Choose from 76 Fun Things to Do in Rio De Janeiro
ShowingFilter 61-76 of 76 listings.
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
Maracana Stadium
The gigantic Maracana Stadium (Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho) is one of the most iconic soccer temples in South America, built to open the 1950 World Cup. The site holds the record for the largest attendance at a World Cup Final thanks to the 199,854 paying spectators who crammed into the stadium in 1950 and also hosted the FIFA World Cup Final again in 2014 and the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. Officially known as Mário Filho Stadium but called Maracana after the small river that runs alongside it, the arena is now a historical site dedicated to its former use as a world-class arena and event venue.
The Basics
When to Get There
Aside from rare events, access to the stadium is via official scheduled tours.
Music at Maracana
The Basics
Many half- and full-day Rio de Janeiro city tours include Maracana as a drive-by feature or photo op. And while the stadium no longer offers the intense football experience native to Brazil, the sports museum inside the stadium offers exhibits featuring photographs, championship cups, and Pele's famous No. 10 jersey. The legendary player scored his 1,000th goal on this hallowed field.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The metro will take you to Estacio Maracana, from where it is only a short walk to the stadium.
- Soccer buffs should book a VIP behind-the-scenes Maracana stadium tour to visit the field, locker rooms, and bench areas.
- The venue is wheelchair accessible.
- The stadium museum is open daily and charges a small admission fee.
The metro will take you to Estacio Maracana, from where it is only a short walk to the stadium.
When to Get There
Aside from rare events, access to the stadium is via official scheduled tours.
Music at Maracana
The stadium has hosted an array of concerts throughout the years, including performances by Tina Turner, Frank Sinatra, Madonna, and Paul McCartney.
Address: Rua Professor Eurico Rabelo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Museum open daily 9am"“5pm, except on game days
Admission: Museum: R$3
From $ 5
Sambadrome
Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome (also known as Sambodromo or Passarela do Samba Darcy Ribeiro) was designed and built by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in 1984. Established to host the city’s enormous Carnival celebration every year, the stadium features a 2,300-foot (700-meter) runway and seats 90,000 spectators.
The Basics
During Rio Carnival, Brazil's largest Carnival celebration, Samba schools parade through the center of the Sambadrome, with dancers performing their samba parade to impress the crowd with music, dancing, and floats. Seven teams compete each night in a concert that lasts more than 10 hours, and Carnival performance tickets are highly coveted. During the rest of the year, the Sambadrome hosts the occasional music concert. When not in use, the facility hosts Sambadrome tours that also visit a small museum (located on Rua Marques de Sapucai) that showcases its history and exhibits some costumes.
The Sambadrome is a must-see stop on comprehensive Rio de Janeiro tours. A stop at the stadium, along with entrance to the museum, is often combined with visits to other Rio landmarks, such as Copacabana Beach, the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio Botanical Gardens (Jardim Botanico).
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Sambadrome is accessible to the disabled and those in wheelchairs.
- Age limits for children depend on the event taking place; kids under 5 are not allowed to attend Carnival.
- The museum is the most interesting part of a visit during the offseason; visitors can also find a souvenir shop for some take-home goodies.
How to Get There
Taking the metro to the Praca Onze stop and then walking along Rue Julio do Carmo is the simplest way to reach the Sambadrome. Most Sambadrome tours provide round-trip transportation from downtown Rio de Janeiro.
When to Get There
Carnival is held every year in the middle of February—this is the best (and most popular) time to see the Sambadrome in action. Leading up to the actual parade days, the samba schools practice their routines during rehearsals that are free and open to the public.
Things to Know About Rio Carnival
Sambadrome Carnival ticket options range from air-conditioned boxes to concrete seating. Carnival events can last up to 12 hours, so attendees can bring a limited amount of food and drink, as well as photo and video devices. Walking freely through the stadium is permitted, although re-entry is not. With a huge police presence and private bodyguards celebrity visitors, Rio de Janeiro Carnival is reputed to be one of the safest events in South America.
Address: Rua Marquês de Sapucaí, Rio de Janiero, Brazil
From $ 36
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
Santa Teresa
This unlikely cobblestoned neighborhood close to the center of Rio de Janeiro has long been a tourist favorite among visitors to this Brazilian city. Santa Teresa is located on the top of the hill of the same name, and takes its name from a convent built in the 1750s. It has a history as an upper class neighborhood, as some of its larger and more elaborately built mansions can attest. Santa Teresa has become an artist enclave in recent years, and is a great place to spend an afternoon, wandering among eateries, enjoying a cold beer, and checking out galleries and stands where you can buy artists renderings of the Cidade Maravilhosa (amazing city, as Rio is frequently called), or other souvenirs.
