There are many things, sites, lookouts, attractions, and activities not to be missed in Rio de Janeiro. Among the must-see in South America’s most exciting city are:
1 – Christ the Redeemer Statue
Christ Statue atop Corcovado Mountain is by far the number one attraction not to miss in Rio de Janeiro. Christ the Redeemer is the sort of famous landmark that you always thought “One day I’ll visit it”, but you may also have questioned yourself “Is it really worth-visiting?”.
I have been to Christ the Redeemer Statue over 900 times, and have taken literally thousands of visitors there. I can assure that the vast majority of foreign as well as Brazilian tourists are impressed by the size, the shape, and the beauty of the most famous Jesus statue in the world.
Besides, the views of Rio de Janeiro are breath-taking from 710 meters (2,300 ft) above sea level. Warning: book at least 3 days in Rio de Janeiro, because sometimes the statue is in the cloud the whole day. To increase your chances of seeing the statue, stay at least three days in the city. After all, Rio has a lot more to see and to do anyway.
2 – Sugar Loaf
Sugar Loaf is not high enough to be called a mountain, so technically is a hill. Sugar Loaf is one of the most impressive rocks you will ever see from so close and go to the top of it in so little time. To get to the summit you take two cable cars (gondolas). Each ride takes only three minutes and is very smooth.
On the summit of Sugar Loaf there is no statue or any other sort of attraction. On the other hand you have great views. In fact, many travelers rate the views from Sugar Loaf more spectacular than the views from Corcovado Mountain.
3 – Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches
Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches are among the not to be missed attractions in Rio de Janeiro, especially on sunny weekends and holidays when locals are outdoors having a great time enjoying their playground. By the way, these are the nicest neighborhoods to stay in Rio (along with Leme and Leblon).
If by any chance you are on a cruise and have a layover of a few hours in Rio, don’t miss these three sites mentioned above. If you have more time you should not miss:
Colombo Cafe — One of the oldest cafes in Rio (inaugurated in 1894)
Selaron Staircase — 215-step staircase decorated with tiles from 160 countries. The fun of visiting this staircase was to meet in person the artist who decorated the steps for 22 years. Regrettably he was found dead in January 2013. Go seeing the steps without him is not as fun as before, but it is still a not to miss site in Rio de Janeiro. Here it is a task for you: try to find a tile from your city or from your country in the staircase.
Maracana Soccer Stadium — The stadium was the largest stadium in the world when it was built in 1950. Nowadays, it is no longer the largest, but the most renowned in Brazil, and one of the most important in the world. It will host the World Cup Final in 2014.
There are many other not to miss attractions in Rio de Janeiro — famous landmarks as well as off the beaten path spots. Find out what they are and how to visit them without standing in line or wasting your time in My Rio Travel Guide, the essential travel guide to Rio de Janeiro.
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