Following more than three centuries under Portuguese rule, Brazil peacefully gained its independence in 1822, maintaining a monarchical system of government until the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent proclamation of a republic by the military in 1889. Brazilian coffee exporters politically dominated the country until populist leader Getulio VARGAS rose to power in 1930. By far the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil underwent more than half a century of populist and military government until 1985, when the military regime peacefully ceded power to civilian rulers. Brazil continues to pursue industrial and agricultural growth and development of its interior. Exploiting vast natural resources and a large labor pool, it is today South America's leading economic power and a regional leader. Highly unequal income distribution and crime remain pressing problems.

Brasília - The capital of Brazil, and an architectural spectacle. Noteworthy buildings include a basket-shaped Cathedral, the beautiful Arches Palace (seat of the Ministry of Justice) and others.

The Square of the Three Powers

The Square of the Three Powers (Praça dos Três Poderes) at the extreme end of the axis includes the seats of the country's 3 highest authorities: the Congress, the Presidential Palace (called Palácio do Planalto) and the Supreme Court. The axis itself is aligned such that on April 21 (Tiradentes Day, marking the death of a Brazilian independence martyr), the sun rises precisely between the two towers of Congress. The bronze statue of two abstract figures is named Os Candangos and represents the pioneering spirit of the workers who built the city. There's also a "blind justice" statue by the Supreme Court, a small museum and a model, built to scale, of Brasilia itself. As of 2009 the Presidential Palace is closed to visitors due to restoration works, which will last until april 2010.

Palace of Justice

The façade of the Palace of Justice has waterfalls that contrast with its stern geometrical beauty

Itamaraty Palace

Itamaraty Palace which houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also stands out among the ministry buildings at Esplanada dos Ministérios and is open for guided visits from 2pm-4:30 pm on weekdays and Sat-Sun 10am-3:30pm.

Brasilia Cathedral

Brasilia Cathedral is midway along the axis. With its sixteen curved 90-ton concrete pillars and stained-glass panels, is one of the world's most amazing modernist buildings.

Television Tower

In the middle of the Monumental axis, It's the best place for a sweeping panorama of the city. There is also a crafts and typical food market on the basis of the tower. Open tue-sun 08h-20h. Entrance is free.

The Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial

The Juscelino Kubitschek Memorial on the western part of the axis is a museum dedicated to the life and accomplishments of the president, and houses his remains as well. It's located underground and has a slightly spooky 1960's science-fiction feel to it.

Palácio da Alvorada (Palace of Dawn)

The President's official residence. Its arches are icons of the capital.

Public works of art

Some of the finest Brazilian artists have created works in Brasilia: Burle Marx (landscape design), Athos Bulcão (geometric tile panels), Oscar Niemeyer (buildings and sculptures) Ceschiatti and Bruno Giorgio (sculptures). These can be seen on the streets, open air and for free.

Brasília City Tour

A tour by bus that visits almost all the main attractions listed in this article.

Dom Bosco Church

Dom Bosco Church, Av. W3 sul, quadra 702. A beautiful modern church built on concrete and blue stained glass. Bosco was a 19th-century Italian priest whose writings, some say, prophesied the creation of Brasilia. It's impossible not to notice the huge crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the square church.

Paranoá Lake

Pontão has lakeside restaurants and a park while the Ermida Dom Bosco (near SHIS QI 29, bus line 100/123) chapel provides gorgeous views of the city from across the Lake, an excellent place to watch Brasilia's famous sunsets. You can swim in the lake at the Ecological Park next to the Ermida.

City Park (Parque da Cidade)

Slightly larger than NYC's Central Park, this wide green area is the city's hot spot for sports such as jogging, cycling, skating and even kart racing, as well as barbecues and other outdoor activities.

Brasilia National Park

Cerrado vegetation and fauna, plus natural swimming pools.

Poço Azul

A waterfall forming beautiful blue pools on a quartz rock.

Parque Olhos D'Água

A park in the northern wing of the city that is mainly used for jogging. It also has many springs, streams and a small pond. Many of its facilities include a playground and two outdoor gyms.

Brasilia National Museum

Monumental axis. Near the Brasilia Cathedral. Brasilia's newest museum was built to be the city's home for renowned national and international exhibitions. As of 2009, it's collections are temporary and is severely lacking both in size and importance. But give it a try, it's free.

Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB)

Holds all kinds of exhibitions and cultural events. Russian paintings, musical concerts, documentaries, plays, thematic movie festivals, photography, you name it. There is no permanent exhibition or attraction so you've to check the programme before going or just go there and enjoy what's available. The easier way to reach it is through its own free bus line that runs from the city center and back. Check the official bus schedule for an up-to-date information. Opens Thu-Sun from 9h until 21h. Entrance fees may vary greatly or even be free depending on what's going on. But one thing is certain: it's usually CHEAP!

CAIXA Cultural

Usually holds photography, musical concerts, movies and contemporary arts exhibitions. Entrance is free most of the time.

Espaço Cultural Renato Russo

A government-maintaned building for cultural events. Commonly used for musical concerts and plays. No official schedule available.

Espaço Cultural Contemporâneo (ECCO)

A gallery that has many works of contemporary art. Mostly sculpture and paintings. Open Thu-Sun from 9h until 19h.

Monetary Museum

Maintained by the Central Bank of Brazil, it has everything related to money: rare coins, paper money from various countries, medals, gold bars, old machinery used to print and cut etc. It also keeps the biggest gold nugget ever found in Brazil, weighing 60.8kg. Thu-Fri 10h until 17h30. Sat 14h until 18h. Entrance is free.

National Theater Claudio Santoro

Brasilia's main theather features 3 main halls for plays and concerts, art galleries and temporary art exhibitions.

Belém - The second largest city in the Amazon region. Religious festivals (Cirio de Nazare), traditional market (Ver-o-Peso).

Mangal das Garças

The region's vegetation, animals and food can be appreciated in this large park just off the city centre

Estação das Docas

(Station of the docks)

Complexo Feliz Lusitânia

(Complex Happy Lusitania)

Casa das Onze Janelas

(Eleven House of Windows)

Mercado Ver-o-Peso

(See-the-Weight Market) a large and lively traditional market set in a respectable historic building, trades regional items and offers a good taste of the local culture.

Mercado Ver-o-Rio

(See-the-River)

Forte do Castelo

(Batista Campos Square)

Praça Batista Campos

Museu de Artes de Belém

(Belém Arts Museum)

Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi

(Emílio Goeldi Museum)

Praça da República

(Republica Square)

Teatro da Paz

(Theater of Peace) Rivals the Manaus opera house as a symbol of the rubber boom's riches. Guided tours every hour on the hour last 30 minutes. R$ 4, Tuesdays free.

Parque da Residência

(Park's Residence)

Bosque Rodrigues Alves

(Botanical Garden Bosque Rodrigues Alves)

Curitiba - The capital of the state of Paraná is known for its innovative urban solutions, it still keeps its traditional spirit and features of the european immigrants, mostly from Italy, Germany and slavic countries.

Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens, Eng. Ostoja Roguski Street, s/n°. Opens from 6AM-9PM during summertime; and from 6AM-8PM during the rest of the year. Curitiba's trademark, created to resemble French gardens, rolls out its flower carpet to the visitors right at the entrance. The greenhouse, with a metallic structure, has botanic species that are national reference, and also a water fountain. The native forest is filled with paths for hiking. The Botanic Museum attracts researchers from all over the world. There is a space for exhibitions, library and a theater.

German Wood

German Wood, Niccolo Paganini Street, corner with Franz Schubert – Vista Alegre (Jardim Schaffer). The Wood opens daily 6AM-8PM; the Library from 9AM-5PM; Story Time Sa,Su 2PM. Has various features to celebrate and promote the German traditions. There are 38 thousand square meters of native forest, which was part of the old farm from the Schaffer family. The replica of an old wooden church, built in 1933 at the Seminário neighborhood, with neo-gothich decorative elements, shelters a concert hall called Bach's Oratorium. Other attractions are the John and Mary path, which tells the Grimm brothers tale, a children's library, the Philosophers Tower, a wooden observatory allowing a panoramic view of the city and the Ocean Ridge, and the German Poetry Square, with a reproduction of the Casa Mila façade, a German building from the beginning of the last century, originally located in the city center.

Barigüi Park

Barigüi Park,BR-277 – Rodovia do Café, Km 0 – Bigorrilho. With an area of 1.4 million square meters, it is one of the biggest parks of the city and definitely the most visited. Not only the city residents and the tourists seek rest in the park. Guinea pigs, night herons, white herons, skunks, crown sparrows, song-thrushes and dozens of other native animals make Barigüi their home. Among the features available in the Park there are: barbeques, kiosks, cycle and model airplanes tracks, multi-sports courts, gym equipment, car park, restaurant, playground, Automobile Museum, Exhibition and Convention Center, Steam Train Station and the Environment Municipal Council headquarters.

Barreirinha Park

Barreirinha Park, 6010 Anita Garibaldi Avenue – Barreirinha. Opens daily, from 6AM-6PM. The most beautiful park of the city, one can appreciate araucarias, cinnamon, bracatingas, Paraguay tea plants and other native species. The green area, serving as an important regulator of the air quality in the region, is used by students and university teachers in practical Botanic lessons. The Municipal Forest, next to the park, has a scientific and educational role – it is responsible for the research and production of vegetable species. Among its features there are woods with over 200 thousand square meters of typical vegetation, children's library, playground, rustic cabin, snack bar, barbeques and car park.

Gutierrez Wood / Chico Mendes Memorial / Dolls Theater

Albino Raschendorfer Street, s/n°. – Vista Alegre. Opens daily, from 6AM-6PM. implemented in the wood on the 22nd of March, 1989, the Chico Mendes Memorial pays homage to the amazonian rubber extraction leader, who was killed in Xapuri, Acre. It comprises 18 thousand square meters of green area, with paths and a natural spring, supplying 1,350 liters of mineral water hourly. It is home to the Amazônica School and the Dadá Dolls Theater.

Pope's Wood

Pope's Wood, Wellington Oliveira Vianna Street, s/n°.- Centro Cívico. Opens daily from 6AM-8PM; Memorial Tu-Su 9AM-6:30PM. Polish immigration memorial, inaugurated on 13th of December, 1980, following the visit from Pop John Paul II to Curitiba, on the previous July. The area of 46,337 square meters was part of the dispossession involving the old Estearina candle factory. The seven log houses composing the memorial are a live rememberance of the faith and battle of the Polish immigrants, with objects such as the old cart, the sour cabbage pipe and the image of the patron saint, the Black Virgin of Czestochowa. In Curitiba, the Polish immigration started in 1871.

Portugal Wood

Portugal Wood, Ozório Duque Estrada Street, s/n°. – Jardim Social. Opens daily. homage to the Portuguese-Brazilian bonds, this space is highlighted by a track following a small brook, where one can see drawn on tiles excerpts from famous Portuguese language poets, as well as a tribute to the great Portuguese navigators and their discoveries.

Jerusalem Fountain

Jerusalem Fountain, Sete de Setembro Avenue, corner with Arthur Bernardes Avenue – Seminário. Pays homage to the 3,000 years of Jerusalem. The construction in concrete and masonry has a height of 14.5 meters and was designed bythe architect Fernando Canalli. At the top there are three bronze angels, of approximately 600 kilos each, sculpted by the artist Lys Áurea Buzzi, representing the three main monotheistic religions in the world, who believe in the existence of angels and for which Jerusalem is a sacred city: Christianism, Judaism and Islamism.

Memory Fountain

Memory Fountain, at Garibaldi Square – São Francisco. authored by Ricardo Tod, the horse head in bronze characterizing the fountain pays homage to the old immigrant colonists, who with their carts would come from their small farms at the city's outskirts to sell their agricultural products at the center.

Maria Lata D'Água Fountain

Maria Lata D'Água Fountain, Generoso Marques Square - Center, at the vicinity of the Paranaense Museum. Together with the historic houses, it was inaugurated on May 15th, 1996. Structured in concrete, it occupies an area of approximately 36 square meters and has a 60 centimeters deep water mirror. The highlight from the fountain is a reproduction of the sculpture "Água pro Morro", from the beginning of the 1940's, from Erbo Stenzel, one of the most important artists from Paraná.

Arab Memorial

Arab Memorial, at Claudino dos Santos Street – São Francisco. Opens from Monday to Friday, from 9AM to 6PM, and on Saturdays, 9AM to 1PM. paying homage to the Middle-Eastern culture, it works as a specialized library. The building reminds of the architectural style of the Moorish buildings, with elements such as the vault, the columns, the arches and the stained glass windows. With just over 140 square meters of built area, the Memorial has a cube shape and is placed over a water mirror. Inside the building, over a marble base is a sculpture representing the writer Gibran Kalil Gibran. It is located at Gibran Khalil Gibran Square - Center.

Curitiba Memorial

Curitiba Memorial - a space for art and folklore, information and memory, the past and the future. Built on an irregular land, the architectural project allows the creation of spaces and functional and creative installations. The dome, resembling a painting, makes evident the work's role of cultural origin.

Mocinhas da Cidade Fountain

Mocinhas da Cidade Fountain, at the crossing of Cruz Machado and Alameda Cabral. pays homage to the couple and country music duo Nhô Belarmino e Nhá Gabriela. With drawings from Fernando Canalli, it has colums with rods, which frame tiled pictures showing the verses of the song "Mocinhas da Cidade", immortalized by the duo and recorded for the first time at the beginning of the 1950's.

Capão da Imbuia Wood / Natural History Museum

Capão da Imbuia Wood / Natural History Museum, Benedito Conceição Street, 407 / Prof. Nivaldo Braga Street, 1225 – Capão da Imbuia. Opens Tuesday to Sunday, from 9AM to 5:30PM. With an internal exhibition of dioramas, stuffed animals and dehydrated vegetables. At the external area is the "Araucarias Path", a wood remanent from the Araucaria Forest, where an elevated pathway goes trough a 400 meters long path, with 12 windows and panels showing the inter-relations of the natural elements found at the Araucaria Forest and also the different products from this vegetable formation, obtained and used by Man.

