5 Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro Brazil
The clock is ticking and the world is watching Rio de Janeiro as it gets ready for World Cup 2014 and Olympics 2016. Known as ‘one of the most beautiful cities in the world’, a Rio de Janeiro is
four hours and 57 minute drive from Sao Paulo, the largest city in Brazil and
eight hours 50 minutes flight from Miami USA.
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular destination for tourists who are traveling to Brazil. It has the culture, history, food and of course the world’s most famous festival called the Carnaval since the 1800s. Rio is served by over
25 airlines from around the world.
In January 2013, The New York Times rated Rio de Janeiro as the top destination for 2013 in its article
The 46 Places to Go in 2013. The reason being “the whole world will be there in 2014.”
To help you plan your trip to Rio de Janeiro, here are Travelmath’s five things to do in Rio de Janeiro:
One: Beaches
The 2.5 miles Copacabana Beach has appeared in magazines, movies, songs, books and is one of the most popular beaches in Rio de Janeiro. Sun-seekers and beach-goers from around the world come year round for this beautiful sandy beach with ample sun and beautiful bikini-clad girls.
Soccer enthusiasts are seen playing with friends, family or strangers and nearby restaurants including the famous Copacabana Palace Hotel serves up the best cocktails and meals in town. Don’t forget to try the local cocktail called
caipirinha.
The other neighboring beaches include Ipanema, Arpoador, Leblon and Barra da Tijuca.
Two: Sugar Loaf Mountain
On a clear day, Sugar Loaf Mountain offers the most beautiful view of Rio de Janeiro. Take the cable car to Morro da Urca first and then to Sugar Loaf. The cable car ride itself is a great attraction for tourists. The cable car system started serving the Sugar Loaf in 1912. The current bubble-shaped transparent plexiglass cable cars give passengers a 360 degree view of the area.
From Sugar Loaf Mountain you can view Copacabana Beach, Guanabara Bay, Corcovado Mountain with Christ the Redeemer and Rio’s massive skyline.
Three: Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
You can’t leave Rio de Janeiro without visiting the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of Corcovado Mountain. This 38 meters tall statue is Rio de Janeiro’s icon. The world’s biggest art deco was sculpted by French sculptor Paul Landowski in the 1920s and was opened in 1931.
There are four ways to get to the top of Corcovado Mountain. Either take the 30 minutes funicular ride, by car, bus or van. The easiest way to get to Corcovado Mountain to view Christ the Redeemer is to join an organized tour with a qualified tour guide and driver.
Four: Escalaria Selarón
The 250 famous steps in the neighborhood of Lapa were created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. The artist used mostly donated tiles from over 60 countries to decorate the old steps in his neighborhood. It started out as a fun project outside his apartment in the 90s and until the day he died in January 2013. There are over 2,000 tiles on these steps.
Escalaria Selarón is best visited during the day. You will find tiles from Florida, Vancouver, Jerusalem and as far as Kazakhstan too.
Five: Churrascaria
Brazilians and foreigners alike love barbecue houses with all-you-can-eat meats in Rio de Janeiro. They call it churrascaria. One of the best places to experience churrascaria is at the Carretão.
Carretão has two locations in Rio. They are located in Copacabana and Ipanema beach areas. The all-you-can-eat menu includes meats with all types of cuts, salads, hors d’oeuvres, and a Japanese food buffet.
Don’t forget to try one of the best cuts called picanha or top sirloin steak. Most Brazilians will tell you that picanha is the best part of the barbecue meat.
Rio de Janeiro is getting a makeover as it prepares to welcome the world in 2014 and 2016. Most locals and tourists will warn you to be careful with your personal belongings when walking in the streets and beaches of Rio de Janeiro.
For help with accommodation in Rio, please check out Travelmath’s
hotel list. Have a safe trip.
