Sightseeing Week

Our Local Expert Says:

An excellent spot for beach lovers, just seconds away from beautiful Ipanema beach. Rooms have balconies and many enjoy fantastic beach views.

Description:

The Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel is just in front of the Ipanema Beach, The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a rooftop pool. Rooms are equipped with cable television, coffee/tea maker, and hairdryer. Non-smoking rooms are available.

Description:

With a natural landscape as beautiful as Rio's, soaring above the city and enjoying a bird's eye view has to be the perfect way to take in the view. Unless you're scared of heights of course. For those with the stomach for it, tandem hangliding over Rio is one of the most exciting things you can do here, and an experience that will stick with you forever. No experience or skills are necessary, but just remember that once you start running to the edge of the cliff, you can't change your mind! You'll also have the chance to buy photos/DVD of your flight, so you will be able to astound your friends with the proof of your daredevil adventure. Prices are high but worth it.

Description:

An upscale neighborhood that is very much at odds with the neighboring favelas (shanty towns), São Conrado boasts a beautiful soft-sandy beach. This is the spot where hangliders soaring above the city touch down, and many can be found here relaxing by the crashing waves. It's also a popular spot with surfers, as well as fashionistas drawn to the expansive São Conrado Fashion Mall - home to major designer outlets and chic boutiques.

Description:

One of the best surfing beaches in the area, even at night, with clean, almost transparent water. Locals come from all over to sunbathe on this small stretch of sand between Copacabana and Ipanema. It is also popular with elderly people who gather to play checkers every morning and families who are content to simply watch the surfers have a go at the waves. This beach gets crowded on weekends. The Arpoador rock offers a great view of both Copacabana and Ipanema and the sunset is absolutely astonishing.

Description:

Garota de Ipanema is the very same spot where the legendary song 'Girl from Ipanema' was written. The composers would sit in this restaurant and gaze at a beautiful young girl who would walk past each day. Garota de Ipanema offers traditional dishes in a lively, landmark atmosphere.

Our Local Expert Says:

Try the aged cachacas from Minas Gerais - sweet with a slightly honeyed taste. For an authentic Minas experience, share a bottle with friends and drink neat in shots. And don't plan anything energetic for the next day…

Description:

At the Academia da Cachaca you'll learn how to eat, drink and be merry ... like the Brazilians. With over 500 concoctions to choose from, you'll never tire of visiting this up-scale yet casual place. Most drinks are made from the traditional Brazilian spirit of Cachaca. The food, which comprises of North East Brazilian cuisine, is also quite an attraction. Enjoy a Manioc Croquette with Cream Cheese while you sip on a Passion-Fruit Caipirinha (made with real fruit).

Our Local Expert Says:

Set off in the early morning for the best views from the Christ statue, as clouds (and crowds) tend to gather in the afternoon. Alternatively, make the trip at sunset for spectacular views as the city below lights up.

Description:

The sweeping vista takes in white sand beaches, urban mountain and jungle, bays dotted with boats, towering skyscrapers and, of course, the magnificent Sugar Loaf mountain. As you stand at the feet of the Christ, you will be able to pick out other city landmarks such as Copacabana beach and the world-famous Maracana football stadium. Standing with outstretched arms, embracing the stunning cityscape below, the statue of Christ the Redeemer (Christo Redentor) is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The statue stands atop the 700-metre Corcovado (meaning hunchback) mountain, and to come to Rio without visiting 'the big guy' would be simply unthinkable. Indeed, in 2007 the Christo Redentor was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World by the New Open World Corporation. At 39.6 metres tall and weighing 700 tons, the Christ statue is an impressive sight in itself, but it is the views from his mountain-top home, high amid the trees of the Tjuca Forest, that really make the trip a must do.

Our Local Expert Says:

To see the cathedral at its best, visit on a sunny day , when the light will stream through the many windows and really bring the place to life. The exterior of the cathedral is not to everybody's taste, but seeing the interior when the sun is high in the sky will help you to appreciate the thinking behind the unusual design.

Description:

Very few buildings in Rio divide opinion as much as the Catedral Metropolitana, also known as the Catedral de Sao Sebastiao. An enormous concrete cone covered in tiny rectangular windows, the building intrigues some visitors and repels others. Designed by Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca, the city's modernist cathedral cannot be fully appreciated from the outside, however. Once inside the cavernous building, those tiny windows begin to make aesthetic sense when, on a sunny day, light streams through them into the building. Beautifully ornate stained-glass windows can't fail to catch the eye, and nor can the huge wooden cross suspended from the ceiling. The Cathedral can be combined with a visit to the pretty hillside neighbourhood of Santa Teresa, as it sits right by the bonde (tram) station that ferries passengers to and from the neighbourhood. It's easily reached by taking a Metro to Carioca station.

