Rio de Janeiro Hotels - Plan a Trip to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro Area Information

Rio de Janeiro is known as the "Wonderful City", based upon the many attractions that have rendered the city international fame. It is in Rio de Janeiro where the world renowned Carnival is held (a huge party that lasts for almost two weeks!) Rio is also known for the many historical and natural attractions found in the area such as Sugar Loaf Mountain, Tijuca National Park, and the Christ Redeemer. Travelers to Rio de Janeiro should make it a point to visit several of the famous beaches such as Ipanema and Copacabana. Those searching for unique cuisine will not be disappointed at the abundance of flavors found in Rio. Travelers visiting Rio de Janeiro will find no shortage of things to do in this unique and vibrant city.

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Attractions:

Christ Redeemer - The Christ Redeemer statue stands 38 meters tall and sits atop Corcovado Hill. The Christ is an image of faith and sympathy characteristic of Rio's and Brazilian people. Elevators and escalators take visitors to the statue's base. Going up by a small train takes around 20 minutes and goes along the Corcovado Railway.

The Sugar Loaf Mountain Cable car - As the first cable car to be installed in Brazil and the third in the world, it is one of the most important icons of tourism in Rio, and has become one of the city's trademarks. Since it was inauguration, the cable car has transported more than 31 million tourists. During high season, daily attendance reaches three thousand people.

Tijuca National Park - Located only 20 km away from downtown Rio and features many beautiful attractions such as the many trails of the Tijuca Forest, the Taunay Small Waterfall, and the Mayrink Chapel to name a few.

Ipanema Beach - One of the most celebrated beaches in the city - and the world! Its ten-block length includes "soccer-volley" courts, fitness exercise equipment and much more. Ipanema Beach also hosts many events such as the Beach Volley World Championship.

Copacabana Beach - Known as a party beach with plenty of bars and snack stands. Copacabana Beach is much appreciated for a late-afternoon cold beer by locals. The beach's wide stretch of sand extends from Avenida Princesa Isabel to the Copacabana fortress.

Leblon Beach - This is a calm beach, with good infrastructure for sports and a bicycle track. It is 1,3-km long and is separated from the beach of Ipanema by Jardim de Alá - a channel connecting Rodrigo de Freitas Lake to the sea.

Where to eat in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

We've rounded up some interesting choices for Rio de Janeiro ranging from Brazilian barbecue to fine Portuguese dining There are plenty more to choose from in the Rio de Janeiro area.

Porcão - Brazilian Barbeque Restaurant - Waiters at these rodízio-style churrascarias fly up and down between rows of linen-draped tables wielding giant skewers laden with sizzling barbecued beef, pork, and chicken.

Casa da Feijoada - Brazil's savory national dish is the specialty here, where huge pots of the stew simmer every day. The restaurant's desserts include a selection of traditional sweets with flavors like banana, guava, or pumpkin. Quindim, a coconut, yolk, and sugar cake, and Romeo and Juliet (guava compote with fresh cheese) are two favorite desserts.

Antiquarius - This much-loved establishment is famous for its Portuguese cuisine. Customers can walk through the antiques shop at the restaurant before settling in at a table. A recommended dish is the cozido, a stew with onions, yams, carrots, pumpkin, cabbage, bananas, and more.

Confeitaria Colombo - is a real must see when you are experiencing downtown in Rio Be sure to enjoy the pastries and have lunch at the lovely Cristovao Restaurant.

Where to go out in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

Looking to spend a night on the town, here are several recommendations that will get you started.

Rio Scenarium - a fun, eclectic restaurant with a live band and a dance floor in the middle. Those who don't like dancing are welcome to view from above on the second floor.

Centro Cultrural Carioca - located in a beautifully restored building from the 1920s and housed on the second floor, the Centro Cultural hosts local musicians and big names who specialize in samba as well as other varied musical styles.

Arco do Teles - Known as one of the best people-watching spots in town, this area is a unique row of bars, restaurants, and cafés located on narrow cobblestone streets. Arco do Teles features over 15 bars and botequins (open air bars). Be sure to get there before 10pm to find a seat!

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Shopping:

Once all the sight-seeing and night life excursions are through, be sure to save some time for shopping. There are several great places for shopping in the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil area.

Rio Sul - One of the most popular malls in the city, with over 450 stores, a movie theater, and an excellent food court.

São Conrado Fashion Mall - Over 150 stores carry national and international designers. The mall's food court is the best in town.

Botafogo Praia Shopping - a seven floor mall with an excellent selection of clothing stores and much more. The seventh floor food court has three excellent restaurants (Kotobuki, Emporium Pax, and Enseada), with gorgeous views of Botafogo beach and the Pão de Açúcar.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a beautiful and historic city that features attractions that are both historically significant and entertaining. The Rio de Janeiro area features great shopping, wonderful dining, and exciting night spots that will please any traveler.

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To receive more Rio de Janeiro, Brazil information or to read more about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil attractions and to look for visitor guides visit the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Tourism site.

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