At 710 meters (2329 feet), this hunchback mountain is where the Christ Redeemer statue stands with outstretched arms. At night, the 30-meter (98-foot) statue seems to float as if it were a guardian angel for the city. Of course it will be crowded with many tourists, but, nothing can prepare you for the view you will witness. Stand with the statue at your back, and to your left is the soccer temple Maracanã and the northern districts. Straight ahead in the distance is Niterói with its snaky bridge and Rio's other must see, the hump of the Sugarloaf. To the right is the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas in the foreground, and Copacabana and Ipanema beaches further out.
This four kilometer (2.49 mile) stretch skirting the Copacabana Beach, is one of the city's most picturesque avenues. Lined with excellent hotels, restaurants and boutiques, Avenida Atlantica sees a perennial bustle throughout the day, populated not just by tourists, but locals as well. The street is a major site of the city's extravagant New Year's Eve celebrations as well.
Circo Voador is a venue that one can't easily forget, irrespective if you have been to a show there or have just seen it as you've passed by. A large tent-like structure, its name literally means the 'flying circus'. Located at Lapa, the venue is an open-air structure and takes advantage of Rio's tropical climate. Voador has played host to diverse genres in concerts and promises you a great time with the stars for company.
Built in 1762 as an arsenal, the Museu Histórico Nacional was also a military prison until 1922, when it was converted into an exhibition center for the celebration of 100th anniversary of the independence from Portugal. Here you will find objects and models that retrace the history of Brazil since its discovery, with special attention to the slavery period and the sugar cane industry.
Named for Santa Teresa Convent from the 1750s, this neighborhood, with its winding streets and hilltop views, is a major attraction for tourists and artists alike. Although no longer the affluent area it once was, Santa Teresa is still home to some mansions, one of which is the Chácara do Céu, which was once home to art collector Raimundo Otoni Castro Maya. It now serves as the Museu da Chácara do Céu. Visitors should definitely take the tram ride that starts at the city center and takes them through the streets of Santa Teresa.
Built in 1908, inspired by the Louvre, it is the main fine arts museum in Rio. The Brazilian collection is organized in chronological order in the main gallery, and shows the evolution of fine arts in Brazil from the 19th Century to this date. Famous names such as Candido Portinari, Taunay, Pedro Américo and Victor Meirelles are represented here through some of their most significant works. In the other galleries, the work of contemporary and foreign artists is exhibited, along with an interesting set of sculptures and samples of African art.
Gam Arte e Molduras is a chic gallery that has an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art paintings, sculptures and photographs. They also specialize in frames which suit the beautiful artworks. The gallery focuses on customizing their photos according to the clients' needs and are into art consulting for corporate houses and private residences.
TNT Arte Galeria is a contemporary art gallery located just off the downtown district which displays beautiful, contemporary pieces of artwork and also conducts auctions. Originally established in 2001 at the Shopping casino Atlantic in Copacabana, the gallery may have moved a couple of times but still remains one of the most popular destinations for art buffs. Having hosted more than 30 exhibitions but renowned artists like Kakati, Bebe Schmitt and José Maria Dias da Cruz, the gallery is definitely a place worth visiting while in the city.
At the heart of Rio Antigo, the city's historic center, Rua Joaquim Silva is home to scores of bars, restaurants and nightclubs as well as interesting stores selling antiques and collectibles. On the second Saturday of every month, the street comes alive with street theater, live music, poetry readings, food and drink stalls, and a lively market selling everything from new and vintage clothes to antique furnishings. The proceedings start in the afternoon and continue well into the night. Pull up a chair at a pavement café and relax with a drink and a bite to eat as you absorb the colorful atmosphere.
If you've ever fancied learning some traditional Brazilian dance steps, picking up some local musical know-how or just felt the urge to take part in a colorful Rio street parade, this is the place to come. From its headquarters in the unassuming suburb of Tijuca, Instituto de Arte TEAR runs courses in Brazilian arts, theatre, dance and music, as well as organizing cultural excursions and staging public events from street parades and parties to theater and dance productions. Non-Portuguese speakers are welcome to enroll in many of the courses, and visitors are welcome just to come along and look around.
Constructed in the 17th Century, Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência is a striking example of the city's breathtaking colonial architecture. The church is a part of the beautiful Convento Santo Antonio, and is one of the oldest religious edifices in the city. A prominent feature of this church is the stunning Baroque-style artwork on the roof; a rare feature among the city's historic churches.