Rio de Janeiro Things to Do Tips by Alless

The city's main tourist attraction was built by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, from a project by French sculptor Paul Landowski. Date: 1926 -1931.
Located atop the Corcovado Mountain at a height of 710 meters, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is certainly one of the world's best-known and most-visited monuments. This outing begins in the Cosme Velho District, aboard a miniature train that runs through the steep Atlantic Rainforest up to the foot of the statue, offering stunning glimpses of Rio from many different angles. From the top, the view is nothing short of heavenly: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Botanical Gardens, the Jockey Club, and the Lagoon. The entire city spreads out in a magnificent panorama during the day, glittering and magic after dark and always protected by Christ the Redeemer, who blesses visitors and residents from on high.

Visiting hours:
daily from 8:30am to 6:30pm.

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Phone: Tel.: +55 21 2285-2533
Address: Rua Cosme Velho 513 (Corcovado Railway Station)
Website: http://www.corcovado.com.br

The height and unmistakable outline of Sugarloaf make it - together with Christ the Redeemer one of the two main attractions offering breathtaking views of Rio. This famous landmark is reached by cablecar in two stages: first to the top of Urca Hill, where visitors catch the second car to their final destination. From the Sugarloaf, the endless beaches of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói stretch to the horizon. Set against the lush Atlantic Rainforest, the scene is dotted with historical buildings such as the Santa Cruz Fort and the miniature palace on Fiscal Island.

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Address: Urca

Inaugurated in June 1950, the world's largest sports stadium still retains all the glamour that makes it a landmark and an irresistible attraction for visitors to Rio. The stage of memorable moments such as Pelé's 1,000th goal, Maracanã also hosted mega-concerts by Frank Sinatra and Paul McCartney, drawing huge audiences of over 180,000 which made the Guinness Book of Records. More recent and no less important was the Meeting with Families during Pope John Paul II's last visit to Brazil. With this impressive track-record, Maracanã leaves a lasting impression, thanks to its sheer size, style and beauty. This monument to sport is open for visits almost every day at various times.

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Address: Maracanã
Directions: near Maracanã Metro Station

The sidewalk running along Botafogo Beach in front of the bay of the same name offers one of the loveliest views of the city, with Urca Hill and Sugarloaf right at the entrance to the Guanabara Bay. In the foreground, the boats and sails of the Yacht Club add life and color to the scene. A favorite venue for shows and concerts drawing lively crowds, its facilities include a cycle path and bicycle racks for visitors.The best view to see the beautifull scenery is from Botafogo Praia Shopping´s Terrace , worth a visit ,after or before movie!!!

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Phone: 2559-9880
Address: Praia de Botafogo, 400 – Botafogo
Directions: Botafogo District
Botafogo Praia Shopping
Monday-Saturday, 11-22h, Sunday, 15-21h
Near Botafogo Metro Station ( sul direction )

Home to hundreds of species of plants and wildlife, many threatened by extinction, found only in the Atlantic Rainforest, this is the world's largest urban forest, covering some 3,200 hectares. Its historical attractions and enchanting nooks are well worth a leisurely visit. Just a short drive from the financial center downtown, the North Zone and Rio's smart beach districts, its attractions include the Cascatinha Waterfall, the Mayrink Chapel, the Excelsior Lookout Point, the Paul and Virginia Grotto, Fairy Lake and, all favorite destinations for weekend family outings.

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Directions: Alto da Boa Vista district - north zone

It's almost impossible for visitors to Rio to resist the charm of the city's eighty kilometers of beaches. Framed by the wavy black and white mosaics of Avenue Atlântica, Copacabana is one of the main reasons for this fascination. In fact, there are two separate beaches here: Leme (one kilometer) and Copacabana, (just over three kilometers). A center of activity both night and day, the beach is lined with kiosks, a bicycle path and racks, lifeguard posts, public showers and bathrooms, hotels, bars and open-air restaurants. The Military Forts at each end are open to visitors, offering panoramic views.

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Directions: Copacabana District - south zone

(Museu Historico Nacional-MHN)Date: 1734 Built to accommodate the Train House, a gunpowder factory. It underwent restoration in neocolonial style in 1922 by architect Archimedes Memoria to house one of the pavilions of the International Exhibition to Commemorate the Centenary of the Independence of Brazil. The museum has an interesting historical permanent collection.
In an harmonious architectural complex this museum was established in 1922 during the Epitacio Pessoa Government. Covering an area of 18.000m2, the National History Museum is housed in three separate buildings constructed at different times: the Casa do Trem (1762); the Royal Arsenal (1822); and the Barracks Annex (1835). Once set right on the seafront, it was originally planned as a strategic factor in the defense of the city. Today it is home to a priceless cultural treasure trove.

Open: Tues - Fri, 10 am - 5:30 p
Sat and Sun, 2 pm - 6 pm

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Phone: Tel.: 550-9224 - Fax: 220-6290
Directions: Praca Marechal Ancora, s/n - Centro

Visiting hours: Daily, Daily, from 7am to 5pm.
Each of the 141 hectares of Rio's Botanical Gardens shelters outstanding examples of plantlife from Brazil and all over the world. The Imperial Palms are among its most spectacular attractions, planted in 1809 by Prince Regent D. Joao VI.
Huge trees decked with orchids contrast with giant victoria-regia, lilies, bromeliads, royal poincianas and tropical foliage, making the Botanical Gardens a favorite hideaway for nature-lovers, sweethearts and all those seeking peace and tranquillity...The gardens, which were designed at the beginning of the 19th century by order of the Prince Regent, Dom Joao VI, are one of the city's most important green areas. Within the gardens are various points of interest such as the Khulmann Museum, administration office, the original portal from the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts (transferred to this location when the Grandjean de Montigny building was demolished in the 1930's) and the old gunpowder factory. It is also worth visiting the Horto Florestal (Tree Nursery) and the Empress' former manor house (on Estrada Dona Castorina), in the adjacent surroundings.

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Address: Rua Jardim Botanico, 920 - Jardim Botanico
Directions: Jardim Botanico District

The church is the purest example of baroque architecture in Rio de Janeiro. It is notable for the elliptic space of the nave and the beauty of the portuguese tiles. Date: 1714-1739

Visiting hours:
Monday to Friday
from 8am to 12pm
and from 1pm to 5pm;
Saturdays and Sundays
from 8am to 12pm.

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Phone: Tels.:+55 21 2225-2869/2285-2600
Address: Praca N. S. da Gloria, 135
Directions: Gloria District

Former country manor donated to the Prince Regent Dom Joao when he arrived in Rio de Janeiro in 1808. It was the home of the Brazilian monarchs until the proclamation of the Republic in 1889. Throughout the 19th century it underwent successive restorations under Johnston, Pezerat and Marx, the English, French and German architects respectively.

Visiting hours:
Tuesday to Sunday
from 10am to 4pm.

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Phone: Tel.:+55 21 2568-9642
Address: Quinta da Boa Vista, s/n
Directions: Sao Cristovao District