Brazil
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Brazil - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Alto da Sé
CarmoThis is the most scenic spot for soaking up Olinda's views of Recife and the ocean, particularly during sunset. It's also a good place to see some historic churches as well as to sample Bahia-style acarajé (black-eyed pea fritters served with dried prawns) and Pernambuco's famous tapioca cakes. Make sure you try the cartola, a heavenly combination of fried cheese, banana, cinammon, and condensed milk. Have a seat at one of the outdoor tables here, or browse in the shops that sell handicrafts—including lace—and paintings. Don't miss a trip up the restored elevator inside the renovated Caixa d'Água (Water Tower) for stunning 360-degree vistas. To get here, just walk up on Ladeira da Sé.
Ladeira da Sé, Olinda, Pernambuco, 53120-101, Brazil -
2. Angra Top
This reliable outfit sails its schooners, catamarans, and other boats on day trips to the islands around Angra dos Reis with stops for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Fresh fruit and soft drinks are provided onboard. The boats are also available for private group hire, with skipper.
Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil24-99953--9150Sight Details
Rate Includes: From R$50 -
3. Baía do Sancho
Surrounded by cliffs draped in lush green vegetation, Baía do Sancho is breathtakingly beautiful. Its crystal clear waters shift in tonality from sparkling blue to emerald green, while the coral reefs make it a prime spot for snorkeling. Be prepared for a lengthy descent down a natural stairway to reach the shore, although those with mobility problems can access the beach by boat trip. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming.
Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, 53.990-000, Brazil -
4. Baía dos Porcos
The best showcase for the island's stunning natural beauty, the "Bay of Pigs" is a literal paradise tucked away on the north ridge of the island. Strict conservation laws ensure that its crystalline waters are rarely crowded. Grab a mask and dive into the natural swimming pools here to glimpse starfish, sea urchins, and even the occasional turtle or stingray. The view over the rugged rocks in the bay is awe-inspiring. Buggy drivers (bugueiros) are the local means of transportation for accessing the different beaches here. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; swimming.
Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, 53.990-000, Brazil -
5. Basílica de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré
NazaréIt's hard to miss this opulent Roman-style basilica—not only does it stand out visually, but there's an enormous samauma tree (kapok variety) filled with screeching white-winged parakeets in the plaza out front. The basilica was built in 1908 as an addition to a 1774 chapel, on the site where a caboclo (rural, riverside dweller) named Placido is said to have seen a vision of the Virgin in the early 1700s. The basilica's ornate interior is constructed entirely of European marble and contains elaborate mosaics, detailed stained-glass windows, and intricate bronze doors.
Belém, Pará, 66035-140, Brazil091-4009–8436Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Weekdays 6 am–8 pm, weekends 6–noon and 3–9 -
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6. Basílica de São Bento
VaradouroThe main chapel of the Basílica de São Bento, a Benedictine monastery, is Olinda's richest church and considered to be one of Brazil's most beautiful. Brilliant gold covers the elaborately carved wooden altar and frames the sumptously furnished private balconies that overlook it, providing a dramatic contrast with the white walls and frescoed ceilings. Sunday's 10 am Mass features Gregorian chants.
Rua de São Bento s/n, Olinda, Pernambuco, 53020-080, Brazil081-3316–3290Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Daily 8:30–11:45 and 2–6:30 -
7. Cachoeira de Buracão
Considered by many to be one of the most stunning waterfalls in Brazil, Buracão may not be easy to get to, but it is defintitely worth the effort. Located 195 km (120 miles) south of Lençóis, it is recommended that you stay overnight in the nearby town of Mucugê before undertaking the one-hour trek from the start of the trail through verdant forest. The final stretch of the journey involves passing through a canyon and swimming to reach the entrance to the waterfall. Life jackets are obligatory and will be provided by your local guide. It is impossible to enter the park without a local guide. Most tours that originate in Lençóis also include a visit to the brilliant-blue pools of Poço Encantando (141 km [88 miles] south of Lençóis) and Poço Azul (81 km [50 miles] south of Lençóis), formed by a combination of minerals and reflections in the water from the surrounding caves. Between August and November, beams of sunshine light up the water, maximizing the brilliant color and enhancing visibility.
