Choose from 189 Fun Things to Do in Brazil
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Santo Antônio da Barra Fort
Strategically located at the sharp end of Salvador’s peninsula, the Santo Antônio da Barra Fort is a historic military structure and lighthouse. The Fort, with its recognizable black-and-white-striped lighthouse is one of Salvador’s iconic landmarks. Built in 1549, the fort is the oldest military structure in Brazil and is an example of traditional 16th-century Portuguese military architecture.
The interior of the fort has been transformed into a maritime museum, with intricate models of Portuguese ships from the days of exploration, centuries-old navigating instruments, antique maps and other pieces of history. The museum also houses exhibits on the Portuguese colony’s brutal slave trade, which brought millions across the Atlantic from West Africa.
A highlight of visiting the fort is climbing to the top of the lighthouse, which boasts panoramic views of Salvador and its beautiful coastline. The fort’s geographic location also makes it the ideal place to watch the sunset over the ocean. Every evening, locals and tourists alike gather on the lawn outside the fort to watch the sky light up as the sun dips below the horizon.
Practical Info
Santo Antônio da Barra Fort is located at Largo do Farol da Barra s/n in the Barra neighborhood of Salvador. The fort is open to visitors Tuesday–Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is open every day of the week in January and July. Admission is R$15 for adults and R$7.50 for students, teachers and seniors. Admission is free for children under 7 and people with physical disabilities.
Address: Largo do Farol da Barra s/n, Salvador, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open every day of the week in January and July.
Admission: R$15 for adults, R$7.50 for students, teachers and seniors
From $ 62
Theatro Municipal
Situated grandly atop downtown São Paulo’s Vale do Anhangabaú like a concrete wedding cake, the century-old Theatro Municipal still shines as an example of the city’s place at the vanguard of art in Latin America. Opened in 1911, the ornate showplace—styled in the tradition of the great European opera houses—has welcomed Maria Callas, Isadora Duncan, Duke Ellington, and Mikhail Baryshnikov, and Ellington to its stage. A recent multimillion-dollar renovation has restored the grandeur of the structure, which serves as the official home of the São Paulo Municipal Symphony Orchestra and the São Paulo City Ballet, among other artistic organizations.
With a design inspired directly by Milan’s Teatroalla Scala, the theater was erected during the height of São Paulo’s wealth and influence as the center of Brazil’s coffee industry, though the location of the structure is called Morro do Chá—Tea Hill. The site of many debuts by Brazilian composers as well as host of 1922’s groundbreaking Week of Modern Art, which set the tone for the country’s multifaceted participation in Modernism, the theater welcomes visitors and offers guided tours arranged through its on-site historical museum, and purchasing tickets for any of the various artistic events at the theater’s turn-of-last-century box office is an experience in itself.
With a design inspired directly by Milan’s Teatroalla Scala, the theater was erected during the height of São Paulo’s wealth and influence as the center of Brazil’s coffee industry, though the location of the structure is called Morro do Chá—Tea Hill. The site of many debuts by Brazilian composers as well as host of 1922’s groundbreaking Week of Modern Art, which set the tone for the country’s multifaceted participation in Modernism, the theater welcomes visitors and offers guided tours arranged through its on-site historical museum, and purchasing tickets for any of the various artistic events at the theater’s turn-of-last-century box office is an experience in itself.
Address: Praça Ramos de Azevedo, s/n - Centro, Sao Paolo 01037-010, Brazil
From $ 59
Tiradentes Square (Praca Tiradentes)
Arguably the most important square in Curitiba, Praca Tiradentes is home to many of the city’s well-known sites, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and Basilica Minor of Our Lady of Light. Among the trees and statues in the square, visitors can walk over a glass-protected piece of the square’s original pavement, constructed in the first half of the 19th century. Thanks to the special lighting within the glass flooring, the spot is especially beautiful come nightfall.
The Cross of Christ and a historic monolith can also be found in the center of Praca Tiradentes. The former was a symbol of the Military Order of the Christ, instituted by King Denis of Portugal in the 14th century, and represented the legal power of Portugal over the land and the settlement of Curitiba in 1693. According to legend the spot also marks the place where Indigenous Chief Tindiquera of the Tingui Tribe once chose to settle his people.
