1. CORCOVADO

The most famous postcard in Rio includes the Cristo Redentor / Photo: Gisele Teixeira

Corcovado mountain lies to the west of the city centre and towers over Rio de Janeiro at an impressive 710 meters (2,329 ft). The name in Portuguese translates as "hunchback" and it’s one of Rio's most famous icons and known worldwide for the iconic statue of Jesus that stands atop its peak – Cristo Redentor or Christ the Redeemer – with his arms stretched out as if embracing Rio.

The Corcovado is without a doubt Rio's most famous landmark and a visit to Christ the Redeemer is an absolute must on your vacation in Rio. Not only for the unrivalled views of Rio de Janeiro, but also for being one of the tallest and most impressive monuments in the world. The project began in 1824 with the construction of a train track to the mountain top and it wasn’t until 1922 that the first stone of the Christ sculpture was placed, completed 9 years later, making it one of the most important engineering masterpieces in Brazil. In 2007, the Christ Redeemer statue was voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the Modern World along with other manmade structures such as the Great Wall of China and Machu Picchu in Peru.

A trip up Corcovado hill is the most popular Rio tourist activity, to see both the statue and enjoy the magnificent view of the bay and the city. To get the most out of your Rio sightseeing trip, be sure to choose a clear day.

Travel Tip: Book your guided tour to Christ the Redeemer and Floresta da Tijuca now. You won't regret it!

2. SUGAR LOAF MOUNTAIN

The Sugar Loaf Mountain is a must stop for anyone visiting Rio for the first time / Photo: Daytours4u

Pão de Açúcar in Portuguese or Sugar Loaf in English is a mountain located at the mouth of Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro. Sugar loaf Mountain, which is an instantly recognisable part of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic landscape, towers at an impressive 396 metres (1.299ft) and lies amongst two other smaller hills: the Morro da Babilônia (Babylon Mountain) and Morro da Urca (Urca's Mountain).

Sugar Loaf Mountain is one of several monolithic morros of granite and quartz that rise straight from the water's edge around Rio de Janeiro. Sugar Loaf Mountain received its name due to its resemblance to the traditional shape of a loaf of refined sugar and its image - along with the Bondinho (cable car) that connects it to the other two morros – has become famous around the world.

The sublime view of Rio from the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain attracts thousands of visitors a year, most of them opting for the more convenient ascent by cable car, others however relying on ropes, climbing gear and plenty of perspiration to get to the top. Sugar Loaf Mountain is also hugely popular amongst rock climbers from around the globe who want to experience one of the largest urban climbing areas in the world with more than 270 climbing routes with varying levels of difficulty.

Visitors can also get to the top taking a glass panelled cable car commonly known as the Bondinho do Pão de Açúcar. The Sugar Loaf cable car was the first cable system built in Brazil and the third in the whole world. For over a hundred years now, this glass-panelled cable car has connected Praia Vermelha (Red Beach) in the neighbourhood of Urca with the Morro de Urca and Sugar Loaf Mountain by a route of 1400 meters, with a capacity of 65 passengers.

From Sugar Loaf Mountain you can truly enjoy a spectacular view of one of the most beautiful sights of the world. A great tip is to arrive an hour before the sun goes down and watch a romantic sunset before seeing Rio de Janeiro’s city lights come on.

Travel Tip: Enjoy our Sugar Loaf with Panoramic Views of the Beaches

3. THE HISTORICAL CENTRE OF RIO DE JANEIRO

In the centre of Rio are concentrated several of the historical constructions and monuments more outstanding of the city / Photo: Daytours4u

In Rio de Janeiro's centro or downtown you can find quite a few of Rio’s most important historical treasures where, as is the case with most major cities, they’re hidden away in the financial district. Some of the largest companies in Brazil have their head offices there, including Petrobras and Vale (formerly Companhia Vale do Rio Doce)

You’ll get more out of your sightseeing tour in downtown Rio if you visit on weekdays when most of the venues, places of interest, restaurants and cafes are open and there is more security in the area. On weekends, however, you can often find cultural activities or specific exhibitions in the various cultural centres.

