, or the Bay of Kings, is as impressive as its name suggests and known as one of the top attractions of Brazil’s famous Costa Verde (Green Coast). The main draw of Angra dos Reis is its serene coastline, and with 365 islands dotting the bay, there are many beaches to explore. Cruising around the islands is a popular pastime for visitors, and the warm, clear waters offer ample opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Ilha Grande is the largest and most visited island, but additional highlights include the fish-filled waters around the Botinas islands, the lush rainforest trails on Gipóia and the floating bars around Jurubaíba Beach and Praia do Dentista.
Practical Info
Angra dos Reis is located on Brazil’s Costa Verde (Green Coast), about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Rio de Janeiro. Regular buses run from Rio to Angra dos Reis (2.5 hours), and passenger ferries connect the mainland to Ilha Grande (1.5 hours).
Address: Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Daily
From $ 54
Copacabana Beach (Praia de Copacabana)
Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Copacabana Beach evokes images of white-sand shores, sun-kissed volleyball players, tourists sipping agua de coco out of bright green coconuts, and bikini-clad revelers partying long into the night. And for the most part, that’s pretty accurate. Add in a touch of local carioca (Rio residents) flavor and a splash of the obscure, and it becomes obvious how thousands of people easily spend entire days (and nights) wholly entertained on the world’s most famous beach.
The Basics
Copacabana’s roughly 2.2-mile (4-km) stretch along Brazil's Atlantic coast is divided into seven informal sections, or postos. Although visitors are free to wander wherever they please on the beach, those looking for a particular vibe may want to get a lay of the land: Postos two through six draw the largest crowds thanks to landmarks such as Copacabana Palace, and posto seven is the best surf spot from dawn till dusk—thanks, in part, to a floodlight. Stretch your legs with a stroll along the boardwalk and Avenida Atlantica or a jaunt to the many beachfront shops, or incorporate Copacabana Beach into a full Rio de Janeiro tour for a quick look at the city’s top sights. Guided tours often combine trips to Copacabana with visits to nearby sites such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf, and downtown Rio.
Things to Know Before You Go
- No matter where you park in the sand, bring plenty of sun protection and leave your valuables at home—cheap snacks and drinks will get you through the day without too much cash outlay. Vendors hawk everything from cold drinks and snacks to reasonably priced towels and souvenirs.
- Look left for views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the historical Fort Duque de Caxias, and catch sight of Copacabana Fort and Two Brothers Hill to the right.
- Leme occupies the span between postos one and two, and posto eight marks the transition to Ipanema Beach, popular among locals.
- Although Copacabana is lit up at night, it’s still wise to avoid walking along the beach after sunset.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to and from Copacabana Beach is in a yellow taxi, which is also an economical option. There are three metro stations a few blocks north of the beach, and numerous city buses stop in the vicinity. Myriad city tours, both group and private, also stop on Copacabana’s sands.
When to Get There
The beach is open and crowded year-round, but plan your visit during Rio’s warm season—December to March—to enjoy the water. Weekends are busier than weekdays, and Sunday is a popular time to visit because part of Avenida Atlantica is closed to cars. Keep your eye out for various volleyball, soccer, and other sporting events taking place on the beach throughout the year.
Sports on Copacabana Beach
Volleyball nets, soccer courts, and other sports equipment facilitate physical activity all along the beachfront. Copacabana’s sands are also popular training grounds for those practicing capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics, and music with Angolan tradition for a graceful, fluid, and powerful form of movement.
Address: Avenue Atlantica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Admission: Free
From $ 30
Cidade do Samba (Samba City)
Every February and early March, the world’s largest party takes place on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sure—Carnaval is celebrated in ports and cities all around the globe, but none have the flare, color, or passion of the massive festival in Rio. At the Cidade do Samba in the city’s port district, visitors will find that the Carnaval sprit isn’t just for a week—but actually lasts the entire year inside enormous, float-filled warehouses. Sometimes known as “Samba City,” this colorful complex is where 14 of the city’s top samba schools all plan, prepare, and prep their floats for the festive February event.
