Trendy places in Rio de Janeiro that you can’t miss
If you're traveling to Rio de Janeiro for the first time, its essential sights should be the stars of your itinerary. Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, the Selarón Steps, the Sambadrome, and Maracanã Stadium are the main tourist attractions of the 'Marvelous City'. However, there's much more to discover in Rio.
These places are must-sees in Rio de Janeiro, especially if it's your first time. They're included in the main city tours and are, essentially, its calling card. But if you have the time and it's a long, well-deserved vacation, or if it's your second time in Rio, there are other trendy spots that will satisfy your wanderlust .
In 2024 and more recently, several places have become popular with visitors to the Marvelous City. Among them are AquaRio , the largest aquarium in Brazil and South America , and Barra da Tijuca , an area of the so-called "new Rio de Janeiro," a modern, elegant, and commercial neighborhood with an 18-kilometer coastline.
Below are the details of the trendy places in Rio de Janeiro that you can't miss on your next vacation.
AquaRio: Aquarium, wax museum and much more
AquaRio is a gateway to unknown and fascinating marine worlds. This immense aquarium, the largest in South America, is home to more than 8,000 creatures , from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks—a perfect experience for the whole family.
But AquaRio goes beyond water and marine life. One of its star attractions is the Jurassic World by Brickman area, where visitors are immersed in the age of dinosaurs through interactive experiences that challenge the imagination.
In addition, there's a wax museum , offering the chance to take a selfie with hyper-realistic replicas of celebrities, historical figures, and pop culture icons. Another attraction is the Sea of Mirrors , a unique visual spectacle where reality and fantasy merge in a play of reflections.
Barra da Tijuca, "the Brazilian Miami" in Rio de Janeiro
Barra da Tijuca , or simply " Barra " to the locals, is a paradise of modern buildings, where luxury hotels meet the vast expanse of golden beaches.
This neighborhood is the epicenter of innovation and style in Rio de Janeiro, with the iconic Barra beach of more than 18 kilometers of sand , ideal for both surfers looking for the best waves and those who want to relax under the Rio sun.
Furthermore, Barra is famous for its vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene , where top chefs fuse Brazilian flavors with international influences. But it's not just modernity that defines Barra; nature also holds its own, with natural parks that invite you to explore tropical biodiversity.
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Parque Lage, the green lung of Rio de Janeiro
Nestled at the foot of the imposing Corcovado mountain, Parque Lage is a haven of serenity and beauty amidst the hustle and bustle of Rio. This public park offers a fairytale setting with its European-style gardens, mysterious grottoes, and an eclectic-style mansion that seems straight out of a movie.
But what truly captivates is the view of Christ the Redeemer from the central pool , a panorama that is almost surreal and perfect for photographs , with tables around it to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.
Just steps from Parque Lage, the Botanical Garden unfolds a verdant paradise that invites contemplation. With over 6,000 species of tropical and exotic plants, including the iconic avenue of imperial palms , this garden is a must-see destination for nature lovers and photographers.
The impressive Royal Portuguese Reading Room
The Royal Portuguese Reading Room is arguably the most underrated place in Rio de Janeiro . Entering this library is like stepping into an architectural gem that houses the treasures of Lusophone literature. And it's worth mentioning: admission to this majestic building is free .
With its imposing Neo-Manueline façade, it is a sanctuary for lovers of books and history . Founded in 1837 by Portuguese immigrants, the Cabinet houses the largest collection of works in Portuguese outside of Portugal, with more than 350,000 volumes, including ancient manuscripts . But it is not only the collection that is breathtaking.
The interior is a spectacle in itself, with dark wood bookshelves reaching to the ceiling, adorned by a glass dome that floods the space with natural light . Every corner of the Royal Portuguese Reading Room tells a story, and every book is a gateway to a world of knowledge and beauty.
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