The best things to do in Rio de Janeiro including popular events, festivals, attractions and tours. There are many top attractions in the colorful and vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. You probably have heard about the beaches with miles of golden sands, carnival, majestic sugarloaf mountain, gardens, christ statue and football games.

SugarLoaf Mountain
The famous SugarLoaf Mountain is one of the top rated tourist attractions in Brazil.
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Christo Redentor
Read more about the Christ statue in Rio.

Cobacabana
Cobacabana is the most famous beach in the World.

Sambódromo and the Carnaval
Carnival avenue with stands for 62 000 spectators. Here is the big parade during carnival and it is possible to view when different Samba schools are rehearsing.
Sambódromo, Rua Marques de Sapucaia, Centro.
Hotels close to Sambodrome

Paço Imperial
Rios governor’s palace from 1743, home to the Portuguese royal family, 1808-1889. Cultural center, shop and restaurant. Tue-Sun 12-18.30. Praça XV de Novembro 48, Centro.

Maracanã Soccer Stadium.
Brazilian football culture main sanctuary. There is also a small museum with trophies, photographs, etc. The stadium is open for supper at 17, sat in at 15. Rua Professor Eurico Ribeiro, gate No 18.
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Jardim Botânico.
Botanical Gardens, which originates from the 1800s.

Tijuca National Park
Jungle and wilderness in central Rio
Hotels close to Tijuca National Park

Nossa senhora da Glória do Outerio
It was the favourite church of the emperor family and the church also have a museum.

Museums

Museu de Belas Artes.
14 000 works of art, among others, Portinari, Di Cavalcanti, Picasso and Rodin. Shop and café. Subway to Cinelândia. Tue-Fri 10-18, Sat-Sun at 14-18. Of Rio Branco 199, Centro.Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM).

Modern Art Museum (MAM)
Tue-Fri 12-18, Sat-Sun at 12-19. Of Infante D. Henrique, Parque do Flamengo.
Museum of Contemporary Art

National History Museum  (Museu Histórico Nacional)
Historical Museum (history, ethnography)
Tue-Fri 10-17.30, Sat-Sun at 14-18. Praça Marechal Ancora, Centro.

Museu do Indio
Museum of Brazil’s indigenous history. Crafts store and café.
Tue-Fri 10-17.30, Sat-Sun at 13-17.
Hotels close to Museu do Indio

Carmen Miranda Museum
A museum dedicated to the samba singer Carmen Miranda popular in 1940s and 1950s.

Museu Casa do Pontal
Brazilian art in various forms
Estrada do Pontal 3295

They also have water parks (Wet’n Wild Rio)

Museu Aeroespacial
If you like aeroplanes then it is free entrence to the airmuseum at Museu Aeroespacial.
Official site: www.musal.aer.mil.br/lista_fabric.htm
Ipanema’s Diamond Row dedicated to gemstones.