When taking a tour of Samba City, watch as costumes and next year’s floats are all sewn and patched together. No photos or videos are allowed—lest you leak their surprise—but samba lessons are often included as part of the upbeat tour. On Thursday evenings, the entire complex erupts in a type of mini celebration, where costumes are donned, music is played, and a micro-version of Carnaval takes place right there on site.
Practical Info
Tours are offered from Wednesday-Sunday, with the evening performance taking place on Thursdays at approximately pm. Admission to Cidade do Sambo is approximately $10 for the regular tour, and approximately $40 for the evening show full of costumes, music, and dancing.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Tours Wed-Sun
Admission: $10 day tour, $40 evening show
From $ 62
Allianz Parque
Hailed by many as the best stadium in São Paulo, Allianz Parque is a multipurpose arena in the West Zone of the city. Inaugurated in November 2014, the stadium holds up to 48,000 spectators and has been recognized with awards from some of Latin America's most prestigious architectural reviews. The modern, sleek design, paired with impeccable upkeep, make it a São Paulo landmark and many locals' preferred venue for concerts, soccer and other sports competitions.
The home stadium of São Paulo's Palmeiras Football Club, the world-class venue welcomes visitors who can usually catch a Palmeiras match on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons. To experience Brazil's legendary soccer fans at their most animated, try to get tickets behind the goal, or, to observe from a calmer perspective, opt for somewhere in the center. Allianz Parque also holds large concerts, having hosted the likes of Paul McCartney, Coldplay and Katy Perry.
Practical Info
Allianz Parque Stadium is located at Avenida Francisco Matarazzo, 1705 in the Agua Branca neighborhood, near Palmeiras/Barra Funda metro station.
Address: Avenida Francisco Matarazzo, 1705 – Agua Branca, São Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Varies by game or event
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Bank of Brasil Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil)
Since 1986 Bank of Brasil Cultural Center has been showcasing an impressive collection of artwork that’s made it one of the top 100 most-visited art museums in the world. With more than two million visitors annually, the Rio de Janeiro branch of this national treasure is without a doubt the most popular. Its art deco building, which was designed by Francisco Joaquim Bethencourt da Silva, includes a theater and cinema in addition to multiple art galleries.
In addition to a stunning permanent collection that includes cultural and historical exhibitions, travelers will find unique temporary shows as well. Regardless of what’s on displace, visitors and locals agree that Brank of Brasil Cultural Center is a must-see destination on any trip to Rio.
Practical Info
The cultural center is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily and is located at Rua Primeiro de Marco, 66 in the Rio’s central district. It is accessible via the Uruguaiana Metro stop. Some parts of the center are free of charge to visit.
Address: R. Primeiro de Março, 66 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil 20010-000, Brazil
Hours: Daily 9am-9pm
From $ 40
Church of Our Lady of Candelaria
With its towering spires, grand dome, and baroque details, Church of Our Lady of Candelaria (Igreja de Candelária) stands out among more modern surroundings in central Rio de Janeiro. It was originally established by a group of Spanish settlers in 1609, and today, the Catholic church still holds mass and community gatherings.
The Basics
Set in downtown Rio, Candelaria Church is difficult to miss. Spend an hour or so admiring the frescoed walls, stained glass, and muraled dome on your own, or visit with a guided tour to learn about the church’s legendary origins and complex architectural history, which includes elements of neo-Renaissance, baroque, and art nouveau design. The church is known for its small chapel and Latin cross design. Most historical Rio and architecture-themed walking tours include a stop here, often in combination with other essential Rio de Janeiro attractions such as Pedro Ernesto Palace (City Hall), the National Museum of Fine Arts (Museu Nacional de Belas Artes), and the Imperial Palace. Bike tours are also an option, allowing visitors to see more of Rio in less time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors are advised to follow common courtesy in dress and noise when inside the active church.
- The church is a must-see for history buffs.
- Plan to spend about an hour if visiting on your own.
- Private tours let you combine a visit to Candelaria Church with some of Rio's natural attractions, such as Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, and Ipanema.
