Rio has always maximised its natural charms, augmenting its hills and mountains with statues, churches and attractions that have become its instantly recognisable emblems. Cristo Redentor is the 30m-tall art deco wonder perched atop beautiful Corcovado, and Sugarloaf Mountain’s cable cars ferry the hoards upwards to marvel at the city unfolding below. Add in one of the world’s great botanical gardens, impressive art galleries and independent and official state museums, and Rio’s varied attractions have something for everyone.



Centro and Lapa

Take time to think about Planet Earth

The iconic Museum of Tomorrow juts out into the Guanabara Bay as a bold statement of intent and one of the more successful legacies from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The provocative interactive exhibits inside encourage visitors to stop and think about the planet, and are great for all ages. In fact, the whole area around the museum is a must-visit purely for what has been resurrected here.

Insider's tip: Take the opportunity to walk along the neighbouring Olympic Boulevard, lined with food trucks and street art, occupying the wide open spaces where the eyesore Perimetral highway once stood.

Contact: 00 55 21 3812 1812; museudoamanha.org.br

Opening times: Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm

Nearest metro: Parada dos Museus VLT

Price: £