Brazil attractions

Although less famous than its neighbor Copacabana Beach, Ipanema holds its own with quiet charm, and it does so without skimping on any of the white sands, blue waters, or local character that give Rio de Janeiro’s beaches their claim to fame.

Iguaçu Falls (or Iguazú Falls) are famously shared between three nations: Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay (which doesn't actually claim any part of the falls, only the rivers). Though the actual border lies unmarked at the deepest part of the confluence of the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers, all three nations have erected monuments overlooking the spot.

Situated grandly atop downtown São Paulo’s Vale do Anhangabaú like a concrete wedding cake, the century-old Theatro Municipal still shines as an example of the city’s place at the vanguard of art in Latin America. Opened in 1911, the ornate showplace—styled in the tradition of the great European opera houses—has welcomed Maria Callas, Isadora Duncan, Duke Ellington, and Mikhail Baryshnikov to its stage.

Set near the convergence of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, Itaipu Dam (Barragem de Itaipu) is considered one of the World’s Seven Modern Wonders, clocking in at 4.5-miles (7.2-kilometers) long and 65 stories high. With a maximum flow up to 40 times more powerful than nearby Iguassu (Iguaçu) Falls, the dam’s hydroelectric power plant produces roughly 20 percent of Brazil’s electricity.

As one of the most expensive strips of real estate in Latin America, Avenida Paulista is Sao Paulo’s most famous thoroughfare. What started out as a residential street lined with neoclassical mansions is today a modern hub of business, culture, and entertainment.

When Portuguese sailors entered Guanabara Bay in January 1502, they spotted Pedra da Gavea and thought its shape resembled the topsail of a ship, which gave the mountain its name. The granite peak rises 2,769 feet (844 meters above sea level and plummets almost directly down toward the sea from within Tijuca National Park.

Home to the world’s largest Japanese population outside of Japan, the district of Liberdade was settled in the early to mid-twentieth century by Japanese immigrants brought to Brazil to work in the coffee plantations around Sao Paulo. Today, it attracts foodies and Paulistano manga and anime enthusiasts, who can be seen dressed up in cosplay.

At the Santos Coffee Museum (Museu do Café), you can discover the history of the world’s favorite caffeinated-beverage. The Coffee Museum is housed in what used to be the Coffee Stock Exchange, where Brazilian coffee was weighed and traded before being sent through the Santos Port and overseas.

Much of Manaus’ wealth came from the rubber boom, during which it was the region's most-important port city. Manaus Opera House (Amazon Theatre) is a fine example of the Belle Epoque-style architecture that was popular during this epoque; the interior features some 200 Italian chandeliers and furnishings imported from Europe.

Salvador’s oldest and largest market, the Mercado Modelo is housed in the reconstructed 19th-century Customs House, looking out over the harbor. Behind its lemon-yellow facade, around 200 stalls tempt shoppers with local arts, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

As the birthplace of Sao Paulo, Pateo do Collegio Church is a sacred site that holds profound significance, dating back to 1554. With its modest facade, the Jesuit church invites visitors to explore its extraordinary interior, which presents centuries-old iconography, indigenous artwork, and information on the city’s history.

Our Lady of Mount Serrat Fort, located in Salvador, Brazil, is a 16th-century fortification that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich past. Overlooking the Bay of All Saints, it stands as a testament to Salvador's colonial history and offers impressive panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Approximately half the size of neighboring Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the 720-foot (219-meters) Morro da Urca is by no means insignificant. In fact, Morro da Urca is a necessary, and often overlooked, stop on the cable car ride up to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Before heading off to the larger hill, wander around the turtle-shaped mound for spectacular views of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, downtown Rio, Christ the Redeemer, and Sugar Loaf itself.

Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant and bohemian Lapa neighborhood is the epicenter of the city’s music scene, with an abundance of bars and clubs hosting local samba and forro bands. After dark, revelers spill onto the sidewalks of Rua da Lapa and Rua Joaquim Silva in the heart of Lapa.

One of Florianopolis’ coolest towns is located just over the hill from the downtown area. Conceicao Lagoon (Lagoa da Conceição) is the Island of Magic’s hip district, and boasts a collection of trendy bars and restaurants nestled around the large lagoon. The area is also known for its jungle trekking, sand dunes, and many nearby beaches.

With its jumble of colonial buildings, cobblestone lanes, and pastel-painted façades, Pelourinho (aka Pelo) is Salvador da Bahia’s oldest and most colorful neighborhood. Despite a dark past—Pelourinho was the location of Brazil’s first slave market—the historic district is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important cultural center.

One of São Paulo’s most important religious buildings, the Monastery of São Bento (Mosteiro de São Bento) was established in 1598. Currently housed in a dramatic Gothic-style building that was consecrated in 1922, the working monastery has nearly 50 resident monks, and hosts regular masses and other public events—and even a popular bakery.

