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What's popular in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil?

The city of Rio has been Brazil’s most popular choice amongst tourist over the years and with the 2016 Olympics approaching a lot of crowd is expected with visitors, spectators and participants from all over the world. If you are flying to Brazil this August to be a part of the Olympics 2016, then make a note of some of the most popular tourist attractions to see while you are in Rio. Yes, off course our recommendation of the top places to see or things to do is not only restricted for the time of the Olympics, so keep it handy and we are sure that this list would be useful anytime you decide to make a trip to the beautiful city of Rio.

1. Christ the Redeemer

Rio’s most famous landmark and also one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Christ Redeemer. The 125 feet tall statue rests atop the Corcovado Mountain in Tijuca National Park and is the most famous attraction, visited by over a million people each year. Elevators and escalators can be used to reach at the top of the monument or you could take the challenge of climbing hundreds of steps to reach the top. The best time to visit is on a bright sunny day to get an incredible view from the top and to capture beautiful photos.

2. Copacabana

A public beach and one of Rio’s most popular shores is located in the Zona Sul neighborhood. The Copacabana Palace Hotel is one of the most famous landmarks along the beach. Copacabana beach is generally crowded and has a lot of restaurants, café and bars along the shore. Spend a day relaxing and rejuvenating on the white sand beaches and a lot of travelers recommend taking a stroll at sunset.

3. Sugar Loaf Mountain

The Sugar Loaf Mountain stands tall at 1,300 feet above the Guanabara Bay. You can take a three-minute cable car ride up to Morro da Urca and then hop on another cable car up to the top of Sugar Loaf. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the top, particularly at sunset. The mountain's park also includes a history exhibit, an interactive Cable Car Plaza that displays the original cable cars used on the tram, the Baía de Guanabara Space that features restaurants and shops, as well as an outdoor amphitheater.

4. Ipanema

Ipanema lies between the beaches of Copacabana and Leblon and is one of Rio’s most popular tourist spot. Ipanema has also been listed as one of the best beaches in the world. The beach is bordered by a well-organized grid of shops, cafés and restaurants as well as an array of art galleries, theaters and clubs. If you love white sand beaches then this is one place not to miss out!

5. Santa Teresa

Explore this beautiful neighborhood to experience Rio in its colonial times – the cobbled streets, sidewalk mosaics, palatial mansions and art galleries. The neighborhood also offers traditional Brazilian restaurants, bars and craft stores. You cannot visit Rio and not have a taste of authentic Brazilian cuisine – highly recommend this to be on your list!

6. Jardim Botanico

 

Spread over an area of 340 acres, there are more than 6000 indigenous and exotic species at the Jardim Botanico. Travelers love to visit the botanical gardens to view the 600 species of orchids. The garden includes a number of monuments, fountains and features, including a Japanese garden and a pond filled with water lilies.
 

7. Tijuca National Park

One of the largest urban forests in the world. The national park has over 1,600 plant species and more than 350 different species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. If you love some adventure then you can hike to Rio’s highest peak, the Pico da Tijuca, to enjoy expansive views of Guanabara Bay and the city below. 
 

8. Hand Gliding


Image credit: www.xtremespots.com

If adventure sport is your cup of tea then you will love Rio’s most popular wind sport – hand gliding. You don’t need to have any experience or training since the pilot takes control of the flight. Enjoy the beautiful views of Rio as you fly over some of the famous landmarks and land safely on the sandy beach of Sao Conrado. To experience this adventure, book it in advance and make sure to wear comfortable clothing.

9. Lapa Neighborhood

To experience Brazil’s vibrant nightlife – head to Lapa neighborhood located in the downtown section of Rio known as ‘Centro’. The streets are lined with samba and tapas bars, clubs and live music venues. You can sample the local cuisine and sip on caipirinha, the national cocktail made with sugarcane, hard liquor and lime.

10. Cooking class


Image credit: www.cookinrio.com


Take a cooking class and learn how to make Brazilian cuisine. Besides learning how to cook you also learn about the Brazilian culture. The one-day course includes the preparation of classic dishes such as the blow-out feijoada stew, or moqueca, a spicy seafood speciality from Bahia. You'll also find out how to mix a mean caipirinha, Rio's favourite cocktail. Have a look at www.cookinrio.com to book a class and know more about the cooking courses.