Rio de Janeiro or simply Rio is anchor to the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area and the second-most populous municipality in Brazil and the sixth-most populous in the Americas. Rio de Janeiro is the capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s third-most populous state. Part of the city has been designated as a World Heritage Site, named “Rio de Janeiro: Carioca Landscapes between the Mountain and the Sea“, by UNESCO on 1 July 2012 as a Cultural Landscape.

Founded in 1565 by the Portuguese, the city was initially the seat of the Captaincy of Rio de Janeiro, a domain of the Portuguese Empire. Later, in 1763, it became the capital of the State of Brazil, a state of the Portuguese Empire. In 1808, when the Portuguese Royal Court transferred itself from Portugal to Brazil, Rio de Janeiro became the chosen seat of the court of Queen Maria I of Portugal, who subsequently, in 1815, under the leadership of her son, the Prince Regent, and future King João VI of Portugal, raised Brazil to the dignity of a kingdom, within the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and Algarves. Rio stayed the capital of the pluricontinental Lusitanian monarchy until 1822, when the War of Brazilian Independence began. This is one of the few instances in history that the capital of a colonising country officially shifted to a city in one of its colonies. Rio de Janeiro subsequently served as the capital of the independent monarchy, the Empire of Brazil, until 1889, and then the capital of a republican Brazil until 1960 when the capital was transferred to Brasília.

 

The best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

Watch this video which contain 18 most Excellent things to do in Rio de Janeiro click on it…..

1) Christ the Redeemer

One of the most iconic things to do in Rio de Janeiro is to visit Christ the Redeemer.

It’s one of the most recognized in the world. When picturing Rio, this is what everyone envisions. Christo Redentor stands proudly over the city at the top of Corcovado Mountain.

To visit you can hike up the mountain, take a minibus or enjoy a scenic train ride.

Standing at 38 metres high, this is one imposing statue that is not to be missed.

I highly recommend going in the morning or at sunset. Midday is extremely busy with tours.

2) Copacabana Beach

It’s the most famous beach in the world and a trip to Rio wouldn’t be complete without spending at day at Copacabana.

This four km iconic beach is filled with energy and excitement.

Vendors and restaurants line the sand and a wide paved pathway along the road makes for an easy stroll.

What we love about Copacabana Beach is how there are no hotels on the beach, they are all located across the road.

Stay at the historic Copacabana Palace Hotel.
The most iconic hotel is the Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel.

This hotel was the first in the area dating back to 1923. It’s almost as if the beach life built up around the Copacabana Palace.

The art deco building takes up an entire city block and is the epitome of old-world luxury mixed with urban chic.

3) Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain rises 396 m over the Rio Harbour and really contributes to the aesthetic of the city’s spectacular skyline. It is named so because it resembles a Sugarloaf; a hard packed bunch of sugar that looks like a cone.

Sugarloaf mountain is an excellent spot to watch the sunset and take in the panoramic views of the city.

Getting to the top involves taking two cable car rides dangling over the gap between two mountains.

The ride is a thrill as it takes you to the top of the city.

4) Ipanema Beach

Ipanema Beach is essentially attached to Copacabana Beach located just around a pier.

This is another long stretch of Rio sand where people play beach volleyball and bask under sun umbrellas.

Just a block up from the beach, you can visit the Girl From Ipanema Cafe where the famous song was penned.

Ipanema is more of a residential area than Copacabana so there aren’t as many hotel choices, but there are three beach hotels.

5) Santa Marta Favela Tour

If you want to learn more about Rio culture, take a favela tour to visit local communities.

There are 800 favelas in Rio and nearly 1.5 million people inhabit these shanty towns.

Favelas used to be overrun by drug lords and gangs, but they are slowly being pacified and now there are a handful of favelas that are safe for tourists to visit.

7) Lapa Steps

The Lapa Steps are a popular attraction where visitors can climb the 215 colourful tiled steps that lead from the Lapa neighbourhood to Santa Teresa.

Chilean Artist Escadaria Selarón started laying tiles on the dilapidated steps that ran in front of his house.

He laid colourful tiles from around the world until his death in 2013.

There are more than 2000 tiles from more than 60 countries from around the world. The steps have turned into a masterpiece.

8) Helicopter Scenic Flight

9) Downtown Rio

Downtown Rio is definitely worth spending a day to explore.

The alleyways are charming mazes filled with cafés and stores.

There’s markets, cathedrals, museums and monasteries. If you get a chance, be sure to take a Rio City tour.

10) Museum of Tomorrow

The Museum of Tomorrow is located on the waterfront of downtown Rio. Opening in December 2015, it is one of the world’s most extraordinary architectural designs.

While touring downtown Rio, you must make a stop at this museum.

The museum is devoted to ways to avoid climate disaster, environmental degradation, and social collapse.

11) Dona Marta Lookout

Many people feel that the best view of Rio is from Christ the Redeemer, but you actually get a far more stunning view from just part way up Corcovado at the Dona Marta Lookout.

Standing at 275 meters high, it definitely gives you the best view of the city and the bonus is there aren’t any crowds.

Unlike Christo, this lookout is rarely shrouded in clouds. Hire a car and head there for sunset.

12) Samba

Every year Rio hosts the biggest party on earth. The Rio Carnival is legendary.

It’s all about the samba culture and if you visit a favela you will learn a bit about it.

Make sure to stop at the Sambadrome to see the parade route where schools compete for the title of best samba troupe.

13) Parque Lage

For a quiet escape visit the public park of Parque Lage.

A mansion stands in the center of the park surrounding a pool where you can sit in a cafe and enjoy a cup of coffee as you take in the view of Christo above.

There are walking trails and many families choose to picnic here on the weekend.

Food of Rio

In Rio, the place to do this is the Churrascaria Palace. When you walk into this famous eatery, you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

Waiters in black and white bring cuts of prime meat around to your table and slice off top cuts with skill and ease.

The meal begins at the salad bar that is filled with delicious treats like sushi, fresh fruits and vegetables, endless salads and bread.

Don’t fill up though, because the perfectly seasoned meats will keep coming to your table until you can’t eat another bite.

Lunch at the Confeitaria Colombo

Another iconic stop for food is the Confeitaria Colombo. Built in the late 1800s, this Parisian style cafe serves pastries and desserts mixed with high tea. Many people stop in and browse the delectable treats downstairs.

There is an upstairs dining experience as well where you can eat fresh food from the buffet while the piano man plays popular classic tunes throughout your meal.

Take a ride on Rio’s oldest elevator and peek over the balcony lets around a large oval.

Shop at the Mercado Popular

If you want some deals, the Mercado Popular is a great way to spend the afternoon.

The vendors from Ipanema and Copacabana shop for their wares at this market so you can be sure you’ll get a great deal. There are Haviana flip-flop shops everywhere.

Rio Scenerium

Rio Scenerium is just the coolest nightclub in town, as live bands play while Samba dancers show off their talents.

With three floors of memorabilia, private rooms and quiet corners, it’s the perfect spot to spend an evening. Take some samba lessons and hit the dance floor.

Everyone is very welcoming and you’ll soon find yourself with a partner showing you the ropes.

But if you aren’t up for dancing, don’t worry, listening to the talented bands play is worth entering alone.

Cool Night of Rio

Rio is spread out and congested with traffic, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time for sightseeing.

Private guides are an excellent way to get around as they can navigate through traffic, give you insider tips, and keep you out of the more questionable neighbourhoods.