Rio de Janeiro is not called the ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ for nothing. It’s really a marvelous city, with lots of fun things to do.
These are my favorites.
1. Christ the Redeemer
2. Sugarloaf mountain
3. Hang gliding
4. Gondola lift ‘Bondinho do Alemão’
5. To the beach
6. Jardim Botânico
7. Lapa and Santa Teresa
8. Museu do Amanhã
9. Aquário Marinho
10. Arpoador
11. Mirante do Leblon
1. Christ the Redeemer
Most metropolises offer visitors the possibility to admire the city from the sky. Such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris (317 meters) or the less well-known ‘Torre Latinoamericana’ in Mexico City (183 meters).
Rio de Janeiro also offers its visitors this possibility. From the Corcovado mountain, that is no less than 710 meters high, with the 38-meter high statue of Christ the Redeemer, the view is breathtaking. The statue has been nominated as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World in 2007.
Address: Parque Nacional da Tijuca in Alto da Boa Vista
Official ticket: Christ the Redeemer Official Cog Train Ticket
2. Sugarloaf mountain
The mountain Pão de Açúcar (396 meters) is significantly less high. The mountain is situated on the bay of Guanabara and can be reached by a gondola lift.
Address: Avenida Pasteur 520 in Urca
Official ticket: Sugarloaf Cable Car Official Ticket
3. Hang gliding
The most thrilling way to see Rio is hanging from a kind of large kite, better known as hang gliding. Is it dangerous? Taking the popularity of the sport into account and the fact that my 55-year-old instructor is still alive and well after 7000 flights, it appears to be quite safe. You can see for yourself how much fun it really is in the video.
Which company can I recommend?
Delta Flight is a reliable company of the very sympathetic Ricardo Hamond, who has been flying from Pedra Bonita (520 meters) since 1987. They pick you up from your hotel and take you to the top of the mountain, where you start a flight of about ten minutes with a certified flight instructor.
4. Gondola lift ‘Bondinho do Alemão’
The ‘Bondinho do Alemão’ is less known than the gondola lift of the Sugarloaf Mountain. The gondola lift travels above a few of the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and allows a unique view of the mosaic of houses and streets.
Address: Praca das Nacoes in Zona Norte
5. To the beach
Perhaps the most imaginative beaches in the world. Those of Rio de Janeiro. Can they make that reputation come true? Yes, with ease. In my article The beaches of Rio de Janeiro, you can read about the best parts to go.
6. Jardim Botânico
A walk through this beautiful park, with all the beauty, that Brazilian nature has to offer, is the perfect escape from the occasional hectic Rio de Janeiro.
Address: Rua Jardim Botânico in 1008 in Jardim Botânico
7. Lapa en Santa Teresa
The Bohemian neighborhoods Lapa and Santa Teresa were no-go areas in the last century. Nowadays they are considered one of the nicest neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro.
8. Museu do Amanhã
Spend an afternoon at the Rio de Janeiro Science Museum. The futuristic building, that was completed by the end of 2015, itself is worth a visit.
Address: Praça Mauá 1 in Centro
9. Aquário Marinho
Rio de Janeiro’s new aquarium is the largest in South America and houses about 3,000 animals.
Address: Via Binário do Porto 194 in Gambôa – Praça Muhammad Ali
10. Arpoador
Close the day with a breathtaking sunset. The Arpoador, overlooking the beaches of Ipanema and mountain Dois Irmaos, is one of the most beautiful places to do.
Address: Pedra Arpoador in Ipanema
11. Mirante do Leblon
Mirante do Leblon is located on the other side of the beach and is also a great place to enjoy the view. At night you are welcome too, the terrace is open 24 hours a day.
Address: Avenida Niemeyer in Leblon