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Housed in an imposing domed building that was once the headquarters of Brazil's national bank, the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil is now a popular contemporary art space and one of the best in the country. It has three floors, housing exhibition rooms, a theatre, an auditorium and a cinema. Many exhibitions are free.

Description:

One of the most beautiful buildings in downtown Rio de Janeiro, the Teatro Municipal was founded in July 1909. The building was inspired by the Paris Opera House designed by Charles Garnier. The theatre has almost 1,700 seats distributed on four levels, and the outside walls are inscribed with names of significant people in the Brazilian and international culture. The theatre is located near the National Library and the National Fine Arts Museum, and overlooks the spacious Cinelândia Square.

Description:

This hectic thoroughfare in Centro may bear little resemblance today to the elegant Parisian boulevards it was modelled on, but take time to glance upwards as you dodge the crowds and you'll spot some seriously impressive architecture. The rushing traffic and crush of bodies makes it a little difficult to navigate at times, but try to take a slow stroll down here to appreciate what was once Rio's most celebrated street.

Description:

Relax with a frothy coffee or tangy fruit cocktail and soak up the opulence at this antique coffee house and restaurant.


The sprawling building is full of historic charm, and was the favored meeting point of carioca high society during Brazil's Belle Epoque.


There's formal dining in the upstairs restaurant, light meals and snacks below and, front of house, a stand-up snack bar selling tasty sweet and savory pastries and expressos to office workers on the go.

Description:

Dominated by the imposing Palácio Tiradentes, this bustling city centre square is a popular gathering point during Rio Carnival as well as the open air venue for occasional live music performances and politically-charged meetings. The palace and square are named in honor of an 18th Century Brazilian dentist turned revolutionary leader (Tiradentes translates, literally, as 'toothpuller''), who was betrayed by a co-conspiritor and hung in this very square. Although care still needs to be taken at night, the once-dilapidated area is now being given a second lease of life through local government investment and a number of new bar and restaurant openings in the area.

Description:

There's no shortage of pizza restaurants in Rio, but many of them would have the Italians weeping into their mozzarella. Heavy bases, oily cheese and - horror - ketchup squeezed on top of the pizza instead of tomato sauce beneath the cheese are all too commonplace. Luckily, Capricciosa offers a delicious alternative to these substandard offerings. With flour and cheese imported directly from Italy, crisp bases and a wealth of fresh, tasty toppings, these pizzas are made just as the Italians intended. There are several branches of Capricciosa in the city, but the excellent location just a couple of blocks back from the beach makes the Ipanema branch a big hit with Rio's 'gente bonita' (beautiful people). Need further proof that the pizza here is a cut above? The restaurant refuses to serve ketchup.

Description:

Built in the 1750, the iconic Arcos Da Lapa (or 'Lapa Arches') were historically used to ship water from the hills to downtown Rio. Today, the rattling yellow Santa Teresa bonde (tram) clatters over the arches before climbing up the steep cobbled streets. After dark, hordes of locals and foreign visitors gather beneath the Arcos da Lapa to meet, mingle and sample the delicious fruit cocktails offered by the many street vendors.

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It may look unassuming, but this pretty whitewashed building was the site of many an important political happening during Portuguese rule. Built in 1973 as the seat of the Portuguese government, the former palace building was the spot in which Portuguese king w Dom João VI established his court in 1808; where his son Dom Pedro V publically refused to return to Portugal in 1822; and where Princess Isabel announced the abolition of slavery in 1888. Today, the cool whitewashed walls house a bistro serving delicious, fresh light lunches and good wines, as well as a small cultural centre that doubles as a book and CD store.

Our Local Expert Says:

An excellent spot for beach lovers, just seconds away from beautiful Ipanema beach. Rooms have balconies and many enjoy fantastic beach views.

Description:

The Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel is just in front of the Ipanema Beach, The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a rooftop pool. Rooms are equipped with cable television, coffee/tea maker, and hairdryer. Non-smoking rooms are available.

Description:

For fans of 'futebol' (football/soccer), a trip to the legendary Maracanã stadium is every bit as vital as visiting the Christ statue or taking the cable car up the Sugar Loaf. Football is often described as 'the beautiful game', and nowhere is this description more apt than in Brazil. The national side has won the football world cup five times, and is pretty much every non-Brazilian's favorite foreign team. While the big names may have left for high profile, high wages teams in Europe, locally played Brazilian football is still a joy to behold, largely due to the fantastic festival atmosphere. Samba drumming, singing, dancing, firecrackers and enormous flags liven up even the most humdrum of games, and if you are lucky enough to catch a local derby or important cup match then the atmosphere will be even more electric.