46750–000, Brazil -
8. Casa das Onze Janelas
Cidade VelhaAt the end of the 18th century, sugar baron Domingos da Costa Barcelar built the neoclassical House of Eleven Windows as his private mansion. Today Barcelar's mansion is a gallery for contemporary arts, including photography and visiting expositions. The view from the balcony is impressive. Take a walk through the courtyard and imagine scenes of the past. This is where the aristocracy took tea and watched over the docks as slaves unloaded ships from Europe and filled them with sugar and rum.
Praça Frei Caetana Brandão, Belém, Pará, 66010-320, Brazil091-4009–8821Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$2, free Tues., Tues.–Fri. 10–6, weekends 9–1 -
9. Casa do Rio Vermelho
Rio VermelhoDedicated to the life and work of Salvador’s favorite son, author Jorge Amado, this museum is one of the city’s star attractions for both literary aficionados and first-time explorers of Amado’s poetic world. Expert curation by artist-architect Gringo Cardia and its gorgeous location in the writer's former private home make this a must-see. Through his 32 novels, Amado did much to bring Bahia’s rich history to life and preserve its traditions through the most colorful of characters. This state-of the-art, interactive museum breathes life into the author's residence, where personal objects are coupled with short films and interviews with prominent Brazilian creatives that capture the essence of Amado and his important role in the country’s cultural development. Note that credit cards not accepted.
Rua Alagoinhas 33, Salvador, Bahia, 41940–620, Brazil071-3333–1919Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$20, Tues.–Sun. 10–5 -
10. Catedral Basílica
Terreiro de JesusRecognized as one of the richest examples of baroque architecture in Brazil, this 17th-century masterpiece is a must-visit. The masonry facade is made of Portuguese sandstone, brought as ballast in shipping boats; the 16th-century tiles in the sacristy came from Macau. Inside, the engravings on the altars show the evolution of architectural styles in Bahia. Hints of Asia permeate the decoration, such as the facial features and clothing of the figures in the transept altars and the intricate ivory-and-tortoise shell inlay from Goa on the Japiassu family altar, third on the right as you enter (it is attributed to a Jesuit monk from China). The altars and ceiling are layered with gold—about 10 grams per square meter.
Salvador, Bahia, 40020–210, Brazil071-3321–4573Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$3, Daily 8–11:30 and 2–5:30 -
11. Catedral Metropolitana de Nossa Senhora da Aparecida
Zona Cívico-AdministrativaThe city's cathedral, considered one of Niemeyer's masterpieces, was finished in 1967. From outside, what is visible is a circular structure—a bundle of 16 concrete "fingers" arching skyward. For some, it resembles a crown of thorns. Large panes of stained glass supported by the concrete structure shelter the nave, leaving it awash in natural light. Inside, Os Anjos (The Angels)—an aluminum sculpture by Brazilian artist Alfredo Ceschiatti—hovers above the altar. The city's first Mass was held at the Praça do Cruzeiro, on May 3, 1957; the cruz (cross) used is now here at the cathedral. The building's entrance is guarded by four majestic bronze statues, also by Ceschiatti, Os Evangelistas (The Evangelists). The outdoor carillon is a gift of the Spanish government.
Esplanada dos Ministérios s/n, Brasília, Federal District, 70200-610, Brazil061-3224–4073Sight Details
Rate Includes: Daily 8–6 -
12. Cave Geisse
This boutique winery has gathered a cult following for its sparkling wines, made with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varietals using the méthode champenoise. What really sets a visit to Cave Geisse apart is the Geisse experience: a bumpy ride for up to five people (R$70 per person) in a 4x4 buggy through parts of the vineyard’s 76 hectares of rolling hills, forests, and vines, with a pit stop by a waterfall for an impromptu tasting. Book ahead for a tour in English.