Practical Info
The square is located in the center of Curitiba and is within walking distance of several other tourist attractions, including the historic center and Palace of Liberty Cultural Center. The square is free and open to visitors 24 hours a day, although there are no public restrooms or drinking fountains. The area serves as the starting point for the tourist bus Linha Turismo and is easily accessible by several main bus lines that criss-cross the city.
Address: Praca Tiradentes, 220, Curitiba, Brazil
Hours: Daily
From $ 84
Teatro Castro Alves
Travelers who want to experience the local and international performing arts scene flock to Teatro Castro Alves, Salvador’s largest theater. This old-school architectural icon was recently redesigned and refurbished, giving it a much-needed update with some contemporary flare. And while the look has certainly changed, the global all-stars Teatro Castro attracts to its main stage remain constant.
In addition to an impressive calendar of classical music performances, international plays and world-class operas, travelers will find galleries dedicated to Salvador’s long-standing artistic history and colorful culture in the halls of Teatro Castro Alves, too. Whether it’s catching a concert by Bahia’s Symphonic Orchestra or taking in the beauty and talent of Castro Theater’s Ballet Company, a visit to Teatro Castro Alves is sure to be a memorable part of any trip to Salvador.
Practical Info
The theater is located near Campo Grande Square at Praca Dois de Julho s/n in Salvador. It has more than 1,500 seats in the main theater and nearly 200 in the smaller choir room.
Address: Salvador, BA, Brazil, Brazil
Hours: Vary by performance
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Teatro Municipal
Having reopened in 2010 after an exhaustive $35 million renovation, the stunning Teatro Municipal in downtown Rio de Janeiro looks as well-crafted and intricately designed as a Carnival float. Golden statues on the roof sparkle in the tropical sunshine while stately neoclassical columns buttress the façade. Inside, grand spectator suites and elegant balconies offer superb views of the stage where Sarah Bernhardt, Maria Callas, and Igor Stravinsky once captivated the audiences of the Brazilian capital, and where Brazilian presidents Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva and Dilma Rousseff, and U.S. president Barack Obama more recently captivated audiences worldwide.
Inspired by the Paris Opera and inaugurated in 1909 as the most expensive theater ever built outside of Europe at the time, the Teatro Municipal hosted international orchestra and ballet performances for its first two decades, featuring French and Italian theater companies almost exclusively. Only in 1931 was Brazilian talent organized into the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Theatre Orchestra, which focused on international as well as domestic works, including a grand production of the seminal Brazilian opera O Guarani, a melodramatic love story between a Guarani Indian warrior and the daughter of a wealthy Portuguese landowner in Brazil, based on a novel written in 1854 that was the first mainstream Brazilian work of literature to feature an indigenous protagonist.
Inspired by the Paris Opera and inaugurated in 1909 as the most expensive theater ever built outside of Europe at the time, the Teatro Municipal hosted international orchestra and ballet performances for its first two decades, featuring French and Italian theater companies almost exclusively. Only in 1931 was Brazilian talent organized into the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Theatre Orchestra, which focused on international as well as domestic works, including a grand production of the seminal Brazilian opera O Guarani, a melodramatic love story between a Guarani Indian warrior and the daughter of a wealthy Portuguese landowner in Brazil, based on a novel written in 1854 that was the first mainstream Brazilian work of literature to feature an indigenous protagonist.
Address: Brazil
From $ 10
Teles Arch (Arco de Teles)
Telles Arch, or Arco de Teles, is a colonial gateway and quasi time portal to 19th century Rio. Leading from open Praca Quinze to narrow Travessa do Comércio, the arch is a funnel from modern day Rio to the charm of its old town past. While arches were originally common in Rio, all have either succumbed to decay or have been replaced by modern development. Telles Arch is all that remains of the city’s colonial arches, and the pedestrian alleyway it frames today is lined with bars, restaurants and cafés that make you question if you’re still in Brazil or wandering down European cobbles. Stop in for happy hour after a day of touring the city’s historical district, and stay for an evening of revelry, merriment, and the arch illuminated at night. Though the arch itself only requires a couple of minutes for viewing, it’s the way the colonial past is fused with modern city charm that makes this a favorite photo op and stop when touring downtown.