There are also a few museums worth visiting, such as the main art museum, the Museu da Chácara do Céu, housed in art collector Raimundo Otoni Castro Moya’s former mansion, that has works from Miró and Matisse, among other greats. Other architectural surprises include the Russian Orthodox Church. For the moment, the only way to experience the famous tramway that brought residents and visitors to the top of Santa Teresa is through the museum, Museu do Bonde, which tells the tram’s story, and shows it crossing the Carioca Aqueduct, at over 45 meters in height. The tram has been out of service since 2011, but plans are afoot to get it back up and running in 2015. For now, visitors take a taxi or the bus up the hill.
Practical Info
The view over the Guanabara bay at night are not to be missed, and if you can time your visit to June or July, you might overlap with a weekend arts festival called Arte de Portas Abertas, with live music (mostly jazz), art and food stands held in the open air.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 43
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
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
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
Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar)
It’s easy to see why Rio de Janeiro was nicknamed the “Marvelous City” when you’re gazing down at it from the heights of Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar). From its soaring 1,300-foot (396-meter) summit, the city unfolds around you, with views of the iconic Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, the Tijuca Forest, and the Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue standing tall atop Corcovado Mountain to the west.
The Basics
As one of Rio’s most popular and enduring attractions, Sugarloaf Mountain deserves a spot on every itinerary, especially for first-time visitors. A two-stage cable car takes riders to the summit high above the city, with the first ascending 722 feet (220 meters) to Morro da Urca, where it’s possible to grab a snack as you overlook Guanabara Bay or hop on a helicopter tour. The second cable car ascends to the top, an experience included in most Rio sightseeing tours that also stop at attractions such as Corcovado Mountain, Santa Teresa’s art district, Copacabana Beach, Sambadrome, and Maracanã Stadium. Visitors pressed for time can pre-book skip-the-line Sugarloaf entrance with priority access to the cable car.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see for first-time visitors to Rio de Janeiro.
- Choose between skip-the-line admission and a small-group or private tour of the mountain.
- Kiosks at the top of the mountain serve snacks, sodas, ice cream, and caipirinhas.
- Remember to bring sunglasses and a hat, as it may be bright at the top of the mountain.
How to Get to Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain is a stop on almost every city tour, and most travelers get to the top by taking a cable car ride. Those with energy to burn can make the relatively easy hike up Urca Hill from the ground station to Morro da Urca (30 to 40 minutes), then ride the second cable car to the top. Buses 511 and 512 stop at the ground station on Avenida Pasteur.
When to Get There
Weekend afternoons tend to be the most crowded at Sugarloaf Mountain, with the longest cable car lines and the biggest crowds at the top. To avoid the lines and heat, plan for a morning tour. For one of the most impressive views the city has to offer, visit on a clear day just before sunset.
An Adventurous Ascent
Rock climbers from around the globe come to Rio for a chance to scale Sugarloaf Mountain, where 40 routes of varying difficulty lead to the top. Guided climbing tours outfit participants with all gear and equipment necessary to make the ascent with no previous experience required.
Address: Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Hours: Open daily. Cable cars leave every 20 minutes from 8am - 9pm
Admission: Free. Cable Car ticket - Adults: R$80; Children (6-12yrs): R$40
From $ 30
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
Rio de Janeiro Cruise Port
Already known as one of the world's most vibrant cities, Rio de Janeiro will likely see its popularity continue to soar as it hosts the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. A city of six million people, Rio is glittering, vibrant and sexy and is sure to dazzle most first-time visitors.
How to Get to Rio de Janeiro
Your ship will dock at Pier Maua, which is within walking distance of Rio's central business district. Taxis are readily available, or your cruise ship might arrange transportation for you to Copacabana, Ipanema or the city center. Some jewelry stores may also offer complimentary rides to and from their stores, usually located in Ipanema.
One Day in Rio de Janeiro
Start your day with a visit to one of Rio de Janeiro's most famous sites "“ Corcovado, the large art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer that stands over 2,000 feet above the city. Get there by taking the funicular from the Cosme Velho station first thing in the morning to enjoy the views and beat the crowds.
Then, head back to central Rio to explore some of the city's museums and churches. The 16th-century Mosteiro de Sao Bento, the 17th-century Convento do Santo Antonio and the 18th-century Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria are all worth a visit. Art lovers will then want to make their way to the Flamengo neighborhood, where you will find the Museu de Arte Moderna with its large contemporary art collection and the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, which showcases Brazil's top artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Spend the rest of the afternoon walking the length of Copacabana Beach, taking in Rio's legendary beach scene. Continue south to Ipanema, recently named the best beach city in the world. For a quick lunch, you can stop at a lunch counter around Copacabana or Ipanema for a sandwich and fresh fruit juice, or pull up a seat at an outdoor cafe and enjoy the people-watching.
If you have time for dinner before returning to your ship, don't miss dining at an all-you-can-eat churrascaria and sampling a caipirinha, a typical Brazilian drink made of sugar cane rum, lime and sugar.
Port Information
The official language in Brazil is Portuguese, but Spanish may also be spoken. English should be understood in hotels and shops. The local currency is the Brazilian real, but US dollars are widely accepted (change will be given in reales). You should be able to find ATM's and currency exchange offices throughout the city.