Description:

The relentless energy, heat noise and bustle of life in Rio is exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting. Sometimes you need a break from the heat and the crowds and Jardim Botanico - the stunning botanical gardens located in the leafy, middle class suburb of the same name - provides the perfect shady getaway from the big city environment. Considered one of the 10 most important gardens of its kind in the world, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden was founded in 1808 by John, prince regent of the United Kingdom of Brazil and Portugal (later King John VI), for introducing and acclimatizing economically beneficial plants brought from other tropical regions of the world.The 137 hectares of cool, shady gardens house around 70,000 rare plants, along with 140 species of birds, and countless butterflies. The gardens are easily reached by bus from Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana and Centro - just take any bus saying 'Jardim Botanico'. Alternatively, a taxi ride will be quick, easy and relatively inexpensive. The area around the gardens is one of Rio's safest.

Description:

If you happen to be in the area, and you surely will be after coming down the Corcovado hill, be sure to visit this little square, a small colonial haven in the middle of town. Most of the houses in this old neighborhood date from the 19th century. Some are decorated with picturesque azulejos (Portuguese tiles), which have a colonial edge to them. There is also a charming fountain and old-style cobbled streets.

Description:

In a prime Ipanema location, Choperia Torre do Barão is a bar and restaurant that serves up great value meals and snacks, with some delicious fresh fruit juices. Pizzas here are particularly good.

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Parque Nacional de Tijuca is the largest area of urban rainforest in the world, and is testament to the huge success of a reforestation scheme from the Brazilian government. When the Portuguese arrived, the area which is now the city of Rio was covered by dense green tropical forest. As the city grew the trees were felled and the timber used in construction or for charcoal. However, if you look up from the streets of Zona Sul today, the mountains running southwest from the Corcovado are still covered with exuberant forest, the periphery of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca which covers an area of approximately 120 square kilometres, and is maintained by Brazil's State Institute of Forestry (IBDF). In the seventeenth century the forests of Tijuca were cut down for their valuable hardwood and the trees replaced by sugar cane and, later, coffee plantations and small-scale agriculture. In the early nineteenth century the city authorities became alarmed by a shortage of pure water and by landslides from the Tijuca slopes. Eventually it was decided that a concerted effort was needed to restore Rio's watershed and, in 1857, a reforestation project was initiated: by 1870 over 100,000 trees had... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Great music with no cover charge and no dress code - come as you are!

Description:

A real Rio institution, and a great place to hear live choro music. Bip Bip is a small, unassuming bar, but as the night progresses and serious musical jams get underway, the revellers spill out onto the streets.

Description:

A dramatically different park that has featured in videos for Snoop Dogg and Pharell Williams as well as the Black-Eyed Peas, Parque Lage sits right next door to Rio's famous Botanical Gardens, but remains something of a secret to tourists. The park is set in teh grounds of a beautiful 1920s mansion, now a coffee house and art school, and the grounds are dotted with little caves that are filled with tropical fish tanks. Teh cafe is a beautiful spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch, or make like local families and bring along a cool box filled with picnic goodies and wine. For the more adventurous, trails run into the Tijuca National Park from here.

Our Local Expert Says:

An excellent spot for beach lovers, just seconds away from beautiful Ipanema beach. Rooms have balconies and many enjoy fantastic beach views.

Description:

The Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel is just in front of the Ipanema Beach, The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a rooftop pool. Rooms are equipped with cable television, coffee/tea maker, and hairdryer. Non-smoking rooms are available.

Description:

The name given to the stretch of sand at the far end of Copacabana beach, Leme is quieter and less packed with tourists than the centre of the beach and the end that borders Aproador and Ipanema. Here you'll find some good-value hotels as well as decent seafood restaurants, and a beach scene dominated by families and sports-lovers. You'll need to take a bus or taxi if you want to visit Ipanema or Leblon at night, but there are some decent nightlife options nearby. Until midnight, Leme is handy for the Metro station at Cardeal Arcoverde, which runs into Centro, the Northzone, and the other end of Copacabana beach.

Description:

It may be more than a little touristy, but there´s many a good reason why visitors flock to take the cable car ride up to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain. Rising sheer out of the ocean and towering almost 400 meters above Guanabara Bay, the mountain offers spectacular views from its peak. A dizzying two-stage cable car ride takes in sweeping vistas of the city, and once you reach the top you´ll be in no doubt as to why Rio de Janeiro is known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (marvelous city). As condors soar overhead, can look out over the mountains, dense jungle and those world famous city beaches. Take time to wander around and catch your breath; at the top of Sugar Loaf you will find snack bars, toilets and plenty of prime photo opportunities. At the bottom you will find the small but perfectly formed Praia Vermelha beach, a military barracks (making this perhaps the safest neighborhood in Rio) and a delightful short trail that will take you along a path overhung by trees that are home to plentiful marmosets and exotic birds. Dawn is the perfect time to visit Pão de Açucar to catch the best of the wildlife, before the crowds arrive and drive some of the shyer creatures... read more

Description:

It's a short ferry ride across Guanabara bay to this little island, but it feels like a world away from the big city. There are no cars here, so it's a great place to hire bikes, or you can take to the waters in a peddle boat. Less glamorous than coastal destinations such as Buzios, the island still has a slightly shabby charm, and is a favourite destination among day-tripping Rio locals. Try to catch a ferry (or slightly more expensive catamaran) at the end of the afternoon for dramatic sunset views of Rio.

Our Local Expert Says:

The crowd here is wealthy and stylish, so dress to impress - leave the shorts and flip-flops for the beach.

Description:

Located by the side of the pool at the legendary Copacabana Hotel, Pergula is open to non-guests. It offers a memorable Sunday brunch with everything from caviar to oysters, quiches and cheese. This versatile restaurant also serves lunch, tea and evening meals with style. On weekdays there is a truly English afternoon tea, with fruit cake, jam and, of course, an excellent selection of imported teas. The a la carte dinner is also superb. Located by the pool of the most traditional and stylish hotel in Rio, this is a charming, sophisticated and quiet place to eat. Valet parking is provided.

Description:

Looking rather incongruous on a concrete island in Rio's slightly shabby docklands, Ilha Fiscal is a bright green palace that looks like it has been lifted straight out of a fairy tale. The elaborate neo-gothic construction was built for the less than glamorous purposes of customs verification, but secured its place in history when, in 1889, it was the venue for the Portuguese empire's last ever ball - Brazil was declared a republic just three days later. Beautiful stained glass windows depict Dom Pedro and Princess Isabel, and there are fantastic views over Guanabara Bay from here.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bring a date here in the early evening to enjoy a drink watching the sunset over the lake.

Description:

The lagoa is a lovely place to enjoy an evening meal, a few drinks and a spot of live music - there are a number of spots to choose from, this is one of the busiest but also one of the best.

Our Local Expert Says:

Families with kids should be sure to take the short stroll (around 20 minutes each way) around the base of the mountain, and keep a particular eye out for the tiny monkeys in the trees overhead. Pieces of fruit will tempt them from the trees!

Description:

At just over 210 meters, Morro da Urca is the first stop for sightseers making the dramatic ascent to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain. While most people arrive here by the cable car that soars high above Praia Vermelha beach, taking in staggering views of the city, others choose the DIY approach. Seasoned climbers can frequently be seen scaling the sheer granite front of the mini-mountain, while others take the gentler option by taking the marked paths that lead from the ground up. If you choose to take this route, wear good walking shoes or sandals (flip flops are not recommended), and be prepared to sweat somewhat if you're making the ascent during the heat of the early afternoon.

Description:

One of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Rio, Leblon sits at the far end of Ipanema beach, with the sands separated by a small canal. This largely residential area has only a few hotels (among them the super-chic Marina All Suites), but it is home to many of the city's top end restaurants, and plenty of pricey nightspots catering to Rio's gente bonita (beautiful people). The waves at this end of the beach are generally less extreme than those of Ipanema itself, making this stretch of sand very popular with families.

Our Local Expert Says:

Be sure to visit the Lagoa if you are in Rio over the Christmas season. An enormous Christmas tree is placed in the centre of the lake, and the lights sparkling on the water make this an ideal place to come for a romantic Christmas meal or drink.

Description:

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (or Lagoa, as it is popularly known) is the perfect place to come to unwind. A vast lagoon surrounded by dramatic mountains, Lagoa attracts fitness fanatics making use of the running track and exercise stations; families taking to the water on peddle boats; couples and groups of friends wining and dining at the many waterside bars and restaurants; and pensive types mulling things over as they stroll around the lake and take in the stunning views. The 7.5 kilometre running/cycling/walking track is a great way to exercise in beautiful surrounds, and the nearby Parque Catacumba, entrance to which is free, boasts walking trails that will lead you through bamboo groves to a lofty viewpoint with stunning vistas across the lake and over to Ipanema beach.

Description:

Possibly the most famous stretch of sand in the world, Copacabana beach is synonymous with the hedonistic side of Rio - with sun, sea, beautiful bodies and New Year celebrations on the beach. Stretching for around five kilometers (the beach is called Leme at its northern end), Copacabana boasts soft white sand that is crammed with locals in tiny bikinis and shorts. Stalls selling ice-cold beers and caipirinhas line the beachfront, and joggers run along the pavements - famous for their distinctive wave-patterned black and white tiling. Copacabana beach is overlooked by the attractive, jungle covered hill of Morro do Leme, and Sugar Loaf mountain is resplendent in the background. Avenida Atlantica is the busy road running along the beachfront, and across from the sands the road is lined with towering high rise hotels and apartment blocks, as well as any number of places to eat and drink. Be warned, however, that while a visit here is a must, Copacabana is not the best place to sunbathe. The water is too dirty for swimming, the beach is rife with pickpockets, and vendors selling tourist tat are annoyingly relentless in their drive to relieve you of your tourist dollar.

Our Local Expert Says:

An excellent spot for beach lovers, just seconds away from beautiful Ipanema beach. Rooms have balconies and many enjoy fantastic beach views.

Description:

The Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel is just in front of the Ipanema Beach, The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a rooftop pool. Rooms are equipped with cable television, coffee/tea maker, and hairdryer. Non-smoking rooms are available.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you want to take photos here consider visiting as part of an organized tour. Lapa is not the safest part of Rio and lone tourists with cameras can be a target for thieves. Ask around about tours that take in the 'Lapa Steps'.

Description:

The steps between Lapa and Santa Teresa have been turned into an ongoing work of art by eccentric Chilean artist Selarón. The artist has used painted and decorated tiles from across the world to create something truly unique - musicians such as Snoop Dogg and Pharell have shot promotional videos here.

Description:

Up in the hills of leafy, bohemian Santa Teresa, Aprazivel sits in beautiful tropical gardens filled with exotic plants, trees and wildlife. Tables, chairs and straw-roofed gazebos are set out beneath the trees, and at night the scene is lit with hanging lanterns and fairy lights. The Brazilian owner and chef, Ana Castilha, trained at the French Culinary Institute in New York, and applies a French twist to some Brazilian favorites. The salads at Aprazivel are anything but bland, often making good use of spicy peppers, and the chicken and seafood dishes are very good. But it's the setting that's the real draw, and diners can enjoy spectacular views across the city and Guanabara Bay. Aprazivel may be high on a hillside, but it's within a few minutes' walk from the lively bars and shops of this arty neighborhood.

Description:

Housed in huge, gorgeous old building filled with antiques, Rio Scenarium has been named as one of the best bars in the world by the UK's Guardian newspaper. Live samba bands play onstage while locals strut their impressive stuff on the dancefloor. Good food is also served.

Description:

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candalaria , or the church of our lady of Candalaria, to give it the English name, is without doubt Rio's most imposing church. The church has a long tradition of hosting events for high society Rio, and many celebrity weddings still take place here, with prestigious guests gathered in the marble interior. The church was built on the site of a chapel founded in 1610 by the Spaniard Antonio Martins Plam, who arrived in Rio after surviving a terrifying sea storm. He built the chapel in homage to Nuestra Senora de Candelaria, the patron saint of is home in the Canary Islands. The Church is modeled on the Basilica da Estrela in Lisbon, and indeed the tiles in the dome are from the Portuguese city. The marble is Italian, from Verona, and the heavy bronze doors were shipped from France. A snobbish attitude among high society meant that all these fine European finishings were shipped across at great expense in the late 18th Century, despite such materials being readily available in Brazil - at much lower prices. The church does not lie in a particularly illustrious location, however, standing on an island amid a sea of traffic, some 500 meters from Praca XV de Novembro. read more

Description:

The Niterói Contemporary Art Museum presents a frequently changing selection of the best of Brazilian contemporary art, focusing on sculpture, textiles and painting. Designed by Oscar Niemeyer with the assistance of structural engineer Bruno Contarini, who had worked with Niemeyer on earlier projects, the MAC-Niterói is 16 meters high; its cupola has a diameter of 50 meters with three floors. The museum projects itself over Boa Viagem ("Bon Voyage," "Good Journey"), the 817-square meter reflecting pool that surrounds the cylindrical base "like a flower," in the words of Niemeyer. A wide access slope leads to a Hall of Expositions, which has a capacity for sixty people. Two doors lead to the viewing gallery, through which can be seen the Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, and Sugarloaf Mountain. The saucer-shaped modernist structure, which has been likened to a UFO, is set on a cliffside, at the bottom of which is a beach. Given the alien quality of Rio's landscape, it seems appropriate that the form of the museum should most obviously suggest a flying saucer, seemingly poised for take-off on the edge of the water. Cantilevered out from a stout central stalk, the saucer-like volume of the... read more

Description:

Located in the district of Santa Teresa, the Bar do Arnaudo is the oldest in the area, and its owner, Arnaudo, is a local character. The specialty of the house are the fruit cocktails, made from cane spirit and typical Brazilian fruit, especially those from the north-east. Some are made with condensed milk - try the one with coconut! Go slowly with these drinks as, if you are not used to them, they can knock you out quickly. The spirit used is called cachaça and is the typical Brazilian drink made from distilled sugar cane. This is an establishment crowded with young people, offering a good service.

Our Local Expert Says:

Don't be startled by locals jumping on and off the tram as it clatters along - an unwritten rule holds that the ride is free for anyone who travels standing on the platforms on the side of the tram.

Description:

The Santa Teresa bonde (streetcar) is the last reminder of what was once Rio's principle form of public transport. But far from being just a historical artifact, the rattling yellow tram is great fun to ride, as it clatters over the iconic Arcos da Lapa and up the winding cobbled streets of Santa Teresa. Locals jump on and off the bonde as it rattles by - there is no charge for those who choose to stand on the running board instead of taking a seat. There are two lines - one to Paulo Mattos, and one to Dois Irmaoes. Both pass tram stops at Largo do Curvelo, where there is regular live samba on Sundays, and Largo do Guimaraes, which is the central point for the neighborhood's many excellent bars, restaurants and shops. Jump off at either point and you will be well-placed for exploring this bucolic neighborhood.

Our Local Expert Says:

An excellent spot for beach lovers, just seconds away from beautiful Ipanema beach. Rooms have balconies and many enjoy fantastic beach views.

Description:

The Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel is just in front of the Ipanema Beach, The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a rooftop pool. Rooms are equipped with cable television, coffee/tea maker, and hairdryer. Non-smoking rooms are available.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best time to visit Praca IV de Novembro is Saturday morning, when it hosts a very lively flea market . Early arrival ensures you will have your pick of the best bargains - although take extra care and do not bring too many valuables as the streets of Centro are quieter and less safe at weekends than during the week.

Description:

Just a stone's throw from the ferry terminal that links Rio with the city of Niteroi and the island of Paqueta, Praca 15 de Novembro is a lively square that hosts a bustling flea market each Saturday. With vendors selling everything from antique furniture to vintage vinyl, clothes, and accessories, it's easy to while away an entire Saturday morning browsing the stalls. Midweek, the square is quieter, but the Espaco Cultural da Marinha - a museum dedicated to Rio's seafaring history - is well worth a visit, and there are numerous good lunch spots nearby. - Lucy Bryson

Our Local Expert Says:

Monkey lovers will be particularly happy here, as visitors can see many types of monkey indigenous to South America. The spider monkeys are particularly entertaining.

Description:

Rio's city zoo has seen some serious improvements in recent years, and is now an excellent destination for families, with plenty to keep kids occupied for a full day. The emphasis is on animals native to South America, and spider monkeys and toucans are among the most eye-catching monuments. There's a baby mammals enclosure (often closed at weekends) where visitors can take a peek at baby monkeys and plenty of cafes and vendors on hand to keep the family fed and watered. Admittedly, some of the animals could use a little more space, but conditions have generally improved enormously and continue to do so. With entrance costing just R$5 for adults, it's a good value day trip.

Description:

This beautiful baroque church was built in 1714, and has a peculiar figure-of-eight shaped nave and choir. Dom Pedro II was married here and his daughter, Princesa Isabel, was baptized here also. The main features are the ornate tiles and the altar carved by Mestre Valentim. If you happen to be in Rio on August 15, you can join the festa of Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro, where you will get a taste of Brazilian religious celebrations. There is a small sacred art museum as well.

Description:

A vast landscaped park within the heart of central Rio, Parque do Flamengo was designed by none other than Roberto Burle Marxe - Brazil's most celebrated landscaped architect. Stretching along the waterfront from Flamengo to Gloria, the park encompasses green open, giant palms: green open spaces; sports courts; and running, cycling and walking tracks. Interestingly, the area was once submerged below the water of Guanabara Bay before town planners levelled two hills in the city centre - the resulting rubble was shifted into the water and created the space where Parque do Flamengo stands today. For this reason, the parque is known locally as 'Aterro' - landfill.

