Choose from 189 Fun Things to Do in Brazil
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Monastery of Sao Bento
In Sao Paulo’s downtown, the Monastery of Sao Bento is known for its Gregorian chanting, exceptional bakery, and beautiful frescoes.
To catch the medieval chants of the monks, head to the 10am Sunday mass — get there early for a good seat. If you come for Sunday service, you’ll also get to hear the 6,000 pipe organ being played. For cake, jams, cookies, and breads prepared and blessed by the monks, look for the bakery to the left of the main hall. It’s a little more expensive than regular bakeries, but the quality is excellent and there’s a wide range of baked goods to choose from. Try the pão de mel — honey bread filled with jam and dipped in chocolate.
Surrounded by skyscrapers today, the Monastery of Sao Bento was built from 1910-1922, and it stands in the place of the original 17th-century chapel. Home to 40 cloistered monks, the monastery was chosen by Pope Benedict XVI for his stay during his first official visit to Brazil in 2007. Inside, see the famous murals painted by the Benedictine German monk, Dom Dutch Gresnicht Adelbert, who came to Brazil in 1913 especially to paint these Biblical scenes.
Practical Info
Open daily, to reach São Bento Monastery take the blue line to São Bento station and follow the signs to the Mosteiro/Largo de Sao Bento exit to reach the monastery’s square. Entrance is free, and open hours are Monday to Friday (except Thursday), from 6am-7pm. On weekends it's open 6am-12pm, then from 2-6pm Saturdays and 4-6pm Sundays.
Address: Largo De Sao Bento, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Open daily, hours vary
From $ 78
Mercado Modelo
Mercado Modelo is a lively place stocked full of arts, crafts and touristy trinkets.
Located across the street from the restored art deco elevador lacerda (elevator) in a replica of the city’s old customs house, the market is a fun way to spend an hour or two and maybe pick up a bit of tourist tack for the folks back home.
Take a deep breath as you enter to prepare for the onslaught of vendors that’ll attempt to coax you towards their stall. It’s all pretty light-hearted so with a smile and a bit of friendly bartering, you’ll enjoy your visit here.
Practical Info
The original customs house (also formally a place to imprison slaves) was destroyed by fire in 1986. The rear part of the Mecardo Modelo is given over to local bars and traditional Bahia restaurants (on the street level, and upstairs on a large balcony).
Cidade Baixa is more commonly refered to as Comércio. To get here, catch any bus marked Comércio or Elevador Lacerda from Cidade Alta or hail a taxi. The surrounding area is a bit rundown and walking around here is not recommended.
Address: Praça Visconde de Cairu, Cidade Baixa, Salvador da Bahia, Brazil
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 67
Moreira Salles Institute (Instituto Moreira Salles)
A cultural legacy from one of Brazil’s elite families, the Moreira Salles Institute is a modernist mansion set in the jungle, the former home of the Moreira Salles family. It has been transformed into a museum and educational space, celebrating Brazilian culture and arts. The Institute focuses on four artistic areas: photography, music, literature and iconography. The main focus is on photography, with rotating exhibits featuring the works of top visual artists from Brazil and worldwide. Exhibits range from old, historic photos, to contemporary photo-essays to abstract photography. They also scheduled screenings of films and documentaries from around the world.
The structure is a perfect example of 1950s modernism in South America, with an angular design and some geometric patterns. Semi-open air rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows incorporate the natural beauty of the property, set on the border of the Tijuca National Forest. In the surrounding garden, tall trees tower up toward the sky and paths weave among the tropical, green garden. Streams, fountains, and a pond surrounded by a modern mosaic design also add to the property’s serene, modern design.
Practical Info
The Moreira Salles Institute is located at Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 476, in the neighborhood of Gávea. It is open Tuesday–Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to the house and the exhibitions is free.