Important landmarks in Rio's Centro

Places of interest in the historic centre of Rio include the Paço Imperial built during the colonial era to serve as a residence for the Portuguese governors of Brazil and which later became an important cultural centre. There are also many historic churches, such as the beautiful Candelária Church, the incredibly striking and modern Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro and the Colonial Cathedral, one of the city's most important historic buildings.

The historical centre of Rio has one of the most interesting spots in the city, Floriano Square, better known as Cinelândia square (cinema-land) as it used to be surrounded in the early 20th century by the best cinemas in Rio de Janeiro. A lot of the old cinemas have closed their doors now, but the stunning belle-époque buildings still stand around the lively square, filled with cafes and restaurants. Cinelândia is surrounded by the splendid Municipal Theatre, the National Library and the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes.

If you like art and history you will certainly enjoy visiting the Museu Nacional (National Musuem), a former Imperial Palace built by the King of Portugal Don Jõao VI to encourage research on the new continent. The museum nowadays holds one of the largest collections of the Americas, consisting of animals, insects, aborigine utensils, Egyptian mummies and many other archaeological findings of Brazil and South America.

Also enjoy a lovely walk outdoors along the Passeio Publico, an 18th-century carefully designed public garden. Don't miss the stunning arches of the Rio Aqueduct also known as the Arcos da Lapa (Arches of Lapa), located in the beautiful and lively neighbourhood of Lapa. This famous Rio landmark is a Roman-style aqueduct built around 1750 in order to bring water from the Carioca River to the city. Up until recently it could be traversed aboard the Bondinho de Santa Teresa, a carriage that departed from the city centre station, across the aqueduct – which was converted into a tram viaduct in 1896 - and rambled through the cobbled streets of the beautiful neighbourhood of Santa Teresa.

Travel Tip: Enjoy our Classic City Tour in Rio de Janeiro and have an unforgettable experience!

4. RIO’S BEACHES

The Copacabana beachside boardwalk is about 4.15 km and runs along the beaches of Leme and Copacabana / Photo: Daytours4u

Rio de Janeiro is known for its magnificent beaches. The beaches of Rio de Janeiro are the places where cariocas and tourists come to enjoy their free time and anyone who has ever been in Brazil can tell you that there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. Sunbathing, surfing, running, playing football or simply sipping a cold beer, mate or, even better, a refreshing Coconut Water: spending the day on a Rio beach is pure pleasure!

Copacabana

Beautiful Copacabana Beach is what usually comes to mind when one thinks of beaches in Rio de Janeiro. It's located adjacent to the neighbourhood with the same name and is a stunning long, wide, crescent shaped stretch of beach, great for sunbathing and swimming. Copacabana's famous sidewalk is decorated with black and white tiles, forming waves on the pavement and makes for the perfect promenade to stroll along and take in the view of the beautiful beach. Copacabana’s main street, Avenida Atlantica, is where the largest number of Rio de Janeiro’s hotels are located, including the luxury Sofitel Rio Palace and the exclusive Copacabana Palace Hotel, the oldest one in the city, built in 1923.

Ipanema

Ipanema is the second most famous beach in Rio de Janeiro. It starts at Pedrado Arpoador (Arpoador Stone), on the border with Copacabana, and ends at Jardim de Alá (Alah Garden), a complex of squares and gardens along the canal that connects Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas to the sea. The quiet beaches of Ipanema are very different from the busy neighbourhood. It is one of the most expensive and elegant places to live in Rio de Janeiro, with 7.5 kilometers of beach (4.6 miles). It is considered the sexiest beach, with soft white sand, crystal clear waters, a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, attractive bronzes, tiny bikinis and many surfers. Its cool blue waters invite tourists to take a bath.