Ópera de Arame / Pedreiras Park

Ópera de Arame / Pedreiras Park, João Gava Street, s/n°. – Abranches. Tu-Su from 8AM to 10PM. one of the emblematic symbols of Curitiba, with tubular structure and transparent ceiling, of great beauty. Inaugurated in 1992, it caters for all types of shows, between lakes, typical vegetation and cascades, on an unique landscape. The Opera is part of the Pedreiras Park, together with the Paulo Leminski Cultural Space, where the Passion of Christ was enacted, and hosted many other big events since 1989, and can receive, in open air, 10 thousand people seating or 50 thousand standing.

Rosicrucian Order

Rosicrucian Order, 2641 Nicarágua Street – Bacacheri. M-F 8:30AM to 12 noon, Sa 2:30PM-5PM. the Grand Lodge for Brazil of the Rosicrucian Order implemented in 1956 in Rio de Janeiro was transferred to Curitiba in 1960. The temple is part of an architectural complex of six buildings in Egyptian style, a homage to the first members who would get together in the secret chambers of the great pyramid. In the other buildings are the general administration, the Auditorium H. Spencer Lewis, a memorial with a pyramid and the Curitiba Lodge, where the library and museum are located, with reproductions of Egyptian pieces from various dynasties, including papyrus and mommies.

Iguaçu Park/ Zoo

Iguaçu Park/ Zoo, Mal. Floriano Avenue, s/n°. – Alto Boqueirão. Opens from Tu-F from 8:30AM-4PM; Sa, Su and public holidays, from 8:30AM to 5PM. The largest urban park in Brazil, with 8 million square meters. Equipped with car parks, kiosks, bar and snack bar, the park offers many attractions, divided in seven different areas: sports, nautics, fishing, natural wood, public orchards, ecologic sanctuaries and zoo. Here, over one thousand animals from 80 species can be seen: birds from all over South America, reptiles and mammals from many different origins, kept in an environment as close as possible to their natural habitat.

Passaúna Park

Passaúna Park, Eduardo Sprada Street, s/n° – Augusta. Opens daily. almost 6.5 million square meters are within the Passaúna Basin, West of Curitiba. Almost 3.5 million square meters belong to the lake created by the reservoir of the Water Supply Station. A lot of Nature can be seen from above, from the observatory, where a panoramic view surprises with its beauty and grandiosity. Ecologic trails and the Biological Station, an old brickyard, are worth visiting.

Tanguá Park

Tanguá Park, Dr. Bemben Street, s/n° - Pilarzinho. inaugurated in November 1996, it has a total area of 450 thousand square feet. Highlights of the park are two quarries linked by a 45 meters long tunnel, which could be crossed by walk, on a pathway over the water. The park also features a jogging track, cycle track, observatory, snack bar and Poty Lazzarotto Garden.

Tingüi Park

Tingüi Park, Fredolin Wolf Avenue, s/n° / José Casagrande Street, s/n° - São João. Opens – Park – daily; Memorial – Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm/ Crafts Shop – Tuesday to Sunday, 2:30pm to 6pm. part of the biggest linear environmental park in the Country, established at the Barigüi river margins, it reminds us of the indians who used to live there, with the statue of Tindiqüera Chieftain. The Ukrainian Memorial is also there, homage to the immigrants, in a replica of an orthodox church, originally built in inland Paraná State, hosting a pêssankas and icons exhibition.

Public Promenade

Public Promenade, Luiz Leão Street, s/n – Center. Tu-Su, from 6AM-8PM; the aquarium works from 9AM-5PM, also from Tuesday to Sunday. used to be called Botanic Garden. The first public park in Curitiba, it was inaugurated by the president of the Paraná province, Alfredo d'Escragnolle Taunay, on the 2nd of May, 1886. It was the first big sanitation work in the city, transforming a marsh in a leisure area, with lakes, bridges and islands within the green area. Pioneer zoo in Curitiba, even today it shelters small animals. The gate is a copy of what existed at the Paris Dog Cemetery.

Japan Square

Japan Square, Sete de Setembro Avenue, junction with Rep. Argentina Avenue – Água Verde. Opens – Culture House – Tu-Su 9AM to 6PM; Tea Ceremony – Thursdays from 9AM to 4PM. homage to the sons of the "Rising Sun", who settled there dedicating themselves to agriculture. Scattered around the square are 30 cherry trees sent from Japan by the Nipponese empire and artificial lakes Japanese style. In 1993 the Japanese Portal, the Culture House and the Tea House were built.

Tiradentes Square

Tiradentes Square, the main square in Curitiba and also its birthplace. On the north end of this square, lies Basilica Cathedral Minor of Our Lady of Light, centennial in 1993. Anciently known as Largo da Matriz, the square is the city's initial landmark. In 1880, because of the emperor D. Pedro II visit to Paraná, the Square became known as D. Pedro II. Nine years later, at the Republic, it has received the current name of Tiradentes Square. It is an important public transport terminal. It is a permanent meeting point, bringing fond memories to the common curitibano memory.

Reinhard Maack Wood

Reinhard Maack Wood,70 André Ferreira Camargo Street, Vl Hauer. Opens on weekends and public holidays from 8AM to 5PM. inaugurated in 1989, the wood is a homage from the city to the German geologist and researcher based in Paraná, whose work has contributed to the preservation of the environment in the State. The Wood has an area of remanent araucaria forest, with unique species in the whole region; an adventure trail with educational and ecologic toys for children; recreational equipment; and an evironmental education house.

24 Horas Street

24 Horas Street, between Visconde de Nácar and Visconde do Rio Branco Streets – Center. The Street that never sleeps is the synthesis of a city which also never sleeps. It is 120 meters long and 12 meters wide. It is composed by 32 arches in metallic tubular structure, trademark of the modern curitibana architecture. There are 34 shops that are open eternally, from the daybreak sandwich to the bank withdrawal; from the pharmacy to the florist; from books to milk for the children. Great meeting point for tourists and curitibanos seeking leisure, pastimes, night life and good eating options. At 24 Horas street it also possible to have free Internet access, day and night. The user just has to schedule a time.

São Francisco Ruins

São Francisco Ruins - a space surrounded by fables, at João Cândido Square. The ruins are made of stone, of what should have been the São Francisco de Paula church, never finished. In 1811 the chapel and the sacristy were finished, but in 1860 the stones that would finish the construction were used to finish the old Matriz tower, currently the Basilica Cathedral Minor of Our Lady of Light. Stories of tunnels and pirates live in the place, today filled with leisure and business spaces, stage and grandstand, forming the "Ruins' Arcades".

