In front of Rio de Janeiro, located on the other side of Guanabara Bay, lies the City of Niteroi. It is not as well known as other cities in Brazil, but it is worth going through it and enjoying the attractions it offers us. It is one of the cities in Brazil with the best quality of life and is not as crowded with tourists as its neighboring Rio de Janeiro.

Here we are going to mention 10 things you can do in that place:

 

1- Rio - Niteroi Bridge

It has an extension of 13 kilometers, it is the longest bridge in Latin America. Its creation is due to the fact that, by land, the distance between Rio and Niteroi is 100km and in this way in a few minutes it is traveled. It opened in 1974 and has a total of  8 lanes. It is the gateway to the city and it is highly recommended to make the journey at sunset, especially going towards Rio.

 

From the Rio-Niteroi Bridge you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and one of the most memorable sun / Photo: Gonzalo Ramírez

 

If you have a rented car, this is a very nice option to enjoy. It's a few minutes of incredible views!

 

2- Itacoatiara Beach

First, we will mention a good initiative they have taken: Prohibit beachfront constructions of more than 2 floors. Prioritizing the natural environment over real estate interests is something to be celebrated by both locals and tourists!

Travel tip: If you go from Rio, you can arrive by car in approximately 2 hours, unless you go during Carnaval, on holidays or during the end of the year parties.

 

The water color of Itacoatiara Beach is very blue and very transparent / Photo: Gonzalo Ramirez

 

Itacoatiara is an open sea beach, this means strong waves, which encourages the arrival of surfers. The beach is not the largest, it has about 700 meters, but enough to have everything you need to enjoy the day.

The visual you have from the sand is unique! It is framed between 2 mountains that make it more beautiful. On the right side, we find a place one can go with children without fear of the strong tide which otherwise will not allow you to relax. It is called Prainha and has virtually no waves.

 

3- Da Cidade Park

It has one of the best views we can get from the city of Rio de Janeiro. We can distinguish the Pão de Açúcar, Pedra da Gávea, Morro Dois Irmãos, Corcovado among other typical beauties. Here you can relax and have a good time taking those indelible photos from the trip. There is also the possibility of paragliding.

Travel Tip: If you arrive by car, you can park without paying any fee. Keep in mind that weekends usually fill up.

 

The height of the Da Cidade park is approximately 270 meters / Photo: Source

 

Like all outdoor places, it doesn't hurt to bring plenty of water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and a hat. If they do not have a car, buses arrive leaving the Niteroi terminal. Although they leave us several blocks away, they can complete the journey with a Taxi or Uber.

There is a place that serves breakfast on weekends and its view is priceless.

 

4- Museum of Contemporary Art

Designed by one of the most famous architects in Brazil, Oscar Niemeyer. It was inaugurated in 1996 on the “Boa Viagem” viewpoint. It has a circular shape, has an auditorium, restaurant and exhibition halls. The views from inside also stand out.

 

The Niterói Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the main urban landmarks in the area / Photo: Gonzalo Ramírez

 

The words of its creator explaining the reason for his project are the following: “The architecture happened spontaneously like a flower. The view towards the sea was beautiful and had to be taken advantage of. Around the museum, I created an open gallery looking out towards the sea ”.

With this definition, it is worth going to enjoy the works of art on display and make a stop to try a delicious coffee in their bistro while contemplating the beauty that surrounds it.

Travel tip: If you are an art and culture lover, you cannot miss our Rio Four Wonders Jeep Tour.

 

5- Fortress of Santa Cruz da Barra

This construction dates back to the 1500s and historically was very important in the defense of the city and the bay. It had outstanding interventions during the French and Dutch invasions. Throughout its structure, we will be able to observe the rows of canyons that point to the entrance of Guanabara Bay. Like several of the places mentioned, the views obtained from here are also incredible.

 

The Fortress of Santa Cruz da Barra is a mandatory walk for those who visit Niterói and look for alternatives that associate history and nature / Photo: Canva Pro

 

Travel tip: The Fortress of Santa Cruz da Barra can be visited every day except Mondays and the entrance fee is economical.

