27 Best Places to Visit in Brazil

The 5th largest country in the world, Brazil, sprawls across half of South America. While its vast 7500 km coastline is edged with white sandy beaches, the inland areas consist of gorgeous waterfalls, wetlands throbbing with wildlife, and the Amazon rainforest's untouched glory. For tourists, Brazil is a tropical paradise that promises exciting cultural destinations, jungle expeditions, art museums and a vibrant Rio Carnival.

Read below more to get a glimpse of the top tourist places to visit in Brazil that will help you plan a vacation.

Currency in Brazil- The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real. 1 Brazilian Real equals 15.72 Indian Rupee as on 11 March 2023*.

*Currency rates are subject to the market exchange rate.

Find a comprehensive list of the top tourist places to visit in Brazil below. It consists of beaches, natural landscapes, heritage sites, wildlife reserves, shopping centres and many more.

When in Brazil, never miss out on visiting the top statues and monuments that reflect much about the culture and history of this place. Here is a list of the top statues and monuments you can visit here:

1. Christ the Redeemer, Rio De Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer stands tall and mighty atop Hunchback Mountain amidst the Tijuca forest, proudly overlooking Rio. One of Brazil's most iconic landmarks and top tourist attractions, this huge monument is a national symbol of Brazil and the largest Art Deco statue in the world.

• Entry Fees: Starting from R$ 12
• Location: Parque Nacional da Tijuca - Alto da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

2. Selaron Steps, Rio de Janeiro

One of Brazil's top attractions and most beloved monuments is the Selaron Steps. Crafted by Jorge Selaron, these steps are a tribute to the people of Brazil. These steps comprise 215 steps that are designed with mosaic and contain more than 2000 tiles gathered from more than 60 countries in the world.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: R. Manuel Carneiro - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

3. São Paulo Cathedral, Sao Paulo

São Paulo Cathedral, also known as Se Cathedral, is one of the largest neo-gothic monuments in the world, having the ability to house 8000 worshipers. This cathedral displays vibrant depictions of biblical and historical scenes in stained glass, making the interiors outstanding.

• Entry Fees: R$ 5
• Location: Near the Main Square of Praça da Sé, Brazil
• Timings: Monday to Friday and Sunday 7:30 am to 6:30 pm, Saturday 7:30 am to 5:00 pm

If you are an avid traveller, help feed your travel wanderlust with some of the exotic destinations in Brazil that portray gorgeous landscapes. Here is a list of the top attractions that you must add to your must-visit list:

4. Sugarloaf Mountains, Rio de Janeiro

An iconic natural landscape, Sugarloaf Mountains is a dome-shaped mountain resting at the end of a peninsula that separates the Atlantic Ocean from Guanabara Bay. Sugarloaf is a geologist’s dream, as it is composed of 600 million-year-old monolithic granite and quartz morros that emerge from the sea!

• Entry Fees: Starting from R$ 62
• Location: Mouth of Guanabara Bay, Brazil
• Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

5. Iguazu Falls, Parana

Surrounded by Iguazu National Park, the Iguazu Falls is another popular attraction for tourists visiting Brazil. The Iguazu River drops in a semicircle of 247 waterfalls that gush down into the gorge. Be ready to capture splendid shots with your camera as you visit this destination!

• Entry Fees: Starting from R$ 70
• Location: Border of the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Parana
• Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

6. Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Pernambuco

A delight for scuba divers, Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, is formed from 21 volcanic islands. These islands are important destinations for marine animals as they stop and feed while migrating across the southern Pacific. Scuba divers can encounter turtles, lemon sharks, manta rays and several other colourful fishes here.

• Entry Fees: R$ 87.21
• Location: State of Pernambuco, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

7. Pantanal Wetlands, Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso

Brazil’s Pantanal Wetlands is the largest wetland on the planet. The huge open fields and unlimited skylines influence wildlife lovers to visit this place and enjoy bird-watching. The place is home to numerous animals like panthers, capybaras, Goliath otters, crocodiles, monkeys, etc.

