What is Brazil Famous For? Top 20 Famous Places & Things in Brazil

The vast majority of people know Brazil only because of the Amazon rainforest, pristine beaches, and the Carnival festival. However, beyond these, what are the other things Brazil is known for? These include spectacular architecture, rich culture, and historical artefacts.

In addition, the country has plenty of beautiful sea beaches, diverse landscapes, football, and many natural and man-made landmarks. If you desire to visit this wonderful country, take a look at some of its famous attractions.

It is important to consider the expenses in Brazilian currency if you are planning to visit some of the most famous places here. As of November 2022, 1 Brazilian Real is equal to INR 15.23. Make sure to plan your expenses keeping this exchange rate in mind.

Following are some of the major tourist attractions in Brazil:

1. Sugar Loaf, Rio de Janeiro

The rock peak of Sugar Loaf is denoted as a primary emblem of Rio de Janeiro. This peak rises at an elevation of 394 metres above the city and beaches and juts out of a lush green peninsula.Furthermore, you can also enjoy a cable car ride between Sugar Loaf and the peak of Morro da Urca. In addition, this place has two more attractions that are Fort São João and the Praia da Urca beach.

2. Iguacu Falls

The Iguacu Falls is one of the top natural attractions in the world that Brazil is famous for. It comprises the Iguazu River along with 275 falls. Out of them, the largest one is the Garganta do Diabo or Devil's Throat, which has an elevation of 82 metres. The Iguacu Falls are under the protection of UNESCO-acclaimed Iguaçu National Park. It is home to many subtropical rainforests and numerous species of animals and birds, including ocelots, capybaras, otters, and deer.

3. Amazon River

The Amazon River has a length of about 6,400 kilometres, and it is the world's second longest river, just after the Nile. The river has more than 3000 well-known species of fish and some other species that are yet to be discovered. The Amazon River originates from Peru, and it flows through nine South American countries before meeting the Atlantic Ocean at its mouth.

4. Amazon Rainforests

The great Amazon Rainforests are one of the main things Brazil is famous for. It is estimated that about 10 million species across the world live in this rainforest. Here you will see monkeys, parrots, sloths, toucans, turtles, caimans, and other wildlife while on a boat trip in this area. This area has a big network of lakes and channels made by the three rivers.

5. Historic Center of Olinda

Lying in the north-eastern section of Recife, the colonial city of Olinda is known as one of the most famous places in Brazil. This is a pleasant and colourful city owing to its red-roofed white houses and buildings, which create an extraordinary contrast with Brazil's blue north Atlantic coast. Furthermore, the city has plenty of tourist spots like churches, historical regions, as well as the popular Carnival of Olinda.

6. Teatro Amazonas

The famous Amazon Theatre or Teatro Amazonas is the famous opera house situated in the centre of the Amazon Rainforest, Manaus. It was made during the 'Amazon Rubber Boom' period. This beautiful opera house is known for the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra. It is decorated with Italian marble, furniture from Paris, steel from England, etc. The dome of this structure is decorated with 36000 ceramic tiles painted as per the national flag of Brazil.

7. Copacabana

Lying in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, a stunning confluence of land and sea is Copacabana Beach. It remains filled with tourists enjoying various water sports throughout the year. Furthermore, Copacabana becomes even more charming at night, when you can enjoy a walk around its shores and see its exotic sea waves.

8. Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro

Another popular beach Brazil is known for is the Ilha Grande beach in Rio de Janeiro. The beach has been blessed with crystal-clear blue waters, forest hikes, and golden sand dunes. Furthermore, you can enjoy a sea bath at the Ilha Grande beach and enjoy boating here. In addition, you will come across Blackear wrasse, grunts, turtles, and fishes. Also, you can enjoy lip-smacking seafood at Lua e Mar.

9. Curitiba-Paranagua Train Ride

Another attraction of Brazil is the famous Serra Verde Express, also called as Curitiba-Paranagua Train. It is one of the most sensational train rides in this country that heads towards the Serra do Mar Mountain covering a distance of 110 kilometres. It crosses through the Atlantic rainforest and has 30 bridges and 14 tunnels in its course between Curitiba and Paranagua.

10. Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park

The famous national park of Chapada dos Veadeiros in the Goias state is considered one of the most famous places in Brazil. It is located about 240 kilometres from the capital city of Brasilia. This place is well-known for its beautiful landscape, mesmerising waterfalls, wildlife, hiking paths, lush greenery, and so on. However, ensure that you are physically fit and experienced before going for a hike since these hiking trails can be dangerous.