How to Get to Rio de Janeiro
Your ship will dock at Pier Maua, which is within walking distance of Rio's central business district. Taxis are readily available, or your cruise ship might arrange transportation for you to Copacabana, Ipanema or the city center. Some jewelry stores may also offer complimentary rides to and from their stores, usually located in Ipanema.
One Day in Rio de Janeiro
Start your day with a visit to one of Rio de Janeiro's most famous sites "“ Corcovado, the large art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer that stands over 2,000 feet above the city. Get there by taking the funicular from the Cosme Velho station first thing in the morning to enjoy the views and beat the crowds.
Then, head back to central Rio to explore some of the city's museums and churches. The 16th-century Mosteiro de Sao Bento, the 17th-century Convento do Santo Antonio and the 18th-century Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria are all worth a visit. Art lovers will then want to make their way to the Flamengo neighborhood, where you will find the Museu de Arte Moderna with its large contemporary art collection and the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, which showcases Brazil's top artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Spend the rest of the afternoon walking the length of Copacabana Beach, taking in Rio's legendary beach scene. Continue south to Ipanema, recently named the best beach city in the world. For a quick lunch, you can stop at a lunch counter around Copacabana or Ipanema for a sandwich and fresh fruit juice, or pull up a seat at an outdoor cafe and enjoy the people-watching.
If you have time for dinner before returning to your ship, don't miss dining at an all-you-can-eat churrascaria and sampling a caipirinha, a typical Brazilian drink made of sugar cane rum, lime and sugar.
Port Information
The official language in Brazil is Portuguese, but Spanish may also be spoken. English should be understood in hotels and shops. The local currency is the Brazilian real, but US dollars are widely accepted (change will be given in reales). You should be able to find ATM's and currency exchange offices throughout the city.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 66
Santa Marta Favela
The colorful, diagonally striped houses of the Santa Marta Favela cascade down the steep hillsides above Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro and house a community of residents living in a challenging socioeconomic environment. Courtesy of Dutch artists Dre Urhahn and Jeroen Koolhaas' Favela Painting Foundation, the artwork is meant to draw attention to populations that are traditionally excluded or overlooked, including that in Santa Marta.
The Basics
The innovative painting of the Santa Marta Favela has drawn global attention, especially after it was featured in the music video for Michael Jackson's 1996 hit They Don't Care About Us, a moment marked by a bronze Michael Jackson statue erected in the central square. Since then, guests have included singers Madonna and Alicia Keys, as well as Nobel Prize-winner Muhammad Yunus. Travelers to Rio can visit the favela on an educational guided group tour with the help of a guide who leads lead travelers through the maze-like streets while providing insight and context to the district and its contrast to other parts of Rio. Private tours offer personalized experiences and opportunities for cultural exchange.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A guided tour is the safest way to visit Santa Marta.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on steep, uneven surfaces.
- Ipanema and Leblon beaches are visible from the top of the hill.
- Some tours donate proceeds to Santa Marta nonprofits or employ local guides to give back to the community.
How to Get There
The best way to visit Santa Marta is on a guided tour, many of which include hotel pickup and drop-off. Or, get a moto-taxi to take you to the top of the hill, and walk back down through the neighborhood from there. The site is also accessible by bus.
When to Get There
Rio's climate is warm and comfortable year-round, although January temperatures can rise to 80°F (27°C).
A Note on the Ethics of Favela Tourism
We are sensitive to the issues and concerns surrounding favelas, and we understand that tours of them may not be suitable for everyone. We strongly believe that these tours are educational and allow for a better understanding of life inside Santa Marta.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 149
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
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
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
Sitio Roberto Burle Marx
Brazil’s most famous landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx, left his legacy all over the country and was known for creating some of the most beautiful park spaces in the city of Rio. His own home, the big estate that is today known as Sitio Roberto Burle Max, is no exception and is undoubtedly one of his masterpieces. The property is a former banana plantation, which Marx bought together with his brother in 1949 and transformed into intricately designed gardens. Today, over twenty years after the owner’s death, it takes 18 gardeners to care for the 40 hectare property, despite the almost complete lack of flowers. This design choice was Marx’s signature, as he wanted to achieve aesthetic timelessness and avoid seasonal changes. Instead, grasses, layers of shrubs and palm trees create flowing transitions between varying shades of green, with the occasional bromeliad adding a pop of color.
The gardens aren’t the only highlight though. Inside Marx’s original farmhouse and studio, many of his paintings, furniture and sculptures are on display and show the creative force of a design genius. You see, the famous designer was never married or had children and instead, dedicated his life to tirelessly working on his art. Visitors can also walk through the big dining room, where Marx welcomed Rio’s art world and admire the music room.
Practical Info
Sitio Roberto Burle Marx can be found in the Barra de Guaratiba neighborhood in the west of Rio de Janeiro. Marx’s estate opens Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 1:30pm, but a reservation in advance is necessary.
Address: Estrada Roberto Burle Marx, 2019, Rio de Janeiro, Barra de Guaratiba, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-1:30pm
From $ 93