Practical Info
While the area can be somewhat dangerous after dark, the bars and restaurants are generally considered safe for visiting travelers. Taxis are the preferred mode of transport after dark, though the square is also accessible by bus as well as the city metro.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 40
Sao Bento Monastery
From the outside, the Sao Bento Monastery and the Church of Nossa Senhora de Montserrat appear to be unassuming and even a bit austere, a nod to 16th century Roman Catholic chastity. Once inside, however, visitors can see how the elaborate nave, filigreed altar, and rococo wooden carvings speak to 16th century Roman Catholic fabulousness. Founded by a group of Benedictine monks—Sao Bento means Saint Benedict—that relocated from Salvador da Bahia in 1590, the current monastery and church complex was constructed by slaves over several decades, and who completed the work in 1671. Several of the sculptors and painters who worked on the intricate details of the church’s interior were monks as well.
Despite the overall architecture of the church and monastery being finished at the end of the 17th century, the monks continued to touch up the interior of the complex, most notably with the addition of enormous silver chandeliers weighing over 200 pounds each. Currently, the church offers guided tours, though only men may enter the monastery, and only at certain times. Conservative attire is required.
Despite the overall architecture of the church and monastery being finished at the end of the 17th century, the monks continued to touch up the interior of the complex, most notably with the addition of enormous silver chandeliers weighing over 200 pounds each. Currently, the church offers guided tours, though only men may enter the monastery, and only at certain times. Conservative attire is required.
Address: Brazil
From $ 45
Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón)
Decorated with more than 2,000 brightly colored tiles in the colors of the Brazilian flag, the Selarón Staircase (Escadaria Selarón) is one of Rio de Janeiro's most vibrant and striking landmarks, marking the boundary between the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods.
The Basics
The work of Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, the Selarón Steps are one of Brazil’s most famous pieces of street art, often featured in commercials, music videos, and magazines around the world. Many tours of downtown Rio combine a visit to the staircase with stops at other city highlights such as Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach, and the Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico). Neighborhood walking tours, some with a focus on street art, allow you to see the steps up-close.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Selarón Steps are free and open to the public 24 hours a day.
- Nearby bars and restaurants in Lapa and Santa Teresa are plentiful; combine a stop at the urban artwork with a meal or drink nearby.
- Although the 250 steps are not wheelchair accessible, the view from the bottom of the stairway is excellent.
How to Get There
The Selarón Staircase runs from Rua Joaquim Silva up to Rua Pinto Martins, connecting the neighborhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa in North Rio. While it can be reached by taxi or bus, guided tours often provide round-trip transportation and allow you to explore without the hassle of navigation.
When to Get There
The steps are typically open to the public year-round, although they may occasionally be closed for filming commercials and movies. The best time to visit Rio is between December and March, when the weather tends to be warm and sunny.
Jorge Selarón
Selarón started work on the staircase in 1990 as a tribute to the Brazilian people and his adopted city, covering the 250 stairs with an elaborate mosaic of tiles. Operating a gallery from his home, the artist resided near the steps from 1977 until his death in 2013. He began renovating the steps on a whim, using a combination of tiles salvaged from the trash, some he hand painted, and some donated by visitors from all over the world. He was known to be seen working on the stairs day and night, interacting with visitors.
Address: Escadaria Selarón, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 16
Serra da Bocaina National Park
Stationed between the electric metropolis of Sau Paulo and the lively city of Rio de Janeiro lies the 260,000 acres of rural forest and mountain peaks that makes up Serra da Bocaina National Park. This precious preserve is home to natural Atlantic Forest vegetation and some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the region.
