Rio de Janeiro is Brasil’s second city and was its capital from 1763-1960, when Brasilia took over. I was at an academic conference in Rio and only had time to visit the following tourist attractions, based on usnews.
![]()
![]()
Ipanema Beach became famous with the bossa-nova song The Girl from Ipanema in 1962, and has drawn tourists ever since. The 3ks stretch of sand boasts gorgeous mountain views, beautiful Cariocas/Rio citizens and cobalt waters. While sunbathing, watch entertaining games of volleyball and frescobol/beach paddle ball, and smell fresh shrimp grilling nearby on skewers. Or leave the sand for a taste of local culture at nearby restaurants, shops and galleries.
The beach is divided into areas known as postos/lifeguard stands. Ipanema reaches from postos 8-12, with each stand offering changing rooms and restrooms for a small fee. Remember Ipanema is one of the most popular and crowded beaches, so it can be difficult to find a spot in the sand during Rio's peak season (Dec-Mar).
One of Rio's most popular shores, Copacabana is a public beach located in the heart of the luxurious Zona Sul neighbourhood. This beach is also marked by postos that offer changing rooms and restrooms. Copacabana's 4k stretch of sand runs from Postos 1-6, where a peninsula houses the Historical Museum of the Army and Copacabana Fort.
![]()
Avendia Atlantica
Full of authentic foods, lavish accommodations, see the beautiful Avendia Atlantica-seaside avenue made of mosaic tiles. Copacabana visitors rave about the clean sands and the people-watching. Since the sands are always crowded, locals recommend a sunset stroll by the water.
![]()
This hilly bohemian district boasts a fine array of art and architecture. Strolling along Santa Teresa's cobblestone streets, be enchanted by footpath mosaics, palatial mansions and art galleries. Conveniently situated in Lapa, this neighbourhood has Brasil’s traditional restaurants, bars and craft stores. This suburb showcases the best of colonial Rio, with vibrant street life that's safe to explore at night.
The trams in Santa Teresa were closed after a tragic accident in 2011. The lines were renovated and sections reopened for the 2016 Olympic Games, with full service being reinstated by 2017.
![]()
Ilha Fiscal
Away from the bustling sights and sounds of central Rio, Ilha Fiscal is a remote neo-Gothic castle that rests on a tucked away island in Guanabara Bay. Completed in 1889 and once a prime location for Brasilian Custom Service, Ilha Fiscal is now an illuminated city gem. Inside the castle, find hard-wood mosaic floors, elaborate stained glass, as well as the Ceremonial Room that's now used for Navy formal events.
Guided tours of Ilha Fiscal are held Thurs-Sunday afternoons from the Cultural Centre of the Navy, near Praça XV. The island is accessed by schooner and bus from the Naval Museum. Visit the Ilha Fiscal website.
![]()
![]()
Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is an iconic landmark. Recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Jesus Christ stands with arms outstretched to the city from above Corcovado Mountain's 710 ms elevation. Started in 1922 & completed in 1931, the concrete monument covered in soapstone mosaic tiles stands as a religious and cultural symbol of Brasil’s welcoming culture. The monument, in Tijuca National Park, is seen by c2 million people each year who recommend visiting on a day with clear skies since the view is staggering.
There are many ways to reach Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer. Using public transport, the bus runs from Rio to Copacabana or Ipanema to Cosme Velho. From there, go onto the friendly electric train to the foot of the statue. It's also accessible by foot from Parque Lage via a hiking trail located at the foot of the mountain. Be prepared: this 13ks trail is strenuous and includes steep inclines, but do tackle the hike.
There are many ways to reach Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer. Using public transport, the bus runs from Rio to Copacabana or Ipanema to Cosme Velho. From there, go onto the friendly electric train to the foot of the statue. It's also accessible by foot from Parque Lage via a hiking trail located at the foot of the mountain. Be prepared: this 13ks trail is strenuous and includes steep inclines, but do tackle the hike.
Copacabana
Ipanema Beach became famous with the bossa-nova song The Girl from Ipanema in 1962, and has drawn tourists ever since. The 3ks stretch of sand boasts gorgeous mountain views, beautiful Cariocas/Rio citizens and cobalt waters. While sunbathing, watch entertaining games of volleyball and frescobol/beach paddle ball, and smell fresh shrimp grilling nearby on skewers. Or leave the sand for a taste of local culture at nearby restaurants, shops and galleries.
The beach is divided into areas known as postos/lifeguard stands. Ipanema reaches from postos 8-12, with each stand offering changing rooms and restrooms for a small fee. Remember Ipanema is one of the most popular and crowded beaches, so it can be difficult to find a spot in the sand during Rio's peak season (Dec-Mar).
One of Rio's most popular shores, Copacabana is a public beach located in the heart of the luxurious Zona Sul neighbourhood. This beach is also marked by postos that offer changing rooms and restrooms. Copacabana's 4k stretch of sand runs from Postos 1-6, where a peninsula houses the Historical Museum of the Army and Copacabana Fort.
Full of authentic foods, lavish accommodations, see the beautiful Avendia Atlantica-seaside avenue made of mosaic tiles. Copacabana visitors rave about the clean sands and the people-watching. Since the sands are always crowded, locals recommend a sunset stroll by the water.
Santa Teresa
This hilly bohemian district boasts a fine array of art and architecture. Strolling along Santa Teresa's cobblestone streets, be enchanted by footpath mosaics, palatial mansions and art galleries. Conveniently situated in Lapa, this neighbourhood has Brasil’s traditional restaurants, bars and craft stores. This suburb showcases the best of colonial Rio, with vibrant street life that's safe to explore at night.
The trams in Santa Teresa were closed after a tragic accident in 2011. The lines were renovated and sections reopened for the 2016 Olympic Games, with full service being reinstated by 2017.
Ilha FiscalAway from the bustling sights and sounds of central Rio, Ilha Fiscal is a remote neo-Gothic castle that rests on a tucked away island in Guanabara Bay. Completed in 1889 and once a prime location for Brasilian Custom Service, Ilha Fiscal is now an illuminated city gem. Inside the castle, find hard-wood mosaic floors, elaborate stained glass, as well as the Ceremonial Room that's now used for Navy formal events.
Guided tours of Ilha Fiscal are held Thurs-Sunday afternoons from the Cultural Centre of the Navy, near Praça XV. The island is accessed by schooner and bus from the Naval Museum. Visit the Ilha Fiscal website.
Sugar Loaf Mountain
At 396 ms above Rio's bustling metropolis, visit Pão de Açúcar/Sugar Loaf Mountain cascades over the picturesque Guanabara Bay. From Praia Vermelha in the residential Urca district, take a 3-minute cable car ride up to Morro da Urca, then hop on another cable car up to Sugar Loaf’s top for a dazzling view of the city. These views are breath-taking, particularly at sunset. The mountain's park also includes a history exhibit, an interactive Cable Car Plaza that displays the original cable cars, the Baía de Guanabara Space's restaurants and shops, and an outdoor amphitheatre for 700.
Dec-March is Rio's peak season, including New Years Eve and summer carnival. But I didn’t enjoy the heat or humidity. So for more sensible conditions, I’d recommend visiting autumn (April-May) or spring (Oct-Nov). By Dr Joe
Dec-March is Rio's peak season, including New Years Eve and summer carnival. But I didn’t enjoy the heat or humidity. So for more sensible conditions, I’d recommend visiting autumn (April-May) or spring (Oct-Nov). By Dr Joe
Map of Brasil
Whereig.com