Choose from 189 Fun Things to Do in Brazil
ShowingFilter 181-189 of 189 listings.
Sao Paulo Museum of Sacred Art (Museu de Arte Sacra)
Based in the grand 18th-century Luz Monastery, the Sacred Art Museum of Sao Paulo (Museu de Arte Sacra de Sao Paulo) is dedicated to ecclesiastical Brazilian works from the 17th to 20th centuries.
The collection was started by the first archbishop of Sao Paulo, Dom Duarte Leopoldo e Silva, who gathered important sacred art from the chapels that were being demolished after the introduction of the Republic, though the museum itself didn't open until 1970.
On a visit, look out for works by the renowned 18th-century sculptor Antônio Aleijadinho ,and visit the jewel room to see solid gold and silver artifacts. A newer addition to the exhibits on show is the section dedicated to nativity art "” head to the annex to see the impressive Neapolitan manger scene.
Practical Info
On Avenida Tiradentes, 676, the Museu de Arte Sacra is 50m from Metrô Tiradentes, and near the Mercado Municipal and Pinacoteca. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, (9am - 5pm weekdays, 10am-6pm weekends (last entrance 30 minutes before closing). Entrance is free on Saturdays. Otherwise, entry costs R $6 for adults R $3 for students. Collections are labelled in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.
Address: Avenida Tiradentes 676, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Admission: Varies
From $ 195
Pirangi Cashew Tree (Cajueiro de Pirangi)
At first glance, it seems as if you're looking at an intricate forest"” but this massive network of branches is actually just one cashew tree whose circumference measures 500 yards, producing over 60,000 nuts per year. It holds the Guinness Book of World Records spot for the biggest cashew tree in the world.
Covering an area of nearly 8,000 square meters and roughly the size of 70 normal-sized cashew trees, it can be difficult to distinguish between the original tree trunk and the rest of the tree. The massive branches extend sideways and eventually also take root and continue to grow across the land around it. Though its exact origins are unknown, it is believed to have grown due to a genetic abnormality and is over 1,000 years old. If accompanied by a tour guide, visitors are allowed to pick cashews right from the tree. There is also a large observation deck 10 meters high that allows for a panoramic view of the tree.
Practical Info
The Pirangi Cashew Tree is located in the district of Pirangi do Norte, Parnamirin City, in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. It is accessible from nearby Pirangi Beach. Admission fees of R $4 cover the maintenance of the tree.
Address: Pirangi, Natal, Brazil
Admission: R $4
From $ 27
Pirangi Beach
This long, white sand beach outside of Natal is divided into two parts by the Pirangi river, creating the areas Pirangi do Norte and Pirangi do Su. Its calm, turquoise waters make it popular for swimming and water sports like surfing and diving, so competitions often take place on the beach.
There are also clear natural pools located 500 meters from the coast. Boat trips to the swimming pools, as well as coral reefs and other beaches, run frequently, and it's best to visit the swimming pools at low tide. There is a long boardwalk that makes it fun and easy to explore the shoreline, while a side trip to the massive Pirangi Cashew Tree "” the largest of its kind in the world "” is a main draw to this area, so don't miss it!
Practical Info
Pirangi Beach is located 28 kilometers (17 miles) north of Natal.
Address: Natal, Brazil
From $ 27
Sao Paulo Zoo
With over 3,000 animals and about 900,000 square meters of land, the Sao Paulo Zoo is the largest, most comprehensive zoo in Brazil. The zoo is located within the Parque do Estado, a massive reserve of the region's native Atlantic rainforest. This area is a lesser-known oasis of Brazilian jungle on the outskirts of the bustling city, and is a favorite among travelers with children. Due to its massive size, and other activities offered in the park, visitors should allot at least a half-day to explore.
A unique feature of this zoo is its incorporation of the natural landscape, which includes the lush rainforest and several lakes formed by the Ipiranga River. The Sao Paulo Zoo is home to many native animals of Brazil and plays a part in preserving and recovering threatened native species, like the lion monkey, neotropical cats, and the stunning Lear's macaw "” a deep blue parrot with bright yellow markings. There's also an impressive array of colorful, tropical birds, snakes and frogs, many of which are indigenous to Brazil. Other highlights include various species of monkeys, giraffes, elephants, hippos, camels and big cats like tigers and lions.
Practical Info
The Sao Paulo Zoo is located at Av. Miguel Estefno, 4241 "“ Vila ÃÂgua Funda in Sao Paulo. The zoo is open Monday"“Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is R$30 for adults, R$10 for children ages 6 to 12, seniors over 60, and students (with ID). Admission is free for children under 6 and for people with disabilities.
