Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

There are few more dramatic sights than the mighty statue of Christ the Redeemer. Sitting atop the city, arms outstretched, it’s one of the world’s most instantly recognizable monuments.

Don’t waste your time (and money) on a samba ‘show’ – the city is a dance spectacle in itself. The streets of Lapa, particularly, shake, rattle and hum to the sound of every music form you can possibly imagine.

It might not be the best beach in the city, but it’s probably the most famous strip of sand in the world. Simply unmissable.

The biggest, most colorful party in the world kicks off in February. For those who can’t afford the real deal at the Sambodrome, the Avenida Rio Branco and Lapa’s Carnaval celebrations are an equally memorable, and less formal, alternative.

The delicious Brazilian staple, Feijoada, while far from the only thing on the menu, is pretty much a constant. But the ‘churrascaris’ and ‘quiosqes’ that line the beaches, and, particularly, the ‘butecos‘ (down-at-heel neighborhood places), are all bursting with other deliciously cheap things to try…