With the culmination of the World Cup and the Olympics on Rio’s horizon, the city is ramping up with a litany of new and renewed landmarks. Last year, the “City of the Arts” was freshly inaugurated to house the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra. The art museum Casa Daros has opened its doors in a grand 19th-century neo-classical building to house the Swiss Daros Latinamerica Collection. As a prelude to the World Cup, Rio’s fabled Maracanã soccer stadium is recieved a facelift just in time for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in June. And perhaps most tellingly, Rio is now the proud locale of South America’s first ever Apple store. The city’s on fire.
Rio insider Karina Kattan of the Fasano Group says that even with all of the buzz, the city’s charms are still in its iconic attractions. Here are four sightseeing tips from the Rio insider, below:
“I have to mention the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car, a Rio landmark,” Kattan says. “Riding the classic cable car reveals blissful views of the city and the Guanabara Bay.
“Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the trails of the Floresta da Tijuca, the world’s largest urban rainforest.”
For nightlife, Kattan recommends Baretto-Londra. “Located in the best hot spot of Ipanema Beach, Baretto-Londra is Rio’s number one bar and still the trendiest meeting point in the city.”
To really get a taste of Rio, you need to rent a boat from the expansive Marina da Glória: “Whether it be a ship, tourist boat or a speed boat, make sure to see the city from the water,” Kattan says. “Rio has great beaches and people really appreciate them more when seeing their length and grandeur from across the water.”
Exploring more of Brazil? Read about Mr. Harper’s trip in the April 2014 Hideaway Report.
These tips originally ran in the April 2013 Traveler.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
1 (800) 375-4685
Open M-F 8:30AM-5:30PM CT