How to Get There
Candelaria Church is centrally located in downtown Rio, with easy access from all over the city. Take light rail to Candelaria, the bus down Avenida Presidente Vargas, or the metro to Estação Uruguaiana.
When to Get There
The church is open from 7:30am to 4pm, but you view its magnificent exterior any time of day. Nighttime visitors will see the church lit up.
Candelaria Massacre History
The church gained infamy in 1993 when eight children who were living on the street were killed by police (with many more injured), an event known as the Candelaria Massacre. This incident brought worldwide attention to the issue of police brutality in Brazil and catalyzed change.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 40
Cinelandia
Located in Rio’s central financial district, Cinelandia is the common name for an attractive Parisian-style square officially named Praça Floriano Peixoto. During the early years of the twentieth century, Rio’s city center was remodeled to make the city more trendy and livable. An eighteenth century convent was torn down to make way for the public plaza, and by the mid twentieth century, Cinelandia was home to a municipal theater, national library and school of fine arts.
In the location of the former convent, several buildings went up that housed some of Rio’s best cinemas, lending the area its modern nickname of Cinelandia, or Cinema Land. While most of the theaters have since closed, the area remains a vibrant district thanks to its cultural attractions and diverse dining options.
Practical Info
To get to Cinelandia, take the Rio metro to Cinelandia Station.
Address: Avenida Rio Branco and Rua Evaristo da Veiga, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 16
Carlos Costa Pinto Museum (Museu Carlos Costa Pinto)
Set in a mansion in the upscale neighborhood of Vitória, the Carlos Costa Pinto Museum (Museu Carlos Costa Pinto) illuminates the luxurious, decadent lifestyle of Salvador da Bahia’s sugarcane aristocracy. Exhibits focus on the history of colonial and imperial Bahio from the 17th to 19th century, with permanent installations and a rotating selection of cultural activities.
The Basics
Carlos Costa Pinto, a descendant of Bahia’s more affluent families, spent his lifetime collecting artifacts from centuries past. These items and displayed within the museum’s 12 collections, including crystal, drawings, miscellany, sculptures, engravings, imagery, furnishings, honorific orders, jewelry, paintings, porcelain, and silver. Outside the museum there’s a lovely green garden, with manicured lawns, hedges, and a pond surrounded by leafy tropical trees.
Salvador da Bahia tours often include stop at the museum along with other city highlights, such as the historic downtown of Pelourinho, the Forte de Santo Antonio da Barra, and Porto da Barra Beach. It’s also possible to book a museum-focused tour, which includes visits to many of the city’s art and history institutions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Museum entry is discounted for students, teachers, and children.
- The cozy Balangandan Café features sandwiches, pastries, pies, coffee, tea, and other refreshments.
- Although the collection may not hold the attention of young children, the museum's surrounding garden is a good place for kids to blow off steam.
How to Get There
To arrive via public transportation, take bus 1511 toward Eng V Federacao. Disembark at Avenida Sete de Setembro and walk about 10 minutes from there. Cabs are plentiful from downtown Salvador, and guided tours allow you to visit without the hassle of transportation.
When to Get There
Note that the museum is only open in the afternoon, from 2pm to 7pm. Arriving for lunch at the Balangandan Café and exploring the museum afterward is a great way to make the trip out of the city center worth it.
Bahia's African Heritage
Salvador da Bahia is a center of Afro-Brazilian culture, and the museum's collection reflects that. The Carlos Costa Pinto Museum has mounted exhibitions dedicated to Brazil’s vast African heritage through jewelry and clothing worn by matriarchs of the African religion Candomblé.
Address: Avenida Sete de Setembro, 2490, Vitória, Salvador 40080-002, Brazil
Admission: Varies
From $ 95
Conceicao Lagoon (Lagoa da Conceicao)
One of Florianopolis’ coolest towns is located just over the hill from the downtown area. Conceicao Lagoon (Lagoa da Conceição) is the Island of Magic’s hip district, and boasts a collection of trendy bars and restaurants nestled around the large lagoon. The area is also known for its jungle trekking, sand dunes, and many nearby beaches.
