Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
When in Rio, don't be afraid to follow the tourist trail—the major attractions really are "must-sees." Contrary to tourist-board images, the sun doesn't always shine on the city, so when it does, make the most of it. If the skies are clear, waste no time in heading for Cosme Velho to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado mountain, or to Urca to make the cable car ascent to the peak of Sugar Loaf. Time-pressed travelers will find that whistle-stop city tours are a good way to see many attractions in one day, while those lucky enough to spend a week or more here can afford to take a more leisurely approach. Cloudy days are a good time to visit the attractions of leafy Lagoa and Jardim Botânico and the breezily bohemian hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa. The historic buildings, museums, and cultural centers of Centro, Catete, Glória, and Lapa are ideal rainy-day options.
The area became known as Olympic Boulevard, due to the events it hosted during the 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro. Officially, it brings together Porto Maravilha (with the Warehouses and Praça Mauá) and Orla Conde (from Praça Mauá to Praça XV). The boulevard hosts restaurants, exhibition halls, a boarding hall for cruise ships, and museums. One of the highlights is the boldly colored panel Etinias, by Brazilian artist Kobra.
