Welcome to the “Cidade Maravilhosa”! (Wonderful City) This vibrant Brazilian paradise, known for its iconic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, offers incredible places that you have to see. From the imposing Christ the Redeemer that hugs the heights of Corcovado from where you can enjoy spectacular views, to a cable car ride. In this post, we invite you to appreciate the unique energy of famous spaces to visit in Rio de Janeiro and to explore among the perfect mix of natural beauty and urban life.

Another amazing city we visited in Brazil!

— Puedes leer esto en español aquí —

In the state of Rio de Janeiro I already showed you the small city of Búzios. Today, I take you to the capital and famous city that bears the same name as the state.

We strolled around the famous beaches and climb 2 points that are a must when you visit this city: Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain. The 1st is where the monumental sculpture is: Cristo Redentor. And for the 2nd one you can ride in a cable car to the top which makes it a different and fun attraction in the city.

Near the center of the city, there is also the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow) that we were not able to see because when we visited the museum opened a few years later. But it looks excellent! The museum was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (who I believe between my travels, he has become one of my favorite artists… yes… for me he is an artist since the works he makes are incredibly beautiful and different). Here, on the museum’s official website, you can learn more about the place, hours and prices.

Do you know how to differentiate the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana? Look at the mosaics on the sidewalks! Ipanema are like circles and Copacabana are like waves. Remember that these are not the only cities with this beautiful art on the sidewalks, in other cities in Brazil and in Portugal (such as Lisbon) you can find beautiful designs.

Here is a video showing you a little more about the city of Rio de Janeiro (click CC for subtitles):

Have you been to Rio de Janeiro? What do you like the most about this city? What do you advise us to visit on another trip? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!