The Basics
Lagoa da Conceição is centered right in the middle of the island of Florianopolis, making it a strategic area for locals and travelers to gather. There are also a number of outdoor activities in the lagoon and nearby beaches. Drive along Avenida das Rendeiras, on the edge of the lagoon, to find stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals as well as windsurfing and kitesurfing schools. Head toward Praia da Joaquina and Praia Mole for some of the best surfing on the island as well as surfing schools and rental shops.
Many tours to explore the island’s beaches—Mozambique, Canasvieiras, Jurerê, and Ingleses in the north, or Campeche, Pântano do Sul, Armação, and Matadeiro in the south—leave from the lagoon. Day tours of the island typically pass through Conceicao Lagoon to highlight one of the city’s most popular areas.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lagoa da Conceição is a great area to visit for those who like outdoor activities such as hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, sandboarding, windsurfing, and surfing.
- Check the weather and wind conditions in advance to see which beaches in the area are best to visit on that given day.
- Be aware of your surroundings during the evening hours, especially during the summer months when the area is quite crowded.
How to Get There
Public transportation is quite limited on the island, but you can take the Trans-Sol bus from the downtown area of Florianopolis to the TILAG bus terminal in Lagoa da Conceição. If you have a rental car, drive over Lagoon Hill to reach the neighborhood’s center. For a convenient, hassle-free way to reach the lagoon, taxis are also readily available on the island.
When to Get There
Lagoa da Conceição is one of the island’s best places to catch a sunset, either on the lagoon or one of the nearby beaches, such as Joaquina. Try to arrive at the lagoon outside of rush hour (8am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm) to avoid getting stuck in traffic. The island triples in population during the summer, so skip December, January, and February, if possible.
A Night on the Town
For those looking for a relaxing night out, Lagoa da Conceição is the place to be. Grab a bite to eat at one of the numerous restaurants in the area dishing up everything from sushi to Brazilian barbecue to food-truck meals. Quench your thirst at any number of bars or botecos while listening to music ranging from sarantejo (Brazilian country music) to international hits.
Address: Florianopolis, Brazil
From $ 29
Copacabana Fort
Situated on the south end of Copacabana Beach lies a piece of Brazilian military history, the Copacabana Fort. Built just before the First World War, the fort is strategically located on a thin strip of rock that juts into the ocean and was designed to protect Rio de Janeiro from attack. On the headland, there are two turrets that each hold two massive Krupp cannons, the largest being 305 mm, capable of firing a 980-pound (445-kg) shell up to over 14 miles (23 km) into the ocean.
The area houses the Museum of the History of the Military, which details the early days of Portuguese colonization, the Brazilian military’s involvement in international conflicts and the modernization of the Brazilian army in current day. There are also several centuries-old artillery items on display outside, including a six-foot (1.8-meter), 152.4 mm gun made in 1918 and a five-barrel quick-firing gun from 1876.
This area not only offers an interesting insight into Brazil’s military history, but also has a lovely, oceanfront avenue where visitors can stroll and take in panoramic views of Copacabana Beach. The famed Confeitaria Colombo, a traditional café and bakery located in the city center, also owns a quaint café located within the walls of the fort. Visitors can stop for breakfast, lunch or a snack and enjoy a peaceful view of the famous shoreline.
Practical Info
The Copacabana Fort is located at Plaza Coronel Eugênio Franco nº 1 in the Copacabana neighborhood. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the exterior area, shops and cafés are open the same days until 7:30 p.m. The entrance fee can only be paid in cash and costs R$6 for adults, R$3 for students and seniors over 60 (with ID), and free for seniors over 80 and children under 10. The fort is accessible from bus lines 121, 126, 127, 484 and 455 and from either the Cantagalo or General Osório metro stations.