• Entry Fees: Tour prices start from R$ 178
• Location: Within the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso
• Timings: Open 24 hours

8. The Amazon Rainforest, Northwestern Brazil

The Amazon Rainforest has gathered countless people's attention over decades and is among Brazil's most beautiful tourist places. Travellers can visit the place during the dry season and take long strolls in the middle of the mesmerising wild. In case you are coming during the wet season, you can explore the relentless streams like old-world adventurers, enjoy kayaking, etc. While exploring the ecosystem from the inside, you will see extraordinary creatures and plants that live and flourish here.

• Entry Fees: Package starts from R$1450
• Location: Brazilian central plateau
• Timings: Open 24 hours

9. Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul

Freshwater snorkelling in Bonito is one of the best things to do in Brazil. Bonito is an eco-tourism hub popular for its clear rivers, huge caverns, and colourful fishes. Located on the edge of the great Amazon basin, Bonito is a place to explore the underworld. The place's main attraction is snorkelling in the magical waterways that end in shallow pools. These are as clear as glass.

• Entry Fees: R$ 168
• Location: Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

Brazil consists of almost 50% of the land of South America and is located right on the Atlantic Ocean. So, get ready to enjoy beach life amidst golden sands and access some of the continent's most wonderful coastlines.

10. Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Brazil’s most famous beach, Copacabana Beach, is a secluded getaway that lets you enjoy the soft sands and exquisite sunsets. In addition, you can try your hands at several water sports here, including surfing. The boardwalk boasts several cafes, hotels and restaurants that you can try and experience.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

11. Ilha Grande Islands, Rio de Janeiro

Ilha Grande is listed among the best places to visit in Brazil. Travellers can opt for a short bus or boat ride from Rio de Janeiro to get here. Ilha Grande has many beaches that are worth visiting, as visitors here can enjoy an excellent gastronomical selection. The Lopes Mendes, Lagoa Azul, and Aventureiro beaches are incomparable.

• Entry Fees: R$279
• Location: Coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

12. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro

Rio’s crown jewel due to its mesmerising sunsets, you cannot stop enjoying the sun at Ipanema Beach. The beaches’ massive surfs and crystal clear azure water body makes this a favourite surfing destination, mostly during winter.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: South zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

13. Jericoacoara Islands, Ceará

If you are searching for virgin sands and quiet spots for windsurfing, take a long off-road drive to Jericoacoara islands. Travel through sand dunes, past quaint fishing villages, and along the sea. Besides the soft white sands and the great sport-friendly winds, the major attraction here is the sunset. Travellers often visit here to sit on the beach and watch the sun sink slowly into the ocean.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: West coast of Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Ceara, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

14. Maragogi Beach, Northeast Brazil

If you are looking for a beach away from the crowd, Maragogi is a fantastic beach and an ideal choice as you get to experience how the river and ocean meet. Maragogi Beach offers a unique natural setting of calm, clear waters and is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amidst coral reefs.

• Entry Fees: R$126.78
• Location: Coral Coast – Costa dos Corais, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

15. Taipus de Fora Beach, Peninsula de Marau

One of the most beautiful Brazilian beaches, Taipus de Fora, has turquoise blue waters, coconut trees lined up and soft white sands. One of the favourite tourist destinations among tourists, you can indulge in snorkelling and diving here as the coral and abundant marine life are fantastic.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: Peninsula de Marau, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

16. Lopes Mendes Beach, Island of Ilha Grande

Lopes Mendes falls under the list of best beaches to visit in Brazil due to its exquisite beauty. It is just 3 km long and is surrounded by palm trees, soft sands and lush greenery. This makes this beach feel completely isolated in its corner of paradise. However, the rough waves might make swimming difficult but make it an ideal destination for surfing.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: Island of Ilha Grande, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

Brazil has 69 national parks with swathes of land covered with various landscapes, forests, different rock formations and diverse ecosystems. Here are the top wildlife reserves and national parks that you can visit in Brazil:

17. Serra Dos Orgaos National Park, Rio de Janeiro

This national park is a must-visit tourist attraction in Brazil as it has more than ten peaks of 2000 metres, all within its boundaries. Serra Dos Orgaos National Park is ideal for trekkers and hikers, although hiking here is quite challenging. However, this park offers superb views of the surrounding landscape.

