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Things to do in Rio de Janeiro
If you wonder what things to do in Rio de Janeiro, you should know that the answers can be endless. The city of Rio, in addition to having a provilegated climate and a unique geography, offers both Cariocas and visitors a host of leisure, sport, tourism, music, art and party alternatives.
INDEX
Sightseeing tours
For those who want to travel Rio de Janeiro on their own, there are countless tourist tours that can be done, depending on the tastes and interests of each, yes, no itinerary should overlook the unmissable places of the city, such as the Christ the Redeemer or the Sugar Loaf.
Those who prefer to go further and discover some of the less known places for sure will take more than a pleasant surprise, there are many charming places like the Parque das Ruinas in the neighborhood of Santa Teresa, the Lage Park or bar where the famous song «The girl of Ipanema«.
Nor can you miss a tour of the most famous beaches of Rio such as Copacabana Beach or Ipanema, although those who prefer to escape from the crowds can always take refuge in some deserted beaches of Rio that are still almost virgin paradises or make beautiful excursions to the best beaches near the city.
Tours
On the other hand there are many options of activities to do in Rio de Janeiro by the hand of specialized tour operators, which will help visitors to make the most of their time. The full-day city tours are a good way to take the pulse of the city, but the catalog of experiences is very broad. From quiet bike tours bordering the Rio de Janeiro border to fun segway rides. You can rediscover history through cultural walks or free tours that run through the historic center. If the visitor likes nature more, an excellent alternative is the jeep circuits along the Floresta da Tijuca or encourage you to do some of the trekking routes to the tops of the hills from where you get the best views.
Lovers of the sea can discover several other navigation alternatives around the bay, thanks to the rides that leave from Marina da Gloria.
And if your pocket allows you to live the unique and unforgettable experience of taking a helicopter flight over Rio. When contemplating it from the air it is understood because it has earned the nickname «Cidade Maravilhosa».
Activities and sports
Among the things to do in Rio de Janeiro, not only are the tourist circuits, the most athletes have no excuse for not getting fit or having a good time. The extensive carioca border is perfect for runners and cyclists, since they can go contemplating the landscape while practicing these sports and enjoy a rest in one of the many places that dot the promenade to drink the traditional coconut water, a good way to cool and catch your breath. The more adventurous can launch from Pedra Bonita in hang gliding or paragliding and contemplate the city from a bird’s eye view accompanied by an adrenaline rush.
Knowing and enjoying the beautiful beaches is almost a must. If you get bored of sunbathing lying in the hammock («cadeira» in Portuguese) contemplating the tanned Cariocas bodies, just get up and sign up for a beach-soccer, volleyball or futvoley game. The more aquatic can not miss the opportunity to practice surfing, Rio is a good place to take some kind of initiation, bodysurfing or kite surfing or stand up paddle, a quieter option to glide over the waves.
Night life
Already at dusk, the city offers a unique show when the sunset gives way to the first lights reflected on the sea. Two of the best places to contemplate the sunset in Rio de Janeiro are the Sugar Loaf and the Christ the Redeemer, who at this time hide their prominence and lend their viewpoints to show the beauty of the rest of the city under the twilight lights. But once the sun goes down, life seems to change its rhythm and there is still much to do in Rio de Janeiro, such as enjoying the carioca night to the fullest. The options for night owls are varied, from attending a Samba show as an observer, to taking a class from this sensual dance and going out to put into practice what they learned.
A night walk along the shore of Copacabana Beach is in itself a show, as artists and musicians intermingle, with sophisticated sandcastles, craft stalls and street vendors are forgetting the same Cariocas who take the shore to walk to your pets, ride a bike, run or exercise. On the way, you can drink a caipirinha in one of the kiosks or eat a stuffed tapioca or freshly made churros from the street stalls.
If you want to enjoy typical Carioca food, you have to go to some of the traditional botecos or bars where a cold beer is the perfect complement to some tasty «petiscos» or snacks; or enter one of the steakhouses to taste a good «rodizio» of meat. If you are looking for a more sophisticated and international cuisine, it is best to go to the restaurants located in Ipanema and Leblon.
And to close the experience with a flourish, one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro at night is to go to one of the places that offer shows and live music. Platform Show in Leblon, despite being too touristy, is the best place to get an idea of national folklore. The Vinicius Bar and the Bip Bip are more intimate places perfect for listening to bossa nova and samba da mesa. But the most characteristic bohemian neighborhoods of Rio are Lapa and Santa Teresa, where classics such as Rio Scenarium and Lapa 40 Graus stand out.
Events and celebrations
If something is a Rio de Janeiro specialist worldwide is to be the home and the venue for major events. Without a doubt, the Rio Carnival is one of the biggest parties in the world, where the color, the costumes, the music, the parades, the samba and, why not say it, the debauchery invade every corner of the city. Attending the Carnival parades is a must do in Rio de Janeiro if you are in the city at the right time.
After the carnival, he is closely followed by the passion for football that seems a genetic feature of the Brazilian people in general and Rio de Janeiro in particular. After the success of the last Confederations Cup and the suffered qualifying against Germany in the 2014 World Cup of the «canarinha» team, the Maracaná stadium will continue to host the present and future legends of the king sport. Watching a match live in the so-called Temple of Soccer is one of those experiences that you don’t forget.
During the Christmas season, Rio de Janeiro dresses up again. Every December first, the world’s largest floating Christmas tree is inaugurated in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and on the end of the year night the Reveillon is celebrated with thousands of parties throughout the city, having as a culmination an impressive show of fires artificial on the beach of Copacabana.
Another of the great events of Rio is the Rock in Rio festival, one of the most important musical events worldwide, not only celebrated in the Wonderful City but in several other cities around the world. One of the biggest music parties.
