The experience begins on the way to the bar during the journey of Santa Tereza, which is super…read morecinematic. The bar is classic both in the snacks, in the drinks and in the environment. The service is excellent, very fast and super friendly.

The place oozes the personality of Santa Teresa. Open since 1919 it was a quintessential old school…read morefeel with lots of character. Fried snacks are their specialty and the feijoada empanada was not to be missed.

such a cool experience and sight to see! the process getting up the mountain was so easy and…read moresmooth. I definitely recommend going in the morning before the crowds come in

I waited all week hoping that the low cloud cover would finally clear but ended up taking the…read moretrain up anyways on my last day in Rio. Since the escalators were being repaired it was a nice climb up all the flights of stairs to reach the base of the statue. There was one functional elevator but limited to those requiring assistance only. No views were available so will have to return for the panoramas of Rio. The fog unfortunately was thick so couldn't see the details but there was an ethereal appearance. I also joined a mass in the chapel at the base of the statue and that was a unique experience. It was conducted in both Portuguese and Spanish when the father found out there was a majority of Spanish speaking visitors. Will be returning to revisit in better weather next time.

One of the best fireworks (if the smoke does not block the view) and parties (4 km beach with lots…read moreof stages and music shows, 1-2 Mio people) on the globe.

Amazing place, for those who like centuries-old bars, great food and incredible service.. the…read moreemployees worked there before I was born.. surreal, I loved the place the draft beer and the shrimp omelette!

Of all the libraries I've visited around the world this one had surpassed them all based on beauty…read moreof the book arrangements, ornate decor and furnishings. This was a library founded by Portuguese and filled with the largest collection of Portuguese books (300k plus volumes) outside Portugal. Furthermore the exterior of the library was crafted in and shipped from Portugal while the interior was designed in the same distinct Manueline style as the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in Lisbon. Visiting was only limited to the main floor unless you arranged for a guided tour (fee). Display cases were filled with old books, some author or book historical details and the information was in both English and Portuguese. Note that it will be quite the popular place to visit. My second attempt at visiting went much smoother given that there was a very short line to get in right at opening versus the first afternoon visit where it wrapped around the building. Also visiting right after opening gave us lots of room to walk around and take photos or selfies. It never got too crowded inside. I put this at the top of must see places when visiting Rio.

This is a vast library, non-circulating and all about gawking at the interior. The king of Portugal…read moremoved to Brazil to escape Napoleon; he brought a massive 30k library with him and built an 18th-century dream to house it. One waits in line, steps in, and okay, this is a fantasy, but real. Three stories open to a huge main floor. Each story is perhaps 18 feet, and halfway up, a brass rail for rolling ladders. Doorways to heaven knows what. After you get your fill, and don't miss the ceiling, you wander on your way. Worth a minor side trip. The exterior ain't so bad, even if there is a long line.

A lot of fresh fruit and coconuts and avocados and waters. Must try. It's cool market only there…read moretwice a week I believe. A local restaurant told us about it.