Rio de Janeiro Attractions

Think of Rio de Janeiro attractions, and the sands of Ipanema and Copacabana are sure to spring to mind. But Rio de Janeiro's beaches(and the attractive locals that populate them) are certainly among Rio's best assets, sunbathing and eyeing up the talent are far from the only things to do in Rio.

Nature rambles, boat trips and visits to parks, gardens and palaces are all pleasant ways to explore Rio without breaking too much of a sweat, while more adventurous types can try their hand at everything from surfing to rock climbing, abseiling and hanggliding.

First time visitors to Rio should have no qualms about visiting the 'touristy sites' - indeed, to come to Rio de Janeiro without taking the dizzying cable car ride up to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain or paying a visit to the Christ statue would be a crying shame.

Contrary to the tourist board image, the sun doesn't always shine on Rio, and when it rains here, it REALLY rains. Luckily, there are no end of rainy day options to keep visitors amused even when the weather is less than clement. The city center is packed with excellent museums and cultural centers, while the shopping malls of Botafogo, Leblon, Sao Conrado and Barra da Tijuca are inviting places for shopaholics to while away a rainy day.

Some of Rio de Janeiro's most appealing sights and experiences lie far from the beaches, so make time in your schedule to get off the sunlounger and visit Rio attractions such as the beautiful hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa, the colonial architecture of Rio's historic center, and the legendary Maracana soccer stadium.

Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer Statue

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Rua Cosme Velho 513

A view with a blessing...
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Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf)

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Praia Vermelha
Urca

Dizzying ride, breathtaking views...
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Ipanema Beach

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Avenue Vieira Souto 460

Beat the Heat at the Beach...
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Copacabana Beach

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Avenida Atlantica and Xavier da Silveira

The World's Most Famous Stretch of Sand?...
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Bonde de Santa Teresa

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Rua Professor Lélio Gama, 65
Centro

Rio's last remaining street car...
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Arcos da Lapa

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Rua dos Arcos

Lapa Landmark...
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Escadaria Selarón

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Escadaria do Convento de Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa

Hip hop-endorsed ceramics...
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Angra dos Reis Day Trip and Schooner Cruise

Island-hopping Adventures...
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Parque Nacional de Tijuca

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Floresta da Tijuca

For hikers and nature lovers...
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Hang Gliding in Rio - Voo Duplo de Asa Delta

Est. das Canoas, 1.476, Casa, 24

Bird's Eye View of Rio...
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New Year's at Copacabana

Praia de Copacabana

The world's best New Year's Eve party?...
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Lagoa Christmas Tree

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

Lighting Up Lagoa...
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Sundays in Santa Teresa

Lazy Sunday Afternoons...
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Bar do Arnaudo

Almirante Alexandrino 316-B
Santa Teresa

Delicious, Affordable Northeastern Food...
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Paraty

Perfectly Preserved Colonial Town...
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llha Grande

Beaches, Mountains and Jungle...
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Ipanema

Between General Osório Square and Jardim de Allah canal

Beauty and the Beach...
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Maracanã Stadium

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Rua Profesor Eurico Rabelo s/n
São Cristovão

Soccer Mecca...
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Parque Lage

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Rua Jardim Botânico, 414 - Jardim Botânico

Gorgeous Gardens and Grounds...
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Leblon

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Rua Dias Ferreira e Avenida Ataúfo de Paiva

Chic beach...
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