Address: Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 476, Gávia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Brazil
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 11am-8pm
From $ 75
Lapa Neighborhood
The most bohemian of Rio de Janeiro’s neighborhoods, vibrant Lapa is best known for its eclectic music scene, with an abundance of bars, clubs and venues hosting local samba and forró bands. After dark, the main streets of Rua da Lapa or Rua Joaquim Silva come alive, with dancers spilling onto the streets and top clubs like the Rio Scenarium, Arco Iris and Asa Branca teeming with locals and in-the-know tourists.
Even in the daylight hours, Lapa is a colorful district to explore, with the striking colonial buildings now home to a string of vintage shops and cafés frequented by Rio’s creative types. The area is also home to two of the city’s most iconic landmarks, most notably the Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa), an enormous 18th-century aqueduct that towers 64 meters over the central square. With the 42 grand arches dramatically lit at night, the arches make a popular meeting place for cariocas, as do the brightly painted steps of the Selaron Ladder, a short walk away. The masterpiece of Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, the 215 steps of the Selaron Ladder are richly decorated with over 2,000 tiles in the colors of the Brazilian flag and mark the way into the neighboring district of Santa Teresa.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 16
Itaipu Dam
Set near the convergence of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, Itaipu Dam is considered one of the World’s Seven Modern Wonders, clocking in at 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) long and 65 stories high. With a maximum flow up to 40 times more powerful than nearby Iguassu (Iguaçu) Falls, the dam’s hydroelectric power plant produces roughly 20 percent of Brazil’s electricity.
The Basics
Most tours of Itaipu Dam include a catamaran ride on Itaipu Lake and allow you to take in views from the observation deck and spillway, while some options also include a technical tour of the hydroelectric power plant. Don’t miss the Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary, which features a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) walk around the Piracema Canal and harbors animal species such as jaguars, quati, alligators, king vultures, and snakes. Nearby, the Casimiro Montenegro Filho Astronomical Pole features a planetarium, observatory, and an observation platform that allow travelers to view the night sky. Itaipu Dam tours typically leave from Puerto Iguazú or Foz do Iguaçu, and are frequently combined with excursions to the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Itaipu Dam is a must-see for first-time visitors to the Iguassu Falls area.
- Be sure to dress appropriately; sandals, high heels, miniskirts, and shorts are not allowed.
- The visitor complex at the dam is fully wheelchair accessible and has a tactile floor to aid travelers with decreased vision.
How to Get There
Most visitors arrive at Itaipu Dam via prearranged tour. Cabs are available from downtown Foz do Iguaçu, and car parking is available for independent travelers. To get there via public transportation, take the Conjunto C Norte or Conjunto C Sul bus lines, which depart from the central Foz do Iguaçu terminal.
When to Get There
You can visit Itaipu Dam year-round. Twice a week, there is a nighttime light show from the Central Lookout, which features music and views of the dam illuminated by nearly 1,000 spotlights and light fixtures.
Itaipu Dam History
The Itaipu hydroelectric plant marks the spot where an epic cascade was once the centerpiece of Guaira Falls National Park. The Seven Falls of Guaira (actually 18 cascades on the Parana River, gushing twice as much water as Niagara Falls) were drowned in 1982 when the dam was under construction. The national park was dissolved and the cliffs were destroyed with dynamite to ensure safer navigation on the new Itaipu Lake.
Address: Avenida Tancredo Neves 6702, Foz de Iguacu, Brazil
Admission: Varies
From $ 32
Lacerda Elevator
This incredible Salvador city highlight has been beautifully restored to its original art deco wonder and as a result, has become a destination for travelers to this Brazilian town. Lacerda Elevator uses four distinct elevators to link Comercio with Cidade Alta. Visitors to this towering icon can travel 72 meters in under 30 seconds—a major improvement on the rope-and-pulley elevator first used by Jesuits on this same site back in the early 1600s.
Travelers love that Lacerda Elevator connects the low city to the high city and provides stunning picture-perfect views from its apex. Visitors can look out over the historical houses and old school churches that dot the landscape, as well as the arches of the Camara Municipal building—a 17th century structure that often plays host to local cultural events.
