Hidden gems in Rio de Janeiro

Beyond the urban center, the state of Rio de Janeiro contains diverse landmarks ranging from the 19th-century Imperial Palace in Petrópolis to the historic Zeppelin Hangar in Santa Cruz—one of the world's last remaining airship terminals. This selection highlights secluded natural escapes like Joatinga Beach and the white sands of Lopes Mendes, alongside unique cultural sites such as the mosaic-clad Selarón Staircase and the abandoned ruins of thematic parks like Cidade Albanoel.

Adelano Lázaro / CC BY-SA 4.0

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…

Andrevruas / CC BY 3.0

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.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

Palácio Imperial

This imposing 19th-century palace houses a great collection of art and items connected to the Brazilian royalty.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

Chinese Belvedere

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

KarlaFPaiva / CC BY-SA 3.0

Rock of the Topsail

Pedra da Gávea is a monolithic mountain in Tijuca Forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Brazilian Government / Empresa de… / CC BY 2.0 br

Journalist Mário Filho Stadium

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

The Photographer / CC BY-SA 4.0

Palácio de Cristal

A lovely little palace situated in a lush park surrounded by fountains.

Nathan Chor / CC BY-SA 3.0

Lopes Mendes Beach, Ilha Grande

Three-kilometer stretch of white sand on Ilha Grande accessible only by boat or forest trail. The beach is known for its shallow turquoise waters and surrounding Atlantic Forest.

Praia Secreta

Secluded coastal inlet near Angra dos Reis featuring calm, transparent waters. It is accessible via a short trail through local vegetation.

Praia da Joatinga

Secluded beach located within a gated community between São Conrado and Barra da Tijuca. The sandy shore is only accessible during low tide via a rocky descent.

Rcandre / CC BY-SA 3.0

Zeppelin Hangar

Historic 1936 airship terminal at the Santa Cruz Air Force Base. It is one of the last remaining hangars in the world designed to house German Zeppelins.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

Tijuca National Park

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

Cidade Albanoel

Abandoned Santa Claus-themed amusement park in Itaguaí. The site features decaying statues and unfinished structures from a massive 1990s tourism project.

Antigo Terra Encantada

Remnants of a former amusement park in Barra da Tijuca. The site is known for its abandoned infrastructure and architecture inspired by Brazilian regional themes.

Penha Church on Rock

Small 18th-century chapel built directly on top of a massive granite rock. It is located in the Penha district of Paraty, adjacent to the Tobogã waterfall.