There are several ways of getting there if you do not own a carl, but the following two are recommended: Take a taxi from the Niteroi bus terminal or go on one of the Tours in Rio that combine this excursion with other attractions on the tour.

 

6- Fort of São Luiz

Its origin is similar to the one mentioned in the previous point, it dates back to the 1500s. Its objective was also to defend the entrance of the city. It is part of the history of the beginnings of Brazil and without a doubt, it is worth listening to its history.

 

The ruins of the Fort of São Luiz or Forte do Pico retain much of its stone walls, access doors, galleries and tunnels that give it an air of mystery / Photo: Source

 

Although it does not currently have military activity, you can visit and enjoy views that leave you admiring from a distance the Morro de Urca, Christ the redeemer among others.

Travel Tip: It can be visited on weekends and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

7- Sossego Beach

This beach is not among the best known of Niteroi. In fact, you will not see many tourists here. And it is very small, just 150 meters long. It is located between the beaches of Piratininga and Camboinhas which are more popular.

Here you will not find food stands or facilities. Yes, from time to time street vendors will go by.

 

The Playa do Sossego is one of the most beautiful corners of the city and natural heritage of the municipality / Photo: Canva Pro

 

Travel tip: It is recommended that you bring food and drink. And very important, carry bags for waste because there are no garbage cans here and the intact natural beauty that is found must be preserved.

The plan here is to disconnect from everything and observe the city of Rio without any interference. It's all for you!

 

8- The People’s Theater

Another of the formidable works of Oscar Niemeyer. We can find it in the center of Niteroi and it was inaugurated shortly before its creator turned 100!

At his inauguration, he was accompanied by Gilberto Gil who was the Minister of Culture of Brazil at that time. And in his speech, he emphasized democratization and access to culture for all.

Inside we will be able to enjoy large glass windows and the color we are going to find the most of is white.

 

The People’s Theater has a capacity for 10,000 visitors and is the 6th building created by the architect Oscar Niemeyer in that city / Photo: Source

 

There are 4 bus lines that arrive at the place. Something that should not be overlooked is its glass wall that gives the possibility to contemplate the Bay from inside the same theater. You can attend dance, music, theater and other functions.

 

9- Public Library

Also located in the center of the city. It was opened in 1935. It has an inventory of more than 60,000 pieces counting books, newspapers, magazines and DVDs.

Travel Tip: The Public Library is an excellent space for study and reading. It has a heated environment and a new and very diverse collection.

In 2011 it was reopened after a major reform that modernized it. From there, you can also enjoy a children's space, reading in various technological media, screening films, concerts and open access readings. The beauty of its interior is worth the visit and enjoying some of its activities brings you closer to the culture of Brazil.

 

10- Camboinhas Beach

It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Niteroi. Recall that the coast of the city that overlooks the Bay of Guanabara is not suitable for bathing due to the contamination of its waters.

On the other hand, the coast that overlooks the open sea has alternatives that allow us to enjoy the sea in all its magnitude.

The visitors we will find are Niteroi neighbors or on weekends, the Cariocas! This makes the experience of visiting it make us feel like we are in another place.

 

The sea of ​​Camboinhas Beach is green and crystalline, with fine golden sand, where age doesn't matter, you can enjoy to do any of the activities that take place there / Photo: Source

 

Its stretch is very large. More than 2km of pure beach. The waves, being open sea, are quite rough. Here the options for eating are numerous. The premises are scattered about. Obviously their specialties are sea food. If we want to do some exercise, there is a lookout point that gives us a view that straight out relaxes you.

As you can see, just a few minutes from a city like Rio de Janeiro, you can find a jewel not so exploited by tourism, but with an infinite number of things to do and enjoy on our trip in the Brazilian lands.

 

By: Gonzalo Ramírez, author of the GonTraveler Travel Blog