Culture & Recreation in Rio de Janeiro

1. Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach stretches over three miles along Avenida Atlantica and is known as one of the world’s most beautiful and famous beaches. With activities up and down the beach, it’s easy to stay entertained for an entire vacation. Beach sports are big here; volleyball nets line the beach, and soccer courts are available too, as well as training equipment for a quick beach workout. After working up a sweat, sit back and enjoy the beautiful ocean vistas while grabbing some fresh coconut water. There are many bars and restaurants along the beach; travelers should check out Confeitaria Colombo – a popular spot for food and drinks among the locals.

Avenida Atlantica and Rua Paula Freitas, Zona Sul, Rio de Janeiro, BR

2. Carioca Tropical Tour Operator

Carioca Tropical Tour Operator offers a truly personalized travel experience in Rio de Janeiro. Multi-lingual guides pick guests up directly from their hotels in a few different locations – Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. The expedited pick-up process takes between 20 and 30 minutes, which helps maximize the excursion time. Guests can see Christ the Redeemer up close and without the crowds, skip the line at Rio Scenarium – one of Rio’s hottest night clubs – or simply spend the day exploring the great city of Rio de Janeiro. Whatever the choice, the expert guides at Carioca Tropical Tour will provide an unforgettable experience.

Avenue Nossa Sra. de Copacabana, 534 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, BR, Phone: +55-21-25-47-63-27

3. Catedral Metropolitana

When visiting Rio de Janeiro, visitors won’t want to miss Catedral Metropolitana, a historic site nestled in the heart of Rio. Based on the Mayan architectural style of pyramids, this modern-day rendition looks oddly out of place in downtown Rio. However, once inside, something magical happens. Spectacular 64-meter-tall stained glass windows appear as though they’re reaching for the heavens above with their vibrant array of colors. Designed by Edgar Fonseca and built between 1964 and 1979, this church is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of Rio de Janeiro. A statue of the saint is near one of the cathedral’s side entrances.

Av. Chile, 245 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, BR, Phone: +55-21-22-40-26-69

4. Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil

The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil was established in 1986 and has three different sites in Brazil – Brasilia, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro – with the Rio site being the largest. The three museums are among the top 100 most visited art museums in the world, and the Rio site is ranked #20. The museum in Rio de Janeiro is housed in a 1906 neoclassical building designed by Francisco Joaquim Bethencourt da Silva that was completely restored before opening in 1989. It has theaters, a cinema, and multiple art galleries. There is also a tea room and a restaurant where visitors can relax between galleries.

Primeiro de Marco 66, Rio de Janeiro, BR, Phone: +55-21-38-08-20-20

5. Christ the Redeemer

Considered the largest Art Deco statue in the world, and the second largest statue of Jesus in the world, Christ the Redeemer is Brazil’s most famous monument. Made from concrete and soapstone, the iconic Christ the Redeemer was designed by local engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and was sculpted by Frenchman Paul Landowski. The monument’s construction began in 1922 and finished in 1931. Well known for the breathtaking views overlooking Rio from Corcovado peak and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the world in 2007, it’s a must-visit when in Rio.

Parque Nacional da Tijuca - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, BR

6. Prainha Beach

A short drive southwest of Rio de Janeiro leads visitors to a secluded half-moon shaped beach surrounded by high cliffs and rocks. This out-of-the-way beach is the ideal location for surfing some beautiful breaks. Because of the natural land formation here, the waves hit fast and large, and with them comes a strong undertow. Going deep into the water at Prainha Beach should be reserved for those with a lot of surfing or swimming experience. It’s best to make arrangements with taxis recommended by the hotel to be dropped off and picked up at the beach. If hunger strikes, surfers can make their way up to Mirante da Prainha, a casual restaurant overlooking the beach.

Grumari, Rio de Janeiro, BR,

7. Ipanema Beach

Ipanema Beach is a vivacious beach located between Arpoador Beach and Leblon Beach, and it is known to house some of Rio’s wealthiest residents. Known as the “little Paris” of Rio, the area is popular for its avant-garde style galleries, movie theatres, and bookstores. Every Sunday it plays host to the Hippie Fair, where local vendors get the chance to showcase some of their artistry. Visit Benkei for its famous sushi, pop into Casa de Feijoada for authentic Brazilian Feijoada, or check out Garota de Ipanema for a delicious cocktail. Ipanema Beach, renowned for its beautiful sunsets, is another must-visit beach while in Rio de Janeiro.

Avenida Vieira Southo (from Avenidas Rainha Elizabeth to Epitácio Pessoa), Ipanema, BR

8. Largo do Boticario

Located in the Cosme Velho neighborhood tucked behind the Corcovado Mountain, Largo do Boticario is a famous square known for its beautiful examples of late 18th century Portuguese colonial architecture. With its brightly painted buildings and welcoming local painters and art dealers, travelers will enjoy an intimate traditional experience here. Away from the hustle and bustle of the beach scene and surrounded by Atlantic Forest vegetation, Largo do Boticario will provide a slower and more laid back atmosphere for its visitors. While in the neighborhood, travelers will also want to check out the Rio Carioca and the Corcovado Railway.

Beco do Boticário, s/n - Cosme Velho, Rio de Janeiro, BR, Phone: +55-2-10-00-00-00

9. Morro da Urca

Situated in the neighborhood of Urca near the eastern edge of Rio de Janeiro’s Zone Sul, Morro da Urca is a popular mountain for locals and travelers who enjoy hiking. With a summit elevation of 722 feet and a roundtrip trail length of two miles, this hike typically takes anywhere from one to 1.5 hours to complete and is considered an easy hike. On the way up, hikers can expect to see large beautiful trees with huge root systems, wooden stairs carved into the hillside, and maybe even some marmosets (little monkeys). At the summit, hikers are rewarded with a beautiful view of Botafogo and the Guanabara Bay.

10. Morro Dois Irmaos

Found in the beautiful neighborhood of Vidigal, Morro Dois Irmaos has a summit elevation of 1,748 feet above sea level. From the trailhead, it’s about 2 miles roundtrip. The hike itself should only take a couple of hours, but allow more time for getting to the trailhead. The easiest and fastest way to get to the trailhead is by favela motorbikes; what takes them 10 minutes could easily be a difficult 1.5-hour walk. After reaching the summit, hikers can expect to see some of the most astounding 360 degree views of Rio de Janeiro below.

Vidigal, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, 22450-242, Brazil Phone: +5-52-19-83-94-49-28