Practical Info
The elevator is open from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily, with extended hours on weekends, in the summer and during Carnival. It costs R$0.25 to enter.
Address: Praça Municipal, Centro Histórico, Salvador, BA, Brazil 40015-170, Brazil
Hours: Daily 7am-11pm
Admission: R$0.25
From $ 62
Italian Building
Standing 168 meters tall, São Paulo’s Italian Building (Edifício Itália) is the second-tallest structure in the city after Mirante do Vale. Built between 1956 and 1965, it’s famous for its 360-degree-views which you can see for yourself on a trip up to the Terraço Itália restaurant and piano bar, or even further to the 41st floor rooftop viewing terrace. With the city spread out 500 feet below, and soft jazz playing in the Noble Room piano bar, this is most definitely the spot for celebrating a special occasion.
The rest of the floors are given over to offices, and there's a theater and gallery on the ground floor. Another interesting spot in the building is the Circolo Italiano — a nonprofit that preserves the traditions of Sao Paulo’s Italians. The surrounding downtown area isn’t all that safe at night, so if you’re having dinner here it's a good idea to ask the staff to call you a cab to take you back to your accommodation.
Practical Info
On Av. Ipiranga, 344, dinner at the Terraço Itália costs from $75 USD upwards. The nearest metro station to the Italian Building is Republica (Red and Yellow line), and the terrace viewing platform can be visited for R$15, with free access to the viewing platform between 3-4pm Monday-Friday. Entry to the piano bar costs R$30, and drinks cost around USD $10 upwards. Dress smartly to enter the piano bar and restaurant.
Address: Avenida Ipiranga, 334, República, São Paulo 01046-010, Brazil
Hours: Daily hours vary: open roughly noon-midnight
Admission: R$15-R$30
From $ 78
Jesuit Sacred Art Museum (Museu de Arte Sacra dos Jesuitas)
Housed in one of Brazil’s oldest churches, the Jesuit Sacred Art Museum is small but filled with history. The church, Nossa Senhora do Rosário was built in 1690 and is representative of many Catholic churches constructed by the Portuguese at this
time, with its simple, white exterior and windows in neat blue frames.
The interior has an intricately decorated altar and some items used by priests centuries ago like candlesticks, crosses and religious scriptures. It holds an impressive collection of religious artifacts and baroque pieces, some dating as far back as the 17th century. This includes paintings of angels, saints, and biblical characters portrayed in various mediums, like woodcarvings, terracotta sculptures and paintings in ornate gilded frames. Another highlight is an 18th-century organ, the second oldest in Brazil.
Practical Info
The Jesuit Sacred Art Museum is located at Largo dos Jesuítas, 67 in the historic center of Embu das Artes in the state of São Paulo. It is open Tuesday–Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is R$8 for adults and R$4 for students.
Address: Largo dos Jesuítas, 67, Embu das Artes, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: R$8 for adults and R$4 for students
From $ 260
Iracema Waterfall
Travelers to Brazil rank a trip to Iracema Waterfall among the top destination for visitors in search of an ecological adventure. Stationed deep in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, a trip to see the thundering waters of Iracema is an ideal way to get up close with the indigenous wildlife while exploring the Urubui River. After hiking the surrounding trails that lead to this picturesque peak, head to the foot of the falls where shallow waters provide a welcome escape from the humidity and heat of the Amazon heat and a perfect place for a refreshing dip.
Practical Info
The prime season for visiting Iracema Waterfall is from July to December, when the waters are most spectacular. The falls are located in Presidente Figuiredo—referred to by locals as “the land of waterfalls”—about an hour and half north of Manaus.
