Kelsey & Rafael
Things To Do
Visit Christ the Redeemer in Rio
Corcovado is within the Parque Nacional da Tijuca. The most popular way to reach the statue is to take the red narrow-gauge train that departs every 30 minutes, and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the top. Note that same-day tickets are not available from the cog train station. Buy tickets online.
Walk through the Botanical Gardens in Rio
Walk through the two 800-yard-long rows of towering royal palm trees are a highlight of this massive garden containing thousands of plants and trees, including every variety of palm tree imaginable. There is a really cute breakfast spot in the gardens but it's a very long wait. We suggest putting your name in, walking the gardens, and then coming back.
Visit the Beaches of Ipanema & Leblon in Rio
Walk along the iconic Rio boardwalk and visit the world famous beaches. Walking the boardwalk is a fun activity in and of itself. You can eat at restaurants, buy drinks, and visit the local vendors. The two beaches are next to each other. So you can walk to both or choose to just visit one beach. Both beaches will have stands where you can rent umbrellas and chairs if you'd like.
Visit Parque Ibirapuera in São Paulo
São Paulo's Parque do Ibirapuera is an urban park in São Paulo. It is 390 acre between Av. República do Líbano, Av. Pedro Alvares Cabral, and Av. IV Centenário, and is the most visited park in South America. It has have running trails, bike paths, and yoga and capoeira sessions in addition to museums and galleries — such as the museums of Modern and Contemporary Art, Museu Afro Brail, and Auditório Ibirapuera.
Stroll along Paulista Avenue in São Paulo
Paulista Avenue (or Avenida Paulista) is the most famous street in São Paulo and the beating heart of the city. Lined with shops, restaurants, cultural centers and museums, this skyscraper-lined avenue has plenty to offer to keep you busy. It’s also a popular gathering spot for street musicians, dancers and other performers. The best time to visit Paulista Avenue is on Sundays between 7am and 4pm. That’s when the avenue is closed to cars and filled with pedestrians who gather here to do sports, go for a relaxing walk with their families, visit street markets and listen to live music.
Admire street art at Batman Alley in São Paulo
In the Vila Madalena neighborhood, there’s a winding pedestrian street called Beco do Batman or Batman’s Alley. If you’re into street art, you’re gonna love this place as the walls along the entire length of this alley are covered with impressive colorful murals. The history of the street dates back to the 1980s when the first drawing was made on the walls – it was a drawing of Batman. Soon after, more images were painted on the walls by local art students that eventually turned the street into an open-air gallery of urban art.
Visit São Paulo's Famous Art Museums
Another one of the best things to do in São Paulo is to visit the city’s art museums. Best art museums: -Pinacoteca – The oldest art museum in São Paulo with an extensive collection of Brazilian art from the 1900s until today. On Saturdays, you can visit the main building for free. -São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) – Renowned not only for its impressive collection (including works of Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Picasso) but also for its unique architecture. Entrance is free on Tuesdays. -Museum of Contemporary Art of the University of São Paulo (MAC USP) – A free museum with 7 floors full of contemporary artwork from both international and Brazilian artists. -Instituto Tomie Ohtake – Features exhibitions of contemporary art and design and is known for its colorful architecture. -São Paulo Museum of Modern Art (MAM) – Situated in Ibirapuera Park, displays the works of the most famous modern and contemporary Brazilian artists. Entrance is free on Sundays.