Located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro’s downtown, the National Museum of Fine Arts (known locally as Museu Nacional de Belas Artes) is widely considered to be one of the most important art museums in all of Brazil. The neoclassical building houses a large body of work, including the Portuguese Royal Collection—an extensive collection imported by King John VI after Rio became the capital of the Portugues Empire in the early 19th century.
Boasting 23 beaches, Guarujá is undoubtedly São Paulo’s beach city. Though its 300,000+ population is enormous compared to most fishing villages, it's tiny when related to São Paulo’s 12 million—its compact size makes it popular with travelers looking to enjoy its fast-paced nightlife and sandy stretches.
Built during the “Rubber Boom” of the early 1900s, the Rio Negro Palace began life as a grand mansion home, and became the seat of local governance, before becoming a local cultural center open to the public in 1997. Now it houses an art gallery and a museum, with performance spaces for local productions all under one ornate roof.
Cachoeira, a small colonial town on Brazil’s Paraguacu River, is a significant remnant of Portuguese colonialism. With its thriving African culture, spectacular UNESCO-listed architecture, impressive churches, colorful markets, and natural landmarks, the town entices visitors on popular day trips from nearby Salvador.
Standing guard over the southern shores of Copacabana Beach and affording views of both Copacabana and Ipanema, Copacabana Fort is a former military base. Built in the 20th century, the fortress now houses a military museum and historic artifacts, but the main draw is the fort’s two cafés with sweeping beach views.
Ponta Negra Beach (Praia de Ponta Negra) on the Rio Negro is just over 8 miles (13 km) from downtown Manaus in a neighborhood known for its abundance of night clubs, bars, and restaurants. Visitors head to this popular beach destination not just to spend a day enjoying the sun and sand, but also to enjoy the area's famous nightlife.
Unipraias Park (Parque Unipraias) combines the beauty of Brazil’s beaches with family-friendly fun, including a zipline, a high-speed mountain sled, a magical forest ride, and panoramic lookout points. The cable car connects Camboriú Beach with Laranjeiras Beach, considered two of the top sandy stretches in Santa Catarina state.
Via Costeira, also known as Senador Dinarte Mariz Avenue, is a significant beachfront walkway and paved road that extends from Ponta Negra beach in Natal. It's one of the city's most important avenues, with two lanes in each direction and no traffic lights. It winds along the coastline and is popular with visitors for its beach views.
Giant water lilies, flooded forests, fertile lowlands, and rare wildlife are just part of what makes the 22,000-acre (9,000-hectare January Ecological Park so appealing. Visitors can navigate the relaxing waters while searching for rare tropical birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and brightly colored butterflies along the verdant lakeshore.
Botafogo, a lively neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, sits alongside Guanabara Bay. This bustling spot is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, buzzing nightlife, and Brazilian cuisine, as well as museums, historical landmarks, and street art, offering a range of cultural sights to explore.
Among the first neoclassical buildings built in Brazil, the Casa França–Brasil is now an architectural highlight of Rio de Janeiro’s Centro neighborhood. While it formerly served as a customs house, today the landmark is home to a contemporary art museum that hosts a range of exhibitions and events.
Pipa Beach (Praia da Pipa) is not one single beach, but four, collectively stretching for more than 6 miles (10 kilometers). Backed by coconut palm plantations, sand dunes, cliffs, and Atlantic forest, these stretches of sand are considered some of the most spectacular in Brazil. The warm waters are home to dolphins and sea turtles.
The Sanctuary Waterfall (Cachoeira do Santuário) in Presidente Figueiredo is a top spot for travelers looking for their ideal Amazonian swimming experience. Stationed along the Urubui River, some 62 miles (100 kilometers) north of Manaus, the falls rush over rugged, vine-covered rock formations into pools perfect for taking a quick dip in.
Located off Rio de Janeiro’s Praça Quinze de Novembro public square, the Teles Arch (Arco do Teles) is a historic archway that dates to the mid-18th century. A remnant of Brazil’s colonial period, the archway leads to several narrow alleys lined by historic buildings, which now host lively bars and restaurants.
One of Florianopolis’ coolest towns is located just over the hill from the downtown area. Conceicao Lagoon (Lagoa da Conceição) is the Island of Magic’s hip district, and boasts a collection of trendy bars and restaurants nestled around the large lagoon. The area is also known for its jungle trekking, sand dunes, and many nearby beaches.
