Zona Sul

The former residence of architect Oscar Niemeyer. Call in advance.

Part of the National Centre for Folklore and Popular Culture (CNFCP). The museum was created in 1968 and today has around 13,000 objects by various authors, techniques and origins, kept in technical archives, available for consultation by institution-related post-graduate specialists, by appointment.

Focusing on the history of Native Brazilians, with many artifacts including a home of the Umé culture. The gift shop has authentic handicrafts.

Here you'll find an amusing collection of photographs, posters, musical recordings, and, of course, gigantic fruity hats worn by the singing star. The building looks like an abandoned space capsule in the middle of the park.

The former presidential palace (1893-1960) hosts a museum of recent history and nice gardens, with an adjacent art gallery and small theatre that occasionally shows free movies. One of main features is the room where president Getúlio Vargas shot himself in 1954.

Heitor Villa-Lobos wrote about 1000 pieces and is considered one of the world's greatest composers. This small collection includes a number of personal items, musical instruments, pictures and hand-written work by Villa-Lobos.

This former telephone museum hosts a fine gallery with temporary exhibitions of digital art or art with interactive medias; it is sponsored by the local phone company.

Cultural Centre - at these days hosting a photo exhibition of the construction of Brasilia. Guided tours: Tu-F at 17:00.

Planted in the 1800s, it is both a park and a scientific laboratory. It contains a huge collection of plants from all over the world, not only tropical ones. If you take the bus note that Jardim Botanico is also the name of a neighborhood and the road on which it is found so make sure you go all the way to the entrance. The gardens are well kept and very lush. Not far from the cafe, you are likely to hear swooshing sounds. Look up and you can see small monkeys swinging from tree to tree.

Public park with walking trails through subtropical forest. A cafe offers drinks and meals. A trail goes up to Corcovado mountain from here. The land was the residence of industrialist Enrique Lage and his wife, singer Gabriella Besanzoni. During the 1920s Lage had the mansion remodeled by Italian architect Mario Vodrel, with interior paintings by Salvador Payols Sabaté. The mansion was notably featured in the 2003 music video for Snoop Dogg's single "Beautiful."

1.2 million m² with broad walkways, Flamengo Beach, various monuments, and over 10,000 trees. To its north is the Museum of Modern Art (see Centro).

If you are keen on hiking and climbing up the full way, check out this trail. Equipment is needed as there is a vertical section with potentially serious consequences in case of a fall. If you do not have your own rock climbing equipment, go with a guide. On the way down you can use the gondola for free to get to Morro da Urca. From there, you can follow an easy trail to get back to the ground.

This pleasant walk follows the southern coast of Urca Hill (Morro da Urca), and side trails lead to various points on the hill, offering lush vegetation, monkeys, and nice views of the bay.

There are shows, mainly for kids, in the planetarium on weekends. These are targeted at different age groups so it is essential to check the age the show you plan to attend is for or you may get stuck with one that is totally unsuitable. From Wednesday to Friday the space is also open without shows and there are around 60 hands-on scientific experiments to entertain kids.

A large lagoon in the middle of South Zone, with great views to Corcovado and Ipanema and Leblon beaches. You can run, walk, skate or cycle the 7.5 km around this freshwater lake and then retire to your luxurious Ipanema penthouse apartment, or just imagine it! Some have been known to swim in it although pollution levels are very high. Around Lagoa you can rent cycles, swan-shaped pedalos and, on the western side near where the helicopters take off, electric cars for younger kids.

Pedal the lake in these swan-shaped boats for 2-5 people.

Take a ride around the lake on one of these unique contraptions, like a bicycle for two side-by-side riders under a little canopy.

From the ramp atop Pedra Bonita, qualified instructors offer tandem flight courses in hang gliding, paragliding, and ultralight. Wind conditions are typically safe and offer splendid views of the surrounding beaches and mountains. Helicopter rides also available. Various clubs offer the experience: betorotor.com and [skycenter@skycenter.com.br].

These are noisy and drive Rio's residents mad as the helicopters circle the statue of Christ, but if you can live with that and can afford it, a helicopter trip is likely to be the most memorable experience of your visit to Rio. There are 2 operators in the city:
Helisight: You can catch a copter at the first stage of the cable car ride up the Sugar Loaf or, alternatively, on the west edge of Lagoa. The basic trip takes in Sugar Loaf, Corcovado and Zona Sul (R$230 per person, minimum three people); longer, and more expensive, trips will take you to places such as the Maracana football stadium (R$350 per person). Prices quoted are web site prices. They may be negotiable on the day but no chance if a cruise ship is in town.
Panoramic Flight RJ in Barra da Tijuca

A helicopter ride over the beautiful beaches and over Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.

Hike up this monolith of 844 m and enjoy one of the most spectacular city views in the world. It can be done either by booking a tour or on your own. The round trip takes roughly 4-5 hours and is strenuous and challenging with a stretch of light rock climbing ("Carrasqueira"). Bring enough water and food and wear proper shoes. Attention: There are stories online of people, who got robbed on the hike up.

There are two viewpoints in this hike before reaching the final destination of the peak. From the first, you will be able to see Rocinha, which is the largest favela in Latin America, and a clear view of Pedra da Gávea. From the second, you are able to see Serra da Carioca, Gávea, Corcovado (where Christ the Redeemer stands tall), and Pedra Bonita. Once reaching the highest peak of the Morro Dois Irmãos you are able to see all of South Zone (Zona Sul) ranging from Botafogo to Leblon, including a beautiful view of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon (Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas).

Popular with the residents of Urca.

The "red beach". Very safe due to military base, which is nearby.

Somewhat less crowded than the Copacabana Beach

Among the most famous beaches in the world, Copacabana attracts many tourists, both foreign and national. In summer, there are occasional free evening concerts of big name acts which draw huge crowds.

The main beach for the middle-class, and specifically the Posto 9 section (watchtower #9) is preferred by left-wingers, intellectuals, artists, journalists and similar beach-goers. You can easily walk into a politician or someone famous here. The area close to the Farme de Amoedo street in Ipanema is known to attract the gay crowd of the city, who show off openly their sexuality.

On the other side of the Dois Irmãos mountain west of Leblon, this beach is popular with middle class people and favela dwellers alike. Good surfing and hang-gliding opportunities. Sometimes inappropriate for bathing. The south zone can be seen through a helicopter ride where you can marvel at the magnificent view of the most beautiful beaches in the capital of Rio de Janeiro, as well as flying over monuments such as Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.