Santa Felicidade

Santa Felicidade, Along Manoel Ribas Avenue. The neighborhood where some of the first Italian immigrants arriving in Paraná settled, where they dedicated themselves to the agricultural production, planting herbs, wine and cheese making and willow tress. Almost in front of the church is the cemetery, with the unique pantheon made of 18 chapels in neo-classic style, which became heritage through the Historic and Artistic Heritage. Standing out for their architecture, the Geraniums House, the Panels House, the Arcades House and the Culpi House. The greatest attraction in Santa Felicidade is to be the gastronomic district of Curitiba, with a large number of restaurants offering typical food and wine from the colony. There are also wineries and wine bars, craft stores and willow furniture.

São Cristóvão / Italian Wood

São Cristóvão / Italian Wood, Margarida Ângela Zardo Miranda Street, s/n°. M-F 8AM to 5PM. A place for the typical parties of the Italian community in the district, such as the Grape Party, the Wine Party and the 4 Giorni in Italy. It has structure for food and drink stalls, space for shows and folkloric presentations and a polenta pot.

Historic Area

Historic Area, Largo da Ordem / Praça Coronel Enéas, Praça Garibaldi – São Francisco. Complex with the oldest buildings in the city. Among these buildings are the Romário Martins House, from the XVIII century and the Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis, from 1737, as well as the architectural examples inspired by the Germans, from the second half of the XIX century. On Sunday mornings, the old stones at the Largo da Ordem and the pavement giving access to Garibaldi Square, with the Rosário Church, the Flowers Clock, the Memory Fountain and the Società Giuseppe Garibaldi make the setting for the Crafts Fair, an exciting meeting point with live music.

Guaíra Theater

Guaíra Theater, XV de Novembro Street, s/n, Santos Andrade Square – Centro. Live memory from the multi-faceted culture of the curitibanos, it is one of the biggest theaters in Latin America. It used to be called Theatro São Theodoro, inaugurated in 1884 at Dr. Muricy Street and rebaptized in 1900 as Guaíra Theater. It was demolished in 1930 and the rebuilding, in 1952, already at the current location, was linked to the celebrations of the Centenary of Political Emancipation of Paraná (19th of December, 1953). It only got finished in the 70's. There are three auditoriums, the biggest of them with 2173 seats.

Paiol Theater

Paiol Theater, Chile Street, corner with Reynaldo Machado Street – Prado Velho. Opens daily, from 8:30AM–noon and 1PM-9PM. Symbol of the cultural change in Curitiba in the 1970's, it inaugurated the process of recycling the use of buildings which are valuable for the city's collective memory. Built in 1906, the old gunpowder barn was restored and recycled in the 1970's, becoming an arena theater. Its inauguration on December 27th 1971, was baptized by the poet Vinícius de Moraes, with whisky and a song specially composed for the occasion, "Paiol de Pólvora". In the inauguration show, besides the "poetinha", Toquinho and Marília Medalha also took part.

Mercês Tower

Mercês Tower, Prof. Lycio Grein de Castro Vellozo Street, corner with Jacarezinho Street – Mercês. Tu-Su 10AM-7PM. The highest point in Curitiba, allowing a 360 degree vision of the city, from a height of 95 meters. It is managed by Telepar and Curitiba City Hall, which promote video sessions and tourism guidance. Also there is the Telephone Museum.

Tropeiros Park

Tropeiros Park, Maria Lúcia Locher de Athayde Street, 10.000 – Cidade Industrial. It is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, from 8AM to 7PM. Here the gaucho culture is preserved, brought by the cattle drivers who would pass near Curitiba, conducting the troops towards the Sorocaba Fair, which gave origin to various cities in the State. The park is equipped with installations suitable for rodeos and typical dances.

Florianópolis - The major city in Brazil located in an island in the Atlantic Ocean, with lakes, lagoons, amazing nature and more than 40 clean, beautiful and full of nature beaches.

Catedral Metropolitana

One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, located at Praça XV de Novembro.

Municipal Market

Formerly used as the city market place, this market on Largo da Alfândega still holds some interesting sights.

Hercílio Luz Bridge

The postcard symbol of the city, inaugurated in 1926 linking the island to the mainland.

Lagoa da Conceição

A large beautiful lake in the center of the island.

Ribeirão da Ilha

36 kilometers from the center, this old district of Florianopolis is a testament to Azorean immigration. Its historic center, in Frequesia, has a plaza which contains the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Lapa do Ribeirão (church), and the Ethnological Museam which houses documents and relics from the region's history.

Anhatomirim Island

Anhatomirim Island and its Fortaleza de Santa Cruz

Teatro Álvaro de Carvalho, rua Marechal Guilherme, 26. In the center of the city, the Municipal Theater is an example of 1870's local architecture.

Teatro Ademir Rosa (Teatro do CIC)

Velha Figueira

This 100+ year-old tree in Praça XV de Novembro is honored in the official municipal hymn of Florianopolis.

Forts

Constructed as early as 1739, the forts served to protect the city from possible Spanish attacks.

Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (1742)

Fortaleza de Santo Antônio (1740)

Fortaleza Santana (1761)

Fortaleza São José da Ponta Grossa (1740)

Adventure Tour Operator

Brazil Adventure Tours speicalizes in adventure sports travel related to eco-tourism in the southern area, like Florianopolis Magic Island and the famous Brazilian Green Canyons in Rio Grande do Sul. Plan It Interactive Brazil Adventure Tours provide activities such as rock climbing, river rafting, paragliding, hang gliding, cascading, canyoneering and more.

Beaches

Canasvieiras

Praia Brava

Jurerê (and Jurerê Internacional)

Praia dos Ingleses

Praia Mole

Barra da Lagoa

Praia da Joaquina

Campeche

Armação

Matadeiro

Pântano do Sul

Fortaleza -- A good base for exploring the beaches of the northeastern coast, including Jericoacoara. Famed for forró music and comedians.

Praça do Ferreira

The main city square, with stores, restaurants, a movie theater and plenty of benches.

Praça José de Alencar

Praça José de Alencar has plenty of greenery and is the place to catch the city's best street performers.

Theatro José de Alencar

On the south side of the above square. The architectural landmark of the city, finished in 1912, has performances almost every evening. Visits every hour on the hour, except noon. R$ 4, 30 minutes.

The relatively new Dragão do Mar culture center has an art museum, a library, a cinema and surrounding nightlife.

Museu de Arte e Cultura Popular

Rua Senador Pompeu 350, centre. Located in an old prison, now the Centro de Turismo, along with a handicraft market and a tourist information. Displays many fine examples of folk art as well as boats and other cultural relics.

The sunset

The sunset, either from Ponte Metalica, Praia Iracema, or the beach by the fish market, Mucuripe.

Parque Ecologico do Cocó

The city's largest green area, near the Iguatemi-mall. No lawns, but a nice walk in the woods.

Cathedral

Cathedral, city centre. The closer you get, the worse it looks, with a parking lot and all. But it still has nice mosaics. Note the span between the initial works and the inaugural mass, above the main entrance.

Museu do Ceará

Museu do Ceará, Rua Sao Paulo 51, one block north of Pr. do Ferreira, centre. In a late 19th-century seat of state government. Explains the history of the state of Ceará and its capital. Free entry.

