Brazil attractions

Salvador’s picturesque Dique do Tororo is a popular escape for locals and visitors alike. This artificial lake is surrounded by lush greenery, sculptures of orixas (African deities), and Arena Fonte Nova stadium. Open to the public 365 days a year, the Dique do Tororo is a pleasant place to take a stroll, jog, or picnic.

Our Lady of Mount Serrat Fort, located in Salvador, Brazil, is a 16th-century fortification that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich past. Overlooking the Bay of All Saints, it stands as a testament to Salvador's colonial history and offers impressive panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Not very well known by tourists, Grumari Beach offers an escape from the often busy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro. This stretch of nearly two miles (three km of white and red sand is on a nature reserve, and its consistent waves attract surfers from nearby Prainha.

The city of Petrópolis (also known as the Imperial City) was founded upon royal opulence and wealth, and this is reflected in the lavish design of the city’s Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal). The ornate iron-and-glass structure was originally used as a hothouse for growing orchids and is now a venue for various cultural events.

Nestled at the foot of Corcovado Mountain, the compact Parque Lage is the former residence of rich industrialist Enrique Large and singer Gabriella Besanzoni. Surrounded by Atlantic rain forest that’s replete with monkeys and birds, it’s easy to see why the couple decided to settle in this oasis.

Located in Petrópolis—the regal mountain town north of central Rio de Janeiro—the Imperial Museum offers insight into the lives of Brazilian royalty. Constructed in the middle of the 19th century as a summer home for Pedro I, the Imperial Museum captures the essence of a royal Brazilian palace.

The swirling modern architecture of the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum (MAC) looms over Boa Viagem Beach and Guanabara Bay. Inside you can find paintings, sculptures, and installations from Brazil and around the world—plus panoramic windows with views of the city skyline, Guanabara Bay, and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

In addition to showcasing the colonial baroque style, the 17th-century São Francisco Church and Convent in Salvador, Brazil, holds immense cultural significance among locals. While relatively plain on the outside, the building's spectacular interior is adorned with intricate woodwork, gilded altars, and iconic azulejo tile panels.

Salvador’s oldest and largest market, the Mercado Modelo is housed in the reconstructed 19th-century Customs House, looking out over the harbor. Behind its lemon-yellow facade, around 200 stalls tempt shoppers with local arts, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Perched on a grassy peninsula at the western edge of Barra Beach, the Barra Lighthouse (Farol da Barra) has been guarding the rocky shores of All Saints Bay (Todos os Santos) since 1698—making it the oldest lighthouse in the Americas. One of Salvador’s most photographed landmarks, it’s also a historic site and museum.

Hailed as one of the most important collections of European art in the Southern Hemisphere, the privately-owned Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP boasts more than 11,000 works that encompass paintings, photographs, objects, and sculptures. Stars of the collection include paintings by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Gaugin, and sculptures by Degas.

Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Church (Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim) is a religious landmark in Salvador do Bahia, Brazil. Situated atop Montserrat Hill, the iconic 18th-century church is famous for its Baroque-style carvings, annual Festa do Bonfim celebration, and blending of Catholic and African religions.

Praça Quinze de Novembro—also known as Praça XV—is a historic public square in Rio de Janeiro’s Centro neighborhood. Dating to the 16th century, the plaza is associated with many important episodes in Brazilian history and is named in honor of the date (November 15, 1822) when Brazil declared itself an independent republic.

Tucked away near the base of the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain and overlooking the Guanabara Bay lies the intimate neighborhood of Urca. Known for its Brazilian celebrity sightings, restaurant scene, art deco and Spanish colonial-style homes, and affluent beach vibes, this tiny region is hidden in plain sight, and a great spot for a quiet beach day.

The beautifully restored art deco Lacerda Elevator (Elevador Lacerda links Salvador’s Comercio and Cidade Alta neighborhoods, traveling 236 feet (72 meters in under 30 seconds. The ride has become a highlight in Salvador da Bahia, offering an easy means of transportation paired with stellar views from its apex.

A sheltered strip of white-sand beach near Pedra Branca, Prainha Beach is surrounded by mountains and only reachable by a single access road. Although the 2,300-foot (701-meter) stretch of sand lies just outside Rio de Janeiro, it feels far away from the bustle of downtown.

Perched atop Santa Teresa Hill and set around the ruins of the 1920s Villa Lobos, Ruins Park (Parque das Ruínas) is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most unique spots. A park, café, and cultural center all rolled into one, it’s a popular hangout for the city’s artistic crowd, and offers impressive views over the city.

