Rio de Janeiro Attractions, Part 1

Rio de Janeiro is among the most famous cities in Brazil. Annually it is visited by millions of tourists. The city offers a wide range of activities that are worth visiting. By planning the trip to Rio many tourists who come here for the first time can miss to visit some of the attractions. That’s why, here is a list with the best places to visit in Rio de Janeiro.

1.     Botanical Garden

In northwest Rio de Janeiro's well-heeled Jardim Botanico district, near the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, sits a botanical oasis first conceived in 1808 by Prince Regent Dom João. Quiet on weekdays and alive with music and families on weekends, the Jardim Botanico grows over 5000 plant varieties, including Amazonian originals and Jurassic-sized water lilies.

2.     Christ the Redeemer

On top of Corcovado Mountain, immortalized in song by João Gilberto, a penitent Christ the Redeemer opens statuesque arms to all of Rio de Janeiro. The left arm points to the Rio de Janeiro's north zone (zona norte), the right to the south zone (zona sur), while the saintly perch offers spectacular views of Ipanema, the Maracana soccer stadium and the Serra do Órgãos mountain range.

3.     Maracaná Stadium

During jam-packed World Cup matches or championship games between Rio de Janeiro's four rivaling soccer clubs (Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco), the 200,000-capacity Maracaná stadium, one of the world's largest, literally sways with the fervor. At the Maracaná's museum you can behold some godly garb: Pele's infamous number 10 jersey.

4.     Sugar Loaf

A green, unearthly peak rising over Rio de Janeiro, Sugar Loaf is an iconic locale for a bird's eye view of Rio de Janeiro, from Copacabana beach to Corcovado Mountain, as well as an equatorial Rio de Janeiro sunset.

5.     Tijuca Forest

All that remains of an Atlantic rain forest that once thrived around Rio de Janeiro is the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world. Only fifteen minutes from Copacabana, the 120 square kilometer Tijuca, part of Rio's National Park, is a stunning place for a day hike amid bright green foliage, unearthly terrain and white waterfalls, as well as birds, iguanas and monkeys.

The mentioned places of interest are only a part of the great number of attractions. Visits to the mentioned places can be organized by individual tourists. It is important to say that most of these places are also included in guided tours but taking part in such a tour you will not have enough time to experience with your own senses the whole atmosphere there. Another important issue by planning your trip to Rio de Janeiro is the accommodation. You can find many options for accommodation in Rio de Janeiro. The best is to stay in a Rio de Janeiro hotel. As it is a well-known tourist destination, you will easily the one you are looking for.