Address: Presidente Figuiredo, Brazil
From $ 137
Leme Beach (Praia do Leme)
Leme Beach is a natural extension of famous Copacabana, although unlike its popular, high profile neighbor, Leme Beach is a calm stretch of sand where fishermen, locals, and neighborhood residents enjoy the calming sound of the sea without the choking crowds. While technically located along the same stretch of sand as Copacabana Beach, Leme Beach is the final half mile of the northern stretch of the beach. Here, visitors will also find Leme Fort—an historic outpost used by the military that still houses collections of guns. For a view looking down on Copacabana Beach, make the climb up the forested hill on the northern end of the sand, where monkeys prance in the coastal treetops and a breeze rolls in off the sea. For another shot of the horseshoe shaped beach, follow the coastal walking trail around the rocky headland, where fishermen line the rocky shore and casually cast their lines. Looking south, the glitz and glamor of Copcabana is visible off in the distance—but the scene right here at Praia do Leme is tranquil and welcomingly calm.
Practical Info
Leme Beach is approximately a ten minute drive or thirty minute walk from the middle of Copacabana. To reach the beach, follow the Metro to Cardeal Arcoverde and transfer to bus 590, or save yourself time by taking a taxi before strolling out to the sand. The currents here can sometimes be strong, and pay attention to warning flags about info on current conditions.
Address: Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 120
Martinelli Building
Standing 130 meters tall in the heart of São Paulo, the Martinelli Building was the city’s first skyscraper. Built in 1929 with 12 floors to begin with, the remaining 18 floors you see today were completed by 1935.
A beautiful building that would look right at home in Chicago, the Martinelli Building was built by Italian immigrant-turned-business tycoon Giuseppe Martinelli, who arrived in Brazil in 1889. To prove to a skeptical public that the skyscraper was actually safe, he and his family actually lived in the top four floors until the Great Depression forced Martinelli to part with the building and let it come under control of the Italian government, who then sold it to the state of Brazil.
Today the Martinelli Building is home to the Departments of Municipal House and Planning and various company offices, with shops on the ground floor. To visit the top, head to the side door—visits are 30 minutes. You’ll go in a small group, taking the elevator up to the rooftop terrace. At the top, enjoy 360-degree views of the city that extends all the way to the horizon. You'll be given plenty of time at the top (around 30 minutes), though there’s no rush to make your way back down.
Practical Info
On Rua São Bento 405, schedule your visit in advance by phone or through the Martinelli Building website. You'll have a Portuguese-speaking guide who provides the history of the building, though it’s unlikely that they’ll speak much (or any) English.
Address: Rua São Bento, 405, Centro, São Paulo 01011-100, Brazil
Hours: Tour by appointment only
From $ 98
Liberdade
Home to the world’s largest Japanese population outside Japan, the Sao Paulo district of Liberdade is a densely-populated neighborhood that’s a popular spot for locals and tourists looking to get a taste of Japanese culture and cuisine in Brazil.
Liberdade was settled in the early to mid-20th century by Japanese immigrants brought to Brazil to work in the coffee plantations around Sao Paulo. Since 1970, many people of other Asian ethnicities, especially Chinese and Koreans, have also moved into the area.
Marked by the nine-meter tall red Torii (Japanese Shinto arch) on Rua Galvão Bueno, and lined with Japanese-style street lamps, Liberdade offers a similar feel to other little Tokyo’s around the globe. It’s a particular draw to young Paulistano manga and anime enthusiasts, who are often seen dressed up as cosplay characters almost any day of the week, but especially on weekends.
The streets of Liberdade are filled with vendors and shops selling all varieties of Japanese and Asian goods including food, clothes, bags, shoes, and anime. On weekends, the Liberdade Street Market is an especially good place to find oriental handicrafts, as well as other street market goodies.
Practical Info
Liberdade can be easily be reached by subway via the Liberdade station on Blue Line 1. The weekend Liberdade Street Market is in full swing from 9am-6pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: Liberdade, São Paulo, Brazil
From $ 59
Itaparica Island
This tropical island, which once played host to the Sul America Tennis Open, is home to some 40 kilometers of white sandy beaches, thick green forests and stunning ocean views. Travelers used to the typical Caribbean beach scene will find that the island of Itaparica offers a more rural escape, where tiny villages, scenic waterfronts and old school churches take the place of colorful beach umbrellas, pushy vendors and tourist-filled stretches of sand.