• Entry Fees: R$573.85
• Location: Avenida Rotariana, S/n - Soberbo, Teresopolis, 25960-602, Brazil
• Timings: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

18. Itatiaia National Park, Rio de Janeiro

One of the oldest national parks in Brazil, do not miss out on travelling to Itatiaia National Park when in Brazil. It is located in the Mantiqueira mountain ranges of southeastern Brazil and is home to some of the highest mountains in Brazil.  This includes - Agulhas Negras and Prateleiras and offers a majestic view of the landscape, flora and fauna.

• Entry Fees: R$51.00
• Location: Itatiaia, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

19. Iguazu National Park, State of Parana

A world heritage site, Iguazu National Park is one of the top tourist places to visit in Brazil. It is home to Iguazu Falls, one of the world's largest waterfalls and is another tourist attraction in Brazil. You can opt for guided tours and helicopter rides here and also visit Bird Park here.

• Entry Fees: Depends upon whether you are a resident or a foreigner. However, you can pay online in advance.
• Location: State of Parana, Southern Brazil
• Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

20. Lencois Maranhenses National Park, Barreirinhas

Lencois Maranhenses National Park is a unique landscape stretching miles and miles without any vegetation. However, you will find sand dunes with white sand here and indulge in tours in the park that are conducted in 4X4 or horseback. The best time to visit this national park is between July to September when you will find that the valleys between sand dunes are filled with rainwater.

• Entry Fees: Depends on the number of trekking days
• Location: Barreirinhas - State of Maranhão, 65590-000, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

In Brazil, add to your must-visit list the art galleries and museums that tell a lot about the country’s history.

21. Museum of Art, São Paulo

The Museum of Art, located in a popular business hub in Sao Paulo, is enclosed by red pillars forming a box-like structure. Designed in 1968, this structure was built by Lina Bo Bardi. As you visit this location, you will find fantastic collections of western art displaying the culture and tradition of Latin America.

• Entry Fees: R$25 to R$50
• Location: Av. Paulista, 1578-Bela Vista, São Paulo, Brazil
• Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

22. Museum of Tomorrow, Rio de Janeiro

One of the most-visited tourist attractions, this structure was designed by a famous Spanish architect. Based on science, this museum displays information on interesting topics, including climate change, the environment and many more.

• Entry Fees: Starting from R$15
• Location: Praça Mauá 1-Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

23. Oscar Niemeyer Museum, Curitiba

This museum was built by Oscar Niemeyer and is one of the most famous architects in Brazil. In this museum, you will find some magnificent works of the architect as it displays a wonderful blend of Brazilian culture.

• Entry Fees: Teachers and students with ID, blood donors, people with special needs: R$4.50, under 12, higher 60, pre-booked groups of public school students: Free entry, first Thursday of every month, free entry after 06:00 pm
• Location: R. Mal. Hermes, 999 - Centro Cívico, Curitiba - PR, 80530-230, Brazil
• Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

One of the most popular things to do in Brazil is to go shopping, as there are several places offering varied items. Listed below are the top shopping areas you can visit in Brazil:

24. Rua Oscar Freire, São Paulo

If you are searching for high-end jewellery stores, head to Rua Oscar Freire in Sao Paulo. You will find several national and international boutiques in the streets of Jardin and also find several gourmet food shops providing local delicacies.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: Rua Oscar Freire, São Paulo, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Timings: Open 24 hours

25. Rua 25 de Março, São Paulo

If you are in search of souvenirs available at affordable pricing, Rua 25 de Marco is an ideal shopping destination for you. Nestled in the downtown area of Sao Paulo, Centro, this area is quite crowded and displays a lot of small markets and shops.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: São Paulo – SP, 01021-000, Brazil
• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

26. Visconde de Pirajá, Rio de Janeiro

This bustling commercial area in Ipanema is one of the leading shopping areas in Brazil and allows you to shop in abundance. Malls such as Forum Ipanema, Galeria Astor, Galeria Beco de Ipanema, and Esquina de Ipanema flaunt great designer collections.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: R. Visc. De Piraja - Ipanema
• Timings: 11:30 am to 12:00 am

27. Shopping Leblon, Rio de Janeiro

Shopping Leblon is one of the major attractions in Rio, and you can almost find more than 200 shopping stores here. In addition, many restaurants here allow you to have some delicious delicacies while you shop.

• Entry Fees: Free
• Location: Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco, 290 – Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, 22430-060, Brazil
• Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm