Things to Do and See for Free!

Description:

Many travelers are looking for cheap holidays in Rio, and with a little know-how it's easy to find things to do that won't cost a penny. There are some good deals to be had on flights to Rio de Janeiro and Rio de Janeiro hotels, and our four day guide gives you the lowdown on seeing the best of the city, even if your budget is supertight!

Author: Lucy


Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro


They say the best things in life are free...and that's certainly true when it comes to Rio's beaches. Copacabana and Ipanema are two of the world's most famous beaches, and with good reason. Most people hop on board flights to Rio de Janeiro with a beach break in mind, and you can enjoy these beautiful stretches of sand without spending a cent! Happily, it's also easy and relatively safe to walk between the areas by day, via Arpoador, Spend the morning at one beach, the afternoon at the other, and stop off at Arpoador to catch the magnificent sunset from the giant rock that juts out into the ocean.


1

Copacabana Beach

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Location:

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Avenida Atlantica and Xavier da Silveira
22010-000 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 2542 8080


3

Praia do Arpoador

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Location:

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Copacabana / Ipanema
22410-003 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 2259 6165 (Tourist Information)


Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro


Take a Metro to Carioca station, and check out the city's opinion-dividing cathedral, before jumping on board the little rattling bonde (tram) that will whisk you up to boho Santa Teresa. (Ok, it's not free...but at 60 centavos - around 30 US cents - it might as well be!). Spend some time exploring the winding cobbled streets of this charming neighbourhood, stopping off to take in the beautiful view from the top floor of the ruined mansion at Parque das Ruinas (entry to the park is freee!). From here, it's a short stroll downhill stroll to the Escadaria de Selaron (but be careful, especially after dark), which will lead you to Lapa. The lively party area is dominated by the mammoth Arcos do Lapa (arches), and hundreds of revellers throng here after dark, clutching cheap drinks from the many cocktail stands and beer sellers.


1

Catedral Metropolitana

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Location:

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Avenida República de Chile, 245
Centro
20031-170 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 2240 2669


2

Bonde de Santa Teresa

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Rua Professor Lélio Gama, 65
Centro
20031-080 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 222 1003 / +55 21 242 2354


3

Santa Teresa

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Ladeira de Santa Teresa
20241-140 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil


4

Escadaria Selarón

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Escadaria do Convento de Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa
20241-130 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil


5

Arcos da Lapa

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Location:

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Rua dos Arcos
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 25447992 (Tourist information)


Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro


Head to Centro in the morning, and check out the many free museums and cultural centres - Casa Franca-Brasil being one of the best, with consistently original and thought-provoking exhibits. The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil is also well worth a visit. In the afternoon, head off to the Zona Sul and visit the beautiful Parque Lage before taking a stroll down to the city Lake, Lagoa, and admiring the views as you take a stroll around. The lake's many bars and restaurants are great spot for sunset drinks if your budget will stretch to it!


1

Casa França-Brasil

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Location:

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Rua Visconde de Itaboraí, 78
Centro
20010-060 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 22535366


2

Lagoa

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Avenida Epitácio Pessoa
Lagoa
22471-001 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 25447992 (Tourist information)


3

Parque Lage

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Rua Jardim Botânico, 414 - Jardim Botânico
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

(21) 2538 - 1879


Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro


Entrance to the fascinating Museu da Republica is free on Wednesdays on Sundays, and you'll want to set aside a good couple of hours to take everything in. The building itself is spectacular, and there are some very interesting exhibitions held here too. Don't miss the immaculately-preserved room (complete with bullet-marked pyjamas) where former president Getúlio Vargas killed himslelf - eerily fascinating! Next door is the very interesting Folklore Museum, which gives an insight into pan-Brazilian culture and tradition through some colourful exhibits. Head back to the Zona Sul in the late afternoon and take a stroll alonf the beachfront, as it's Sunday, the beach roads are closed to traffic.


1

Museu do Folclore Edison Carneiro

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Location:

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Rua do Catete, 179
Catete
22220-000 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 2285 0441


2

Museu da República

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Location:

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Rua do Catete, 153
Catete
22220-000 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Phone:

+55 21 3235 2650


3

Orla Marítima

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Location:

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Leme até Barra da Tijuca
22010-000 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil


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