Southeast Brazil attractions

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.

About 36,000 people call the Portuguese colonial town of Paraty home. Its quiet streets, colorful homes, European influence, and historic roots attract visitors from across the globe. But it’s Paraty’s easy access to the untouched coastlines of Paraty Bay and its 65 islands that make it a true travel destination.

One of Rio de Janeiro’s most important buildings, the opulent Tiradentes Palace (Palácio Tiradentes) was inaugurated in May 1926. Instantly recognizable for its grand columns and allegorical rooftop statues, the building’s grandeur continues inside with its huge stained-glass dome. It houses the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro.

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.

If neighboring Copacabana feels a little too hectic, head northeast along the promenade until you reach the wonderfully relaxed Leme Beach (Praia do Leme), which offers a calmer experience of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic seafront—and no less impressive views. It boasts soft sands, big waves, and views of Morro do Leme mountain.

Brazil’s most famous landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx, left his legacy all over the country, and his own estate is undoubtedly one of his masterpieces. The former banana plantation, which Marx bought together with his brother in 1949, was transformed into intricately designed gardens that take 18 gardeners to care for.

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.

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.

Part of the revitalized Porto Maravilha waterfront, the Rio Art Museum (Museu de Arte do Rio, or MAR) is a recent addition to Rio’s art scene. With its eclectic architecture—a pair of 20th-century structures linked by a futuristic rooftop terrace—and innovative multimedia displays, it houses one of Brazil’s coolest contemporary-art collections.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

The Abilio Barreto Historical Museum brings visitors back to the founding days of Belo Horizonte and through hundreds of years of history. Curated by local journalist Abilio Barreto, the museum’s collection is housed in a restored colonial farmhouse typical of the first settlers. The semi-open-air museum is a reminder of Belo Horizonte’s rural roots set amid the modern metropolis.

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.

This rugged trail in the hills of Minas Gerais once served as a train route for mining supplies, the African slave trade, and gold. Once the gold dried up, the trail fell out of use. Today, the Gold Path has become a popular destination for travelers looking to explore scenic mountains, thick forests, and a bit of Paraty history.

Secluded and somewhat difficult to reach, Sono Beach attracts adventurous types with spectacular views and golden sands backed by a lush wall of rainforest and nearby waterfalls. The beach is home to a small fishing community and little else, making this an ideal spot to escape the crowds of Paraty’s historic city center.

Set amid the vast Quinta da Boa Vista Park and surrounded by lush native fauna, RioZoo is Brazil’s oldest zoo. Over 1,300 species of animals are represented, among them Bengal tigers, lions, hippos, wolves, and crocodiles, along with a number of Amazonian creatures such as sloths, toucans, and anacondas.

Formerly the main post office in downtown Rio de Janeiro, the Centro Cultural Correios has been transformed into a museum and cultural center, preserving the beautiful, detailed structure, built in 1922. Today, the Centro Cultural Correios is administered by the Brazilian postal service and attracts visitors for it’s varied art exhibitions, antique stamp fairs, special performances, and not to mention the attractive architecture. Original wooden floors, spiral staircases, and an antique elevator are among the architectural highlights. Diverse exhibitions rotate in and out of the Centro Cultural Correios, including modern art and sculpture, world-famous paintings, ancient artifacts, and exhibits that delve into Brazilian history. On the ground floor, there’s a 200-person theater that hosts plays, recitals and other performances throughout the year. Outside the center is a spacious courtyard with a reflecting pool and outdoor stage, for open-air concerts and events.

Nestled in the heart of Sao Paulo, Allianz Parque (Palestra Italia Arena) is a vibrant stadium for entertainment and sports enthusiasts. As one of Brazil’s largest and most modern multipurpose spaces, it’s home to thrilling football matches, concerts by global artists, and many events; this iconic venue guarantees excitement for all.

Like every paradise for bargain hunters, the Saara Shopping District is a maze where you can find anything and everything, be it t-shirts with witty print, colorful accessories, soccer jerseys, or iconic Havaianas flip flops. Since the diverse market is often overlooked by tourists, prices are reasonable and bargains can still be found.

Travelers who make the journey to Trindade Beach (Praia da Trindade) are rewarded with one of the best stretches of sand on Brazil’s Costa Verde. This popular beach boasts an island vibe, complete with beach bars blaring reggae tunes while serving up fresh seafood and cachaça-fueled cocktails.

With more than 85 sculptures scattered around its hilltop park, the Felicia Leirner Museum (Museu Felicia Leirner) is an enchanting space where art meets nature. The open-air gallery is the life’s work of Polish sculptor Felicia Leirner and is also home to the Claudio Santoro Auditorium.

Cantareira State Park—one of the world’s largest urban parks, which preserves the region’s Atlantic Forest—is located north of São Paulo, and is an inviting day-trip destination for those seeking time in the great outdoors. One highlight is Pedra Grande (Big Rock), a granite lookout point that stands over 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) tall.

Situated in a sleek, chic modernist house in Santa Teresa, Rio’s bohemian quarter, the Chacara do Ceu Museum houses part of the vast art collection of the late Brazilian industrialist and aesthete, Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya. Over the course of his 74-year lifespan, Castro Maya amassed over 22,000 works of art, a large portion of which is displayed here.

Boasting the title of Latin America’s largest aquarium, Sao Paulo Aquarium is home to more than 3,000 creatures. Immerse yourself in different sections of the aquarium—which include fresh water, Antarctica, and the ocean—to discover exhibits that span 300 species of marine life and other mammals.