11. Christ, the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer or Cristo Redentor is the renowned statue of Jesus Christ located in Rio de Janeiro. The statue is located at an elevation of more than 700 metres in the famous Tijuca National Park at the peak of Corcovado Mountain. This statue is one of the top attractions of what Brazil is famous for. It was built in soapstone by the Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa during the 20th century.

12. Parati

The small town of Parati or Paraty is situated on Costa Verde in Brazil, between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. This mesmerising green bay is surrounded by mountains filled with jungles, lush greenery, and magnificent white colonial buildings. Furthermore, the ancient cobblestone and its unevenness have made this region beautiful and a walker's paradise. In addition, Paraty has preserved stunning centuries-old monuments and buildings.

13. Ibirapuera Park, Sao Paulo

The renowned Ibirapuera Park is not just one of the most famous places in Brazil but also in the entire South America. This beautiful park was designed by Roberto Burle Marx, the famous Brazilian landscape architect. The park features jaw-dropping monuments, trails, playgrounds, gardens, and lakes. Furthermore, there are several museums and performance arenas that comprise Auditório Ibirapuera of Oscar Niemeyer, one of the top concert venues.

14. Bonito

Bonito is the kickstart point for various mesmerising tourist attractions in Brazil, comprising beautiful waterfalls and caves. However, this place is mainly known for crystal-clear streams in which you can swim comfortably. Furthermore, its most enthralling attraction is the Abismo Anhumas. In addition, this place is famous for snorkelling, diving into the cavern's water, and so on.

15. Monastery of Sao Bento

Another top attraction of Brazil is the Monastery of Sao Bento in Sao Paulo. It is famous for its Gregorian chanting, breath-taking paintings, and excellent bakery. If you desire to go there, then the ideal time will be on Sunday when you can hear the hymns of 6000 pipe organs and the chant of monks. Furthermore, you can enjoy delicacies like jams, cakes, cookies, and breads offered here by the monks.

Other than its tourist places, Brazil is famous for several other things, including its cuisine, football, the Carnival festival, and so on:

16. Carnival

The most popular festival in Brazil is the Carnival which takes place in Rio de Janeiro. This event is celebrated all over the country four days before Ash Wednesday. According to the Brazilians, it is the “greatest show on Earth “. The Rio Carnival invites countless people worldwide to participate in this event. All the streets, clubs, bars, and other venues in Rio join the incredible Rio Samba Parade at Sambadrome.

17. Soccer

When it comes to soccer, there is no way that you could miss Brazil. It is the country that has won five World Cups and has produced some legendary soccer players like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Neymar, and Pelé. Brazilian soccer style is related to Capoeira, the dance of African slaves, which they used to call “Ginga”. Brazil has almost 200 soccer stadiums that include Marcana of Rio de Janeiro, Mane Garincha of Brasillia, Arena do Gremio of Porto Alegre, and so on

18. Foods

Like other countries, Brazil is also famous for its cuisine, which attracts numerous people across the world simply to sample the spread. The National dish of Brazil is Feijoada. It is actually a black bean stew prepared from various smoked and salted pork and beef. Some other delicious dishes of Brazil include Acaraje, Empadao, Vatapa, Farofa, Fried Pastel, and so on.

19. Coffee

Brazil has been leading the production of coffee since the last 150 years and it is acknowledged as one of the largest coffee producers in the world. The coffee plants are mainly grown in the states of Sao Paulo, Parana, and Minas Gerais. In these places the optimal temperature favours the growth of coffee.

20. Beaches

Brazil, the largest country in South America, has almost 4500 miles of coastline. If you are a beach lover, the beaches of this country will be your best choice. On the sea beaches, you will come across pools, small islands, and coves on the coast.

There are active beaches, deserted beaches, family beaches, water sports beaches, etc. Two notable beaches of Brazil are Copacabana and Ipanema, which are quite popular among tourists.

So, now that you know the reasons and attractions Brazil is known for, you can easily make your tour plan without hassle. If you love beaches, historical places, and football, then you should never miss visiting Brazil.

However, remember that while stepping into a foreign country, you have to follow some norms and social customs that you must not forget. Brush up on your knowledge of the local culture before you plan your trip.