Must see in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro's Absolute Essentials

Rio de Janeiro’s landscape is defined by the Art Deco Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado and the granite peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, accessible by cable car. The city’s history is preserved in military fortifications like Fort Copacabana and the royal Guanabara Palace, while the Santiago Calatrava-designed Museum of Tomorrow anchors the modern waterfront. Natural highlights include the Tijuca National Park—one of the world's largest urban forests—and the rocky Arpoador Point, alongside scenic viewpoints like the Chinese Belvedere and the 88-meter Rio Star ferris wheel.

Rio de Janeiro's Absolute Essentials — Map

Wolffystyle / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Christ the Redeemer

Iconic Art Deco statue representing Jesus located atop Corcovado mountain, offering panoramic views of the city. It is a symbol of Christianity and Brazilian cultural heritage.

chensiyuan / GFDL

B

Sugarloaf

Its specific shape has given the peak the interesting name and the status of one of Rio's top landmarks.

Caio Costa Ribeiro / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Museum of Tomorrow

The Museum of Tomorrow is a science museum in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

anna carol / CC BY 2.0

D

Arpoador Point

It seems as if this rocky platform was made for watching sunsets and snapping perfect pictures of the sea and the beach.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Tijuca National Park

The Tijuca National Park is an urban national park in the mountains of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

slasher-fun / CC BY-SA 2.0

F

Red Beach

Great Sugarloaf view that becomes flushed by red sunsets every day. This beach truly is a tiny piece of paradise.

Vanessa Marques / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Sugarloaf Cable Car

The Sugarloaf Cable Car is a cableway system in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Fulviusbsas / Public domain

H

Copacabana's Fort

Fort Copacabana is a military base at the south end of the beach that defines the district of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Duque de Caxias Fort

If you feel like taking a trip, hike up to this fortress for great views of the city, the sea and the Copacabana Beach.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

J

Ferris Wheel

Standing 88 meters tall in the Porto Maravilha district, this is one of Latin America's largest observation wheels, offering views of the port area, Guanabara Bay, and the city skyline.

K

Confeitaria Colombo

This branch of the historic 19th-century café is located within Fort Copacabana, serving traditional Brazilian pastries and meals with views overlooking the entire curve of Copacabana Beach.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Guanabara Palace

This imposing palace used to be one of the residences of Brazil's royal rulers and presidents.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

M

Chinese Belvedere

The Chinese-style gazebo offers breathtaking views of the city and the bay.

Andrevruas / CC BY 3.0

N

Corcovado

Corcovado which means "hunchback" in Portuguese, is a mountain in central Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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