While visiting the UNESCO World Heritage city of Paraty, the attraction is the old town itself. There are no must-sees and must-dos. Just walking up and down the cobblestone streets past colorful colonial buildings is enough to satisfy your senses. But watch your step! It’s easy to slip off the stones or get your feet caught between them.
Angra dos Reis is the main hub for boats to Ilha Grande. I got a bus to the town from Rio de Janeiro, walked from the bus station to the docks, and got on a boat to Ilha Grande within a few minutes. That didn’t leave me with much time to see the town, but I was able to at least observe a lot during my 15 minute walk from the bus station.
There’s not much to do in the Brazilian resort town of Búzios other than walk around. The trendy Rua das Pedras, a cobblestone street nearest to the beach, is a good place to start.
An important square to visit in Rio de Janeiro’s city center is Cinelândia. The official name of the square is Floriano Peixoto Square (Praça Floriano Peixoto), named after a Brazilian soldier and politician who has a monument dedicated to him in the center of the square.
15 November Square (Praça XV de Novembro) is a historic square in Rio de Janeiro’s city center. The center of imperial life once revolved around it and there are several important buildings nearby. The monument in the center is dedicated to João VI of Portugal.
The Candelária Church (Nossa Senhora da Candelária) is one of the most beautiful churches in Brazil. It sits on Pius X Square (Praça Pio X) in Rio de Janeiro’s city center and was built starting in 1775.
As a football fan, I’ve been on a lot of stadium tours, but none have given me chills like I had walking onto the field at Maracanã Stadium (Estádio do Maracanã). This historic stadium in football-crazy Rio de Janeiro is the Mecca of football. I’ve been on BETTER stadium tours in more beautiful stadiums, but none in a place as significant as Maracanã.
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!”
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.