When we talk about a lively metropolis with many faces, Rio de Janeiro fits that description perfectly. According to Watchtutorials, the city that is world famous for its holy image of Jesus, its beaches and Carnival attracts millions of visitors from all corners of the world. The historic city center with countless beautiful buildings, churches such as the Candelária and monasteries are effortlessly alternated with modern architecture, high skyscrapers and cozy squares. Fortunately, there are plenty of green oases such as the botanical garden and the Tijuco forest, where you can easily avoid the crowds. Many a football heart beats faster when entering the Estádio do Maracanā. Big names from the football world have been able to kick a ball here.
Rio de Janeiro’s Top 10 Attractions
#1. Cristo Redentor
Many would agree that when you think of Brazil, the first thing that comes to mind is this image. The statue of Christ the Redeemer stands on top of the Corcovado mountain and can therefore be seen from every nook and cranny. Fortunately, a train is what takes you up. The statue was built between 1922 and 1931 by the sculptor Paul Landowski to a design by Heitor da Silva Costa. This symbol of peace is still visited by millions of visitors. The Brazilians are therefore very proud of their symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro.
#2. Beaches
Of course, a visit to the beach should not be missed when you are in Rio de Janeiro. The two main and popular beaches are Ipanema and Copacobana Beach. Ipanema Beach is located between the wealthiest neighborhoods of Arpoador and Leblon. It is known for its capabilities. There are some beach sports, you can have a drink and on Sundays the road on the beach is closed to traffic and you can show your skills on roller skates or skateboard. Next to Ipanema Beach is Copacobana Beach. This beach is particularly frequented by surfers. But the nightlife is also well represented here and you can walk on the Copacobana boulevard.
#3. National Library Brazil
On the Cinelândia square in Rio de Janeiro you can find perhaps the most beautiful library in the world. In any case, it belongs in the list of the largest in the world. With a collection of more than nine million items, this is a book lover’s paradise. The entrance alone will make your jaw drop. Both in terms of content and inside and out, this is a must-see. A number of other museums can be found nearby, such as the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes and Museu Judaico do Rio Janeiro. Diagonally opposite the National Library is the beautiful Theatro Municipal.
#4. Municipal Theater On the busy Cinelândia
square, you immediately notice the stately facade of the Theatro Municipal. Although there are more impressive buildings to be found, this one really stands out. Certainly also inside. With all his beautiful works of art by, among others, Rodolfo Bernardelli and Rodolfo Amoedo, you sometimes imagine yourself in a museum. Real gold has even been used in the decoration in and around the building.
#5. Estádio do Maracanā
Football and Brazil are inextricably linked. It is not surprising that a stadium like the Maracanã Stadium has almost been declared a sanctuary. The most important matches are played in this stadium. This open-air stadium, which opened in 1950, can accommodate more than eighty-two thousand spectators. Celebrities such as Tina Turner, Madonna and Paul McCartney used the Maracanā stadium as a concert hall. This location is increasingly being used for other purposes as well. At the entrance to this ‘temple’ of the football world, you will find the statue of Bellini, the captain of the national team during the 1958 FIFA World Cup.
#6. Sambadrome and Carnival
This seven hundred meter area of Rio de Janeiro is enthusiastically called ‘Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucia’. Every year in February, the world famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival parade passes by. Millions of visitors party and dance along the side. For four days, the city is dominated by Carnival. Months in advance, schools, clubs and in fact the entire population are busy making costumes, floats and learning music and dance.
#7. Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
In the Jardim Botânico district is the beautiful green oasis Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. This delicious haven within the very busy city is therefore well visited by both tourists and locals. The park was established around 1808 by the reigning King John VI of Portugal at the time. At the time, it was mainly used for growing valuable spices such as pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden features a variety of unusual plants, flowers and trees, such as carnivorous plants, orchids and rare Brazilian species.
#8. Tijuco Forest
This landscaped rainforest, adjacent to the chic Barra da Tijuca district, is located on a former coffee plantation. It is great to see how nature has recovered and how the animals are being drawn back to it. It has even been designated a national park since 1961. Besides beautiful waterfalls and rock formations such as the famous Pedra de Gavea, the biggest crowd puller is really the Cristo Redentor statue on the Corcovado mountain. This statue of Jesus is the symbol of Rio de Janeiro.
#9. Palacio Tiradentes Right
in the middle of the historic center of Rio de Janeiro is this majestic Palácio Tiradentes. The neoclassical influences are clearly reflected in this beautiful piece of construction. The building is richly decorated and decorated with frescoes and all kinds of sculptures. Since Palacio Tiradentes has been opened to the public, there are regular exhibitions to admire.
#10. Sugarloaf Mountain
From the coast of Rio de Janeiro you have a beautiful view of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain. This granite mountain stands out because of its remarkable design. To visit the mountain you can use a glass cable car. The additional advantage of this is the breathtaking view that you have over the city on the way. If you like a bit more adventure, you can also climb the mountain.
