Rio de Janeiro State

Must see in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro: The Absolute Essentials

Rio de Janeiro’s essential landmarks span from the Art Deco Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado to the granite peak of Sugarloaf Mountain. The city’s coastline features the world-famous sands of Copacabana and Ipanema, while the Tijuca National Park preserves one of the world's largest urban rainforests. Architectural highlights include the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow by Santiago Calatrava and the mosaic-covered Selarón Staircase. Cultural landmarks range from the historic Confeitaria Colombo and the Arcos da Lapa aqueduct to the iconic Maracanã Stadium, reflecting the city's deep-rooted history and passion for football.

Rio de Janeiro: The 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.

Rodrigo Soldon / CC BY 2.0

C

Copacabana Beach

The icon of Rio de Janeiro and one of the best-known beaches in the world.

Adelano Lázaro / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Selarón Staircase

Escadaria Selarón, locally known as the 'Lapa Steps' for being situated at the "Lapa" neighborhood, is a set of world-famous steps in Rio…

Caio Costa Ribeiro / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Museum of Tomorrow

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

Andrevruas / CC BY 3.0

F

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden or Jardim Botânico is located at the Jardim Botânico district in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

G

Ipanema Beach

Listed as the sexiest beach in the world, it is very atmospheric, lively and a must-visit, no matter whether you're hitting the sea or just…

Leandro Neumann Ciuffo / CC BY 2.0

H

Carioca Aqueduct

The Carioca Aqueduct, also known as Arcos da Lapa, is an aqueduct in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Brazilian Government / Empresa de… / CC BY 2.0 br

I

Journalist Mário Filho Stadium

Maracanã Stadium, officially named Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, is an association football stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Andrevruas / CC BY 3.0

J

Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, better known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro or as the Cathedral of St.

Sailko / CC BY 3.0

K

Confeitaria Colombo

While in Rio, you must try the feijoada (a Portuguese dish with beans and pork).

anna carol / CC BY 2.0

L

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

M

Tijuca National Park

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

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