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Sights & Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

Description: Rio de Janeiro ("River of January") is the name of both a state and a city in southeastern Brazil. The city was the ... more

Sights & Attractions in Rio de Janeiro ... capital of Brazil (1763–1960) and of the Portuguese Empire (1808–1821). Commonly known as just Rio, the city is also nicknamed A Cidade Maravilhosa - "The Marvelous City". It is famous for its spectacular natural setting, its Carnival celebrations, samba and other music, hotel-lined tourist beaches, such as Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon and pavements decorated with black and cream swirl pattern mosaics. Some of the most famous local landmarks in addition to the beaches include the giant statue of Jesus, known as Christ the Redeemer ('Cristo Redentor') atop Corcovado mountain; Sugarloaf mountain (Pão de Açúcar) with its cable car; the Sambódromo, a giant permanent parade stand used during Carnival; and Maracanã stadium, the world's largest. Rio also boasts the world's largest forest inside an urban area, called Floresta da Tijuca, or 'Tijuca Forest'.

Newest Review: ... tours or with an experienced guide. This is a matter of personal choice but to be honest we as a family just wondered about and used local taxis. The people are really friendly and if you are discreet with your valuables there is no reason why you should be unduly worried. It is a case of the usual travellers precautions, I'd be more worried on a busy med plaza personally. Language barriers ... more

... may present a problem for some as Portugeuse is the most widely spoken. Fortunately Spanish is also widely spoken which redues limitations significantly. Many of the more contemporary shopping areas have staff who are multi-linguists. My favourite...more

Read Reviews for Sights & Attractions in Rio de...

Sights & Attractions in Rio de Janeiro: Beautiful Brazil & Rio Rocks (431 words)
by - written on 29/05/09 (Useful, 18 readings)
Rating:

First things first, Zmugzy's review is excellent, thorough and accurate. Rio is an almost mystical place that really needs to be experienced. No amount of preparation can set you up for how impressive it truly is. It is also a good example of an exotic destination where you can see wealth and absolute poverty hand in hand. Ironically the precariously balanced slums on the steep hillsides have the kind of view that only big money would normally buy. When it comes to getting around it is usually suggested you go on escorted tours or with an experienced guide. This is a matter of personal choice but to be honest we as a family just wondered about and used local ... Read the complete review

Carmen Miranda MUSEUM - Rio de Janeiro (918 words)
by - written on 25/05/09 (Very useful, 69 readings)
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A city as large and vibrant as Rio de Janeiro has plenty of attractions to see and things to do. In this review I am focusing on a little gem we found practically by accident: The Carmen Miranda Museum --------------------------------- Carmen Miranda --------------------------------- If you don't know who Carmen Miranda was, here's a little bio: She was born in 1909 in Várzea da Ovelha, northeast Portugal. Her family emigrated to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when she was 10 months old. She began a singing career and by 1930 was one of Brazil's biggest stars, also appearing in films. In 1939 she went ... Read the complete review

Sights & Attractions in Rio de Janeiro: City of God and the Godless (2163 words)
by - written on 12/01/06 (Very useful, 618 readings)
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Many people say that Rio's golden age occurred between the early 1920s and the late 1950s. During the period it became a romantic, exotic destination for Hollywood stars and international high society, which would fly down to Rio so as to frolic in the city's posh casinos and nightclubs. During that time, there was a hotel building boom along the beaches that saw the rise of the Sheraton and Rio Palace. One hotel is famous for the fact that Orson Wells once through a grand piano off the roof. The city was the political capital of Brazil until 1960, when the capital was moved to Brasília. As the glitz was glistening, however, the favelas (shantytowns) of Rio ... Read the complete review