Housed in the historic, neoclassical headquarters of the Banco do Brasil, the Bank of Brazil Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil) was inaugurated in 1989. Now home to three theaters, a cinema, gallery spaces, a library, archives, and more, the center—also known as the CCBB—is one of Rio de Janeiro’s foremost arts destinations.

The Rio–Niterói Bridge—also known officially as the President Costa e Silva Bridge—crosses the vast expanse of Guanabara Bay, connecting Rio de Janeiro to the town of Niterói (the previous capital of the federal state of Guanabara, which has since merged with the state of Rio). At roughly 8.26 miles (13.29 kilometers) long and 232 feet (70.7 meters) high at its peak, the Rio–Niterói Bridge remains one of Brazil's engineering marvels.

Situated a few minutes’ walk from Petropolis’ Liberty Square, the Santos Dumont House Museum pays homage to the pioneering spirit of Alberto Santos Dumont, a Brazilian aviation legend. Every corner reflects the brilliance of Santos Dumont's legacy, from a model of the innovative 14-bis aircraft to the charming gardens surrounding the museum.

São Paulo's most exclusive destination, the Jardins District, is really a combination of the neighborhoods Jardim Paulista, Jardim América, Jardim Europa, Jardim Paulistano, as well as parts of Cerqueira César that extend southwest of Avenida Paulista — the city's main avenue of skyscraper offices. Aptly for a district where the name translates to “gardens,” Jardins is famous for its green space, with many of its huge stucco villas and modern glass mansions surrounded by lawns and pools. Jardins is home to hundreds of ritzy bars and restaurants, including D.O.M — named the world’s 7th best restaurant by Michelin. Rua Augusta, in particular, is lined with luxury hotels and restaurants, and where Augusta meets Rua Oscar Freire you'll find the flagship stores of designers including Dior, Cavalli, and Marc Jacobs. In Jardins, you’ll also find a number of important São Paulo's museums including the São Paulo Museum of Image and Sound, the Ema Gordon Klabin Cultural Foundation, the Museum of the Brazilian House, and the Brazilian Museum of Sculpture.

With its coast and mountain views, Glória Marina is a popular Rio de Janeiro waterfront destination. Nestled between the mountains of Sugar Loaf and Corcovado, the marina is an excellent place to take in the views while enjoying a meal alfresco at one of its restaurants. It’s also the departure point for cruises around the bay.

Located about 79 miles (127 kilometers) north of Manaus in Brazil’s Amazonas state, the municipality of Presidente Figueiredo is centrally located to some of the country’s most scenic attractions, making it a popular hiking destination. Nicknamed the “Land of Waterfalls,” it claims more than 100 waterfalls, including Iracema Falls (Cachoeira da Iracema) and Araras Falls (Cachoeira das Araras), as well as grottoes and lagoons.

With its towering spires, grand dome, and baroque details, La Candelaria Church (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria) stands out among more modern surroundings in central Rio de Janeiro. It was originally established by a group of Spanish settlers in 1609, and today, the Catholic church still holds mass and community gatherings.

Holding more than 9 million volumes, Brazil’s National Library (Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil) is the largest of its kind in Latin America. Founded in 1810 and relocated to its current Greek Revival-style building in 1910, the library maintains an archive of the country’s most important publications, periodicals, photographs, films, and music.

As Brazil's first craft brewery, Cervejaria Bohemia offers a tantalizing journey through the country's brewing history. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of hops, malt, and yeast as you explore the art of beer-making. With top-notch facilities and engaging exhibits, it’s a sure hit with beer enthusiasts and curious travelers.

Much of Manaus’ wealth came from the rubber boom, during which it was the region's most-important port city. Manaus Opera House (Amazon Theatre) is a fine example of the Belle Epoque-style architecture that was popular during this epoque; the interior features some 200 Italian chandeliers and furnishings imported from Europe.

Nestled along Rio de Janeiro’s coastline, Pepino Beach beckons visitors with its pristine shores and vibrant atmosphere. Whether seeking relaxation or beachside excitement, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and leisure activities. Keep your eyes peeled for paragliders, as Pepino Beach is a popular landing spot.

At the Santos Coffee Museum (Museu do Café), you can discover the history of the world’s favorite caffeinated-beverage. The Coffee Museum is housed in what used to be the Coffee Stock Exchange, where Brazilian coffee was weighed and traded before being sent through the Santos Port and overseas.

Since its opening in 2016, the AquaRio Aquarium has been South America’s largest aquarium. Spread over five floors and featuring 28 tanks, the aquarium is home to some 8,000 fish and marine creatures, with more than 350 different species represented.