Ecotourism and outdoor adventure prove the main attractions at Serra da Bocaina, which attracts avid hikers from across the globe. Travelers can embark on a 16-kilometer hike to Bacia Peak and enjoy incredible views of the Paraiba Valley from atop the second tallest mountain in the range. The slightly shorter, but equally popular, Cliff Trail winds through Enchanted Wood, passing hundreds of different indigenous plants, and ends at the Paredao’s Waterfall, where weary legs can cool off in chilly waters. The Stone House ruins, which were originally built in 1914 to house a visiting French doctor, lend a bit of interest to an otherwise easy trail marked by small river crossings and equally epic views (but without all the work).
Ecotourism and outdoor adventure prove the main attractions at Serra da Bocaina, which attracts avid hikers from across the globe. Travelers can embark on a 16-kilometer hike to Bacia Peak and enjoy incredible views of the Paraiba Valley from atop the second tallest mountain in the range. The slightly shorter, but equally popular, Cliff Trail winds through Enchanted Wood, passing hundreds of different indigenous plants, and ends at the Paredao’s Waterfall, where weary legs can cool off in chilly waters. The Stone House ruins, which were originally built in 1914 to house a visiting French doctor, lend a bit of interest to an otherwise easy trail marked by small river crossings and equally epic views (but without all the work).
Practical Info
The park is located on the border between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in the southeastern part of the country.
Address: Serra da Bocaina National Park, Brazil
From $ 52
Sao Francisco de Penitencia Church
In a city as oversized and grandiose as Rio de Janeiro, it’s surprising that a small, historic church is one of its most mesmerizing sights. Located in the city’s pulsing downtown, this church is best known for a gold interior that will silence the staunchest of critics. Even travelers who aren’t into architecture can appreciate the intricate beauty, where every fold and interior detail is brilliantly covered in gold. This is also one of the oldest churches found anywhere in Brazil, and is a shining example of Baroque style in the middle of modern Rio. Critics say that the opulent church runs contrary to the beliefs of its namesake, since Saint Francis of Assisi would never have commissioned a church that’s drizzled in gold. Regardless of historical accuracy, however, the fact remains this historic church is a brilliant sight to behold—from the altar made of jacaranda, to stones specifically imported from Portugal that line the chapel vestibules. While the church itself doesn’t take long to visit, it provides an indelible, golden hued image you’ll definitely never forget.
Practical Info
The Sao Francisco de Penitencia Church is open Tuesday-Friday from 9am-4pm and has an admission fee of 60 cents.
Address: Rua da Carioca - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Open Tuesday-Friday from 9am-4pm
Admission: 60 cents
From $ 40
Wire Opera House (Opera de Arame)
The Wire Opera House (Ópera de Arame) is one of Curitiba’s most recognizable buildings and an excellent example of modern architecture. Built entirely of glass and steel pipes, the theater is nestled in a lush green space surrounded by a lake. It can seat up to 2,400 spectators and hosts performances ranging from classical to popular.
The Basics
The 29,000-square-foot (2,694-square-meter) Ópera de Arame is easily concealed by the lush greenery that surrounds it. Unless there is a performance on, visitors are welcome to enter the building for free and explore at their leisure.
Most city tours of Curitiba stop at the Wire Opera House as well as other key landmarks such as the Oscar Niemeyer Museum (Museu Oscar Niemeyer), Botanical Garden of Curitiba (Jardim Botânico de Curitiba), Tangua Park (Parque Tanguá), and much more. If you want to dive deeper into Brazilian history and culture, hop on a sightseeing and dinner tour to get a taste of the local cuisine and visit top attractions, including the opera house.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ópera de Arama is a must-see for classical music and architecture lovers.
- Popular performances at the opera house sell out, so book tickets in advance.
- The opera house and its surrounding walkway are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Wire Opera House is located in the tranquil Pedreira Park, just outside Curitiba’s city center in the Pilarzinho neighborhood. You can rent a car and drive to the theater, where there is free parking on the premises. Alternatively, several city busses—including the tourism bus, Linha Turismo—stop near Pedreira.
When to Get There
Ópera de Arama is open until 8pm daily except Monday. It’s popular, so aim to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The best time to visit Curitiba is during spring (September to December) and fall (March to June), when the weather is pleasant and there is less rain.
