The countdown to the 2016 Summer Olympics has started and everyone's eyes are officially on Rio de Janeiro [1], Brazil. And while you might not be lucky enough to attend the sporting event this Summer — accommodations have been booked for months! — seeing the gorgeous sights of Rio on your TV and Instagram are sure to give you an itch to visit the large South American city [2]. If that's the case and you're ready to start planning your escape, keep reading to find out what you cannot miss on a visit to the former capital of Brazil.
What to See
- Christ the Redeemer: The impressive art deco statue of Jesus Christ at the top of the Corcovado mountain in Tijuca Forest National Park [3] might be the most recognizable spot in Rio de Janeiro (and maybe even Brazil). Don't miss out on climbing the stairs to the top and snapping a selfie.
- Sugarloaf Mountain: Take a cable car [4] up to Pão de Acúcar for your chance to take breathtaking photos of the city. You get 360-degree views on the way up, so get your Instagram or Snapchat ready.
- Maracanã Stadium: Soccer fans will have to visit the largest stadium in Brazil [5] and the site of the national team's now-famous defeat by Uruguay during the 1950 FIFA World Cup.
- Escadaria Selaron: The Lapa Steps downtown feature colorful mosaics created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón that should not be missed.
- Arcos de Lapa: The aqueduct arches are a great pit stop for a memorable picture on your way out to one of Lapa's many clubs.
- Santa Teresa: For a true taste of Rio's artistic vibes, check out this neighborhood located atop the hills of the city. The bright colonial houses are a sight to be seen from one of the cobblestone streets.
Where to Hit the Beach
- Copacabana Beach: Five kilometers of sand and a view of Sugarloaf Mountain make this beach an awesome spot to spend the day. Though it's not as glitzy as it once was, there's still plenty of people watching.
- Ipanema Beach: Framed by the Dois Irmãos mountains, you can sip caipirinha after caipirinha here. Bring your hottest swimsuit, because the scene is worthy of a James Bond movie. Is "The Girl From Ipanema" already stuck in your head?
- Búzios: Hitting this beach will require a day trip from Rio, but it's worth it. The water is clear, the clubs are hopping, and the bikinis are tiny.
Where to Party
- Carnival: The first obvious stop for those who love a good dance party is the Rio Carnival, happening every February in the city's Sambadrome [6] with the celebration ending in street parties full of costumes and drinks.
- Rio Scenarium: Tourists rate [7] this big colonial house in the center of Rio the best spot [8] to get a true samba nightclub experience.
- Carioca da Gema: Expect live music at this Lapa bar [9] that's open seven days a week. Put your dancing shoes on — the samba here is almost professional.
Where to Eat
- Bar Amarelinho: Don't let the fact that this is a chain fool you. Locals like this spot [10] that serves feijoada and meat with supercold chopes (that's beer).
- Porcao Rio: Get ready for all the meat you can eat at the Flamengo location [11] of this churrascaria, which offers a view of Sugarloaf from your table.
- Academia da Cachaca: You won't know which caipirinha flavor to sample first. That'll be your biggest problem, because you can't go wrong with anything in this typical Brazilian menu [12].