Think of Rio de Janeiro attractions, and the sands of Ipanema and Copacabana are sure to spring to mind. But Rio de Janeiro's beaches(and the attractive locals that populate them) are certainly among Rio's best assets, sunbathing and eyeing up the talent are far from the only things to do in Rio.
Nature rambles, boat trips and visits to parks, gardens and palaces are all pleasant ways to explore Rio without breaking too much of a sweat, while more adventurous types can try their hand at everything from surfing to rock climbing, abseiling and hanggliding.
First time visitors to Rio should have no qualms about visiting the 'touristy sites' - indeed, to come to Rio de Janeiro without taking the dizzying cable car ride up to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain or paying a visit to the Christ statue would be a crying shame.
Contrary to the tourist board image, the sun doesn't always shine on Rio, and when it rains here, it REALLY rains. Luckily, there are no end of rainy day options to keep visitors amused even when the weather is less than clement. The city center is packed with excellent museums and cultural centers, while the shopping malls of Botafogo, Leblon, Sao Conrado and Barra da Tijuca are inviting places for shopaholics to while away a rainy day.
Some of Rio de Janeiro's most appealing sights and experiences lie far from the beaches, so make time in your schedule to get off the sunlounger and visit Rio attractions such as the beautiful hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa, the colonial architecture of Rio's historic center, and the legendary Maracana soccer stadium.
Rua Cosme Velho 513
A view with a blessing...
Praia Vermelha
Urca
Dizzying ride, breathtaking views...
Avenue Vieira Souto 460
Beat the Heat at the Beach...
Avenida Atlantica and Xavier da Silveira
The World's Most Famous Stretch of Sand?...
Rua Professor Lélio Gama, 65
Centro
Rio's last remaining street car...
Rua dos Arcos
Lapa Landmark...
Escadaria do Convento de Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa
Hip hop-endorsed ceramics...
Island-hopping Adventures...
Floresta da Tijuca
For hikers and nature lovers...
Est. das Canoas, 1.476, Casa, 24
Bird's Eye View of Rio...
Praia de Copacabana
The world's best New Year's Eve party?...
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
Lighting Up Lagoa...
Lazy Sunday Afternoons...
Almirante Alexandrino 316-B
Santa Teresa
Delicious, Affordable Northeastern Food...
Perfectly Preserved Colonial Town...
Beaches, Mountains and Jungle...
Between General Osório Square and Jardim de Allah canal
Beauty and the Beach...
Rua Profesor Eurico Rabelo s/n
São Cristovão
Soccer Mecca...
Rua Jardim Botânico, 414 - Jardim Botânico
Gorgeous Gardens and Grounds...
Rua Dias Ferreira e Avenida Ataúfo de Paiva
Chic beach...