Address: Av. Miguel Estefno, 4241, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Monday"“Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: R$30 for adults, R$10 for children ages 6 to 12, seniors over 60
From $ 11
Santa Marta Favela
The colorful, diagonally striped houses of the Santa Marta Favela cascade down the steep hillsides above Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro and house a community of residents living in a challenging socioeconomic environment. Courtesy of Dutch artists Dre Urhahn and Jeroen Koolhaas' Favela Painting Foundation, the artwork is meant to draw attention to populations that are traditionally excluded or overlooked, including that in Santa Marta.
The Basics
The innovative painting of the Santa Marta Favela has drawn global attention, especially after it was featured in the music video for Michael Jackson's 1996 hit They Don't Care About Us, a moment marked by a bronze Michael Jackson statue erected in the central square. Since then, guests have included singers Madonna and Alicia Keys, as well as Nobel Prize-winner Muhammad Yunus. Travelers to Rio can visit the favela on an educational guided group tour with the help of a guide who leads lead travelers through the maze-like streets while providing insight and context to the district and its contrast to other parts of Rio. Private tours offer personalized experiences and opportunities for cultural exchange.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A guided tour is the safest way to visit Santa Marta.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on steep, uneven surfaces.
- Ipanema and Leblon beaches are visible from the top of the hill.
- Some tours donate proceeds to Santa Marta nonprofits or employ local guides to give back to the community.
How to Get There
The best way to visit Santa Marta is on a guided tour, many of which include hotel pickup and drop-off. Or, get a moto-taxi to take you to the top of the hill, and walk back down through the neighborhood from there. The site is also accessible by bus.
When to Get There
Rio's climate is warm and comfortable year-round, although January temperatures can rise to 80°F (27°C).
A Note on the Ethics of Favela Tourism
We are sensitive to the issues and concerns surrounding favelas, and we understand that tours of them may not be suitable for everyone. We strongly believe that these tours are educational and allow for a better understanding of life inside Santa Marta.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 149
Rio de Janeiro Cruise Port
Already known as one of the world's most vibrant cities, Rio de Janeiro will likely see its popularity continue to soar as it hosts the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. A city of six million people, Rio is glittering, vibrant and sexy and is sure to dazzle most first-time visitors.
How to Get to Rio de Janeiro
Your ship will dock at Pier Maua, which is within walking distance of Rio's central business district. Taxis are readily available, or your cruise ship might arrange transportation for you to Copacabana, Ipanema or the city center. Some jewelry stores may also offer complimentary rides to and from their stores, usually located in Ipanema.
One Day in Rio de Janeiro
Start your day with a visit to one of Rio de Janeiro's most famous sites "“ Corcovado, the large art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer that stands over 2,000 feet above the city. Get there by taking the funicular from the Cosme Velho station first thing in the morning to enjoy the views and beat the crowds.
Then, head back to central Rio to explore some of the city's museums and churches. The 16th-century Mosteiro de Sao Bento, the 17th-century Convento do Santo Antonio and the 18th-century Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria are all worth a visit. Art lovers will then want to make their way to the Flamengo neighborhood, where you will find the Museu de Arte Moderna with its large contemporary art collection and the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, which showcases Brazil's top artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Spend the rest of the afternoon walking the length of Copacabana Beach, taking in Rio's legendary beach scene. Continue south to Ipanema, recently named the best beach city in the world. For a quick lunch, you can stop at a lunch counter around Copacabana or Ipanema for a sandwich and fresh fruit juice, or pull up a seat at an outdoor cafe and enjoy the people-watching.
If you have time for dinner before returning to your ship, don't miss dining at an all-you-can-eat churrascaria and sampling a caipirinha, a typical Brazilian drink made of sugar cane rum, lime and sugar.
Port Information
The official language in Brazil is Portuguese, but Spanish may also be spoken. English should be understood in hotels and shops. The local currency is the Brazilian real, but US dollars are widely accepted (change will be given in reales). You should be able to find ATM's and currency exchange offices throughout the city.
How to Get to Rio de Janeiro
Your ship will dock at Pier Maua, which is within walking distance of Rio's central business district. Taxis are readily available, or your cruise ship might arrange transportation for you to Copacabana, Ipanema or the city center. Some jewelry stores may also offer complimentary rides to and from their stores, usually located in Ipanema.
One Day in Rio de Janeiro
Start your day with a visit to one of Rio de Janeiro's most famous sites "“ Corcovado, the large art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer that stands over 2,000 feet above the city. Get there by taking the funicular from the Cosme Velho station first thing in the morning to enjoy the views and beat the crowds.
Then, head back to central Rio to explore some of the city's museums and churches. The 16th-century Mosteiro de Sao Bento, the 17th-century Convento do Santo Antonio and the 18th-century Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria are all worth a visit. Art lovers will then want to make their way to the Flamengo neighborhood, where you will find the Museu de Arte Moderna with its large contemporary art collection and the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes, which showcases Brazil's top artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Spend the rest of the afternoon walking the length of Copacabana Beach, taking in Rio's legendary beach scene. Continue south to Ipanema, recently named the best beach city in the world. For a quick lunch, you can stop at a lunch counter around Copacabana or Ipanema for a sandwich and fresh fruit juice, or pull up a seat at an outdoor cafe and enjoy the people-watching.