Museu do Automóvel (Veteran Car Club do Brasil)

Estoril

Estoril, Rua dos Tabajaras 397, Praia de Iracema (Near Pirata Bar). This mansion, built in 1925 as Vila Morena, and later used as a casino, a restaurant(when its current name was applied) and a rather political bar, is of peculiar architecture. It was virtually rebuilt in the 90's, and is undergoing another refurbishment to be used for public cultural arrangements.

Mercado dos Pinhões

Mercado dos Pinhões, Praça Visconde de Pelotas, Praia de Iracema (Two blocks inland from the shops at Rua Monsenhor Tabosa). This former meat market was imported piece by piece from Europe and set up in 1897. Refurbished and now used as a handicrafts fair.

Manaus - Located in the heart of the Amazon, is the capital of the Amazonas State and it is also the biggest city of the Amazon. At Manaus the rio Negro and Solimões meet to became the Amazonas River. The best place to go to visit the Amazon Forest. It is a gateway to the Anavilhanas and to Jaú National Park.

Opera House (Teatro Amazonas)

The Opera House was built during the heyday of rubber trade, using materials from all over the world, and was once visited by all the most famous opera divas and maestros. Regular guided tours in English. There are frequent free performances; be sure to arrive at least an hour in advance to secure a seat. Prices vary.

Mercado Municipal

The city's main market is modeled after the Les Halles market in Paris.

Natural Science Museum

Estrada Belem , Colonia Cachoeria Grande. Few locals visit this museum, know about it, or would even want to, considering that it's basically critters they'd find (almost) in their backyard. For visitors, though, it's a chance to see a live pirarucu and other fauna (mostly preserved) of the region. The museum was constructed single-handedly by a Japanese entomologist (specializing in butterflies) with his own money and resources. It's out of the way and about half an hour by taxi. The nearby INPA is a preserve and research center with birds and other wildlife.

Rio Negro Palace

Call for information on attractions. The Rio Negro Palace was built by German farmers in the "golden age". Nowadays it's a cultural center and theater. It's one of the city's postcards. Prices vary.

Ponta Negra Beach

Ponta Negra Beach it's a nice spot,and popular river beach. It has several bars and restaurants and is some distance west of the city.

Praia da Lua Beach

Praia da Lua Beach very clean and nice river beach a few kilometers from Ponta Negra upstream the Rio Negro. Access by shared motorized canoe from Estalagem de David.

Paricatuba Waterfall

Paricatuba Waterfall is on the right bank of the Negro River, along a small tributary, is formed by sedimentary rocks, surrounded by abundant vegetation. Access is by boat. The best time to visit is from August to February.

Love Cascade

Love Cascade is in the Guedes bayou, with cold and crystal clear water, is accessible only by boat and, then, hiking through the Forest.

The National Park of Jaú

The Park is situated in the lowland plateau in the Western Amazon and North of Amazon state, it is one of the largest National Park in Brazil and in Latin America. It is 2,272,000 hectares in size and 1,250 km of perimeter. It was created on 24th September 1980. It is of paramount importance in ecological terms for its high endemism and richness of its wild flora and fauna. Part of the Park area constitutes of varzea denominated as Pluvial Lowland .Terra firme (formlands)is divided in two: (1) large flat tops separated by shallow valleys occupying the largest area, and (2) small hills on a higher level. There are small areas which are flattened by sand sediments in the Park central part. Open Forest is predominant throughout represented by either Tidal Flat Open Palm Forest especially in varzeas (wet lands) alongside Jau and Carabinani rivers, or Tidal Flat Canopy Dense Forests. In the tidal flat areas, frequently flooded, alongside the Carabinani and Jau rivers there are a great number of palm trees such as paxiúbas (Iriarte spp), cabbage palm (Euterpe oleraceae) and Jauaria (Astrocaryon spp). In older tidal areas, rarely flooded, the predominant palms are miriti and carana (Mauritia spp). Many other tree species are found in the Park area, some of them with commercial value such as Brazilnut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) and sucupira (Bowdichia virgilioides) and others.

Porto Alegre-- a major city between Argentina and São Paulo and gateway to Brazil~s fabulous Green Canyons.

Sunset

Porto Alegre has a beautiful sunset over its main river, Guaíba. Best enjoyed on the western side at places like Gasômetro and Ipanema. Beware that this event lasts about five minutes only. If you go up to level 5 of Gasômetro building, you can have a broader view of the sunset. During the winter (around July), it is recommended to take additional clothes, because the wind can be very strong.

Santuário Mãe de Deus

Santuário Mãe de Deus, Rua do Santuário 400, Bairro Cascata (accessible from Av. Oscar Pereira): A beautiful church almost unknown by most porto-alegrenses. It is placed in an great location, with nice views of Porto Alegre and nearby cities landscapes. Built in 1992, it has a modern architecture and engineering, designed to support the strong winds of the location. It is somewhat difficult to get to this place, for there are no buses near and a cab ride from downtown would be pricey. However, if you rent a car in Porto Alegre, it's worth trying.

Usina do Gasômetro

The old powerplant built in 1928 which was refurnished recently and now hosts movie theaters and art expositions. During the sunset, lots of people get together in front of the Usina to watch the sun diving into Rio Guaíba (Guaiba river).

MARGS

The local Museum of Art. Open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 7pm. There's a permanent collection and an area that is often receiving new exhibitions. There's also a bistro and a store that sells art books and souvenirs. Admission is free.

Museu de Ciências e Tecnologia da PUC

It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is 10 reais (7 reais for children under 12, seniors, university students and professors).

Parque Moinhos de Vento (Moinhos de Vento Park)

Known by locals as Parcão, this is a pleasant park with a neat lake and jogging runways.

Parque Farroupilha (Farroupilha Park)

Known by locals as Redenção, where is located the Araujo Viana Auditorium, which has hosted several political acts and music concerts. Also on Sundays, a antique-fair happens in a side street and is called by locals as Brique da Redenção.

Monumento aos Açorianos (Açorianos monument)

It is a 17m high momument in the memory of the people from the island of Azores, who were the first to settle in Porto Alegre.

Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra (Monkey Canyons)

120 miles from Porto Alegre going on BR101 by Praia Grande/SC or RS-020 by Cambará. Thousands of square miles of exuberant nature teeming with life. Miles of escarpments, innumerable waterfalls, rushing streams in an area absolutely undisturbed by human intervention--comprising not only tropical forest zones, but also the coastal, high plateau. And the coast--visible from the canyon’s rim. The unforgettable landscape is the result of immense volcanic eruptions more than 130 million years ago.

Recife - A major city in the Northeast region, originally settled by Dutch colonizers. Nicknamed "The Brazilian Venice", it is built on several islands linked by many bridges. Rich in history, art and folklore. Do not miss neighboring Olinda and Porto de Galinhas. The city is also a gateway to the amazing archipelago of Fernando de Noronha.

