Madonna will perform for free in Copacabana
“Rio de Janeiro is still beautiful” — with these words, Gilberto Gil captures the vibrant essence of the Marvelous City in his song “Aquele Abraço”. Globally revered for its exuberant natural beauty, iconic tourist attractions and postcard beaches, Rio de Janeiro is a setting that fascinates and welcomes everyone. Among its treasures is Copacabana, the legendary beach that is now preparing for a historic event: the closing show of the Queen of Pop, Madonna’s tour, this Saturday (4). With free entry, the spectacle on the Copacabana waterfront is expected to attract around 1.5 million people, marking an unforgettable moment in the city that never ceases to enchant.
In addition to the singer who has been enjoying her stay at the Copacabana Palace since the beginning of the week, the city of Rio de Janeiro is known for being home to famous people, both Brazilian and foreign. Much of this is due to the fact that the city is a major artistic hub in Brazil, home to a large group of artists, in addition to attracting visitors due to its exuberant beauty.
Global celebrities frequently choose Rio de Janeiro as their destination, attracted both by its natural wonders and cultural icons. Among them, Christ the Redeemer, which has received visits from figures such as Princess Diana in 1991, as well as music stars such as Beyoncé, Rihanna and Sam Smith. Equally remarkable was the visit of Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai to Sugarloaf Mountain, another emblematic symbol of the city.
The tour guide from the ErreJota Turismo agency, Ana Caroline Santos, agrees with Gilberto Gil’s statement and says that Rio de Janeiro is beautiful all year round. However, it classifies the best types of tours during each season:
- In summer (December to March): It is the busiest time for visitors to Rio, being the cruise season. During these dates, tourist attractions are busier and have many lively party options, such as New Year’s Eve and Carnival;
- Autumn (April to June): Milder temperatures and less tourist activity, it is the ideal time to explore the city more calmly, and “the time of year when the sky is more beautiful”, says Ana;
- Winter (June to September): Period with less rain and generally cooler temperatures, making it perfect for outdoor activities, such as hiking, for example;
- Spring (September to December): Pleasant climate and flowering of vegetation, making walks around the city even more enchanting for observing nature.
Avoid the obvious
Talking about Rio de Janeiro is instantly referring to several tourist attractions. There’s no way not to mention Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Maracanã stadium and Mirante Dona Marta. However, focused on avoiding obvious points and with the aim of extending the experience in the Wonderful City after Madonna’s show, the tour guide explains the best places to explore in the city.
For those looking for a more lively life, a good choice are the streets of Lapa, a bohemian neighborhood known as the epicenter of Rio’s nightlife, offering a variety of bars, concert halls and clubs that guarantee fun until the early hours of the morning. But be careful, always remember that you are in Rio de Janeiro, and you should always be careful on the streets due to the violence present in the city.
In Lapa, one of the places recommended by Ana is the Rio Scenarium: “It’s a famous concert venue. Known for its unique and vibrant atmosphere, it offers a combination of live music, dance and culture in an environment that combines elements of antique shop and music hall. With three floors filled with eclectic decor, including antique furniture, works of art and vintage objects. “
Another recommended location is Baixo Gávea, a region known for its lively bars and restaurants, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor parties.
Even though it is a well-known place, the main tip given by the guide is Pedra do Sal: “it is a historically and culturally significant place located in the neighborhood of Saúde. It is known as the birthplace of samba, with deep roots in Afro-Brazilian culture and in the history of the black community in Rio de Janeiro”, he explains.
According to Ana, “the place was frequented by port workers, freed slaves and musicians, who gathered to play and dance samba amidst the rocks and old houses in the region. Today, Pedra do Sal continues to be a meeting point for lovers of samba and Brazilian culture, with weekly samba circles, live performances and cultural events that celebrate the rich history and tradition of the musical genre. Furthermore, the site is also recognized as a Cultural Heritage Site of Rio de Janeiro, preserving its historical and cultural importance for future generations.”
However, Ana warns: “Due to the grandeur of the event [show da Madonna], I recommend staying as close to the location of the show. They have a very large scheme of street closures and there is no parking nearby. Copacabana is a neighborhood that has a very active nightlife, with a variety of bars, kiosks, restaurants and nightclubs that will operate after the show.”
Tours during the day
Ana recommends some places for those looking for out-of-the-ordinary trips during the day, such as:
- Visit to Ilha Fiscal: Historic palace in Guanabara Bay, which served as the setting for the last ball of the Empire before the Proclamation of the Republic.
- Little Africa Tour: Historical region of Rio de Janeiro that was home to a large black population during the colonial and imperial period. The area was an important arrival point for enslaved Africans and became a cultural and commercial center for the Afro-descendant community.
- Duque de Caxias Fort: is a historic fortress located in the Leme neighborhood, with stunning views of the beaches and mountains. Built at the beginning of the 18th century, the fort served as a strategic defense point for the entrance to Guanabara Bay.
- Paquetá Island: A quiet island in car-free Guanabara Bay where you can explore on foot or by bike, visit old churches and enjoy nature.
- Palácio do Catete: Former seat of the Brazilian government, now transformed into a museum, it offers a fascinating insight into Brazil’s political and cultural history.
- Ilha da Gigóia: is a small island located in Lagoa da Barra da Tijuca. Known for its peaceful and charming atmosphere, the island offers a variety of bars, restaurants and cultural spaces along its narrow, tree-lined streets. The island is only accessible by boat, where you can take a tour around it. Great option to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tips for your stay
For the guide, the ideal time to spend in Rio is 4 to 7 days, allowing you to calmly discover the tourist attractions mentioned and enjoy the city. However, she states that the more days, the better you can get to know the great capital of Rio de Janeiro.
The Rio de Janeiro metro offers an efficient and relatively safe option for exploring the city’s main attractions, such as the beaches of the South Zone, the center and the North Zone. However, it is essential to be aware that during peak times, public transport can be quite crowded and does not necessarily cover all areas of the city comprehensively. Furthermore, reaching some more distant attractions may require multiple connections, requiring more detailed planning and additional time.
Although it is possible to walk between some tourist attractions, the guide explains that, especially in the center of Rio, it is recommended to have prior knowledge of the city’s logistics and do research in advance. For these reasons, many tourists choose to use taxis, app vehicles or participate in organized tours that include transportation and a local tour guide, making it easier to move around the city and enriching the visiting experience.
Another point highlighted by Ana is how to escape the very busy spots in Rio de Janeiro on a date like this Saturday, when the city is full of people for the Queen of Pop’s show. According to Ana, considering less popular beaches can be a rewarding option. Among the beaches are: Prainha, Grumari and Praia da Joatinga, located in the West region. Furthermore, Rio has a wealth of urban parks and natural areas that deserve to be explored, such as Parque Penhasco Dois Irmãos, Jardim Botânico and Parque Nacional da Tijuca, which provide opportunities for trails, hiking and direct contact with nature. lush.
For those looking for a more peaceful and culturally enriching experience, it is worth visiting less touristy neighborhoods such as Santa Teresa and Jardim Botânico, where you can enjoy a serene atmosphere, tree-lined streets and charming architecture, as well as delicious gastronomic options. There are also less popular museums and art galleries, such as the Museum of Tomorrow, the Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) and the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB), which offer calm environments to enjoy cultural exhibitions. For nature and adventure lovers, exploring lesser-known trails such as the Pedra Bonita Trail and the Morro Dois Irmãos Trail can provide stunning views and a more intimate experience with Rio’s landscape.
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