Christ the Redeemer
The 30 m art deco statue on Corcovado is Rio's symbol.
- Category
- Landmark
- Duration
- 2.5 h
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- Morning
Tip: Go early, as clouds may block the view in the afternoon.
Show on mapCulture – Rio de Janeiro
Rio is the city of samba, bossa nova and Carnival, born from a mix of African, Portuguese and Indigenous cultures. History and traditions live on in everyday life.
Historic sites
- Praça XV – The historic square in front of the Portuguese palace, the colonial centre.
- Copacabana Fort – A coastal fort from 1914 with a museum and ocean views.
- Valongo Wharf – A UNESCO World Heritage site, the main port of the slave trade.
Traditions
- Samba – An Afro-Brazilian rhythm and dance; anyone can join the rodas.
- Bossa Nova – A smooth music style born in Ipanema and Copacabana in the late 1950s.
- Capoeira – An Afro-Brazilian art combining dance, acrobatics and martial arts.
Festivals
- Carnival – The world's biggest carnival, held in February or early March.
- Réveillon (New Year's Eve) – A New Year celebration where millions in white watch fireworks on Copacabana.
- Festival of Iemanjá – A ritual on 2 February offering flowers and gifts to the sea goddess.
Etiquette
- A kiss on the cheek is a common greeting; be warm and friendly.
- Don't display valuables openly on the beach or in the city.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches.
- Walking around the city in swimwear away from the beach is frowned upon.
Map
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Places
Selarón Steps
A colourful staircase covered by artist Selarón in tiles from around the world.
- Category
- Landmark
- Duration
- 40 min
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Morning
Tip: Early morning gives you photos without crowds.
Show on mapSambadrome
A 700 m grandstand avenue designed by Niemeyer where Carnival parades are held.
- Category
- Performance
- Duration
- 1.5 h
- Price
- $$
- Best time
- Afternoon
Tip: Outside Carnival, you can attend rehearsal nights.
Show on mapLapa Arches
A white 18th-century colonial aqueduct that carries the tram.
- Category
- Historic site
- Duration
- 30 min
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Evening
Tip: Street parties fill the area on Friday nights.
Show on mapPedra do Sal
The historic Afro-Brazilian site seen as the cradle of samba, with weekly open-air roda de samba.
- Category
- Tradition
- Duration
- 2 h
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Monday and Friday evening
Tip: Buy food and drinks from street vendors, and keep valuables close.
Show on mapMetropolitan Cathedral
A modernist cathedral shaped like a Mayan pyramid, with 64 m stained-glass windows.
- Category
- Religious site
- Duration
- 45 min
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Afternoon
Tip: Dress modestly with covered shoulders.
Show on mapMonastery of São Bento
A 17th-century monastery famed for its gilded Baroque interior.
- Category
- Religious site
- Duration
- 45 min
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Morning
Tip: Gregorian chant can be heard at Sunday Mass.
Show on mapRoyal Portuguese Reading Room
One of the world's most beautiful libraries, with a Neo-Manueline facade and tiered wooden shelves.
- Category
- Historic site
- Duration
- 40 min
- Price
- Free
- Best time
- Morning
Tip: Open on weekdays; please keep quiet.
Show on map
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Please verify with official sources before your visit.
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