Address: Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco nº 1 - Posto 6, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 22070-020, Brazil
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: R$ 6
From $ 7
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
Built by slaves in the early 1700s, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is one of Paraty’s most historic—and most visited—religious sites. The ornate wooden altars, gilded in gold, provide a stark contrast to the whitewashed walls of the central church. A brilliant chandelier base secured in the rounded ceiling is just part of what makes a visit to Our Lady of the Rosary unique. Travelers will likely find this homage to the slaves who worked tirelessly on its construction an important landmark in Paraty’s rich social, religious and cultural history.
Practical Info
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is located in the historic city center of Paraty in Rio de Janeiro, northwest of the bay. Admission is R$3 per person.
Address: Centro Historico, Paraty, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
Admission: R$3
From $ 121
Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market
The image of the art-nouveau cast-iron Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market building is like a snapshot of the multiculturalism of Manaus as a whole. The building, inspired by Les Halles in Paris and constructed in 1882 during the Rubber Boom, is distinctly European, but when you step through the doors, there’s no mistaking you’re in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon.
As the city’s main market perched on the banks of the Rio Negro, vendors here sell a bit of everything, and for the visiting tourist, it’s a great place to sample exotic fruits, learn about traditional Amazonian medicines or shop for souvenirs, like leather goods and índio handcrafted items.
Practical Info
Come hungry, as the market has several places to sample regional specialties.
Address: Rua dos Barés, 46 - Centro, Manaus 69005-020, Brazil
From $ 80
Amazon Rainforest
Trying to fathom the Amazon’s size is a lesson in mental futility. You can read all the Amazon stats that you want—like the fact that the Amazon has more acres of land than China or India have people, or that 20% of the world’s oxygen is produced from the Amazon’s trees—but until you float down the Rio Negro and stare at the sea of green, or look out the window on a flight to Manaus at the endless landscape of trees, stats and figures about the mighty Amazon are only numbers on a page.
That all changes when you first catch sight of the Amazon’s muddy waters and realize how much of this liquid snake there really is to see. There are forests that teem with native wildlife and canopies alive in birdsong, and remote areas where indigenous tribes have yet to even be found. Granted, nearly all recreational visitors to the Amazon will stay pretty close to Manaus, where the chance of seeing jaguars and lost tribes is admittedly pretty slim. Nevertheless, there’s still a raw, quasi-developed sense of touristic infancy, where visitors can feel the indigenous influence simply by walking around town. Take a guided trek into the fringes of a forest that squawks and rustles with life, or board the deck of a river cruise to watch the waters of the Rio Negro converge with the muddy brown Amazon. If staying in Manaus, return at night to a comfortable city with hints of European splendor—knowing that despite the immediate comforts, hundreds of miles of untamed jungle surround you on every side.
Practical Info
Manaus is approximately 4 hours by plane from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, or a five day cruise up the Amazon River from the port of Belém on the coast.
Address: Manaus, Brazil
From $ 89
Bairro Cosme Velho
The Cosme Velho neighborhood is best known as the jumping-off point to ascend Corcovado Mountain to Christ the Redeemer. Most visitors to Rio will set foot in this small, historic area on their way to the city’s most iconic attraction, but it’s worth it to explore beyond that. From shady plazas overgrown with jungle to colonial architecture, Cosme Velho offers a taste of Rio’s old-time charm. The neighborhood’s principal street, Rua Cosme Velho, snakes up into the hilly area and to ‘Estação de Ferro do Corcovado,’ where visitors catch the funicular to the Christ Statue. Beyond the station, the neighborhood becomes mostly residential and continues way up the hill into the rain forest.
While in Cosme Velho, before or after seeing the Christ, allot some time to roam the winding, leafy avenues with quaint shops, or grab something to eat in one of the many open-air cafes. Just across the street and a few yards up from the funicular station lies Boticário Square (Largo do Boticário). This plaza of early 19th-century Portuguese buildings has fallen into disrepair, but the brightly colored colonial structures set among the rain forest scenery retain the square’s original charm. Art-lovers can head to the International Museum of Naïf Art just down the road from the station, where they’ll find a small colonial-era building housing an impressive collection of 6,000 paintings from 120 different countries, which focus on struggle and marginalized populations.
