4 Reasons to Visit Rio de Janeiro, Beyond the Carnival

Rainbow in Rio

Beautiful, passionate, and filled with bustling life, Rio is a city that will leave no heart untouched. While it’s true that the famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival is the number one tourist attraction here, there are many other reasons to visit Rio. From fascinating history, commemorated in architecture and museums to fantastic beaches, this city has something to offer to every guest.

A sunny saturday on Ipanema Beach
A sunny saturday on Ipanema Beach

1. Beaches, beaches, beaches

Soft sand and warm waters of the Rio beaches are perfect for relaxation. And as those are ‘Rio beaches’ they have a great variety of entertainment as well. The renowned Copacabana is where you should go looking for activities for your whole family. No matter what you enjoy, you will be able to find it there. And don’t forget about the delicious food offered by dozens of vendors.

Ipanema beach is for the youngsters who love to party and socialize. If you are looking to make new friends and get a beautiful tan, this is where you should go. Of course, if you are looking for something more peaceful and relaxing, there are options like Joatinga and Prainha. And the list doesn’t stop there. The beaches of Rio are numerous and versatile. Exploring them all is definitely a good reason to visit. You won’t find many other places in the world with such amazing natural beaches.

2. Interesting history

Rio has been an important city since its inception in 1565, which means that a history lover will find lots of fascinating things here. Strawberry Tours recommends studying the history of this magnificent city through exploring its streets. This will give you a chance to see its transformation from the Colonial Era to one of the leading business hubs on the continent.

A part of the Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means that it’s a sterling example of architecture that dates back centuries. And with the help of experienced guides, you will be able to learn interesting stories about each of the buildings and major events that happened here in the last 400+ years.

Contra-Filé in Garota de Ipanema
Contra-Filé in Garota de Ipanema

3. All the food

If you are a foodie or simply enjoy a good meal, you won’t be able to forget your visit to Rio de Janeiro. The locals take great pride in their cuisine, which is as much of an attraction for tourists as beaches. Every dish is a burst of flavor and has a unique recipe special to the particular vendor.

Tasting the masterpieces of local bakeries and confectionaries is definitely one of the main reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro as this is a paradise for your sweet tooth. Hearty spicy meals and meat cooked to perfection are what you should expect to find in every restaurant. And if you are interested in diversity, the city has a multitude of restaurants that offer all most popular world’s cuisines. In addition, you shouldn’t forget about the multitude of delicious cocktails that will make your time on the local beaches even more enjoyable.

O Rio de Janeiro…

4. Breathtaking views

Rio de Janeiro is a modern municipality filled with futuristic buildings made of steel, glass, and concrete. It’s also a Colonial Era city with architectural monuments in the baroque and even neo-gothic styles. But most importantly, it’s a city nestled in the embrace of mountains, which make it a place of spectacular natural beauty.

It’s easy to climb atop one of the hills and have your breath stolen away by the magnificent blend of human and natural masterpieces around you. Be sure to get up there to Christ the Redeemer statue to witness one of the most well-known and memorable views on this planet.