In the middle of bustling Curitiba sits the expansive, green Tanguá Park (Parque Tanguá). It is built around two rock quarries joined by a 150-foot (46-meter) tunnel as well as lakes and an artificial waterfall. Stroll around the park on foot, pedal around the quarries by bike, or simply relax and catch a beautiful sunset over the city.

Situated on Guanabara Bay, just a few miles opposite Rio de Janeiro, Niteroi offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Nicknamed “The Smile City,” it fulfills expectations with its unrivaled viewpoints, vibrant art scene, and landmarks like the Contemporary Art Museum.

With its castle-like façade and sprawling complex of museums, galleries and gardens, the Ricardo Brennand Institute has fast become one of Recife’s most important cultural attractions. Inaugurated in 2002, the cultural center is the brainchild of its namesake, collector Ricardo Brennand, and is renowned for its fascinating collection of historic artifacts, including a large section devoted to Brazil’s Dutch settlers.Highlights of the museum include the world’s largest collection of armory, dating from the 14th to the 19th century; a sizable collection of paintings by Dutch artist Frans Post; an array ofexquisite antique furniture; and a selection of rare Dutch coins.

Warm waves and slow tides make the star-shaped Frades Island (Ilha dos Frades) one of Salvador de Bahia’s most popular destinations. Enjoy beaches that boast white sand and turquoise water, or hike to remote waterfalls and hilltops that offer panoramic views of the bay.

The incredible Cachoeira Toboga waterfall in the heart of the rainforest doubles as a natural waterslide that sends travelers shooting down slippery rocks into a swimming pool surrounded by Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest. Just upstream, a swinging rope bridge leads to Bar do Tarzan, a popular spot for a cold beer or caipirinha.

Fronting one of Rio de Janeiro’s wealthiest and most exclusive neighborhoods, Leblon Beach (Praia do Leblon) is one of the city’s cleanest and safest beaches and a slightly quieter alternative to Ipanema. Separated from Ipanema by a canal, the beach is particularly popular with families, as it offers a play area with beach toys and playground equipment.

Situated at the heart of Zona Sul in the shadow of Corcovado, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon serves as a recreational area and beauty spot for local residents. It boasts more than 4 miles (7 kilometers) of bike and jogging trails, boathouses for rowing, and sometimes hosts live music.

Miles of white-sand beaches, aquamarine waters, and a backdrop of forested mountains help to make Angra dos Reis, or Bay of Kings, one of the top attractions of Brazil’s Costa Verde (Green Coast). Come to chill out, soak up the sun, and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

A storied soccer stadium and performance venue in São Paulo, the Estádio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho (Pacaembu Stadium) is celebrated for its art deco design and its role in the sport’s history. Having hosted landmark games, including the 1950 World Cup, the stadium today hosts a soccer museum and fitness club.

São Paulo's most exclusive destination, the Jardins District, is really a combination of the neighborhoods Jardim Paulista, Jardim América, Jardim Europa, Jardim Paulistano, as well as parts of Cerqueira César that extend southwest of Avenida Paulista — the city's main avenue of skyscraper offices.Aptly for a district where the name translates to “gardens,” Jardins is famous for its green space, with many of its huge stucco villas and modern glass mansions surrounded by lawns and pools.Jardins is home to hundreds of ritzy bars and restaurants, including D.O.M — named the world’s 7th best restaurant by Michelin. Rua Augusta, in particular, is lined with luxury hotels and restaurants, and where Augusta meets Rua Oscar Freire you'll find the flagship stores of designers including Dior, Cavalli, and Marc Jacobs. In Jardins, you’ll also find a number of important São Paulo's museums including the São Paulo Museum of Image and Sound, the Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation, the Museum of the Brazilian House, and the Brazilian Museum of Sculpture.

The Wire Opera House (Ópera de Arame) is one of Curitiba’s most recognizable buildings and an excellent example of modern architecture. Built entirely of glass and steel pipes, the theater is nestled in a lush green space surrounded by a lake. It can seat up to 2,400 spectators and hosts performances ranging from classical to popular.

The beautifully restored art deco Lacerda Elevator (Elevador Lacerda links Salvador’s Comercio and Cidade Alta neighborhoods, traveling 236 feet (72 meters in under 30 seconds. The ride has become a highlight in Salvador da Bahia, offering an easy means of transportation paired with stellar views from its apex.

Barra da Tijuca (Barra) is one of Rio de Janeiro’s newest neighborhoods. It earned its nickname as the Brazilian Miami for its gorgeous sandy beaches and palm-fringed boulevards, which are flanked by mega malls and glass-fronted skyscrapers.