No visit to Rio would be complete without going at least see the beaches. The best are: Leblon Beach, Barra Beach and Ipanema Beach.

Two of the cities most beautiful green spots are Floresta da Tijuca, Jardim Botânico. Take a delightful walk through either of these two tropical and exuberant paradises.

Two or Rio's most famous fairs are the Hippie fair (held on weekends in Praça General Osório) and the Feira de São Cristóvao (held in Campo de São Cristóvao). You'll find a curious gathering of Brazil's most interesting cultural aspects at both of these.

The best place to go shopping in Rio is in Ipanema and Leblon. Also well worth checking out are the massive shopping Centers, Rio Sul and BarraShopping

In Rio's Modern art Museum (MAM) you'll find some of the finest examples of both international and national paintings and sculptures.

Copacabana offers an enormous variety of hotels. It's also famous for its red-light district, strip joints and excellent nightlife.

In São Conrado you can witness one of Rio's biggest social problems; the disturbing contrast between rich and poor. This is where you'll find Rocinha, the biggest favela (slum) in Rio. Located in between rows of first class hotels and luxurious apartment buildings.