If you have time for dinner before returning to your ship, don't miss dining at an all-you-can-eat churrascaria and sampling a caipirinha, a typical Brazilian drink made of sugar cane rum, lime and sugar.
Port Information
The official language in Brazil is Portuguese, but Spanish may also be spoken. English should be understood in hotels and shops. The local currency is the Brazilian real, but US dollars are widely accepted (change will be given in reales). You should be able to find ATM's and currency exchange offices throughout the city.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 66
Republic Square (Praça da República)
A rectangular eye at the center of the urban hurricane that is Sao Paulo, 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, Praça da República served as the primary location for concerts, political protests, and other large gatherings. Perched within the otherwise tree-shaded plaza is the former Caetano de Campos School, now site of the Sao Paulo State Department of Education, a handsome structure of yellow brick that"”at over 120 years old"”contrasts greatly with the mid-20th century glass and steel towers fronting the park. Just across AvenidaIpiranga from the plaza is one of the city's oldest Modernist residential buildings, the Edifício Esther, inaugurated in 1938, and overlooking the park from the southwest corner is the nearly 500-foot-tall EdifícioItália, Sao Paulo's second-tallest building.
On weekends, the plaza hosts a large crafts fair and flea market, with over 600 vendors selling everything from colorful landscape paintings from Brazil's northeast to woodcarvings and other household knickknacks. Despite 24-hour police presence, the area can get sketchy after dark, when hustlers and the homeless make their way into the park.
On weekends, the plaza hosts a large crafts fair and flea market, with over 600 vendors selling everything from colorful landscape paintings from Brazil's northeast to woodcarvings and other household knickknacks. Despite 24-hour police presence, the area can get sketchy after dark, when hustlers and the homeless make their way into the park.
Address: Praça da República, Sao Paolo, Brazil
From $ 254
Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)
Said to host one of the finest art collections in the Southern Hemisphere, Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) is where to go in Brazil if you want to get your fill of Boschs and Bellinis, Van Goghs and Gauguins. There are over 8,000 works in total, and, unusually, the rooms housing the permanent collection are arranged by theme rather than in chronological order.
As you make your way round the large museum, you'll see dozens of Degas sculptures and works by some of Spain's most famous painters including Picasso and Velazquez. Representing the Latin American front, familiar names donning the walls include Diego Rivera, Candido Portinari, Torres Garcia, and Anita Malfatti.
Built in 1968 and designed by the modernist architect Lina Bo, MASP is a flash of red and grey in the heart of Paulista Avenue "” Sao Paulo's main boulevard of gleaming skyscrapers and banking headquarters, and the museum is almost as famous for the iconic concrete and glass building it sits in as it is its art.
MASP is mainly dedicated to international art rather than Brazilian offerings, but there is a permanent collection showing the best of the country's modern artworks, prints, and drawings. Housing a collection of over 40,000 publications in all, the museum is also home to one of Brazil's largest art libraries. There's also a museum restaurant, Prêt no MAM, just to the left of the museum entrance.
Practical Info
Closed Mondays, MASP is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11am-5pm (and until 8pm on Thursdays). Entrance to MASP costs R$15. Lunch is served until 5pm Tuesdays to Fridays, and until 4pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: Paulista Avenue, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm (until 8pm on Thursdays)
Admission: R$15
From $ 75
Sao Paulo Football Museum
Located inside Estádio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho (a soccer stadium located in the Pacaembu neighborhood of Sao Paulo), the Museum du Futebol (Football Museum) is a 6,900-square-meter museum dedicated to the history and importance of soccer in Brazilian culture.
The museum is located underneath the bleachers, and was constructed over 13 months and inaugurated in 2009. Valued at USD $12 million, the Museum du Futebol has 16 rooms of permanent exhibits, as well as several temporary exhibitions. Permanent exhibitions give visitors an opportunity to see the history and importance of soccer in Brazilian culture, download their own "goal" moments, and view the soccer pitch. Much of the Museum's content is multimedia, and written content is provided in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Audio guides are also available in these languages.
Practical Info
The museum is open from 9am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday, and closed on Mondays. Hours are changed to accommodate games being played, so it is best to check ahead. Entrance to the museum is R $6, except on Saturday when admission is free to all. To get to the Museum du Futebol, ride the subway to Clinicas Station. From there, walk to the bus stop at Dr. Arnaldo Avenue, 500 and board any of the Jardim Brasil/177C-10, Morro Grande/917M-10, or Barra Funda/6232-10 buses. Get off at the Pacaembu Avenue, 1.721 stop.
Address: Estádio do Pacaembu, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hours: 9am-6pm Tuesday-Sunday
Admission: R$6
From $ 4