Visitors taking a stroll at Copacabana Fort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
There are many must visit places in Rio de Janeiro, more than a first-time visitor can possibly imagine. Places to visit in Rio go way beyond the traditional Copacabana Beach, Sugar Loaf, and Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain.
Some tourists think that apart from those, there are only the Maracana Football Stadium, the Sambadrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and favelas. However, there are many other must visit places that will impress most visitors.
Here are a couple of must-see lesser-known places tourists should consider visiting when spending their vacation in Rio de Janeiro.
Duque de Caxias Fort
Leme Hill seen from Leme Beach. Atop of it, Leme Fort.
This fort, unofficially called Forte do Leme (Leme Fort), offers, due to its elevation above sea level, one of the most fantastic views of Rio de Janeiro including one of the sides of Sugar Loaf, Christ the Redeemer statue, the full Copacabana Beach, the Two Brothers Hill, Gavea Mountain, the Guanabara Bay entrance, islands, and more.
The fort is still operated by the military, so it is a 100% safe visit. In addition, the admission fee is very cheap (R$ 4, roughly US$ 2).
Copacabana Fort
Copacabana Fort seen from Copacabana Beach on a sunny day.
The Forte de Copacabana (Copacabana Fort) is another military fort, and another not-to-be-missed attraction in Brazil. This fort has also a military museum and a couple of cafes, which overlook the ocean and Copacabana Beach (at a certain distance).
This fort is almost at sea level, but still, offers great views of Copacabana, including Sugar Loaf in the background. The great advantage is that you will take photos of Copacabana as you were on a boat. It is definitely another must visit inexpensive place to visit in Rio de Janeiro.
Sugar Loaf seen from Copacabana Fort.
This two forts are at walking distance from many hotels in Copacabana and Leme, and in the case of Copacabana Fort at walking distance from Ipanema Beach.
You will surely visit the iconic landmarks Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf. However, these two places are frequently unbearably crowded with visitors.
Read the tips, hints and recommendations on how to avoid the crowds in My Rio Travel Guide, the most updated, practical, and useful travel guidebook to Rio de Janeiro.
Click below to have a great time when touring Rio de Janeiro!