Construction of the Opera House
The Ópera de Arame was completed in March 1992, after only 75 days of construction. The design was a collaboration between Curitiba’s mayor at the time, Jamie Lerner, and architect Domingos Bongestabs. The location is a deactivated quarry just north of Curitiba’s city center and was built to work with—rather than against—the surrounding nature.
Address: Rua João Gava, 970, Curitiba, Brazil
Admission: Varies
From $ 64
Santos Dumont House Museum (Museu Casa de Santos Dumont)
The Santos Dumont House Museum celebrates the life and accomplishments of a pioneer of aviation, Alberto Santos Dumont. His summer home in Petrópolis has been transformed into a small museum that gives visitors a peak into the famed-inventor’s life, who many don’t realize is disputed as the inventor of the airplane.
Built climbing up the hillside, this charming chalet is filled with peculiarities, reflective of Santos Dumont’s creativity and intellect. The house has three neatly compact floors, connected by a staircase made of racquets, which forces visitors to begin their ascent with the right foot. A highlight is the shower that Santos Dumont built himself while living there in the early 1900s, made out of a perforated bucket with a homemade alcohol water heater. In the living room are various artifacts and knick-knacks like Santos Dumont’s old notebooks, letters and clothing, an antique telephone, original blueprints, and old photographs. The top floor is home to the bedroom and a viewpoint that the inventor used as an astronomical observatory. Informational panels in multiple languages are on display throughout the museum, and there’s also a short film about Santos Dumont’s life, inventions and accomplishments.
Practical Info
The Museu Casa de Santos Dumont is located at Rua do Encanto, 22 in the city-center of Petrópolis. It is open Tuesday–Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is R$8 for adults, $4 for students, and free for children under 7 and seniors over 65.
Address: Rua do Encanto, 22 – Centro, Petróplis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 25685-081, Brazil
Hours: Open Tues–Sun 9am–5:30pm
Admission: Adults: R$8; Students: $4; Children: Free
From $ 67
Three Borders Landmark
Iguassu Falls are famously shared between three nations: Brazil, Argentina and tiny Paraguay (which doesn't actually claim any part of the primary falls, only the rivers). Though the actual Tripitarte, or triple border, lies unmarked at the deepest part of the confluence of the Iguazu and Parana rivers, all three nations have erected monuments—built around obelisks painted patriotically with the colors of their respective flags—overlooking the spot.
Originally erected in 1903, the memorials are built around three simple cement obelisks, painted in the patriotic colors of the three respective flags. The view is nice, and all three monuments are surrounded with vendors selling snacks and souvenirs. The Argentine landmark has the distinction of being the easiest to visit, a pleasant walk from the city center along the riverfront.
Brazil's Hito Tres Fronteras (Three Borders Landmark) was originally erected on July 20, 1903, overlooking the pretty scene and international bridges. Though it sits on the outskirts of Foz de Iguacu city, it does bring in tourists, as well as vendors selling souvenirs and snacks. Next door, the Space of the Americas tourist complex offers meals and views in more relaxed environs.
Brazil's Hito Tres Fronteras (Three Borders Landmark) was originally erected on July 20, 1903, overlooking the pretty scene and international bridges. Though it sits on the outskirts of Foz de Iguacu city, it does bring in tourists, as well as vendors selling souvenirs and snacks. Next door, the Space of the Americas tourist complex offers meals and views in more relaxed environs.
Practical Info
The Brazilian monument is located 6km (4mi) from the city center; you can catch colectivos, but it's safer and easier to take a taxi or tour. While most operators recommend visiting landmark around sunset, be aware that this neighborhood can be a bit sketchy after dark. The obelisk on the Argentine side is much more accessible.
Address: Av General Meira, Porto Meira, Foz do Iguacu, Brazil
Hours: Open daily 8am - 6pm
From $ 8
Sao Francisco Church and Convent
Travelers who approach the relatively plain exterior of Francisco Church and Convent will be amazed by the ornate artwork, fine details and gilded ceilings upon entering this iconic colonial monument. Built in the early 1700s, the church took decades to complete. Its unique interior includes three aisles, rather than the more typical two, as well as some of the most impressive pillars, vaults and golden woodwork in the country. The classic Baroque style of Sao Francisco Church and Convent showcases one of the most spectacular examples of religious architecture and artwork, making it a destination for traveler seeking to experience the history, beauty and artistry of another era.
