6 tips for Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most spectacular cities on earth! Why? Because the sea, nature and moreover the culture result in a lively city that never sleeps. We give you 5 tips you cannot miss during your visit to Rio de Janeiro.

Ipanema Beach

You may associate Rio de Janeiro with Copacabana. Well, maybe the Copacabana was the place to be thirty year ago. However, the people that were responsible for the lively beach culture back in those years, are still the people you see around the Copacabana. Ipanema, however, is currently the beach to go to in Rio de Janeiro. De rich and famous, young, and everybody with a great body, can be seen around Ipanema.

Cycling tour in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is huge. It is barely impossible to explore the entire city by yourself in just a few days. That is why it is a great idea to go on a bike tour. With the sea breeze in your hair, you can cycle along the promenade while listening to your guide. In just a few hours, you will a major part of the city center, an ideal activity if you ask us.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf Mountain is almost just as characteristic as Christ the Redeemer on top of Corcovado Mountain. Because of the location at the entrance to the Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain has become a true landmark for the city. Because the Sugarloaf Mountain is a mere 396 meter high, you will be rewarded with stunning views across the city. The only disadvantage is the price of R$ 71 for the cable car.

Maracanã Stadium

The Maracanã Stadium is one of the largest football stadiums in the world. Today, it has a capacity of almost 79.000 visitors, however, in the past almost 200.000 people could spectate a football match here. Whether you are a football fan or not, the Maracanã Stadium is a must see when you are in Rio de Janeiro.

Christ the Redeemer

Wherever you are in Rio de Janeiro, it is likely you will be able to see the 38 meter (125 ft) tall statue of Jesus Christ on top of Corcovado Mountain. Just as impressive is the view of Rio de Janeiro from the base of the statue. It is therefore more than justified that Christ the Redeemer was chosen as one of the new wonders of the world.

Favela tour

A large part of the Carioca (people living in Rio de Janeiro) live in so called favelas. Some of these favelas, for example near Copacabana, have turned into 'normal' residential areas. They are relatively save, quality of live is reasonably high and the buildings are properly built. However, there are also favelas that are ruled by criminal gangs, where the people are really poor and the living standard is rather low. As a tourist, it is not very likely you will be able to get into such a favela, as it is just too dangerous. However, you can visit favelas that are less dangerous. A guide can show you how the real Carioca live while he/she explains you the ins and outs of the area.

Looking for more information?
When you want to search for information about the places in Rio de Janeiro you must see, we highly recommend looking into the Lonely Planet Rio de Janeiro. A fine travel guide with lots of detailed information about the city.

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