Petrópolis is a city in the highlands of Brazil, not too far from Rio de Janeiro. It was the summer residence of Brazilian emperors in the 19th century. Besides a beautiful drive from Rio through green forested hills, the climate is cooler and less humid, making it a nice escape for a day.
“Don’t go to a favela, they’re too dangerous”. “Favelas are full of crime and drugs”. “Didn’t you see City of God? The people in the favela will murder you!”
On the south end of Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro is Fort Copacabana (Forte de Copacabana). It’s a working military fort open to visitors.
Fort Duque de Caxias (Forte Duque de Caxias), a working military base in the Leme area of Rio de Janeiro, is open to visitors.
Leme is a small stretch of beach to the east of Copacabana, at Avenida Princes Isabel. It’s a much quieter beach than Copacabana, and there’s much less action.
Corcovado might not sound familiar, but Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) should. Christ the Redeemer is Rio de Janeiro’s iconic 30 meter tall statue of Christ with arms outstretched. It was erected in 1931. The mountain it sits on is named Corcovado and is part of Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca), which lies within the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Rio.
Santa Teresa is the bohemian quarter of Rio de Janeiro. With some gorgeous views of the city and plenty of interesting places to visit, it’s one area that can’t be missed. The famous stairway, Escadaria Selarón, leads from Lapa up to the Santa Teresa neighborhood.
Just outside of Rio de Janeiro city center is the Sambadrome. It’s converted into one of the most important areas of the city for a few days a year.
The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading (Real Gabinete Português de Leitura), one of the most magnificent libraries in the world, is located in Rio de Janeiro’s city center.
The city center of Rio de Janeiro is home to some much-loved historic cafés that are worth popping into. They serve as meeting places for friends, places for business deals, somewhere to grab a quick bite, or to pass the time away chatting.