The 10 Most Interesting Facts about Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, commonly called Rio, is the most visited city in the Southern Hemisphere and known worldwide for its carnival celebrations, samba music, and stunning natural beauty. But beyond these, there are many fascinating facts about Rio de Janeiro that you may not be aware of. Here are the 10 most interesting:

1. Rio used to be Brazil’s capital city:

Rio de Janeiro served as Brazil’s capital for almost two hundred years, from 1763 until 1960, when it was replaced by Brasilia — which was purpose-built to be the new capital.

2. Christ the Redeemer Statue:

One of the most famous landmarks in Rio, the Christ the Redeemer statue, is the largest Art Deco statue in the world, standing at 98 feet tall and weighing 632 tonnes. Constructed over 9 years, it was completed in 1931 and attracts visitors from all over the world.

3. It has one of the world’s largest urban forests:

Floresta da Tijuca is a large urban forest inside Rio’s city limits that covers an area of 32 km² (12 square miles), making it one of the world’s largest urban forests. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views from its many lookout points and hike scenic trails.

4. Rio has hosted the Olympics:

Rio de Janeiro hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics, becoming the first South American city to ever host the games. It was also the first Olympics to be held in a Portuguese-speaking country.

5. Rio’s Copacabana Beach once hosted a Guinness Record:

Copacabana Beach once held the world record for the largest floating flag. In 2006, 13,597 participants floated on inner tubes to form the Brazilian flag, measuring 300 meters by 200 meters, and holding the Guinness World Record title.

6. The city has a rich cultural and musical heritage:

Rio is known for its rich cultural heritage and is the birthplace of samba music, which is accompanied by drumming and dancing. The city’s Carnival is one of the biggest celebrations in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually.

7. Rio has a subway system:

Rio de Janeiro has a subway system, called the Metro, which began operating in 1979. It has 41 stations across 2 lines and a high-speed bus system called BRT, which is considered one of the most advanced bus rapid transit systems in the world.

8. Sugarloaf Mountain:

Sugarloaf Mountain is an iconic peak located in the Guanabara Bay and is accessible via cable car. The first cable car was installed in 1912 with the current one having started operating in 1972.

9. The favelas of Rio:

There are over 1000 favelas in Rio de Janeiro, which are known for their poverty and overcrowded living conditions. Despite this, many of these favelas have unique cultures, foods, and music that make them an essential part of the city’s identity.

10. The city has a unique vegetative cover:

Rio de Janeiro is known for its unique vegetation cover, called the Atlantic Forest, with hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, and orchids. It is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, with many species that are only found here.

These are just a few of the many fascinating facts about Rio de Janeiro. If you ever plan on visiting this vibrant city, keep these interesting facts in mind, as they will help you appreciate the rich history and culture that can be found in Rio.

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, commonly known as just Rio, is a vibrant and culturally rich city in Brazil. It is the second-largest city in Brazil, and home to some of the most spectacular beaches, festivals, and iconic landmarks in the world. Getting to Rio is easy as the city is served by a busy international airport; the Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport. This insider’s guide will reveal some of the most interesting facts about Rio de Janeiro, while also taking you on a journey through the top attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, and local history.

Top 10 Most Interesting Facts about Rio de Janeiro

Before diving into the attractions that Rio has to offer, it’s essential to know some of the exciting facts about this city.

1. Rio de Janeiro was founded on January 20, 1502, by Portuguese explorers.

2. The name Rio de Janeiro means “River of January” in Portuguese.

3. Rio is home to the largest urban forest in the world, Tijuca Forest, with a size of over 12.4 square miles.

4. Rio’s most famous landmark, Christ the Redeemer, stands at 98 feet tall and weighs 635 metric tons.

5. Copacabana, one of Rio’s most famous beaches, stretches for over 2.5 miles.

6. Carnival, Brazil’s biggest festival, takes place in Rio where millions of people flood the streets as part of the celebration.

7. Samba, a famous dance and musical genre in Brazil, originated in Rio de Janeiro.

8. Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil until 1960 when it was moved to Brasília.

9. Pele, the three-time FIFA World Cup winner, was born in the city of Três Corações, in the state of Minas Gerais, but his football career was closely linked to Rio de Janeiro clubs.

10. Brazil’s first Olympic Games took place in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Top Attractions in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is home to some of the most spectacular attractions in the world. Here are some of the must-visit places in Rio.

1. Christ the Redeemer: This iconic statue, which stands at the top of Corcovado Mountain, is a symbol of Brazil and an engineering marvel.

2. Sugarloaf Mountain: Take a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain for an exceptional view of Rio’s skyline and beaches.

3. Copacabana Beach: Play some beach soccer or volleyball, surf, or just relax and soak up the sun on this famous beach.

4. The Selarón Steps: These colorful steps, covered in over 2,000 tiles from around the world, were created by artist Jorge Selarón.

5. Tijuca Forest: For a taste of nature, visit the Tijuca Forest, where you’ll find waterfalls, hiking trails, and a great view of the city from Vista Chinesa.

Dining in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro boasts a diverse and exciting culinary scene. Here are some of the best places to try the local delicacies.

1. Churrascaria Palace: This restaurant serves the best Brazilian barbecue in town.

2. Aprazível: For flavorful Brazilian dishes with a modern twist, head to Aprazível, located in Santa Teresa.

3. Confeitaria Colombo: This bakery, which dates back to 1894, is an institution in Rio de Janeiro and serves one of the best breakfasts in town.

4. Braseiro da Gávea: This traditional Brazilian steakhouse is famous for its delicious meat dishes.

5. Bar Urca: For a taste of Rio’s famous street food, try the Pão de Queijo and codfish fritters at this local bar.

Cultural Experiences in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro has a rich and diverse culture, with festivals, museums, and live music events throughout the year. Here are some of the top cultural experiences to try.

1. The Carnival: Join the festivities during the world-famous Rio Carnival, which takes place annually in February or March.

2. The National Museum of Brazil: This museum houses one of the largest collections of natural history specimens, cultural artifacts, and archaeological pieces in Latin America.

3. The Rio Scenarium: This lively bar in Lapa is known for its live music and dance performances, which will introduce you to the vibrant nightlife in Rio de Janeiro.

4. The Museum of Tomorrow: This ultra-modern museum focuses on science and sustainability and offers an interactive and immersive experience.

Local History in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro has a rich history shaped by colonialism, slavery, and independence struggles. Here are some iconic landmarks that represent Rio de Janeiro’s history.

1. The Imperial Palace: This palace in Petrópolis was the summer residence of Brazil’s last emperor, Dom Pedro II, who ruled from 1831 until 1889.

2. Real Gabinete Português de Leitura: This beautiful library, modeled after the National Library of Portugal, holds a vast collection of Brazilian literature and documents.

3. Candelária Church: This historic church, located in downtown Rio, was built in the 17th century and is one of the most important religious landmarks in Rio de Janeiro.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions in Rio de Janeiro

For travelers looking for something unique and unconventional, Rio de Janeiro also offers a variety of alternative experiences. Here are some of our top recommendations.

1. Morro Dois Irmãos: This hike in Vidigal leads to a breathtaking view of Rio’s coast, and the hike is a great option for those interested in the city’s favela culture.

2. The Hippie Fair: Held every Sunday in Ipanema, this outdoor market features over 700 local artisans and vendors selling their handmade crafts and food.

3. Ilha Fiscal: Take a boat trip to this former customs building, which has been turned into a museum showcasing the lives of Brazilian upper-class in the late 19th century.

Rio de Janeiro is a city that has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in the culture, history or the beaches. With this comprehensive insider’s guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this amazing city.