Practical Info
The church and convent are located in the historical center of Salvador in the State of Bahia, between Rue de Sao Francisco and Rue 12 de Outubro.
Address: Salvador, State of Bahia, Brazil 40020-280, Brazil
Hours: Daily 9:30am-5:45pm
Admission: $2
From $ 73
Trindade Beach
Like the shores of Sono, Trindade Beach requires travelers take a bit of a hike before basking in the rays of South American sun. But visitors to this quiet haven 30 kilometers south of Paraty say the distinctly island vibe, reggae sounds, fresh fish and strong cocktails make this beach feel like a piece of paradise. A short 20-minute hike through thick forests, past Cachadaco Beach, ends at soft sand and warm clear waters. Be sure to venture to the nearby circle of boulders that hides a natural swimming pool perfect for a peaceful post-hike dip.
Practical Info
Buses leave every hour from Paraty. The ride takes 45 minutes and costs about 4 reals.
Address: Trindade Beach, Trindade, Brazil
From $ 52
Teatro Amazonas Opera House
Much of the wealth of Manaus came from its days as the region's major port city during the rubber boom. That era was also known for its beautiful architecture - and a fine example of that Belle Epoque style of the late 1800s is Manaus' opera house, the Teatro Amazonas.
The Teatro Amazonas was built between 1884 and 1896 and is a showcase of furnishings imported from far-off places like France and Italy, including nearly 200 Italian chandeliers and a painted curtain from Paris. The opera house's incredible dome is covered with 36,000 tiles painted in the colors of the Brazilian flag. The first ever performance in the Teatro Amazonas was the opera "La Gioconda" in January of 1897.
When the rubber boom dwindled, the theater lost its wealthy patrons and actually shut down for 90 years. In 2001 the government invested millions in renovations, and today the 700-seat Teatro Amazonas is home to the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra and an annual Amazonas Opera Festival. It is on the San Sebastian Square (Praça São Sebastião) in downtown Manaus, and visitors can either go on a guided tour of the theater when it's not in use, or consult the schedule to check out one of the many free performances.
The Teatro Amazonas was built between 1884 and 1896 and is a showcase of furnishings imported from far-off places like France and Italy, including nearly 200 Italian chandeliers and a painted curtain from Paris. The opera house's incredible dome is covered with 36,000 tiles painted in the colors of the Brazilian flag. The first ever performance in the Teatro Amazonas was the opera "La Gioconda" in January of 1897.
When the rubber boom dwindled, the theater lost its wealthy patrons and actually shut down for 90 years. In 2001 the government invested millions in renovations, and today the 700-seat Teatro Amazonas is home to the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra and an annual Amazonas Opera Festival. It is on the San Sebastian Square (Praça São Sebastião) in downtown Manaus, and visitors can either go on a guided tour of the theater when it's not in use, or consult the schedule to check out one of the many free performances.
Address: Praça São Sebatião, Centro, Manaus 69025, Brazil
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am–5pm, Sat-Sun: Closed
Admission: R$10
From $ 8
Tiradentes Palace
While it may be hard to pull away from Rio’s white sand beaches, there’s more to the vibrant Brazilian city than sand and Sugarloaf Mountain. One of those spots is Tiradentes Palace, a soaring, concrete, exquisite palace that’s named for “Tiradentes,” a Brazilian revolutionary who was jailed while fighting for the nation’s independence. While his cell once stood on the very ground where the palace stands today, when the palace was constructed in 1926, it not only adopted the hero’s name, but was also built with sculptures atop the dome that represent independence. When standing in front of the spectacular palace and admiring from the outside, gaze upwards at the concrete, Corinthian columns rising 40 feet in height. Inside, paintings by Brazilian Rodolfo Chambelland accompany displays recounting the building’s modern political history. The palace was where the National Congress gathered until 1960, and is used today by Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro.
Practical Info
Tiradentes Palace is open Monday-Saturday from 10am-6pm, and on Sunday from Noon-5pm. Palace admission is free.
