Southeast Brazil attractions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 first skyscraper—and the first building of its stature in South America—the Martinelli Building (Edifício Martinelli) stands 345 feet (105 meters) tall. While the building was originally designed to have 12 floors, the construction process, which stretched from 1924 to 1928, saw more than a dozen more floors added, plus a mansion on top.

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.

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.

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.

A storied soccer stadium and performance venue in São Paulo, the Estádio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho (Pacaembu Stadium) is celebrated for its art deco design and its role in the sport’s history. Having hosted landmark games, including the 1950 World Cup, the stadium today hosts a soccer museum and fitness club.

Once a residence of 18th-century governors, the Rio de Janeiro Royal Palace (Paco Imperial) witnessed pivotal moments in Brazil's history. Today, it thrives as a vibrant public center, bridging the gap between history and contemporary culture, presenting guests with art seminars, revolving exhibits, and a library with rare works.

The incredible Cachoeira Toboga waterfall in the heart of the rainforest doubles as a natural waterslide that sends travelers shooting down slippery rocks into a swimming pool surrounded by Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest. Just upstream, a swinging rope bridge leads to Bar do Tarzan, a popular spot for a cold beer or caipirinha.

Every February, the world’s largest party takes place on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At Samba City (Cidade do Samba) in the city’s port district, you’ll find that the Carnival spirit isn’t just limited to one week, but actually lasts the entire year, as you explore warehouses filled with enormous floats and experience other colorful traditions of the festival.

Rio de Janeiro’s Santa Cruz da Barra Fortress, once a crucial coastal defense in Brazil’s colonial era, is now a popular tourist destination for those with an existing interest in military history and casual visitors alike. Within the grounds you can explore the fortress’s military relics, the Chapel of Santa Barbara, watchtowers, and dungeon cells.

Founded in 1905, the Art Gallery of the State of Sao Paulo (Pinacoteca do Estado) is one of Brazil’s most important art museums. Dedicated to 19th and 20th century Brazilian art, the Pinacoteca collection features more than 8,000 pieces, including works by Almeida Júnior, Pedro Alexandrino, and Oscar Pereira da Silva.

Located in the west of Rio de Janeiro, Recreio dos Bandeirantes is serene and secluded—other visitors rarely stray this far from the city, leaving this beach to surfers and locals. Less busy and crowded than the South Zone beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, the beach offers a wealth of activities, from waterfront running and beach volleyball to paddleboarding and surfing. Plus, it’s one of the few Rio beaches where waves are consistently small and gentle, ideal for beginning surfers.

Nestled in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Cosme Velho offers a blend of history and beauty. Best known for the Cosmo Vehlo Railway Station, this vibrant neighborhood is often overlooked by visitors eager to get to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, but those seeking a slower-paced experience will find it in Cosmo Vehlo.

A symbol of São Paulo’s race to modernity, this skyscraper, formerly known as Edifício Altino Arantes (as well as the Banespa Tower or Banespão), remains one of the most notable landmarks on the city’s evolving skyline, and recently underwent a renovation and rebranding—now known as the Farol Santander. It was originally built as the headquarters of the State Bank of São Paulo and named for one of the bank’s first presidents.

Rio de Janeiro’s Museum of Modern Art (Museu de Arte Moderna) offers one of Brazil's foremost collections of modern and contemporary art, with roughly 12,000 works housed within its concrete and glass-fronted facade. Highlights of the permanent collection include works by Di Cavalcanti, Maria Martins, and Bruno Giorgi.

The second-tallest building in São Paulo—and one of the city’s most celebrated architectural landmarks—the Italian Building (Edifício Itália) soars 541 feet (165 meters) above street level. Striking when viewed from the outside, the 1965 skyscraper also hosts a rooftop observation deck as well as the sky-high Terraço Itália restaurant and bar.

Credited with kick-starting the now-legendary music scene of Rio’s Lapa district, Rio Scenarium is one of the city’s most popular venues. Join the locals who come to hear some of the best samba, forró, baião, bossa nova, and gafieira music performed by established local acts and up-and-coming bands.