While in Cosme Velho, before or after seeing the Christ, allot some time to roam the winding, leafy avenues with quaint shops, or grab something to eat in one of the many open-air cafes. Just across the street and a few yards up from the funicular station lies Boticário Square (Largo do Boticário). This plaza of early 19th-century Portuguese buildings has fallen into disrepair, but the brightly colored colonial structures set among the rain forest scenery retain the square’s original charm. Art-lovers can head to the International Museum of Naïf Art just down the road from the station, where they’ll find a small colonial-era building housing an impressive collection of 6,000 paintings from 120 different countries, which focus on struggle and marginalized populations.
Practical Info
Cosme Velho is located in Rio’s South Zone, west of the Laranjeiras and Flamengo neighborhoods. It is accessible from Ipanema and Leblon on bus 570 and from Ipanema and Copacabana from bus 583.
Address: Brazil
From $ 36
First Church of Our Lady of the Remedies
This Catholic church in the heart of Paraty’s Historic Center is not only the largest in the town—it is also the most popular. Travelers flock to this impressive example of colonial architecture that stretches over an entire block and was built on donated land. Despite it’s beauty, the bell towers and temple of Our Lady of the Remedies remain incomplete. In addition to exploring the chapels, visitors can partake in local festivals during Holy Week and wander the halls of upstairs art galleries year round.
Practical Info
The church is located between Rua Dona Geralda and Rua Tenente Francisco Antonio.
Address: Rua Dona Geralda and Rua Tenente Francisco Antonio, Parati, Brazil
From $ 30
Flamengo Park
While the official name of Flamengo Park is Parque Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, Rio residents know it only as Aterro—a name that translates as “landfill.” Lest you think this beautiful park is built on a festering trash heap, the name is derived from land that was used to fill a portion of the bay. Today, that fill is home to the largest park in Rio de Janeiro, encompassing nearly 300 acres of outdoor urban green space. This is where Rio comes to play as well as work up a sweat. Morning joggers and walkers line the park’s promenade at sunrise, and the action continues throughout the day with soccer, basketball, tennis, and volleyball on the park’s modern facilities. This is also home to the Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern Art, as well as a sculpture that honors the soldiers who died in WWII. Visit on a weekend and you might find marathoners finishing a race at the park, or cyclists preparing for a long ride through the city’s Zona Sul. Whenever you visit, Flamengo Park is a unifying space for Rio residents and visitors, where the simplicity of a picnic or jog in the park is a pleasure that all can enjoy.
Practical Info
Flamengo Park is set in the Flamengo District about ten minutes south of downtown. The park is accessible by taxi and metro and best avoided at night. While a white sand beach runs the length of the park, swimming is generally discouraged in Flamengo due to high levels of pollution.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 36
Botafogo Bay
There was once a time when Botafogo Bay was the fortuitously placed conduit between downtown Rio and the glamorous southern beaches. Put another way, if travelers came to Botafogo it was solely as a break while traveling between two of Rio’s most popular zones. Today, however, with a recent infusion of shops, restaurants, infrastructure, and cafés, Botafogo has become a neighborhood that’s a Rio site in itself. By day, visit the colonial mansions where Portuguese royalty ruled from afar, and stroll the shores of Botafogo Bay while sailboats bob with the tide. As night falls on the middle class suburb, head to one of the trendy new restaurants popping up around town, where cheaper rents than Ipanema allow the chefs to spend more money on fresh, local ingredients. Finally, for one of the best views in all of Rio, take a taxi to Pasmado Overlook where a panoramic view looking down on the city is the type of scene you’d expect to see on the front of a Rio postcard. Take it in, breathe real deep, and enjoy the accessible, affordable streets of Botafogo Bay.
