Much More to "The Marvelous City" Than the Maracanã

05/27/2014 - 10h06

Check out below the main attractions of Rio de Janeiro, the most famous of all the 12 World Cup host cities.

As opening times may change on match days, it's worth ringing ahead before making an itinerary.

There is also information on hotels during the month the tournament is on (from June 12 until July 13).

Some are already fully booked on certain dates, so don't leave your reservation to the last minute. FIFA's website also has some options for accommodation.

1) Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)
The cable car ride, though expensive, is the best way to see Rio. The ride gives sweeping views of Ipanema, Flamengo, Pedra da Gávea and Corcovado, among some of the city's other picture-postcard sights.
Av. Pasteur, 520, Botafogo, site. Daily, from 8am to 7:50pm. Children up to the age of six: US $2.70; between ages of six and 21: US $14; adults: US$ 28.

2) Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)
The famous statue stands at the top of the Corcovado Mountain, in the TIjuca National Park. After climbing the 220 steps which lead to the foot of the monument, you can take in views of other classic Rio sights such as the Guanabara Bay and Pão de Açúcar.
R. Cosme Velho, 513, Santa Teresa,site. Daily, from 8am to 8pm. US $14.

3) Botanical Garden
Founded in 1808 by Dom João VI of Portugal, the garden is home to more than 8000 species of plants, both Brazilian and foreign. There are also nurseries where you can see bromeliads and orchids.
R. Jardim Botânico, 1.008, Jardim Botânico, site. Daily, from 8am to 5pm. US $2.70.

4) Ipanema, Copacabana and Arpoador
One of Rio's most popular beaches, Ipanema became world famous thanks to the song 'The Girl from Ipanema', composed by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, while nearby Copacabana is known for its promenade, its kiosks and its wild New Year's Eve celebrations. The Arpoador rock divides the two beaches, and is a great spot to see the sun go down.

5) Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
Also in the south of the city, the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon is popular with the city's rowing community.

6) Rio Museum of Art
Little over a year old, this museum is formed by two separate buildings, joined by a walkway and an eye-catching undulating canopy which stretches over the two roofs.
Praça Mauá, 5, centro, tel. (21) 3031-2741. Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. US $2.70.

7) Rio Scenarium
A popular music venue where you can hear traditional Brazilian music styles such as samba, choro, forró and gafieira.
R. do Lavradio, 66, centro, tel. (21) 3147-9000. Tuesday to Thursday, from 6:30pm to 2:30am. Friday, from 7pm to 5am. Saturday, from 8pm to 5am. US $11 (Tuesday to Thursday), US $16 (Friday) and US $18 (Saturday).

8) Aconchego Carioca
The gnocchi with vatapá (a dish made from bread, prawns, coconut milk, nuts and palm oil) is a new addition to the menu, and costs US $14.
R. Barão de Iguatemi, 379, Praça da Bandeira, tel. (21) 2273-1035. Tuesday to Saturday, from 12pm to 11pm. Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm.

Where to Stay
(Price per couple, breakfast included)
Rio Othon Palace: US $357
0800-7250505; site

Promenade Barra First: US $392
(11) 5041-3962; site

Brisa Barra Hotel: US $459
(21) 3433-6600; site

Copacabana Rio Hotel: US $540
(21) 3043-1111; site

Miramar Hotel by Windsor: US $810
(21) 2195-6200; site

Games at the Maracanã
First Round

Argentina vs Bosnia
June 15, 7pm

Spain vs Chile
June 18, 4pm

Belgium vs Russia
June 22, 1pm
There are still disabled tickets available for US $81.

Ecuador vs France
June 25, 5pm
There are still disabled tickets available for US $81.

Quarter Final
June 28, 5pm

Semi Final
July 4, 1pm

Final
July 13, 4pm

The information on this page was last checked on April 22. Some hotels may not have availability every day during the period of the World Cup; there are additional fees on top of the daily rate.

Translated by TOM GATEHOUSE

Read the article in the original language