Praia Vermelha (Vermelha Beach); off the beaten path beach busy with Rio locals on summer weekends.
The Top 10 attractions in Rio de Janeiro are definitely a must-see. However, if you add the off the beaten path sites, Rio has way more than Top 10 attractions. In fact, Rio has dozens of great attractions, from natural sites to monuments to cafes to stadiums, and much more.
As people have different interests, each local or visitor has his or her own Rio Top 10 personal list. Here are the attractions and things to do that are in most people’s list:
1 – Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain
Christ the Redeemer statue; the most famous monument in Brazil.
Without a doubt Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) is by far the number 1 on the Rio Top 10 list. The statue itself and the panoramic 360 ° view of Rio de Janeiro alone worth the trip to Rio de Janeiro.
2 – Sugar Loaf
Sugar Loaf seen from Praia Vermelha (Vermelha Beach) in Urca neighborhood.
Sugar Loaf is the second most interesting attraction in Rio de Janeiro; this impressive hill deserves its position on the Rio Top 10 list right after the Jesus statue. Its elevation is almost half of the elevation of Corcovado Mountain. However, the views are breath-taking. For some visitors, it even beats the views from the summit of Corcovado Mountain.
3 – Copacabana Beach
Copacabana Beach (usually the sand is flat; this is a rough waves day).
The most famous beach in Brazil does deserve to be high on the Rio Top 10 list. Sunny on most days, white sand, dozens of snack bars, cafés and restaurants and lots of sporting options — surfing, paddling, beach volleyball, foot volleyball, bat and ball, slack lining, skating, jogging, swimming, flirting…what a beach!
4 – Colombo Café
Colombo Café; full of tourists and locals from Rio de Janeiro.
Colombo Café is not the oldest, but the most beautiful café in Rio, dating back from 1894. The café definitely worths your time whether or not you take a seat to eat or drink something and to appreciate its interior, or just take photos and order take-away one of the locally made pastries such as Pastel de Caipirinha (Caipirinha pastry).
5 – Selaron Staircase
Selaron steps in Lapa.
An authentic work of art. A 215-step staircase decorated with tiles from 160 countries. USA, Portugal, and Germany are the countries with more representation, with tiles from several different cities — from Berlin to Lisbon to San Francisco!
6 – Santa Teresa Neighborhood
Corner in Santa Teresa neighborhood.
Santa Teresa — 2 ½ century old — is probably the most charming district in Rio de Janeiro. Cobblestones, arty shops, full-of-character cafés and bars, great views, hurry-free pace, delicious Brazilian cuisine. Definitely among the Rio Top 10 attractions.
7 – Maracana Stadium
The renovated Maracana Stadium.
The stadium was built in 1950 for the first world cup in Brazil. It has been renovated in 2010-2013 for the second world cup in Brazil in 2014. The final will be there! I holds 78,000 spectators.
8 – Brazilian Steakhouse
Juicy Brazilian steak.
Porcão, Marius, and Fogo de Chão are the top 3 churrascarias (all-you-can-eat steakhouses) in Rio de Janeiro. Having lunch or dinner in one of them is a must. Before you go, be sure to be starving to worth the investment. Another good one is Carretão Ipanema, cheaper but good enough to experience the all-you-can-eat Brazilian steak.
9 – Rio Scenarium
A band playing live samba at Rio Scenarium in Lapa.
Rio Scenarium at Lavradio Street in Lapa is the number 1 nightlife venue. It offers live Samba concerts (as well as other Brazilian rhythms) several nights per week. Regardless of who is playing, the decor of the place worth the visit.
10 – Carnival
Bloco (street Carnival) in Rio de Janeiro.
Carnival could easily be the number 1 attraction on this Rio Top 10 list. Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant Carnival is the world’s largest, lasting 4 days. It happens some time in February, or early March (it varies from year to year).
Visiting and experiencing the Rio top 10 attractions is not necessarily an easy task even for the savvy, world-traveled visitor. Excess of visitors, long lines, weather conditions are a few of the factors that influence the quality of your experience.
Avoid hassle, save time and money, and above all, be well-informed for your Rio trip by getting your copy of My Rio Travel Guide, the most updated, useful and practical travel guide to Rio de Janeiro. Get it online now!
Click below to have an unforgettable time in Rio!