The tropical town of Mar Grande is home to bustling markets, shopping and plenty of restaurants—though visitors agree the food on Itaparica is not much to write home about. Those looking for a more traditional island getaway should head to the north coast, where the beaches are scenic and the ocean views are beautiful.
Practical Info
Itaparica Island is located about 10 kilometers from the city of Salvador. It is accessible via a one-hour ferry. Smaller boats leave from Mercado Modelo and larger ships can be found in Bom Despacho. The ferries run from 6 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. daily.
Address: Itaparica Island, Brazil
From $ 66
Maracajau Reef (Parrachos de Maracajau)
If the string of shallow coral reefs that grace Natal’s gorgeous, sandy coastline could be called a necklace, then Maracajaú Reef is its biggest, most beautiful jewel.
Known as Parrachos de Maracajaú, (coral reef of Maracajau) this complex reef formation full of coral, iridescent fish and other marine life, covers over 3.5 acres (15 sq km) and is about 7km (4mi) offshore from Maracajaú beach.
It is possible to dive in the area but, if you time your visit with the low tide, its natural pools are shallow enough for some fabulous snorkelling – possibly Brazil’s best. Floating in the warm, clear water above a coral garden as dozens of fish dart around you is a memorable way to spend the afternoon.
Most people visit Maracajaú on a tour. A boat will take you from the beach out to the floating platforms - a jumping off point to the reef but also a handy rest stop should you wish to come up for the occasional breather.
Practical Info
Maracajaú is about 1 hour (50km/31mi) north of Natal in the city of Maxaranguape, just off Praia de Maracajaú (Maracajau Beach).
Address: Maracajaú, Maxaranguape, Brazil
From $ 79
Leblon Beach
Fronting one of Rio’s wealthiest and most exclusive neighborhoods, Leblon Beach is a slightly quieter alternative to its neighbor Ipanema. Separated from Ipanema by a canal, the beach is popular with families with young children, as it offers a play area equipped with beach toys and playground equipment, collectively called Baixo Baby.
While calmer and less crowded than Copacabana and even Ipanema, the sandy stretch still offers beautiful views of the mountains, a string of beach bars serving caiparinhas and all the usual amenities, like chairs, umbrellas, showers and food stalls. While it’s also one of Rio’s safest and cleanest beaches, it’s still a good idea to leave valuables at the hotel and keep an eye on your belongings.
Practical Info
After you’ve worked up an appetite on the beach, nearby Rua Dias Ferreira in Leblon has some of Rio’s top restaurants. Drinks on the beach can be expensive, so if you’re on a budget, buy them at a local store and bring them with you.
Address: Avenida Delfim Moreira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 40
January Ecological Park
Giant water lilies, flooded forests, fertile lowlands and rare wildlife are just part of what makes the 9,000-acre January Ecological Park a destination for travelers. Visitors can navigate the relaxing waters known for its massive lily pads—some measuring more than seven feet in diameter—while searching for rare tropical birds among the thick forests that line the river.
Playful monkeys, ferocious crocodiles and brightly colored butterflies are easy to stop on a trip through this extraordinary park. A handful of floating houses make for fantastic photo ops and a market selling traditional and handmade items by local artisans proves the perfect place to pick up handicrafts for friends back at home. And while it looks touristy at first glance, travelers agree January Ecological Park’s floating restaurant serves up local cuisine that’s worth stopping in for.
Practical Info
The January Ecological Park is located a short 45-minute boat ride from Manaus on the Rio Negro.