Linha Jansen s/n, Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul, 95717-000, Brazil054-3455–7461Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$10, Weekdays 9–11:30 and 1–5, weekends 10:15–4:15 -
13. Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil
FuncionáriosOne of the largest cultural centers in Brazil, the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB) hosts a well-curated series of exhibitions, music, theater, and interactive activities for adults and children. It also has a beautiful outdoor area, a café, and a souvenir shop. The CCBB is in a neoclassic mansion originally built in 1930 to house the Social and Security Secretariat.
Praça da Liberdade 450, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil031-3431–9400Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Wed.–Mon. 9–9 -
14. Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil
CentroWhat was once the headquarters of Brazil's oldest bank is now an enormous cultural space in downtown Rio. With areas designated for cinema screenings, expositions, music, educational programs, and theater, this is one of the city's best rainy-day options. The 19th-century building, with its ornate domed roof, is impressive in itself, and the visiting exhibitions—which might showcase anything from impressionist masterpieces to the works of São Paulo street artists—rarely disappoint. There's a good bookshop downstairs, a children's library on the top floor, and free kids' film screenings on weekend afternoons.
66 Rua Primeiro de Março, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20010–000, Brazil21-3808–2020Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Tues. -
15. Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura
Praia de IracemaNot far from the Mercado Central, this majestic cultural complex is an eccentric mix of curves, straight lines, and angular and flat roofs. What's inside is as diverse as the exterior. There's a planetarium and contemporary theater, as well as art museums with permanent exhibitions of Ceará's two most famous artists, Raimundo Cela and Antônio Bandeira. Another museum presents Ceará's cultural history, with exhibits of embroidery, paintings, prints, pottery, puppets, and musical instruments. When you need a break, head for the center's romantic Santa Clara Café Orgânico, which serves a variety of cocktails made with coffee as well as little meat or vegetarian pies. There are also some great bars installed in the converted colonial houses that surround the complex. The center's bookstore has English-language titles as well as souvenirs and cards.
Rua Dragão do Mar 81, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60060-390, Brazil085-3488–8600Sight Details
Rate Includes: Museums R$2, planetarium R$8, Tues.–Fri. 8 am–9:30 pm, weekends 2–9:30 -
16. Christ the Redeemer
Cosme VelhoRio's iconic Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue stands arms outstretched atop 690-meter-high (2,300-foot-high) Corcovado mountain. It wasn't until 1921, the centennial of Brazil's independence from Portugal, that someone had the idea of placing a statue atop Corcovado. A team of French artisans headed by sculptor Paul Landowski was assigned the task of erecting a statue of Christ with his arms apart as if embracing the city. (Nowadays, mischievous cariocas say Christ is getting ready to clap for his favorite escola de samba.) It took 10 years, but on October 12, 1931, Christ the Redeemer was inaugurated by then-president Getúlio Vargas, Brazil's FDR. The sleek, modern figure rises more than 30 meters (100 feet) from a 6-meter (20-foot) pedestal and weighs 700 tons. In the evening a powerful lighting system transforms it into an even more dramatic icon. Access to Rio's most iconic monument is via the Corcovado Mountain (see review).