Description:

Football to the British, soccer to the Americans and Futebol to the Brazilians, there's no questioning the popularity of the 'Beautiful Game' in Rio. With the World Cup 2010 kicking off in June, the Lord Jim pub is the ideal spot for international visitors to cheer on their team without incurring fierce looks from patriotic Brazilians rooting for their national side. The Lord Jim pub quite convincingly recreates the look and the atmosphere of a traditional English drinking den, and it's a popular spot for locals to get together and communicate in their native tongue - even the bar staff here speak fluent English. A range of British beers and ales, together with traditional dishes like fish and chips, make this a hit with homesick ex-pats, and there's no livelier spot to catch and England game during the World Cup 2010 championship.

Description:

The bar, which is right in front of the Ipanema beach, has been elected one of the best bars in Rio, with one of the best draft beers in town. To eat, the barbecued meat is a must, especially the Picanha. It's always very busy, with a friendly and popular atmosphere, especially in the summer.

Our Local Expert Says:

An excellent spot for beach lovers, just seconds away from beautiful Ipanema beach. Rooms have balconies and many enjoy fantastic beach views.

Description:

The Best Western Sol Ipanema Hotel is just in front of the Ipanema Beach, The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a rooftop pool. Rooms are equipped with cable television, coffee/tea maker, and hairdryer. Non-smoking rooms are available.

Description:

Shopaholics simply can't afford to miss this - the famous market held every Sunday in Ipanema. This is a large square just a couple of streets back from the beach, opposite the Zona Sul supermarket. Otherwise known as Feira de Arte de Ipanema, the fair is not just for hippies - the sprawling market sells everything from gorgeous handmade jewelry and pretty dresses, to paintings, figurines, and numerous arty knick knacks. You can also pick up the more obvious tourist stuff here - replica football shirts, baseball caps etc, and watch out for 'Pelé' - the guy in a Brazil football kit who manages to keep the ball up, on his head, feet, chest etc, for hours at a time, all the while blowing a referee's whistle! You'll need to set aside a good couple of hours to see everything, there are so many stalls to browse around and so many tempting wares on offer.

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The beaches of Rio's Zona Sul (south zone) stretch for miles, and walking the length of these famous stretches of sand is a great way to catch some sun while taking some exercise and enjoying fantastic views. Walking and cycling tracks make seaside strolls a safe activity any day of the week, but the best time for a walk by the beach is Sunday, when the roads are closed to traffic from Leblon right down to the far end of Copacabana. Joggers, cyclers, roller-bladers and power walkers all head here on Sundays to take in some hard core exercise, but a less strenuous option is just to walk along at your own pace, stopping now and then for a cooling agua de coco (chilled coconut water) at one of the many beachside kiosks.

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Rio's churrascarias (grilled meat restaurants) are legendary, and this is undoubtedly one of the best in the city. For a set price, diners can feast on high quality cuts of organic meats, brought to your table by waiters until you finally buckle. Along with a greater meat selection than even the staunchest of carnivores could dream of, the price also includes unlimited seafood, salads and sides, and even vegetarians will leave here satisfied. For hard core seafood fans, next door is Marius Crustáceos, which specialises in fresh fish and seafood on the same all-you-can-eat basis.

Our Local Expert Says:

By day, Santa Teresa is a great place to pick up some arty knick-knacks and enjoy a bite to eat in one of the many traditional restaurants. By night, the neighborhood becomes a hip hangout for bohemian types of all ages, as the bars, cafes and restaurants become packed with students, musicians and artists.

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Once home to Rio's wealthiest inhabitants, the charming hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa began to fall into disrepair during the 1960s and 70s, when the emergence of favelas nearby drove the rich towards the city's beaches. Artists and musicians moved into the abandoned mansions, and today Santa Teresa is known as Rio's most bohemian neighborhood. Vintage clothes stores, artists workshops and wonderfully laid-back bars and restaurants make the neighborhood well worth a visit, and the iconic yellow tram that clatters its way along the twisting streets is a joy to ride. Despite its close proximity to the city centre, Santa Teresa has preserved a charming small-town atmosphere, and there is a real community atmosphere to the place. Santa Teresa is well-policed and its reputation as a dangerous area to visit is largely undeserved , however, do take the usual precautions, and take taxis between here and Santa Teresa at night.

