The first things that come to mind when you think Rio are probably the wild carnival celebrations, colourful samba dancing, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue – which is a definite mustvisit – but that’s only half the Rio story. If you can plan your visit around the carnival, which runs from February 17-21 this year, then you are guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But even if not, the city has lots going for it, from enriching culture and awe-inspiring nature to great food, which are on offer all year round. Here is our list of Rio essentials:
CULTURE CAPITAL
From museums showcasing the finest local and international art, to theatres and galleries, getting your culture fix is easy in this city.
Museum of Modern Art
Enjoying a downtown location alongside Guanabara Bay, the museum, which was gutted in a disastrous fire in 1978, has been rebuilt and its collections replaced by the contributions of people from all over the world. Today, it houses nearly 11,000 works of art, both local and international, in addition to an art library and a popular cinemathèque.
Municipal Theatre
This imposing structure, facing the Cinelândia Square, is as much an architectural landmark as it is a home to the performing arts. Outfitted with Carrara marble, bronze and onyx, period furniture, paintings and sculptures, this beautiful culture hub is worth a visit, even without a performance to catch.
Chácara do Céu Museum
Some of the world's greatest artists, including Matisse, Modigliani, Monet, Dali and Picasso have a home at this museum located in the bohemian Santa Teresa neighbourhood. Next to the museum is the Parque das Ruínas, the ruins of an aristrocrat's former home, where you will find beautiful views of the bay, a café, and if you're lucky, the occasional open-air performance.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Designed by world-renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, this landmark museum offers over 600 works of art on display, as well as unparalleled city views.
National Museum of Fine Arts
This is one of the best places to check out local art, with a rotating collection of 14,000 pieces reflecting all of Brazil's significant artistic genres and periods. The Museu Nacional de Belas Artes - its Portuguese name, commonly shortened to MNBA - was first established in 1908 as the Academy of Fine Arts, and has since grown to become a repository of works by artists such as Cândido Portinari, Di Cavalcanti and Lasar Segall, as well as artists like Boudin and Rodin.
And there's more...
To check out contemporary Brazilian art, head to Severo 172, which hosts regular exhibitions of the city's graffiti artists. Arte em Dobro is yet another new generation gallery, tucked away on the second floor above a bookshop in the Leblon area, where you will find stunning works of local artists.
TOURIST HOTSPOTS
Nature is the star of the show at most of the popular tourist attractions across the city.
Botanical Gardens
Spread over 141 hectares, this tranquil green oasis shelters plant life from flora-rich Brazil as well as from other parts of the world, making it perfect for an afternoon amid nature. Huge trees decked with orchids contrast with giant Victoria regia, lilies, bromeliads, royal poincianas and tropical foliage; the spectacular Imperial Palms are not to be missed.
Corcovado Mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue
The city's best known monument, this is a must-do, not just for the 710-metre statue, but also the Atlantic rainforest carpeting the foot of it. Your journey will begin in Cosme Velho District, on board the historic miniature Corcovado train, which offers glimpses of Rio from different angles, as it winds through the jungle. You will be rewarded with incomparable views of the city, spread out in a magnificent panorama during the day, and glittering and magical after dark.
Sugarloaf mountain (Pão de Açúcar)
Yet another fantastic spot for Rio views, this unmistakably-shaped mountain is best accessed by a two-stage cable car ride, with a stop at Urca Hill in between. Rio's endless coastline stretches into the horizon with the rainforest and historical buildings such as Santa Cruz Fort and Fiscal Island's miniature palace dotting the picture.
São Bento Monastery
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 17th century monastery is worth a visit as much for its architecture, as for its mesmerising Gregorian plainchant choir. An austere façade belies the intricate, gilded wooden carvings, paintings and artful design of the interiors. It took over a hundred years to renovate and restore this historical site to make it what it is today, but the end result seems worth every single man-hour that went into its making.
Tijuca Forest
Make like the local families who frequent this - the world's largest urban forest - for weekend outings, and head to the 3,200-hectare jungle. It is home to hundreds of plant and wildlife species, many unique to the Atlantic rainforest and some close to extinction. With attractions such as the Cascatinha waterfall, Mayrink chapel, Excelsior Lookout Point, the Paul and Virginia Grotto, and Fairy Lake, this is one destination that is sure to enchant the whole family.
GOURMET SECRETS
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to dine.
Zazá Bistrô Tropical
This converted French-colonial house is a charming little restaurant offering inventive fusion cuisine. Glowing candles and throw pillows make for atmospheric interiors.
Esch Café
What started as a place to gather friends and smoke cigars by founder Edgar Esch, has become an award-winning café where you can expect fine dining, entertainment, some of the best coffee in town, and of course, true to its traditions, great tobaccos.
Market Ipanema
If you're after fresh, healthy food, look no further than this casual restaurant set in the heart of the busy Ipanema area. The open-air courtyard surrounded by fruit trees, provides the perfect setting for the menu, which is full on fresh options.
Porcão Rio's
One of the best-known restaurants for a churrascaria (traditional South American grill), here you will find the stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain competing with the delicious food for attention. Popular with tourists, make sure to arrive here early, both to score a good table and to catch the sunset view.
Sun and sand
If you don't get enough of beaches and shopping here in the UAE, there's plenty of options for these too in Rio!
• Copacabana: This world-famous 3km stretch of coastline is the scene of much activity, from beach volleyball and sunbathing, to concerts.
• Urca: To get away from the crowds, this small 100-metre beach at the foot of the Sugar Loaf mountains is great.
• Ipanema: If you want to see and be seen, this glamorous 2.2km beach in a posh residential area is the place to be.
• Flamengo: Sheltered within the confines of the bay, this beach is popular with locals - not least for its location right next to the family-friendly Flamengo Park.
• Botofogo: This 800-metre stretch of sand isn't recommended for bathing due to its location, but is often the site for live concerts.
Retail therapy
• Rua Visconde de Piraja, Ipanema, and Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, Leblon are the main shopping areas, where you will find everything from cosy bookstores to designer jewellery boutiques.
• Hippie Fair is a bustling Sunday market in Ipanema, a great place not only for the local art and handicrafts - mostly with a 70s hippie flavour - but also for the chilled-out atmosphere. Ipanema per se, is the more stylish shopping district of the city, where designer boutiques rub shoulders with trendy restaurants, theatres and art galleries.
• Copa cabana, perhaps because it is such a major tourist attraction, is also home to lively, colourful shops selling souvenirs and trinkets alongside costume jewellery and other typical street-shopping finds at bargain prices.
