9 Attractions in Rio de Janeiro That Will Make You Come Alive
Confeitaria Colombo
Nibbling on pastries inside a century-old cafe sounds more like something you might do in Paris than Rio, but in Confeitaria Colombo you can do just that. Stop by for a leisurely afternoon of high tea or desserts, and to enjoy the elegant decor comprised of brocaded mirrors, stained-glass windows and marble counter-tops.
One of the best treats on offer is the pastel de nata, or custard tart, which gives you a little taste of lasting Portuguese influence in Brazil.
Churrascaria Palace
Serving up juicy cuts of beef since 1951, the Churrascaria Palace is delightfully old-fashioned. Stepping inside is like rewinding time. Rio’s most traditional steakhouse, the waiters are dressed in black and white and slice up the massive cuts of meat they bring right to your table with ease.
A word of warning: they’ll keep bringing meat to your table until you can’t eat another bite, so you should definitely bring your appetite along! This epic meat feast is an experience not to be missed when in Rio.
A Paris Catacombs tour will give you an experience you won't soon forget. Walk along 2 kilometers of tunnels, surveying the bones of past Parisians.
Favela Tour
Rio’s favelas are infamous. There are 800 favelas in the city and they are characterized by violence and lawlessness. Once dominated by drug lords and gangs, the favelas are slowly developing and becoming safer.
A favela tour is a fantastic way to get a glimpse into life in these shanty towns. Just approach the experience with sensitivity and a desire to learn. The socio-economic differences between the favelas and the wealthier areas of Rio are stark, so this is not your typical tourist experience.