Convento Franciscano de Santo Antônio (Franciscan Convent of Saint Anthony)

Rua Imperador Pedro II, Santo Antônio, (Centro). Open: Mon-Fri 8AM-11:30AM and 2PM-5PM, Sat 8AM-11:30AM. One of the city's biggest attractions, a convent containing the ostentatious Capela Dourada (Golden Chapel), which certainly lives up to its name. Built in 1588, it is one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Brazil. Altar with gold covered engravings, beautiful paintings on the ceiling an impressive amount of Portuguese-style tiled panels. The convent also houses the Museu Franciscano de Arte Sagrada (Franciscan Museum of Sacred Art).

São Pedro dos Clérigos (Saint Peter of Clerics Cathedral)

Pátio de Sao José (Centro). Built between 1728 and 1782, the cathedral is in the charming Saint Peter Square, surrounded by colorful colonial buildings. It is a replica of the Santa Maria Maggiore Sanctuary in Rome. Rosewood altar; pulpit engraved in gold; wooden ceiling sculpted with images of Saint Peter, the twelve apostles and the evangelists. Blend of baroque art, 16th century mannerism, as well as rococo and neoclassic elements.

Nossa Senhora do Carmo (Our Lady of Carmel Basilica and Convent)

Avenida Dantas Barreto, Santo Antônio (Centro), [30]. Open: Mo-Fr from 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-noon, Su 8AM-noon and 6PM-9PM. Built between 1710-1767, where the Boa Vista Palace built by the Dutch governor of Northeastern Brazil once stood. A religious art collection can also be visited. Baroque in style; altar with gold engravings and crowns of gold and precious stones. One of the rooms is covered with Portuguese tiles.

Santíssimo Sacramento - Matriz de Santo Antônio (Holy Sacrament - Saint Anthony Mother Church)

Praça da Independência, Santo Antônio (Centro). Open: daily, 7AM-noon and 2PM-6PM. Built between 1753 and 1790, the church is in manueline/baroque style. Interior decorated with enormous crystal chandelier and images of Saint Anthony and Saint Sebastian.

Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Homens Pretos (Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black Men)

Rua Estreita do Rosário, Santo Antônio (Centro). Open: Mo-Fr 9AM-1:30PM and 2:30PM-6PM, Sat 8AM-noon. Erected by African-Brazilian slaves in the 17th century. Main wooden altar engraved in gold; lateral altars display images from the 18th century.

Madre de Deus (Mother of God). Rua Madre de Deus, Recife Antigo (Centro)

Nossa Senhora da Conceiçao dos Militares (Our Lady of the Conception of the Military). Rua Nova, 309, Santo Antônio (Centro)

Built in 1726. The 1781 ceiling paintings depict the Guararapes Battle against the Dutch. Leaders from the Praieira Revolution and the Paraguay War are burried in the church. The church also houses the Museu de Arte Sacra Padre Roberto Barbalho (Father Roberto Barbalho Museum of Sacred Art).

Santa Cruz (Holy Cross)

Pátio de Santa Cruz, Boa Vista (Centro). Built between 1725 and 1732. Parts of the movie Lisbela e o Prisioneiro (2003) were shot in the square in front of the church.

Nossa Senhora do Pilar (1733)

Praça Monsenhor João Castilho Barbosa, (Centro). This church is one of Ouro Preto's highly decorated building, said to have the interior made up of 400 gold leafs. Also houses the Museu de Arte Sacra.

Ricardo Brennand Institute

Alameda Antônio Brennand, Várzea (Zona Oeste). Holds a very impressive collection of Brazilian and European historical artifacts from the 15th to 19th centuries. Special attention given to the period of Dutch occupation in Recife and Northeastern Brazil. Highly Recommended.

Museum of the Northeastern Man

Museu do Homem do Nordeste, Avenida 17 de Agosto, 2187, Casa Forte (Zona Norte). Part of the Fundação Joaquim Nabuco. This fantastic museum depicts the various folk arts, traditions, and history of Northeast Brazil. The displays are divided among three sections, focusing on sugar, folk arts, and anthropology. It's located in the suburbs, but well worth the ride out.

Museum of the State of Pernambuco

Museu do Estado de Pernambuco, Avenida Rui Barbosa, 960, Graças (Zona Norte).

Museum of the City of Recife

Museu da Cidade do Recife, Forte das Cinco Pontas, São José (Centro). Located at the 17th century Cinco Pontas Fortress.

Military Museum

Museu Militar, at the Brum Fortress, Praça da Comunidade Luso-Brasileira, Recife Antigo (Centro).

Abolition Museum

Museu da Abolição, Rua Benfica, 1150, Madalena (Zona Norte). Museum that covers the period of slavery and the abolitionist movement in XIX century Brazil. Former plantation house. Former residence of Counsellor Joao Alfredo, leader of Brazil's abolitionist movement in the 19th century.

Value Museum

Museu de Valores, Rua da Aurora, 1259, Santo Amaro (Centro). Museum of by the local representation of the Central Bank of Brazil. Holds more than 7,000 historic coins from Brazil and abroad, historic maps and artifacts found during excavations at Fort Orange, in nearby Itamaracá Island.

Train Museum

Museu do Trêm, Estação Central, Praça Visconde de Mauá, São José (Centro). The Train Museum is in the old Central Train Station, which now also serves as the central station for MetroREC, Recife's subway system.

Museum of the Archeological, Historic and Geographic Insitute of Pernambuco

Museu do Instituto Arqueológico, Histórico e Geográfico de Pernambuco, Rua do Hospício , 130, Boa Vista (Centro),

Museum of Natural History Louis Jacques Viget

Museu de História Natural Louis Jacques Brunet, Rua da Aurora, Boa Vista (Centro). Created in 1861, it is one of the first natural history museums in Latin America. Located at Ginásio Pernambucano. Collection spans archeology, botany, geology and zoology.

Museum of Archeology of the Catholic University of Pernambuco

Museu de Arqueologia da Universidade Católica de Pernambuco, Rua do Príncipe, 526, Bl G, 1° Andar, Boa vista (Centro). Archeological museum focused on indigenous artifacts. Located at the Catholic University of Pernambuco.

Casa-Museu Gilberto Freyre

Rua Jorge Tasso Neto, Apipucos (Zona Norte). Beautiful house where once lived Brazil's greatest sociologist, Gilberto Freyre.

Casa Manuel Bandeira/Espaço Pasárgada

Rua da União, 26, Boa Vista (Centro), next door to Joaquim Nabuco Palace and Pernambucan School. House were the acclaimed poet Manuel Bandeira spent his childhood.

Museu-Oficina Francisco Brennand

Propriedade Santos Cosme e Damião, near Avenida Caxangá and Rua Gastão Vidigal, Cordeiro, Zona Oeste. Great ceramic art in a bucolic area of the city surrounded by forest.

Parque das Esculturas

A sculpture park on the reefs of the port of Recife. Contains more than 90 sculptures by Francisco Brennand, including a 30 meter high tower. Getting there: take a canoe ride from Praça do Marco Zero, in Recife Antigo (Centro). Alternatively, drive through Brasília Teimosa (Zona Sul).