View Tours and ActivitiesRio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20531–540, BrazilSight Details
Rate Includes: R$75 by train (low season R$62), R$41 by minibus -
17. Conjunto Arquitetônico da Pampulha
PampulhaOscar Niemeyer designed this modern 1940s complex, one of Belo Horizonte's don't-miss sights. On the banks of Lagoa da Pampulha, the Conjunto Arquitetônico da Pampulha encompasses the Museu de Arte da Pampulha, the Casa do Baile, and the Igreja de São Francisco de Assis. The museum, one of Niemeyer's first projects, shows the influence of the European architect Le Corbusier on the young Brazilian. The glass and concrete structure, whose landscape gardens were designed by Richard Burle Marx, served as the city's casino until 1946, when gambling was prohibited in Brazil, and was converted into a museum in 1957. The Casa do Baile, originally home to a small restaurant and a ballroom, is on a small artificial island connected to the Lagoa's bank by a concrete bridge. After the gambling ban went into effect, the space was used for various commercial activities until 2002, when a renovation project led by Niemeyer allowed for the reopening of the building. It is currently a reference center for architecture and design, and it hosts related exhibitions, workshops, and events. The internal area has a collection of Niemeyer's original sketches. The glass and stucco 14 exterior mosaic panels of the Igreja de São Francisco de Assis, which describe the life and activities of its namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, are moving riffs off the azulejos (decorative blue Portuguese tiles) found in many colonial churches in Brazil.
Av. Otacílio Negrão de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31365–450, Brazil031-3277–7946-MuseumSight Details
Rate Includes: Museum and Casa do Baile free, church R$3, Museum Tues.–Sun. 9–9; church Tues.–Sat. 8–5, Sun. 9 (Mass)–2; Casa do Baile Tues.–Sun. 9–6 -
18. Corcovado
Cosme VelhoThere's an eternal argument about which city view is better, the one from Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf) or the one from Corcovado. In our opinion, it's best to visit Sugarloaf before you visit Corcovado, or you may experience Sugarloaf only as an anticlimax. Corcovado has two advantages: it's nearly twice as high, and it offers an excellent view of Pão de Açúcar itself. The sheer 300-meter (1,000-foot) granite face of Corcovado (the name means "hunchback" and refers to the mountain's shape) has always been a difficult undertaking for climbers. There are three ways to reach the top: by funicular railway, by official van, or on foot. The train (advance online tickets only) was built in 1885 and provides delightful views of Ipanema and Leblon from an absurd angle of ascent, as well as a close look at thick vegetation and butterflies. Official vans (www.paineirascorcovado.com.br) are slightly cheaper but not as much fun as the railway. There are boarding points for the vans in Copacabana and Largo do Machado, and at Paineiras inside the national park. After disembarking you can climb up 220 steep, zigzagging steps to the summit, or take an escalator or a panoramic elevator. If you choose the stairs, you pass little cafés and shops selling souvenirs along the way, but save your money for Copacabana's night market; you'll pay at least double atop Corcovado. If you hike, keep in mind that it's a short but strenuous journey that's best undertaken with a local guide for safety reasons. Visit Corcovado on a clear day; clouds often obscure the Christ statue and the view of the city. Go as early in the morning as possible, before people start pouring out of tour buses, and before the haze sets in.
Rua Cosme Velho 513, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil21-2558–1329-train stationSight Details
Rate Includes: R$75 by train (low season R$62), R$41 by minibus -
19. Escadaria Selarón
LapaAfter traveling the world and living in more than 50 countries, Chilean painter Selarón began working in 1990 on the iconic tile staircase that is now one of the highlights of Lapa. With tiles from around the world, Selarón's staircase is the product of years of dedication, artistic vision, and donations of tiles from places far and near. Sadly, in 2013 Selarón was found murdered at his nearby home. The colorful stairs provide a great photo opportunity—Snoop Dogg and Pharell Williams shot the video for their song "Beautiful" here.
View Tours and ActivitiesEscadaria Selarón 24, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20241–120, Brazil -
20. Fazenda Bananal
Drive 15 minutes inland from Paraty to this immaculately restored colonial fazenda (farm), where you can feast on delicious farm-to-table food in the light-filled restaurant before exploring the museum, tropical gardens, and working farm. Simple yet evocative, it gives a striking insight into the area's history and future potential. The farm welcomes thousands of local children every year to learn about sustainability and agricultural conservation, and any surplus organic food produced on-site is given to employees, the church, and the elderly in the region.
Estrada Pedra Branca s/n, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, 23970-000, Brazil24-3371--1153Sight Details
Rate Includes: R$20
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