Choose from 189 Fun Things to Do in Brazil
Rio Negro
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Port of Manaus (Porto Flutuante)
How to Get to Manaus:
As mentioned, the Port of Manaus is right in the downtown area, so once your ship gets in it is as simple as walking into the city center to enjoy the sights. Not all the attractions are downtown, of course, but from central Manaus you can take a bus or taxi to outlying destinations you might want to visit - like some of the river beaches or museums.
One Day in Manaus:
Because central Manaus is within walking distance of the port, it is easy to spend a day exploring the city center on your own. You can visit the beautiful Teatro Amazonas opera house, pick up some souvenirs at the Mercado Municipal and learn about the indigenous populations at the city's history museums. Getting to points that are further away, like the Natural Science Museum or the popular river beaches, would be easier with a tour so that you don't need to figure out transportation or worry about getting back to your boat in time if you are visiting from a cruise. If your stop in Manaus is at the end of your cruise, you can also book an Amazon tour. The two rivers that meet at Manaus form the Amazon, and boat tours leave regularly from the city.
Port Information:
The local language in Manaus is Brazilian Portuguese, and the currency is the Brazilian Real. You will need to exchange your money for the local currency, and be prepared to have smaller bills - many vendors cannot make change for large denominations. Note that although the port is within walking distance of central Manaus, the weather is typically very hot and humid, so be sure you have sunscreen and maybe a hat to protect yourself on your walk.
Rio de Janeiro Cathedral
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Niteroi
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Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Church
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Rio da Prata
- This river is a must-see for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
- Tours to the park must be booked in advance.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking over a variety of surfaces.
- Waterproof cameras are available to rent in the Rio da Prata visitor center.
- The use of sunscreen and insect repellent is not allowed to protect the purity of the water.
Praca Quinze
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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.
Practical Info
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.
Rio Negro Palace
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Rio Scenarium
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.
Practical Info
Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum (MAC)
- Tickets to the MAC are half-price for students, teachers, and seniors.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The MAC hosts a restaurant with top-notch Brazilian food and even better views.
Mercado Modelo
Mercado Modelo is a lively place stocked full of arts, crafts and touristy trinkets.
Located across the street from the restored art deco elevador lacerda (elevator) in a replica of the city’s old customs house, the market is a fun way to spend an hour or two and maybe pick up a bit of tourist tack for the folks back home.
Take a deep breath as you enter to prepare for the onslaught of vendors that’ll attempt to coax you towards their stall. It’s all pretty light-hearted so with a smile and a bit of friendly bartering, you’ll enjoy your visit here.
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The original customs house (also formally a place to imprison slaves) was destroyed by fire in 1986. The rear part of the Mecardo Modelo is given over to local bars and traditional Bahia restaurants (on the street level, and upstairs on a large balcony).
Cidade Baixa is more commonly refered to as Comércio. To get here, catch any bus marked Comércio or Elevador Lacerda from Cidade Alta or hail a taxi. The surrounding area is a bit rundown and walking around here is not recommended.
Martinelli Building
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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.
Post Office Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Correios)
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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.