About Rio de Janeiro

The capital of Rio welcomes its visitors with open arms. When you combine hospitality, joy, and beautiful tourist locations, it’s no surprise that Rio is one of Brazil’s most visited and revered cities. Sugar Loaf and Corcovado are only two of the city’s astounding attractions. Sugar Loaf has a cable car that will take you high up to view a heliport, a restaurant and an amphitheater. “The Christ” is one of the city's most famous pieces. With a height of 710 meters and a weight of 700 tons, it provides you with a panoramic view of the entire city. And yet another beautiful and exuberating experience extends its hand to you if you consider a train ride through the National Park of Tijuca.

Of course, there is more to Rio than breathtaking views. From ecological walks through the Tijuca Forest or the Botanical Garden, to attractions of cultural significance like the National Historical Museum or local beaches, the marvelous city has a plethora of activities for each and every visitor.

Ecology

After you visit the beaches, it is time to become ecologically acquainted with the city. Begin with a walk through the Tijuca Forest, which offers great stopping grounds like the Vista Chinesa. At this location you can see the city and the Tauney fall. A walk through the Botanical Garden provides yet another educational and ecological experience. Parks like the Cidade and Parque Laje, among others, will complete your very natural experience.

Culture

When you are done exploring the ecological side of town, you can begin discovering the deeply-rooted cultures that have shaped the downtown area. In the neighborhood of Flameng, you can visit the Modem Art Museum. Other attractions include: Paço Imperial, the Municipal Theater, and the Belas Artes Museum. Rio offers its visitors diverse museum experiences, extending this influence by exposing its own history, as monuments from the Empire times proudly stand. The Candelária Church is an example, since it was built in place of the city’s first church. Other attractions like the São Bento Monastery are also worth visiting.

Sports

If you love sports, you can count on a packed itinerary. Visit to the largest soccer stadium in the world, the Maracaña! The Maracaña offers guided tours even when there are no games! Don’t miss out; take some time to explore the many other sporting attractions this wonderful city has to offer.

Beaches

If you are craving fun in the sun, a visit to the beach may just be the remedy! Consider trying the world-renowned Copacabana. The Copacabana is famous for its walkway, from which tourists can explore Ipanema, Leblon and other beautiful beaches. Other beaches you can reach from the Copacabana are: São Conrado, Barra da Tijuca and Recreio.

Shopping

If shopping is your hobby, you’re in luck. With large centers like Barrashopping, Rio Sul and Citta America, tourists have numerous stores and services right at their fingertips. For those who wish to take home a small piece of Rio, handcrafting fairs like Babilonia Feira Hype offer unique items for purchase. If you have children, The New York City Center, equipped with cinemas and electronic games, is a great, fun-filled locality.

Nightlife

Take advantage of a vibrant and youthful nightlife. In its South Side, the city offers shows, specialty restaurants, bars and discos, and seafront options. These attractions can be found in the neighborhoods of Leblon, Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca and beyond. With such a variety of entertainment venues, something is sure to strike your fancy.

Information

You can obtain more information at Riotur, the city's official tourism entity.

Folha do Turismo Edição Especial-BTL (janeiro/01)