Rio de Janeiro, the second biggest city in the country, one of the most famous cities in the world, is where you must visit at least once in your life.  If you don’t remember or don’t know a lot about Rio de Janeiro, you should watch the 2016 Olympics again and your memory of this legendary city will all come back. So what is so special about this city besides the Olympics being held here? This city is like a three-star buffet where you can find all types of flavors you like. Explore with Acanela and find out what your favorite thing to do is!

1.      Christ the Redeemer

The statue, Christ the redeemer, is most people’s first impression of Brazil. The statue erected high on top of Mount Corcovado, overlooks Rio de Janeiro. The statue is one of the seven wonders in the world and is designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and constructed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. You can catch a glimpse of this 98-foot tall statue wherever you are in the city, but why not feel the reverence of the statue at its feet and view the city from “Christ the redeemer’s” standpoint?

2.      Jardim Botanico

In this enthusiastic city, Jardim Botanico is a haven for the residents as well as the visitors. The garden spreads out about 340 acres and contains over 9000 plant species, such as elegant orchids, delicate Amazon lilies, and much more unique species. Also, you can find many rare animals like toucans, tanagers, sloth, etc. The botanic garden was made public in 1822 and has been visited by tourists and scientists, such as Albert Einstein. It costs roughly less than 2 USD for adults and is free for children younger than 7 years old.

3.      Museums of tomorrow

Museum of tomorrow is launched in 2015, a year before the Olympics, and is located on the waterfront of Rio downtown.  This science museum features environmental sustainability and innovation. The museum is mainly run by solar power and other eco-friendly resources. Both the design of the building and the exhibition advocate for new and green living. Tuesday is free admission day, or you can buy tickets in advance on other days to avoid crowds. Stop by this museum and have a taste of human’s future.

4.       Copacabana beach

Copacabana beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world, is a perfect blend of crystal-clear sea and scalloped beach. The beach can go almost as far as your eyes can see and is always full of local folks and tourists playing sand volleyball or soccer. The beach is aligned with restaurants, drink shops, and hotels, so don’t worry about bringing too many personal items. You can get most of what you need there. Get ready for catching waves, soaking in warm sunshine, experiencing local living, and snap some magnificent photos.

5.      Sugarloaf mountain

Soaring from the water’s edge, Sugarloaf Mountain watches over the whole city like another spiritual guide of Rio de Janeiro. The mountain rises 1299 ft above the harbor and is only accessible by cables or rock-climbing. The view on the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain is comparable or even better than the view from “Christ the redeemer.” The panoramic view of the city unfolding in front of your eyes is glorious at any time of the day, but the view after sunset is even more extraordinary. The lights of the city seem like more than the stars in the skies, and it perfectly portraits the uncoverable enthusiasm of Brazilian.

6.      Lapa Steps

Lapa steps is a masterpiece of a passionate artist named Escadaria Selaron. He was a Chilean-born artist who loves mosaic art.  Throughout his life, he travels around the world to make the world a prettier place. He chose the colors of Brazil flag, blue, yellow and green as the main colors when he made Lapa steps.  There are 215 steps measuring 125 meters long. These steps are not only a good place to snap photos, but also a place to feel the dedication and love of this wonderful artist to Brazil.

7.      Cathedrals

With over sixty percent of the population are Roman Catholic, Churches and Cathedrals spread all around the country. You may or may not be a religious person, but you don’t want to miss out on the religious parts of Brazilian culture. Additionally, the art in the cathedrals is always reverent and elegant. One of the iconic Cathedrals is Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao. The cone-shape of the building does not look like a typical church, but you will see the classic stain glasses and religious symbols once you walk in the building. You may also visit some other smaller church, such as Sanctuary of Lady of Lapa, and Monastery of St. Benedict.

8.      Samba

Even the most ignorant will know about Brazilian Samba and its jubilant carnival. The carnival is usually around February and March. The carnival for the year has passed. However, even if you cannot participate in the carnival, you can still shake with locals at some of its samba schools. Mangueira’s Palacio de Samba is one of the oldest samba schools in Rio. You can watch them practice and even dance with them on the weekends.

Brazil is one of the most energetic countries in the world, and Rio de Janeiro is the top of all the cities. To make the most of your time, you should do those eight things above and explore more with Acanela about some other exciting things to do in Brazil.

Post written by Jack Chiu