Tourist attraction ideas for visitors to rio de janeiro

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Stunning beaches, even more stunning beach dwellers, parties which leave guests wondering where exactly that missing week wentalmost everyone has heard a story about wild and wonderful Rio de Janeiro. But it couldnt possibly all be true, right? Lets just say that while Rio has some beautiful beaches fit for a family, the overall atmosphere of this South American hot spot is decidedly grownup-friendly.

One name in particular has become synonymous with Rio: Copacabana. Famous for its unparalleled New Years Eve bash which plays host to over two million people every year, this eclectic area lies at the heart of Rio life. Nearly every major attraction is within walking distance, and a stroll along Copacabanas beaches is truly a walk along the Golden Road. Houses ranging in the millions hug the sea line. During the summer, visitors have a ringside seat for some world-class sports tournaments. Of course, New Years cloaks the beachfront with a festive white backdrop for one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the world. Even if your visit is during an off-season, Copacabana still offers plenty of unique delights. Monstrous waves and fearless ocean fanatics make for some entertaining beachside viewingespecially if you are one those fearless fanatics. However, if you desire some more leisurely pursuits, a trip to the Fishermans Corner will allow you to satisfy your seafood hunger and catch a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the premiere Rio activities: fishing. Meanwhile, shopping enthusiasts can easily get lost at Rua Santa Clara and Avenue Copacabana, where enthusiastic shop owners are ready with everything your hearts desire, whether that be novelty souvenirs or exquisite antiques, or even specialty underwear. Street musicians will serenade you and vendors of every variety will keep you (and your wallet) on your toes as you go. (Just be prepared to dodge the occasional stray frisbee, volleyball, or bicyclist!) Then, before the chaotic night scene springs to life, you can take a breather and enjoy the peaceful and simplistic sites in Bairro Peixoto, Lido, and Barata Ribeiro 200. For the financially sound traveler, these districts offer small-town charm within whispering distance of the lively beaches. Whether you stay at the elegant Copacabana Palace or a more modest resting spot (because, in Rio, you will only want to stay in the hotel to sleep), be sure to pay a visit to Av. Copacabana 252, home to some stunning buildings and a friendly mermaid. Before tearing yourself away from Copacabana, the perfect souvenir awaits at Forte de Copacabana, where even the most novice photographer can snap enough amazing pictures to fill an entire photo album.

Now, it is time to move the adventure to Ipanema, another within-walking-distance neighborhood bustling with plenty of beach activity. The grid-like nature of the streets will make a seasoned travelers feet sigh a thank you. The neighborhood is like a small capsule of true Rio life. It is the trendsetter, boasting such distinctions as the dental floss bikini and the first topless woman at a beach (Men, of course, can now join in the au natural fun). Many tourists visit this chic location in search of that elusive Girl from Ipanema, a popular musical figure whom sixties buffs will easily recognize. In the real Ipanema, visitors will not be disappointed. Cariocas (the ultimate beach-lovers) of all ages populate the beach day and night, and all of the locals heartily welcome tourists. (A word to the wiseknow the terms sunga and caparinha by heart). Theaters, cyber-cafes, art galleries, juice shops, and live music will await you at every corner, especially on Visconde de Piraja. Fun side streets, such as Garcia DAvila, also offer their own attractions. Just a few steps away from Garcia DAvila is Diamond Row, where jewelry lovers can be treated to a jewelers workshop tour and a fabulous Museum of Gems. Fashionable furniture outlets also dot the street. In addition, fashion gurus have a place to call home in the Rua Vinicius de Morais, birthplace of the first open-air fashion shows. The street is also home to the highly recommended Toca do Vinicius shop, which is a Bossa Nova paradise. For those tourists who desire a more homey, local feel, take a stroll and a rest in the Praca da Paz and General Osorio. The former offers a charming farmers market and some prime people-watching spots, while the latter houses the hippie fair and a nostalgic fountain. Finally, here are a few of the most popular tourist destinations and in Ipanema: Bum-Bum (no, really-a popular swimsuit site), Khrishna and Company (clothing specialty), Bolse de Arte and Galeria de Ipanema (for art enthusiasts), Mr. Cat (mens shoes), and Ipanema 2000 (shopping mall which may require a small army of shopping bags).

Both Copacabana and Ipanema pulsate with one of Rios main draws, an addictive night scene. Let us not get into too much detail about all of the fun which can be had at night, in case children are reading. Let us just say that Go-Go Copa in Copacabana and the various Baixos in Ipanema will offer plenty of options for the night owl. Among the most popular destinations are Bunker, Flamengo, Gavea, Centro, Franks Bar, Baccara, Boite Holiday, Scotch Bar (all in Copa) and Baixo Quiteria and Baixo Farme in Ipanema. (Melt in Leblon is also a top spot). And if you really want to put your dance shoes on, take a spin in one of Rios famous gafieiras (samba halls). Even those craving a quieter night will find plenty of enjoyment at one of the citys many theatersmost notably the Municipal Theater (host of ballets and operas). Also of note is the ATL Hall, the largest concert hall in the city. For those musical souls with a leaner budget, numerous cafes in the region host live musical entertainment. Such venues include Caf Pequeno and the Leblon Lounge in Leblon, Caf Sacrilegio in Lapa, Casa da Lua in Ipanema, Dandi Brasil in Ipanema, the Vinicius Piano Bar in Ipanema, Rock in Rio Caf in Barra (one of many such theme cafes), the Sky Lounge in Lagoa, and the Tanaka Pub in Sao Conrado. The aforementioned are just the tip of the Rio iceberg.

Now, if you happen to plan your Rio getaway at the height of summer, then you already have a ringside seat for the ultimate party: Carnaval. The four-day celebration will expose you to more types of culture than you could experience in an eighty-day trip around the world. Before closing its doors on Fat Tuesday, Carnaval kicks everything in Rio up ten notches. At the centerpiece of the festivities is Samba Parade, a traveling wonderland of colorful costumes and even more colorful characters. Mardi Gras got nothing on this popular pow-wow! You will probably even find yourself being swept away in the fun and fanciful (and free!) chaos of the Street Carnival. And anyone who returns from a one-of-a-kind Carnival ball will have a story they can tell well into old age. Just one word of warning: be prepared for anything that might be dancing alongside you. At Carnaval, you truly never know just who (or what) your dance partner will be!

Sure, Rio is full of plenty of sights and sounds for the party-goer, but what about us less adventurous types. Never fear, for Rio has a whole slew of safer attractions just for you. For example, you might want to take a tour through Brazils largest folk-art museum, the Casa do Pontal. An additional museum with a decidedly bohemian feel awaits at the Chacara do Ceu. Elsewhere, nature lovers simply must experience a sunset on the Pao de Acucar or a cable ride to the Sugarloaf hills (rising like a behemoth from the ocean), and stroll through family-friendly Lagoa and Tom Jobim Park or the tropical Tijuca Forest (the largest urban forest in the world) the following day. Eye-widening views (and professional quality photo ops) await through one of the forests many jeep tours. The forest is a tasty morsel of nature lovingly preserved and protected from the chaos surrounding it. At the heart of this tree- and waterfall-laden natural wonder is Corcovado. So many Rio tourists mark this attraction as the highlight of their stay, so perhaps it is best to save this quiet and stirring remembrance for last. Even the most avid partier can only marvel in silence at the captivating statue of Christ.

The experience one feels at this destination defies words, so we shall leave this inspirational siteand our tour of Riowith one word: unforgettable.