Top 5 Streets to see in Rio de Janeiro

By MARCO AURÉLIO ESPARZ – Wikimedia

Top 5 Streets to see in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro used to be Brazil’s capital until that title was transferred to Brasília.

This city is swathed in history and is widely known for its natural beauty such as the beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain and parties.

The rich cultural side of Rio de Janeiro is hidden in its streets waiting to be explored.

Wandering through the streets, you will get a good understanding of why the locals call this city the Marvellous City.

The streets lead to some of the famous neighbourhoods worth checking out.

These streets have a vibrant buzz that echoes through the alleys and walkways to the coastline.

Let us look at the streets to see while visiting Rio de Janeiro.

1. Avenida Mem de Sá

Photo by Jonas Hoss on Unsplash

This Avenue was opened between 1903 and 1906. It serves as the main connection between Lapa and the historic centre of Rio de Janeiro.

This street was built as an extension that purposed to modernize the city centre. It also connected regions that were a little further from the city.

During the expansion of this street, several colonial buildings were demolished. It was a complex construction work that was done in the city.

The name Mem de Sa is a tribute to the former Brazilian mayor that initiated the construction. This was during the colonial period.

He also contributed to the expulsion of the French who had occupied Rio de Janeiro.

Avenida Mem de Sá is today famous for its bohemian style.

The night owls will have a great time exploring the beaming night-life of Lapa. This is one long bar-filled street of Avenida Mem de Sá.

2. Avenida Atlântic

Photo by Bob Oh on Unsplash

The next street to see while in Rio de Janeiro is along with the most iconic landmark. This is a street along the famous Copacabana beach.

It starts at Copacabana Fort where you will find restaurants and cafes. You can enjoy some delicious breakfast before strolling down the street.

The restaurants serve some delicious fruits, cheeses, hams and slices of bread. Wash it down with their deliciously creamy cappuccinos.

Stroll down the promenade that is made of black and white wave motif. There will be people jogging, dog walking or taking morning strolls.

Watch the people by the beach playing football, volleyball, windsurfing while others lie by the beach.

The Avenida Atlântica is famous for its year-round events, such as the massive New Year’s Eve celebration. It covers the entire avenue and extends to Copacabana Beach.

Stroll along the avenue’s promenade to experience Rio’s lively beach culture and oceanfront events.

3. Estrada da Vista Chinesa

For a great escape from the city life within the city, head over to this street that will lead to an exploration of the exotic and diverse Tijuca rainforest.

Begin your exploration at Estrada da Vista Chinesa.

As you stroll down this street be on the lookout for the rich variety of birds singing and the chance of sighting a curious monkey.

Along the way, you can stop at Cachoeira da Horta. There is a natural pool at the waterfalls that would be best on hot days.

You can also continue your exploration until you reach Vista Chinesa.

This is a little Chinese canopy that overlooks a jaw-dropping view of the Lagoa and out over the Atlantic Ocean.

This street connects the Jardin Botanico area to the Parque Nacional & Floresta da Tijuca.

When you reach the top of the hill, enjoy views of the Municipal Park, the botanical garden and a long stretch of the south coast.

4. Avenida Rodrigues Alves

By Sturm -Wikimedia

To get to this street, you will need to get onto a bus that will drop you at Rio’s downtown.

Hop off and stroll along with Avenida Rodrigues Alves. You will find Eduardo Kobra‘s famous street mural Etnias, it is the largest of its kind in the world.

He left the street art to Rio as part of the legacy of the 2016 Olympics. It represents five tribes from across five continents signifying the union of cultures and mankind.

Take your time and admire this massive painting whose abstract nature seamlessly brings out realism through colour.

Nearby are trendy food tracks that serve delicious and juicy burgers.

After your meal, head over to the Museum of Tomorrow and the Museum of Art that is a short walking distance away.

5. Avenida Epitacio Pessoa

By MARCO AURÉLIO ESPARZ – Wikimedia

This next street in Rio de Janeiro is best for those that love cycling.

There are several rental bikes available. Get one and cycle along the designated paths. As you cycle, enjoy the beauty of Lagoa, which is a natural lake in the south zone of the city.

Make a stop and mingle with the locals relaxing by the lake. Some skateboarders glide up and down the half pipes at the skate park.

As you hop back onto your bike, cycle around the lake, check out the rustic bar with an outdoor seating area.

Cycle on and you find a patch of grass that is perfect for a picnic or just rest. If you happen to be here in the evening, watch the beautiful sunset.