Address: Centro, Rio Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 40
Tijuca National Park
Prior to the 19th century, Rio de Janeiro was surrounded by Atlantic rain forest. Today, all that remains is the 13-square-mile (33-square-kilometer) jungle known as Tijuca National Park. Studded with tropical trees knotted together by jungle vines, the world’s largest urban forest is home to ocelots, howler monkeys, more than 300 bird species, waterfalls, and one of Rio’s iconic landmarks, the Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue standing atop Corcovado Mountain.
The Basics
Popular among hikers and nature lovers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site welcomes 3 million visitors each year. While many make a beeline for Corcovado, the park’s offerings extend well beyond the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Options include hiking up Pico da Tijuca (Rio’s second-highest peak), exploring the forest by bike or Jeep tour, hang gliding from Pedra Bonita, rock climbing, and walking the well-marked trails to the caves and waterfalls that dot the Tijuca rain forest. Choose a guided small-group driving or hiking tour to fully experience the park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The national park is a must-visit for adventure travelers and nature lovers in Rio de Janeiro.
- The park is free to enter, but Christ the Redeemer requires an admission ticket.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces.
- Remember to bring water and insect repellant, especially if you plan to hike.
How to Get to Tijuca National Park
With no public transportation within the park, one of the most convenient ways to experience it is on a guided tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Those who prefer to visit independently can arrive by car or catch a bus or taxi to the park entrance.
When to Get There
Tijuca National Park is open daily, with extended hours in summer. Hiking conditions are best during the summer dry season (November to February). June, July, and October experience the most rain, which can make hiking a challenge without proper gear.
What to See at Tijuca National Park
Taunay Waterfall is one of the park’s most popular sights, and just beyond it sits Mayrink Chapel with painted panels by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari. Dona Marta affords some of the best views on the way up Corcovado Mountain, while the Vista Chinesa (Chinese View) viewpoint honors the 19th-century Chinese immigrants who arrived to start tea plantations.
Address: Rio de Janiero, Brazil
From $ 32
Sao Joao Fort
Built in the mid-1500s, Sao Joao Fort was officially put into service in 1618, when it was used to protect Guanabara Bay from an invasion by the French. This impressive structure is comprised of four batteries and is home to fifteen massive cannons. Sa Joao Fort later became a base for the Brazilian Army and today, it’s a popular site for travelers looking to explore the nation’s history and culture.
Travelers can explore the on-site chapel, courtyard and gun emplacements while taking in incredible views of the Guanabara Bay. Guided tours are available for those interested in learning more about the military history of the place. The nearby protected beach is perfect for relaxing and tasty snack shops along the way make for a complete afternoon. But locals warn travelers need to get permission to enter the grounds since the area is still secured by military staff.
Practical Info
The fort is located in Rio’s Urca neighborhood near the Guanabara Bay.
Address: Av. João Luís Alves - Urca, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 22291-090, Brazil
From $ 52
Sao Conrado Beach
Whether you’re looking for the surf, the golden sands or to soar in the skies above, visiting Sao Conrado Beach is a highlight of Rio de Janeiro. Here in this affluent, oceanfront neighborhood that’s sometimes called Praia Pepino, visitors will find an eclectic combo of people, many of whom are surfers or paragliders. The juxtaposition of social classes is evident out on the streets—yet everyone seems to equally enjoy the combo of sunshine and surf.
When strolling the sands of Sao Conrado, be sure to look up and scan the skies for hangliders circling above. The beach is a popular landing spot for groups of paragliders and hangliders, most of whom have launched from the slopes of neighboring Pedra Bonita. To get a birds-eye view for yourself—but keep your feet back on land—a strenuous trail climbs 2,500 feet up towering Pedra da Gávea. This stoic sentinel and oceanfront rock is a classic Rio landmark, though the round-trip climb can take a whole day—even for seasoned hikers.
Practical Info
Sao Conrado Beach is located between Leblon and neighboring Barra de Tijuca. While it’s common to see surfers out in the waves, the water quality is poor, and since the currents can often be very strong it’s best just to stay on shore.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 44