Things to see in Rio de Janeiro

So named because of its distinctive steeply hunched peak, Corcovado rises over Tijuca National Park. It is home to what is probably the most recognizable image of Rio: that of the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue, which seems to dominate the skyline from every side of the city. Designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, and inaugurated in 1931, the iconic open-armed statue stands on top of the 710m (2,330 ft) mountain and is itself 30m (99 ft) tall. The site is best visited via the historic cog railway, which takes 20 minutes to wind up through the forest to a station just below the summit. From here, 220 steep steps lead to the summit; alternatively take one of the lifts or escalators. Weather permitting (early morning mist is common); there are stunning views of the whole city and bay area below. After dark, floodlights illuminate the statue, providing a dramatic sight visible all across Rio.

Daily 0800-2000 with departures every 30 minutes.

Yes (including train and entrance)

This bare domed peak jutting into the bay between Botafogo and Copacabana vies with Corcovado as Rio's most iconic and familiar feature. Its name derives from the Portuguese name for a mound of sugar, as the rounded 394m (1,293 ft) granite massif was thought to resemble moulds used to set sugar cane.

Climbers frequently ascend the rock face but most visitors take the less strenuous route to the top via the two cable cars, which offer breathtaking 360° views through their glass walls.

The first leg of the ascent goes from Praia Vermelha to the 220m-high (720 ft) summit of Morro da Urca. The second leg completes the journey to the Sugarloaf over a distance of 750m (2,460 ft).

The final stop offers fine views of the beaches, the city, the mountains of Tijuca National Park and the islands of Guanabara Bay. Just before sunset is the most dramatic time to arrive, to see the city lights and the Christ Redeemer statue illuminated on the horizon. The area also has several safe, wooded trails, where you can escape the crowds and, with luck, spot monkeys, parrots and hummingbirds.

Daily 0800-2200; the cable car leaves every 30 minutes or when full with the last departure up from Praia Vermelha at 2000).

Yes

Rio's most famous neighbourhood, Copacabana, is best known for its amazing beach that stretches in a wide sandy arc for 4km (2.5 miles). Carioca girls, in dental floss bikinis, bask in the scorching sun alongside young families, senior citizens and newly arrived tourists. The seafront is a hive of activity from dawn until dusk. Early morning joggers and power walkers pound the wavy, black and white mosaic path that fringes the beach, cyclists whizz by in the cycle lane, and the beach football pitches and volleyball courts are in constant use. As on most of Rio's beaches, strong currents make swimming hazardous, although vigilant lifeguards keep a careful watch from the numbered postos (lookout stations).

Nearby, top-class resort hotels and apartment blocks dominate the seafront Avenida Atlântica. It is advisable to take the minimum of possessions and money to the beach, as the obvious tourist is an easy target for petty thieves.

This super-cool neighbourhood offers an enticing blend of beach life, trendy bars and chic boutiques. The area became famous in the mid 1960s with the worldwide smash hit, 'The Girl from Ipanema'. The bar where the songwriters sat to "watch the girl passing by", now known as Garota de Ipanema, is a firm favourite among tourists.

The daytime focus of Ipanema is the beach, incorporating Arpoador and Leblon beaches at either end. Like Copacabana, Ipanema draws beach-lovers who exercise, sun bathe, or just people watch. Each evening, locals crowd onto the sand to watch the sun setting behind the imposing peak of Dois Irmãos. Shopping is also a major pastime as many of Rio's best fashion outlets and jewellery stores are here, particularly along Avenida Garcia d'Avila and Rua Visconde de Pirajá. Souvenir hunters flock to the Feira Hippie crafts market on Sundays. By night, Ipanema's rich and beautiful set comes out to play, mingling in its cocktail bars, gourmet restaurants and nightclubs.

The epicentre of Brazilian futebol, the Estádio Maracanã is also a sporting shrine for football fans from around the world. The world's biggest stadium was originally capable of holding around 200,000 people when it was built to host the 1950 World Cup Final. Even since converting to all-seated terracing in 1999, it still has capacity for 100,000 spectators. As well as football matches, live concerts have also been held at the Maracanã. Over the years many mega stars have performed here including Frank Sinatra, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones and Madonna. The stadium went through an extensive programme of refurbishment in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals and again before the 2016 Olympic Games.

In its heyday, the stadium was used up to three times a week, hosting home fixtures for three of Rio’s biggest football clubs: Flamengo, Fluminese and Vasco. But, since the Olympics, costs to stage matches have spiralled, pricing all three clubs out of using the stadium. Redevelopment work has stalled and, as of January 2017, Maracanã Stadium remains in a dilapidated state - 7,000 of its 80,000 seats missing.

Closed to visitors (January 2017).

Yes

Rio's magnificent and historic gardens contain more than 8,000 native and imported species of flora, plus many free roaming animals, including monkeys, birds and butterflies. Considered one of the most important collections of tropical plants in the world, the Botanic Gardens were founded in 1808 by Dom João, the Prince Regent and subsequent Brazilian emperor. Its star attraction is the Aleia Barbosa Rodrigues – a pathway lined by towering Imperial Palms, all of which come from the original "Palma Mater" planted in 1842. Other highlights include a pond of giant Vitoria Regis waterlilies, as well as thousands of orchids, bromeliads, insectivorous plants and a sensory garden created with wheelchair users in mind. There are also several plant houses as well as the Museum of the Environment and a play area for families. It is best to visit in the morning when birds and other animals are most active.

Mon 1200-1700, Tue-Sun 0800-1700 (Museum: Tue-Sun 0900-1700).

Yes