Museu da Imagem e do Som de Pernambuco (MISPE)

Rua da Aurora, Boa Vista, Centro. Image and Sound Museum. Holds more than 6,000 pieces, including movies, records, photographs, postcards and the like. Uses modern audivisual techniques to document Pernambuco's culture.

Aluísio Magalhães Modern Art Museum (Museu de Arte Moderna Aluísio Magalhães (MAMAM)

Rua da Aurora, 265, Boa Vista Centro.

MAMAM at the Courtyard (MAMAM no Pátio)

Unit of the Aloísio Magalhães Modern Art Museum (MAMAM) at the São Pedro Courtyard. Experimental space for visual arts and critical reflection concerning contemporary development in these arts. Short term exhibitions, performance art, workshops, debates.

Museu Murillo La Greca

Rua Leonardo Bezerra Cavalcanti 366, Parnamirim, Zonta Norte. More than 1,400 drawings and 160 paintings by paintor Murillo La Greca. The paintor's biography (in Portuguese) and some of his works can be seen at Cyberartes.

Museu de Arte Sacra Padre Roberto Barbalho

Rua Nova, 309, Santo Antônio, Centro. Located at Nossa Senhora da Conceiçao dos Militares Church, the museum contains religious artifacts.

Museu Franciscano de Arte Sacra

At Santo Antônio de Sao Francisco Convent. Rua Imperador Pedro II, Santo Antônio, Centro.

Museu de Arte Popular

Pátio de São Pedro, 11, São José, Centro.

Casa do Carnaval

Pátio de São Pedro, 52, São José, Centro.

Santa Isabel Theater (1850)

Teatro Santa Isabel, Praça da República, Santo Antônio (Centro). One of Brazil's finest theaters.

Princesses' Field Palace (1841)

Palácio do Campo das Princesas, Praça da República, Santo Antônio (Centro). The state governor's Palace. The name of the building derives from the fact that the daughters of Emperor Dom Pedro II used to play in the palace's gardens.

Justice Palace (1930)

Palácio da Justiça, Praça da República, Santo Antônio (Centro). Seat of the Pernambuco State Judiciary.

Portuguese Reading Room (1850)

Gabinete Português de Leitura (1850), Rua do Imperador, 290, Santo Antônio (Centro).

Joaquim Nabuco House

Rua da Imperatriz, 147, Santo Antônio (Centro). House were 19th century politician, abolitionist and author Joaquim Nabuco was born

Joaquim Nabuco Palace (1874)

Assembléia Legislativa do Estado de Pernambuco, Rua da União, 439, Boa Vista (Centro). Seat of the Pernambuco State Legislature. A Historical Documents Collection can be visited in the annex building.

Pernambucan School (1825-1855). Ginásio Pernambucano, Rua da Aurora, 703, Boa Vista, (Centro), next door to the State Assembly and Manuel Bandeira's House. One of Brazil's oldest secondary schools. The school's Louis Jacques Brunet Natural History Museum was one of the first in Latin America. Father Carapuceiro, Barbosa Lima Sobrinho, Epitácio Pessoa and Ariano Suassuna were either teachers or students here. The school was visited by Emperor Dom Pedro II.

Parque Theater (1915)

Teatro do Parque, Rua do Hospício, 81, Boa Vista (Centro), Parque Theater is one of the three oldest, historic theaters in Recife. Modern and traditional plays from Spanish and Portuguese playwrights of the 17th-21st centuries are performed at the theater. Next door is the Cineteatro do Parque, Recife's oldest cinemas. Because Recife's municipal government, tickets are subsidized and cost only pennies!

Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue

Rua do Bom Jesus, Recife Antigo (Centro). Oldest synagogue in the Americas.

Malakoff Tower Cultural Obseratory (1853)

Torre Malakoff, Rua do Observatório, Recife Antigo (Centro), Beautiful tower in the port front. Functions as an astronomic observatory and arts and science center.

Benfica Cultural Center

Centro Cultural Benfica, Rua Benfica, 157, Madalena (Zona Norte). The center specializes in the "Armorial" Movement and also holds a significant portion of the pieces from the old Fine Arts School.

Pernambucan Academy of Letters (1870)

Academia Pernambucana de Letras, Av. Rui Barbosa, 1586, Graças (Zona Norte),

Rio de Janeiro - World famous, beautiful city that welcomes visitors with that big statue of an open-armed Jesus atop Corcovado Hill.

Beaches

Ramos (in-bay)

Flamengo (in-bay)

Botafogo (in-bay)

Urca (in-bay)

Vermelha (in-bay)

Leme (oceanic)

Copacabana (oceanic)

Arpoador (oceanic)

Ipanema (oceanic)

Leblon (oceanic)

São Conrado (oceanic)

Barra da Tijuca (oceanic)

Recreio dos Bandeirantes (oceanic)

Grumari (oceanic)

Abricó (oceanic, nudist beach)

Corcovado

The train up costs R$45 for a round trip up to Cristo Redentor, and it is definitely worth the view. The queue for the train can get rather long. Try going when the morning coach parties have already passed through, i.e. when most tourists are having their lunch.

Pão de Açúcar

The Sugar Loaf mountains (one taller, the other shorter), Brazil's top landmark, with an aerial tramway to the top; a definite must see. A ticket up is R$ 44. The buses number 511, 512, 591 and 592 and the subway buses bring you to the base station. Do not make the mistake of thinking you have seen enough once you have seen the view from Cristo Redentor. Try Sugar Loaf at sunset for a truly mind-blowing experience.

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas

A large lagoon in the middle of South Zone, with great views to Corcovado and Ipanema and Leblon beaches; you can jog or cycle all the way round; there are skating areas and you can hire little peddle-operated boats.

Maracanã

The largest football/soccer stadium in South America and once the largest on Earth.

Parque Lage

A small park, once a private mansion, where now a school of fine arts works. Contains some interesting plants and wildlife as well as strange concrete structures that will entertain the kids. The park is the beginning of a path up Corcovado, through sub-tropical rain forest.

Jardim Botanico

The Botanical Garden, planted up in the 1800s. It is both a park and a scientific laboratory. It contains a huge collection of plants from all over the world, not only tropical ones. If you take the bus note that Jardim Botanico is also the name of a neighborhood so make sure you take the right one to the entrance. The admission is $4. The gardens are well kept and very lush. Not far from the cafe, first you hear swooshing sounds. Look up and you can see small monkeys swinging from tree to tree.

Paço Imperial (1743)

Old Imperial Palace (though impressively modest), colonial architecture (in downtown, next to Praça XV, Fifteen Square).

Casa França Brasil (1820)

French cultural center, with gallery and video hall (in downtown, next to CCBB).

CCBB - Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (1906)

A cultural center with gallery, movie theater, video room, library and stages; usually hosts the main exhibitions in town (in downtown). An interesting building with old-fashioned elevators/lifts.

Candelária Church

Neoclassic cathedral (next to CCBB).
Inside Candelária cathedral, in downtown.

Mosteiro de São Bento (1663)

Saint Benedict's Monastery, colonial architecture (in downtown).