Address: Rio Negro, Brazil
From $ 89
Itaipu Beach
Travelers say this once pristine beach used to be known for its easy access to eclectic Rio de Janeiro and was a paradise for travelers looking to escape the hustle of the city and relax on calm and quiet beaches. Unfortunately, pollution has made swimming conditions less than ideal and visitors say the sandy strips of coast are now jam-packed with people. Itaipu Beach’s once chill vibe has been erased as this tropical spot has shifted into an overrun destination. Despite this recent change, the shores remain a great stop for travelers looking to experience the beauty of life in beachside Brazil, thanks to a thriving local scene that includes seafood restaurants serving up the fresh daily catch, markets and waves that are still ideal for surfing and paddleboarding.
Practical Info
The beach is located about 30 minutes from Rio by boat.
Address: Niterói, Brazil
From $ 1,500
Morro da Urca
Sitting in the shadow of big brother and Rio de Janeiro icon, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Morro da Urca is just as important if only because the cable car trip up to Sugar Loaf includes a stop atop this turtle shell-shaped rock. Not to be outdone by its better-known neighbor, the 720-foot hill, a little more than half Sugar Loaf’s height of 1,300 feet, still offers spectacular panoramic views of Christ the Redeemer and Corcovado, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Guanabara Bay, downtown Rio, and Sugar Loaf itself (something you can’t see when you’re actually on it).
At the top of the Morro da Urca, the visitors’ center provides elevators for special needs guests, restrooms, and souvenir and food concessions. Hiking trails skirt the Morro, starting at Praia Vermelho, but one of the most exhilarating options available, if not exactly popular or cheap, is a helicopter ride around Sugar Loaf and over nearby Copacabana. Make sure to plan your visit on a cloudless day, or you might be squinting into the cumulus. Also, don’t forget the Morro’s namesake, the tiny and historic district of Urca, sits squeezed between the mountains and the bay, offering restaurants and bars with gorgeous views of the water and an intoxicating tropical ambiance.
At the top of the Morro da Urca, the visitors’ center provides elevators for special needs guests, restrooms, and souvenir and food concessions. Hiking trails skirt the Morro, starting at Praia Vermelho, but one of the most exhilarating options available, if not exactly popular or cheap, is a helicopter ride around Sugar Loaf and over nearby Copacabana. Make sure to plan your visit on a cloudless day, or you might be squinting into the cumulus. Also, don’t forget the Morro’s namesake, the tiny and historic district of Urca, sits squeezed between the mountains and the bay, offering restaurants and bars with gorgeous views of the water and an intoxicating tropical ambiance.
Address: Brazil
From $ 30
Mirante Dona Marta
The Mirante Dona Marta literally translates to ‘lookout,’ and visitors to the site will get just that — an incredible view of some of Rio de Janeiro’s best sights, often without the crowds. Standing there one can see the long stretches of lush forest and white sand beach below, and even take in the famous sights of the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.
The area functions as a helipad and observation point, with panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and Copacabana. At 1,200 feet (364 meters) high, it provides excellent sunrise and sunset vistas and photo opportunities of the natural surroundings and the city below. Many who know Rio well cite it as their favorite viewpoint.
Practical Info
Mirante Dona Marta is located in the neighborhood of Santa Teresa in Rio de Janeiro on the road to Corcovado. It is best to arrive via car by Estrada das Paineiras. Parking is available and affordable.
Address: Rio de Janeriro, Brazil
From $ 45
Morretes
This historic city on the Cost of Brazil’s Parana state is home to fewer than 20,000 people. Still, its charming old world streets, hillside views and traditional restaurants make it a destination for travelers in search of a true taste of Brazil.
Intrepid travelers can make the epic climb to the top of Marumbi Peak, where picturesque landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. Historic monuments like the Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Porto Church, Casa Rocha Pombo and the Estrada do Central offer visitors the opportunity to venture back into the past. And after exploring the town, travelers can tuck into a plate of traditional barreado—a slow-cooked meat stew made famous by this town.
Practical Info
Morretes is easily accessible by road, but many travelers prefer to take the Serra Verde Express or the Paranagua-Curitiba Railway from Curitiba.
Address: Morretes, Parana, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 120