Practical Info
Botafogo Bay is located 15 minutes from the historic downtown and 15 minutes from southern beaches like famous Copacabana.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 32
Flamengo
The Flamengo district of Rio de Janeiro offers a comfortable, middle class, downtown alternative to trendy beaches and resorts. Far less crowded than Rio hot spots like Copacabana or Ipanema, Flamengo is still located close enough to be a short cab ride away. The neighborhood’s main highlight is Flamengo Park, a grassy section of reclaimed shoreline that faces Guanabara Bay. The water here isn’t safe for swimming, but the walking trails throughout the park are packed with joggers, walkers, and locals in the morning and late afternoon, not to mention that the Flamengo beach offers sweeping views of Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. There’s also a wide selection of local restaurants and steak houses for a leisurely lunch or dinner on the town. A benefit of the neighborhood’s location is that late night venues are a cab ride away if you want to party all night—yet the neighborhood itself is quiet enough if you’d prefer a mellower night.
Practical Info
By cab, Flamengo is located 30 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from Copacabana. While the neighborhood is largely safe by day it still requires caution at night, and is a convenient, centrally located base for a comfortable stay in Rio.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 36
Coffee Museum (Museu do Caf e)
At the Santos Coffee Museum visitors experience the world’s favorite caffeinated-beverage through history and of course, taste. The Coffee Museum is housed in what used to be the Coffee Stock Exchange, where Brazilian coffee was weighed and traded before being sent through the Santos Port and overseas.
The Coffee Stock Exchange closed in the 1960s and fell into disrepair, but after decades of restoration efforts, in 2005 the beautiful colonial building re-opened as the Coffee Museum. The building’s architecture is a highlight of a visit to the museum. High ceilings with stained-glass skylights lie above ornately designed marble floors on the Exchange’s main trading room. The museum’s exhibition rooms explain the historical and cultural significance of coffee in Brazil, and worldwide, through photos, paintings, antique coffee-farming tools and more.
Brazil has a strong coffee culture – not only is Brazil the largest coffee producer in the world, but it is also is the second largest consumer of coffee. This is easy to see in every day life throughout the country, where a cafezinho (a little coffee), is customary in the mornings, after meals, and practically any time you want a pick-me-up. After touring the museum, be sure to try a cup of delicious Brazilian-grown coffee in the museum café for yourself!
Practical Info
This Coffee Museum is located at Rua XV de November, 95 in the historic center of Santos. It is open Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is also open on Mondays, November through March. Admission is R$6 for adults and R$3 for children and seniors over 60. Admission is free on Saturday.
Address: Rua XV de November, 95 – Centro Histórico, Santos 11010-151, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open on Mondays November – March.
Admission: R$6 for adults, R$3 for children and seniors over 60. Free on Saturdays.
From $ 2
Altino Arantes Building (Banespa Tower)
An enduring symbol of São Paulo’s 20th-century race to modernity, the Edifício Altino Arantes—more commonly known as the Banespa Tower or Banespão—remains one of the most notable landmarks on the city’s exhaustive skyline. Originally built as the headquarters of the State Bank of São Paulo (Banespa) and named for one of the bank’s first presidents, the tower rose over an eight-year period, crowning the city as its tallest building in 1947, a title held for the next 18 years. At completion, the 528-foot tower also held the title of tallest reinforced concrete structure and tallest building outside of the United States. Inspired by New York City’s Empire State Building, the tower exhibits Art Deco styling both inside and out.
Despite being the third-tallest building in the city, the Banespa is situated on the highest point in downtown São Paulo, giving it the appearance of being even taller than the Mirante do Vale, today the tallest building in Brazil at 558 feet. Panoramic, 360-degree views of the city from the 35th-floor observation deck extend to over 25 miles, encompassing all of downtown and even the verdant Serra da Cantareira mountain range to the city’s north. The observation deck and the first-floor building museum is free to visitors and open Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 10am to 5pm.
Despite being the third-tallest building in the city, the Banespa is situated on the highest point in downtown São Paulo, giving it the appearance of being even taller than the Mirante do Vale, today the tallest building in Brazil at 558 feet. Panoramic, 360-degree views of the city from the 35th-floor observation deck extend to over 25 miles, encompassing all of downtown and even the verdant Serra da Cantareira mountain range to the city’s north. The observation deck and the first-floor building museum is free to visitors and open Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 10am to 5pm.
Address: Rua João Brícola, 24 - Sé, Sao Paolo 01014-010, Brazil
From $ 165