Ilha Fiscal Palace (1889)

Located in the Guanabara Bay, next to the Navy Museum

Gloria Church (1739)

Small but interesting church reached by a funicular. Nice views. (metro: Gloria)

Palácio Gustavo Capanema

Former ministry of culture, designed by French architect Le Corbusier; though small, it is regarded as an important pioneering in modern architecture (downtown).

Arcos da Lapa (1750)

Lapa Aqueduct, colonial structure that brought water from springs to downtown; now used by the one remaining tram line(in Lapa).

Catedral Metropolitana

A modern, cone-shaped cathedral, designed by Oscar Niemeyer (in Lapa).

São Francisco da Penitência church (1773)

Colonial church.

Teatro Municipal (1909)

City Theater, inspired by the Paris Opéra House (in Cinelândia square).

Biblioteca Nacional (1910)

National Library (in Cinelândia square).

Câmara Municipal

The City Hall, hosts the city council (in Cinelândia square).

Palácio do Catete

The former presidential palace (1893-1960), now hosts a museum of recent history and nice gardens (in Catete).

Itamaraty

Former presidential palace (1889-1893) and foreign office; now hosts a museum of South American diplomacy, a library and the UN information offices in Brazil (in Downtown, next to the Central station).

Palácio Guanabara

Former palace of the Imperial Princess, now governor's office; eclectic architecture; not open to public (in Laranjeiras).

Art Deco

Rio is a major center for the Art Deco style of architecture. Indeed, the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado is considered a classic example of Art Deco work. There are numerous buildings in Copacabana and elsewhere that employ this style.

Museu Histórico Nacional (National Museum of History)

A museum of Brazilian history stretching from colonial to imperial times; big collection of paintings, but poor in artifacts (downtown).

Museu Nacional de Belas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts)

Includes large paintings from Academicist and Neoclassical Brazilian artists, as well as many copies of European sculptures (downtown, Cinelândia square).

MAM - Museu de Arte Moderna (Museum of Modern Art)

The second most important contemporary art museum in Brazil, after MASP (downtown, next to Santos Dumont airport). Modernist architecture spreading over almost the sea.

Museu da Imagem e do Som (Image and Sound Museum)

For researchers about Brazilian film, radio, and broadcasting industry (downtown).

Museu Naval (Navy Museum)

Located downtown not far from the ferry terminal.

Museu do Carnaval (Museum of Carnival)

History of Brazilian carnival and parades (in downtown, next to the Sambódromo).

Museu Chácara do Céu

An important collection of South American modern art (in Santa Tereza).

Museu da República (Museum of the Republic)

Hosted on the former presidential palace, this museum hosts permanent exhibitions about recent Brazilian history (from 1889 on); one of main features is the room where president Getúlio Vargas shot himself in 1954 (in Catete).

Oi Futuro (Formerly Centro Cultural Telemar)

Formerly Museum of Telephone, it now hosts a fine gallery with temporary exhibitions of digital art or art with interactive medias; it is sponsored by the local phone company (in Catete).

Museu Internacional de Arte Naïf (International Naïf Art Museum)

In Cosme Velho, next to Corcovado rail station.

Museu Carmem Miranda (Carmem Miranda Museum)

About this Brazilian actress and singer (the lady with pineapples-and-bananas hat), the national icon in the 1940s and 50s (in Flamengo).

Museu do Índio (Museum of the Indian)

A small museum with a collection of Brazilian Indian (povos indígenas) photographs, paintings, artifacts and other craft (in Botafogo). Very popular with local schoolchildren, but has much for adults as well.

Museu Villa-Lobos

A modest collection about Brazil's most important composer (in Botafogo).

Museu Nacional (National Museum)

Actually, it's the Natural History museum, with dinosaur fossils and lots of mounted tanned animals; go there if you want to see a jaguar without getting into the jungle; it was formerly the Emperor's Palace (in São Cristóvão, just next to the Zoo).

Museu do Primeiro Reinado (First Reign Museum)

A museum about the reign of Emperor Pedro I (1822-1831), but with a modest collection (in São Cristóvão).

Museu Museu de Astronomia e Ciências Afins (Astronomy Museum)

Also has an observatory (in São Cristóvão).

Museu do Trem (Train Museum)

A modest collection of 19th century engines, train cars and streetcars (in Engenho de Dentro).

Museu Aeroespacial (Aerospatial Museum)

Located in Campo dos Afonsos (in the suburbs).

Museu Casa do Pontal

The most important collection of popular arts and crafts (in Recreio dos Bandeirantes).

Parks

Jardim Botânico

Parque Lage

Parque do Flamengo

Parque Guinle

Campo de Santana

Quinta da Boa Vista

Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos

Salvador - The first capital of Brazil is home to a unique blend of indigenous, African and European cultures. Its Carnival fun is famous, and the influence of African culture and religion is remarkable.

Museu Afro-Brasileiro

A museum that documents the slave trade and subsequent development of the city.

Largo do Pelourinho

A fairly small triangular plaza, is among the oldest parts of town. You can guess from its name meaning "plaza of the pillory" what went on around there.

Mercado Modelo

The city's main market located in the lower town is and a good place for crafts and other souvenirs. In the adjacent square you can often see young men performing capoeira, the famous martial arts dance which originates from the area.

Igreja do Nosso Senhor do Bonfim

A small church located in a neighborhood to the north, is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in all of Brazil. The colorful votive ribbons or fitas of Bonfim are an easily recognizable item throughout Brazil and even beyond. Children outside the church will (for a small fee) tie them around your wrist and tell you to make a wish for each one. If the ribbon wears off naturally, the wish will come true; if you cut it off before then, it won't. You can get to Bonfim by city bus in about fifteen minutes.

Abaeté Park

A protected state park around the lake with same name. The lake is famous because of the stark contrast between the dark water and the very white sand dunes. There is a entertainment area with a lot of bars and live music.

Solar do Unhão

The best place in Salvador to watch the sunset. It is an old style house located at the Baía de Todos os Santos. Inside there is a small museum (Museu de Arte Moderna) with local art pieces. Sometimes on Saturday evening there is a jazz concert.

São Paulo - Brazil's largest, richest and most cosmopolitan city, where you can find traces of most major cultures of Earth, including Italian, Japanese, German, Russian, Jamaican, Greek and Arab

As the art center of the country, São Paulo offers museums in a variety of subjects. Check each region section of this guide for a list of museums.

Banespa Tower

Rua João Brícola, 24, Centro. São Bento Metrô station. The observation deck is on the 34th floor, 160 m above ground. For many decades, it used to be the highest building in town. There is a small museum on the top of the building." Free entrance.

Restaurant Skye, Hotel Unique

Avenida Brigadeiro Luiz Antônio, 4700. On the rooftop of posh Hotel Unique, Skye serves excellent fusion food under the supervision of chef Emmanuel Bassoleil. Good for night views of the area around Ibirapuera Park. Free entrance.

São Paulo Jockey Club

Av. Lineu de Paula Machado, 1263. There are two bars and a couple of posh restaurants with a great view of the River Pinheiros, especially around 6PM, when you can go straight from work or a busy day walking about to watch the sun set above town. Free entrance.