One of São Paulo’s most storied hotels, the Hotel Unique certainly lives up to its name. Designed by architect Ruy Ohtake as a ship-like building (though some compare it to a watermelon), the hotel’s striking appearance continues indoors. Its rooftop pool and restaurant, Skye, are popular among both guests and visitors.
The star-shaped Fort of the Magi predates the founding of Natal by nearly two years. The Portuguese began building the fort on January 6, 1598, the same day they celebrated Epiphany, hence the name and shape of the structure. Its strategic location was ideal for international defense.
Palm-fringed sand and surf-worthy waves await sunseekers at Futuro Beach (Praia do Futuro), one of Fortaleza’s most popular family beaches. Stretching 5 miles (8 kilometers) along Fortaleza’s east coast, Futuro Beach offers ideal conditions for swimming and surfing, and is lined with lively beach bars (barracas).
The Botanical Garden of Curitiba (Jardim Botânico de Curitiba), in the middle of the city, provides a tranquil respite for locals and visitors alike. Designed in the style of French royal gardens, the park’s crown jewel is the 4,844-square-foot (450-square-meter) art nouveau, metal and glass greenhouse that sits against the Curitiba skyline.
The pedestrianized, cobbled streets of Paraty’s compact historic center double as a National Historic Site, home to some of Brazil’s most picturesque colonial architecture. This district, along with the surrounding Brazilian Atlantic Forest, comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site known collectively as Paraty and Ilha Grande.
Soccer—or football (futebol), as it’s known here—is Brazil’s national sport, and the São Paulo Football Museum (Museu do Futebol) is the ideal place to learn about it. Open since 2008 and housed in the city’s iconic Pacaembu Stadium, the museum spans two floors, and is host to artifacts, multimedia displays, and interactive exhibits that celebrate the game.
Far less crowded than Rio hot spots such as Copacabana or Ipanema, the art deco Flamengo neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s Zona Sul offers a comfortable downtown alternative to the more trendy beaches and resorts. While there, visit Flamengo Park, a grassy section of reclaimed shoreline that faces Guanabara Bay.
In the middle of bustling Curitiba sits the expansive, green Tanguá Park (Parque Tanguá). It is built around two rock quarries joined by a 150-foot (46-meter) tunnel as well as lakes and an artificial waterfall. Stroll around the park on foot, pedal around the quarries by bike, or simply relax and catch a beautiful sunset over the city.
The Wire Opera House (Ópera de Arame) is one of Curitiba’s most recognizable buildings and an excellent example of modern architecture. Built entirely of glass and steel pipes, the theater is nestled in a lush green space surrounded by a lake. It can seat up to 2,400 spectators and hosts performances ranging from classical to popular.
The Pirangi Tree is a record holder—at 500 yards (457 meters) in circumference, it’s the largest cashew tree in the world. To put that into perspective, it’s the same size as 70 cashew trees. The Pirangi Tree has been its own forest for many years, and visitors can collect cashews from it as they wander underneath its ancient branches.
Located on the main square of Manaus, the Palace of Justice (Palácio de Justiça) was built during the golden years of Brazil’s “rubber boom” in the late 19th century. The palace, with its grand architecture inspired by the French Second Empire and Neoclassicism, is a testament to just how wealthy the region was during its heyday.
Nestled along Rio de Janeiro's coast, the Cagarras Islands offer a harmonious fusion of natural marvels and aquatic adventures. Uninhabited and embraced by nature, this archipelago beckons nature enthusiasts and water lovers, drawing visitors to explore its vibrant fora and fauna through boat, snorkeling, and scuba tours.
In a city as grand as Rio de Janeiro, it’s perhaps surprising that a small church is one of its most captivating sights. Sao Francisco da Penitencia Church (Igreja São Francisco da Penitência) is known for its dazzling gold interiors. Dating from 1726, it is also one of Brazil’s oldest churches and a shining example of baroque style in the middle of modern Rio.
A pretty colonial town that dates to the Brazilian Gold Rush, Morretes is a popular day-trip destination from nearby Curitiba. Located on the Nhundiaquara River and framed by the dramatic peaks of Pico do Marumbi State Park, Morretes boasts a lively historic center. Its main attraction, however, is the historic Serra Verde Express train, which links it to Curitiba.
A rectangular eye at the center of the urban hurricane that is São Paulo, Republic Square (Praça da República) might have seen better days, but the plaza still holds on to its importance as a focal point for cultural life in the city. Built in 1889 to commemorate a new era in the city’s expansion and development, the square served as the primary location for concerts, political protests, and other gatherings.
