Rio de Janeiro – Top Sites to Visit

Visitors to Rio de Janeiro will encounter one the world’s most amazing tourist locations. The city boasts amazing nightlife, food and beverage offerings, cultural and natural locations. Attractions such as Copacabana Beach are world famous and easily accessible from nearly all points of the city. Depending on the time of year, visitors will be able to participate in some of the world’s most famous events and festivals including Carnival as well as sample Brazil’s legendary samba and bossa nova musical concerts.

 

 

Corcovado

Undoubtedly the most famous landmark in all of Brazil, Corcovado is a 710-meter-high peak located in the Tijuca Forest, which is a national park itself. The top of the hill is home to the statue of Christ the Redeemer which is considered one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. Visitors can access the peak via the Corcovado Rack Railway, which has been in operation since 1884. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes, however due to crowds can include a several hours wait to board. The most popular attraction on the mountain is the statue and viewing platform, though the hill also offers a range of trails and climbing routes available.

Address: Estrada das Paineiras, s/n – Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, RJ,22241-330
Phone: +55 21 3900-6671
Operating Hours:
– Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm
– Tuesday 8:00am – 4:00pm
– Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm
– Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm
– Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
– Saturday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Sunday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Cost:
– Children under 4 FREE
– Children between 5 and 11 R$25.00
– Adults R$ 48.50
– Seniors over 60 R$ 12.50 (Brazilians and foreigners residing in Brazil)
Website

 

 

Jardim Botânico (Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden)

Opened in 1808 by D. João VI, the botanical gardens are considered one of the most important in the world and include plants from across the world. Located adjacent to the Tijuca Forest and Corcovado, the grounds include everything from an orchid house to Amazonian water lilies. Guests will explore trails that can be traversed on foot or using rentable electric cars. A highlight includes the Japanese Garden which includes more than 65 species of Japanese plants. The grounds include a wide array of monuments and are well known as a location to enjoy bird watching.

Address: Rua Jardim Botânico, 1008, Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro, RJ,22470-180
Phone: +55 21 3874-1808 / 3874-1214
Operating Hours:
– Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Tuesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Sunday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve 8:00am – 2:00pm
– Closed on 25th December and 1st January
Admission Cost:
– Visitors residents in the Metropolitan Area of Rio de Janeiro R$ 17.00
– Visitors residents in Brazil R$ 27.00
– Foreign visitors from MERCOSUR R$ 50.00
– Foreign visitors R$ 67.00
Website

 

 

Copacabana Beach

Considered to be one of the most famous beaches in the world, Copacabana Beach stretches across 4 kilometers of beautiful sand and clear blue ocean. Visitors will enjoy cafes, nightclubs, restaurants, bars and more all along the waterfront. Considered by some a city in itself, the area has gone through various construction projects to ease the flow of traffic and create more space for beachgoers. In addition to the beach itself, each end includes historic forts including Fort Copacabana and Fort Duque de Caxias which was built in 1779. The beach is host to one of the world’s largest new year’s eve celebrations.

Address: Avenida Atlântica, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22070-000
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost: N/A
Website (unofficial)

 

 

Palácio do Catete (Catete Palace)

Located in Rio de Janeiro’s Flamengo district, this was previously used as Brazil’s presidential palace. Construction began in 1858 and initially served as the residence of a Brazilian coffee producer. Visitors today can view the unique neoclassical style of architecture for the building which is now used as a theater and the home of the Republic Museum. The building was the site of many of Brazil’s famous historical events, including the signing of the declaration of war against the German Empire in World War I, the declaration of war in World War II, and the suicide of president Getúlio Vargas in 1954.

Address: Rua do Catete, 153, Glória, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22220-000
Phone: +55 21 2127-0324
Operating Hours:
– Monday closed
– Tuesday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday 11:00am – 5:00pm
– Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm
– Public holidays 11:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website

 

 

Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil

Rio de Janeiro is home to the largest Bank of Brazil Cultural Centers (CCBB) in the country. Located in an art deco building, the facility contains theaters, a cinema and various art galleries within it. The centers are among the top hundred most visited art and cultural destinations in the world and are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rio de Janeiro. Opened in 1989, the location in Rio de Janeiro also boasts its own tea salon and two auditory exposition rooms. The building venue was originally built in 1880 and is located in the downtown district of the city.

Address: Rua Primeiro de Março, 66, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20010-000
Phone: (21) 3808-2020
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:00am – 9:00pm
– Tuesday closed
– Wednesday 9:00am – 9:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 9:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 9:00pm
– Saturday 9:00am – 9:00pm
– Sunday 9:00am – 8:00pm
Admission Cost: N/A
Website

 

 

Parque Enrique Lage

Located in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood, Parque Enrique Lage is a popular public park in Rio de Janeiro. The land includes a mansion constructed in the early 1900s that was previously used as a residence and continues to host a café and large atrium to this day. The mansion was previously used by the British Olympic Team and has been featured in music videos. The park itself is designated as a historical and cultural heritage site and offers multiple forest walking trails. It is also home to the Visual Arts School of Parque Lage which takes up residence in the on site mansion. 

Address: Rua Jardim Botânico, 414, Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 26070-757
Phone: +55 21 2334-4088 / 4297 / 8111
Operating Hours:
– Monday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Tuesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Saturday 9:00am – 5:00pm
– Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm
Admission Cost:
– FREE
Website