Various posts about sights in Rio de Janeiro have already been published over the years, and this is a list gathering all the attractions we have visited, for those planning a trip to the Marvelous City. By clicking on the name of each attraction, you will see the complete post of each tour. Always check the schedules and prices before going, as they may change between our visit and yours.
Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer: is undoubtedly the most iconic attraction in the city and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The statue, inaugurated in 1931 at the top of the mountain, is 30 meters high, and the view from up there is spectacular. The problem is the access, as the Corcovado train is not very reliable, but when it works, it is an unforgettable tour. We went again in July so that my children could meet. As the day was beautiful, everyone hurried there, and it was crowded in the early afternoon (even though it was a weekday). It’s worth buying tickets online, and morning hours are usually less crowded.
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Useful information
Official website of the Corcovado train
The Corcovado station is located at Rua Cosme Velho, 513, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: 21 2558-1329
Prices on July 4, 2013: Adults R$ 46.00, Children (6-12 years old) R$ 23.00, Under 6 years, free
Schedule: Monday to Sunday from 8am–7pm, every 30 minutes on average (if there is no power outage or other craziness).
Sugarloaf Mountain: along with the Corcovado, one of the symbols of the city, fortunately Sugarloaf is better managed. The cable cars work well (although they do not have air conditioning, which in summer is almost criminal), and both the viewpoint at Morro da Urca and the one at the top of Sugarloaf are well maintained. The view is also spectacular, and just like at Corcovado, the morning is quieter than the afternoon. As it gets closer to sunset, it gets crowded. If your goal is to see the sunset from up there, arrive with some advance time to have time to wait in line, otherwise you run the risk of arriving at the top after the show.
Useful information:
Official website of the Cable Car
Address: Av. Pasteur, 520 – Urca, Rio de Janeiro, 22290-240, Brazil
Phone: 21 2546-8400
Hours: daily from 8am-7:50pm
Prices: Adults – R$ 53, From 6 to 21 years old – R$ 26 and Children under 6 years old – Free
Ipanema Beach: one of the most famous beaches in the city, with the Dois Irmãos hill on one side and the Arpoador Rock on the other, there’s no way to take an ugly photo in Ipanema. A must-stop even if it’s just for a walk along the boardwalk and have a coconut water or cold beer with that view.
Lagoa: there is no shortage of beautiful places in Rio and the Lagoon is one of them. You can appreciate the Lagoon from the Catacumbas Park or the Patins Park, which have kiosks with restaurants and various activities, from pedal boats, zip lines, and rappelling (in the Catacumbas Park) to multiple-person bikes, skating rink, and playground (in the Patins Park). A bike path goes around the Lagoon, for those who want to pedal the 7.5km extension.
Useful information:
Patins Park
Av. Borges de Medeiros, 1900, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Open every day, all day long
Check out hotels in Rio de Janeiro on Booking.com
Botanical Garden: the beautiful Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro is over 100 years old, and its imperial palm avenues, the Victoria Regia lagoon, the toucans, and monkeys that live on the premises are good reasons for you to pay a visit. Not to mention the beautiful view of Christ the Redeemer in the background. For those going with children, there is also a great playground, and they will love the little pond with turtles next to the side ticket booth.
Useful information:
Official website of the Botanical Garden
Address: R. Jardim Botânico, 1008 – Jardim Botânico neighborhood, Rio de Janeiro
Phone: 21 3874-1214
Hours: 8am-5pm, with a one-hour extension period during daylight saving time.
Price: R$ 6 per person, free for children up to 7 years old and seniors (over 60 years old).
Parking: if you can park inside, it costs R$ 7 per car up to 5 passengers.
Lapa Arches and Selarón Steps: in the city center, the famous Lapa Arches are actually a deactivated aqueduct that carried water to Largo da Carioca. Nearby is the colorful Selarón Steps, the work of a Chilean artist who lined every inch of the stairs with tiles from all over the world.
Useful information:
Selarón Steps
Rua Joaquim Silva, between numbers 93 and 87, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro
Free, daily
Lapa Arches
Praça Cardeal Câmara, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro
Free, daily
Hang Gliding in São Conrado: One of the items on my bucket list was to hang glide in São Conrado, and it was an incredible experience. Seeing Rio from above and flying like a bird and arriving at São Conrado beach raise the adrenaline up high. For the flight to happen, several wind, weather, and temperature conditions need to be met, so if you have little time in the city, try it on the first day because if it doesn’t happen, you have time for other attempts. I did my flight with the famous Mosquito, one of the oldest and most respected instructors, and I loved it!
Useful information:
Instructional Flights with Mosquito
(The site is not updated frequently, but has some cool pictures)
Phone: (21) 9989-5507
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