Leblon

Leblon has the quietest and cleanest beaches in the surrounding area, it is undoubtedly one of the most expensive and chic areas in Rio. Its beaches are often preferred by families and all those looking for a quiet place to relax, read, exercise or just take a nap. However you have to be careful with the strong currents on Leblon beach, so it is better not to swim too far, especially on rainy days.

Barra de Tijuca

The neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca, located southwest of the center of Rio de Janeiro, is a little out of the traditional tourist circuit. This is a new neighborhood that in the last thirty years has earned the nickname of Brazil's Miami, thanks to its large condominiums and shopping malls. This is where you can find Rio's largest beach, Barra da Tijuca Beach, which stretches 18 kilometers along the coast. This is the favorite place for surfers and fishing enthusiasts. Every year its beaches are becoming more and more popular.

Travel Tip: Enjoy our Classic City Tour in Rio de Janeiro and have an unforgettable experience.

5. SANTA TERESA

The Santa Teresa cable car is a last living memory, tourist attraction and historical relic of a nostalgic transportation / Photo: Gisele Teixeira

Santa Teresa is a beautiful neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, located near the Center and Lapa, and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. In the 19th century, Portuguese settlers built their first mansions around the convent of Santa Teresa, a strategic place to have a beautiful view of the city and the ships that arrived at Guanabara Bay.

Towards the 60's and 70's the upper class began to move to more modern areas, such as Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca. Over the years, its winding cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and the picturesque majesty of its colonial mansions have made Santa Teresa a popular place among artists and tourists visiting Rio de Janeiro, rediscovering it as one of the most important tourist sites.

Take a trip to Rio de Janeiro's past by strolling through the picturesque cobblestone streets of Santa Teresa. Discover the craft shops, art galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants of this bohemian neighborhood. A good tip: walk to Parque das Ruinas, where you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the city. It's the perfect opportunity to take beautiful pictures of your vacation in Rio de Janeiro!

6. BOTANICAL GARDEN OF RIO

The Botanical Garden is a great option for those who want to relax, study and enjoy nature / Source

The Botanical Garden is located at the foot of the mountain of Corcovado, under the right arm of the statue of Christ the Redeemer. This 140-hectare (1.4 square kilometers) park is home to more than 6,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including 900 different kinds of palm trees. The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden was created by Dom Joao VI with the aim of acclimatizing some of the plant species that were brought to Brazil during the colonization of the West Indies. This is one of the tourist attractions you can not miss in Rio, as it is one of the largest natural sanctuaries in the world. The Botanical Garden is the perfect place for a pleasant walk among exotic birds and playful micos that you will find during the tour.

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is isolated from the noises of the city, so you'll feel away from the hustle and bustle. In addition, the dense tropical vegetation creates cool, shaded nooks and crannies, making it an ideal place to travel on a hot day. Among the most important points within the park are the majestic Avenida de las Palmeras and the incredible orchid garden; you will also find a museum, a cafeteria with a terrace, a gift shop and a sensory garden for the blind. Although not so well known, this is a highly recommended activity, almost unmissable, during your vacation in Rio de Janeiro.

Travel tip: Book your guided tour to Cristo Redentor and Floresta da Tijuca now. You won't regret it!

7. LAPA

The Arcos da Lapa is the largest architectural work in Brazil during the colonial period / Source

Lapa is a neighborhood located right next to the center of Rio de Janeiro, hidden away from the coastal tourist places of Ipanema and Copacabana. Since the 1950s Lapa has been famous for its lively cultural life, with its numerous restaurants and bars that over the years have become the meeting place for Brazilian artists and intellectuals.

It has a great variety of samba bars, forró and show houses, such as the beautiful Scenarium River, Democráticos, Voador Circo and Fundición Progresso (where many international bands play). At night the neighborhood turns into an outdoor party with its cobblestone streets full of tourists, artists and cariocas. If you want to experience the real nightlife in Rio, walk the streets of Lapa on a Friday night and enjoy some caipirinhas or a fruit cocktail while listening to good music. A visit to Lapa after the sun goes down is an experience not to be missed during your vacation in Rio de Janeiro. Remember to always be alert and keep an eye on your belongings, as Lapa can be very crowded at night.

8. MARACANA STADIUM

The Maracanã Stadium was the scene of an epic moment in world football: The thousandth goal of Pelé / Source

It's no secret that football is an essential role in Brazilian culture. If you are a football fan, or just a curious tourist, you can't miss the opportunity to watch a football match in Rio de Janeiro at the famous Maracana stadium.

It is famous for many reasons. It is the venue of the Campeonato Carioca and the official stadium of Rio's four most important football teams: Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco da Gama. It was also the place where the extraordinary Pelé celebrated the 1,000th goal of his career in 1969.

Likewise, the Maracana has been home to major events such as the masses celebrated by Pope John Paul II, international concerts and sporting events.

9. RODRIGO DE FREITAS LAGOON

On the banks of the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the locals and visitors enjoy sports, picnics and moments of relaxation / Photo: Gisele Teixeira

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, better known as Lagoa, is a natural lagoon located in the Southern Zone and is one of the main symbols of Rio. It is a lake that is connected to the ocean by a narrow channel that crosses the park Jardim d'Alá and is surrounded by the neighborhoods of Ipanema, Leblon, Botanical Garden, Copacabana and Botafogo.

It is a wonderful place to go for a walk and enjoy a romantic and relaxing walk by the lake. Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon has a bicycle path 7.2 kilometers long and a path to walk around it. Bicycles can be rented near Brigadeiro Faria Lima Park, or enjoy a unique view of Rio by renting a rowboat on the lake. During the Christmas season the lagoon attracts a large number of visitors who come to see the traditional and huge Christmas tree, built on a floating platform that moves around the lagoon.

For those who prefer to have a caipirinha, rather than pedal or skate around the lake, there are the Parque dos Patins kiosks, an open-air place with a large selection of restaurants serving everything from Italian to Japanese food. After nine o'clock in the evening you can enjoy Brazilian music and live jazz. Laguna Rodrigo de Freitas is between Avenida Epitacio Pessoa and Avenida Borges de Medeiros.

Travel Tip: Book your guided tour to Christ the Redeemer and Floresta da Tijuca now. Don't be left with the desire to live this great adventure!

10. TIJUCA FOREST

The Tijuca Forest is one of the largest forests in the world / Photo: Daytours4u

It is one of the main tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro. The Tijuca forest is within the Tijuca National Park, the largest urban rainforest, located in the center of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

In the 19th century the Tijuca forest was almost completely deforested to make room for coffee plantations. In 1861 the government recognized that the deforestation was affecting the local precipitations and generating scarcity of potable water, reason why it was developed, throughout 13 years, a project of reforestation of place.

Today, the Tijuca forest is one of the most important natural areas of the city, considered the "green lung" of Rio de Janeiro. It is full of Amazonian vegetation, waterfalls and lagoons, and if you are lucky you may run into tropical butterflies and monkeys. In 1961 the Tijuca forest was declared a National Park. Some of the tourist attractions found in the park are: the iconic Christ the Redeemer on top of the Corcovado mountain, the Cascatinha cascade, the Mayrink Chapel, the Lago da Fada (Lake Fairy), the Acude da Solidão and several caves. Keep in mind that to visit the most outstanding points of interest in Tijuca National Park, it takes at least 2 days, since some of its best attractions, such as the Pedra da Gavea, absorb you a whole day between going and returning.

The park also has several viewpoints, such as Vista Chinesa and Mesa do Imperador. From there you can enjoy an incredible and unforgettable view of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay. Don't miss this important place of interest during your vacation in Rio!

By: Daytours4u Content Team