Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Point of interest)

The Arpoador peninsula is one of Rio's most scenic spots, with views of Ipanema on one side and Copacabana on the other. The beach is about 500 metres long and is a great place to catch an unforgettable sunset. Popular with surfers, there are even... Continue reading →

Rio's unusual Casa do Pontal is home to the Brazilian folk art collection amassed by Frenchman Jacques Van de Beuque. Over 3500 wooden and ceramic figures, ranging from a few centimetres tall to life-size, depict every aspect of daily life. Many o... Continue reading →

Rio de Janeiro's cathedral, the Catedral de São Sebastião, is like no other. Located in the heart of the city's financial district, it was designed by architect Edgar de Oliveira da Fonseca in a cone shape/pyramid. The cathedral towers 96 metres... Continue reading →

Housed in an imposing domed building in the heart of downtown Rio, the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil is a popular contemporary art space. Its three floors house exhibition rooms, a theatre, an auditorium and a cinema.... Continue reading →

Towering over Rio de Janeiro on Mount Corcovado stands Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), his arms spread out protecting the thriving metropolis. This 30-metre-high landmark, a postcard favourite, has come to symbolise the city. The imposing s... Continue reading →

A visit to Rio de Janeiro's Museu do Folclore Edison Carneiro reveals much about Brazil's roots. Articles on display from around the country include photographs, recorded testimonies, Afro-Brazilian objects, ritual vestments and popular art. Organ... Continue reading →

The Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa) in Rio de Janeiro were built in the 18th-century colonial period as an aqueduct. The 42 double-tiered, white arches stretch for 270 metres and nowadays carry trams south from the centre to Santa Teresa.... Continue reading →

Officially called the Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, Rio's iconic football stadium is home to three of the city's four teams (Flamengo, Botafogo and Fluminense) and is universally known by its nickname, the Maracanã. After the Maracanã was bu... Continue reading →

The island of Paquetá, in the middle of Guanabara Bay, is great for a day-trip. It benefits from a beautiful landscape and cars are prohibited. Stroll around the well-preserved streets before enjoying a picnic in Darque de Matos park.... Continue reading →

Rio's Parque de Catacumba is a scenic park that has a lovely open-air museum with over 30 sculptures, including work by artists Bruno Gioni and Mario Agostinelli. Original ornamental species have been carefully selected to complement the artworks.... Continue reading →

The Sambadrome (Sambódromo) is a purpose-built parade ground along Rio's Avenida Marques de Sapucaí. Samba schools parade here each year during the huge celebration of music, dancing and colour that is Carnival. It was built in 1984 and has room... Continue reading →

The spectacular Sugarloaf Mountain, rising 396 metres (1300ft) from the water's edge of Guanabara Bay, offers visitors stunning views over the city, its beaches and beyond. A cable-car takes the effort out of the climb. During the high season thou... Continue reading →

Tijuca Forest in Rio de Janeiro covers 3200 hectares, making it one of the world's largest urban forests. Extensively replanted in the mid-19th century, today it is a national park and home to a huge variety of flora and fauna. Highlights of the p... Continue reading →