 Guanabara Bay Rio de Janeiro |
Rio is the principal tourist destination of Brazil and the main image that the world has of Brazil. Approximately 1 million tourists visit the city each year.There are a host of things to do and see in this bustling city pinned against the sea.
The beaches ( Copacabana, Ipanema, Leme,and a little further - Barra), the wonderful views from Corcavado ( statue of christ ) and Sugar Loaf, the sambadrome, the carnival, Tijuca national forest park, Maracana stadium the Botanical gardens ( Jardim Botanico). There are also fine restaurants ( see Eating out in Rio page ), good music and lively night life. |
 A view from Sugar Loaf (Pao de Acucar) |
You can go to the top of Corcavado by train. This is an interesting ride but the easiest way of seeing both Corcavado and Sugar loaf is to strike a deal with a taxi driver to take you to both and wait around for you. He can drive you to the top of Corcavado or wait for you at the train station. You can probably get a taxi for about 100 Reais or less, assuming about 3 or 4 hours to do both sites. Agree an 'off the meter' price before you go. Fantastic views of the city from Sugar Loaf and Corcavado ( the statue of Christ). Visit Sugar Loaf first as the view from Corcavado is even more spectacular. Go on a clear day, obviously and if possible catch a sunset. |
 Stroll along Copacabana's beach front |
The beach front is where Cariocas ( inhabitants of Rio ) like to walk, jog, run, cycle,etc. If you don't feel like exercising just sit at one of the beach front kiosks and enjoy an ice-cold coconut milk drink or something a little stronger. On Sundays in Ipanema and Leblon one side of the beach front road is closed to traffic to enable all residents to enjoy a beach front stroll. At the weekends in Copacabana there is a beach front market , useful for souvenirs, beach wear, summer clothes etc. |
| Old Rio Rio was the Capital of Brazil for 2 centuries and is rich in old buildings and history. In addition to visiting the world famous sites you may be interested in exploring old Rio. These walks are 20 minutes by car from Copacabana and Ipanema. Either get a taxi or the Metro ( which is clean, efficient and safe ) or a local bus if feeling adventurous. |
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Old Rio 1 -Start at Cinelandia ( so called because it was the cinema centre in the days before multiplexes. Several cinemas still remain such as the Odeon ( see map)). This area is in the city centre and can be reached by Metro (it has its own stop called Cinelandia marked on the map to the right). Referring to the map -in this area you can visit the Theatro Municipal, Musea Nacional de Bela Artes (collection of brazilian 19th century art, R$4 entry fee), the Biblioteca Nacional ( national library containing 15000 rare works and art objects), visit the Navegador for a traditional lunch, take a cold beer at Amarelinho sidewalk cafe |
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Start this walk at the Metro Carioca. Most of these sites are old colonial buildings although the Bar Luiz (#3) is in the art deco style and a good place to rest your feet and have an ice cold draft beer. The Confeitaria Colombo (#7) is a good stop for a coffee and a sweet. |
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