Our Local Expert Says:

The bus journey from Rio to Petropolis is a treat in itself - sit on the left hand side of the bus for the best views as you wind through the mountains.

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Petrópolis is a very attractive mountain retreat about 60 kilometers from Rio. Built by German immigrants, it has a distinct European flavor. Petrópolis' main annual event is the Festa do Colono Alemão, which takes place in June. The best way to see Petrópolis' attractions is on foot. It takes about two hours to walk around the city. Buses from Rio to Petrópolis leave daily from 5am every 30 minutes. The trip takes approximately an hour and 30 minutes.

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Walking south along the Copacabana beach, you will find this large unlikely fortress jutting out to sea. Defending the beach with its faded green cannons and its 12m thick walls, this outpost has been a landmark here since 1914. Although it might be hard to remove oneself from the beach, it may be worth a quick visit to see the weaponry on display, Fortification Museum installed in a bunker and century-old furniture. Also, the view alone is worth the price of admission.

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A pleasant park on sloping ground, this place is perfect for a day of fresh air and a picnic under the trees. Its 5,000 square feet of green lawns with natural trails, lakes and a great variety of exotic trees provides entertainment for the entire family. Children can run free and parents will enjoy hours of leisure. In the garden stands the 13th century Museu Histórico da Cidade (historical Museum of the City of Rio), showing the history of the city.

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On a leafy side street in bohemian Santa Teresa, Museu Chácara do Céu is a former mansion house that is now home to an impressive collection of art works - including pieces by Picasso, Monet and Degas. There are also plenty of pieces from Brazilian artists, and the museum itself is located in beautiful shady gardens that provide a welcome retreat from the beating sun. Entrance to the park is R$5.

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This cultural centre, Brazil's first neo-classical building, was built in 1820. Designed by French architect Grandjean de Montigny, it started as an indoor market. Today, it is home to different exhibitions reflecting the cultural relationship between France and Brazil, through exhibits that include painting, photography, prints and sculpture. Entry is free. There is also a restaurant on the premises.

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Formerly known as Forte São Teodósio, the current name became official in 1618 when the elaborate stone gate was built. In 1872, the fortress was remodeled and modern weapons were installed among which were 15 cannons. It was later renovated, and only the old gate and some ruins remain of the original structure. Additionally, there is a private beach for use by the military staff. From the fortress there is a superb view of the Guanabara Bay.

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Visible in the distance from the top of the Corcovado and the whole Parque do Flamengo, it was the longest bridge of its type in the world when it was finished in 1974. If you have a car, this 15.5 km snake will take you on a day trip to the city of Niterói. Sixty meters high and 26.6 meters wide, this six-lane bridge seems to go on forever. There is a toll booth at the end of the journey.

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Located in the impressive green space of the Parque do Flamengo, a modern and exquisite building in concrete and glass houses The Modern Arts Museum, the main centre for contemporary art in Rio. The permanent collection now has more than 4,000 pieces from Brazilian artists, including the Gilberto Chateaubriant collection, the most important contemporary Brazilian art collection in the country. There are various temporary exhibits of well-known artists from other countries as well, plus an art cinema and a restaurant. Guided tours in English and Spanish: to reserve, call +55 21 22012188. All printed matter and painting information is also in English.

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Linking Rio's port with Centro's bustling shopping streets, this 17th Century archway leads to a wealth of hidden charms. Head through the arch and you'll find the Travessa do Comércio and Beco do Teles - historic alleyways, closed to traffic and flanked by handsome colonial buildings that now house restaurants and bars. With tables and chairs on the flagstones and ornate lanterns hanging overhead, this is one of the most pleasant spots in the city centre to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. The alleyways are also home to several good book/record stores and small galleries.

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A sprawling metropolis of about half a million people, Niterói has been largely neglected by visitors of Rio. This shouldn't be the case and if you have some time to spare, this will make a good day trip. Besides having its own beautiful beaches and park areas, there is also a very good contemporary-art museum designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The view of Rio from the building is breathtaking.

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All the big names of world soccer-Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Carlos Alberto, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Zico, et al, have played here. It hosted the dramatic 1950 World Cup final where Uruguay stole the world championship from hosts Brazil in one of the most incredible matches in soccer history. Popularly known as the Maracanã, this arena is one of the largest football stadiums in the world. Besides soccer matches, the stadium also holds music concerts and has hosted performances by Tina Turner and Paul Mc Cartney, among others. Guided tours of the stadium are available and include a visit to the changing rooms, views of the pitch from the stands, and the chance to stand in the bronzed footprints of Pelé.