12 Things to do in Rio

Here are some suggestions on things to do in Rio based on some of the things I've done and what I've heard from other people:

1) Pao de Acucar
Rio is stunning from above and you should not miss the 360 degree views from Pao de Acucar. Most people take the gondola up the mountain but you can also hike up to the top.

2) Christo Redentor and Corcovado Mountain
This is obviously another attraction you can't miss, especially now that it's one of the seven wonders! The views from here are also great as long as the skies are clear.

3) Churrascaria
Provided you're not a vegetarian, all visitors to Rio should try Brazilian BBQ at least once. Just make sure you're hungry before you go!

4) Beaches
Take some time to soak in the Brazilian beach culture and enjoy an agua de coco or a caipirinha.

5) Futebol Game
If you can, it's great to experience the excitement of Brazilian soccer firsthand. If there are no soccer games when you go, I think it's possible to take a tour of the Maracana Stadium.

6) Music and Dance
It looks like you're there for Carnival so I'm sure this is pretty straighforward. During non-Carnival times, there are plenty of shows that display samba, capoeira and other kinds of dance and music from around Brazil. There is also Baile Funk- Brazilian dance parties that orginated in the 70s funk era. Today the music is a combination of high energy dance beats, funk, old school hip-hop and sometimes Afro-Brazilian percussion. They have parties all over the city, ask around!

7) Hang Gliding
I didn't do this, but given the fact that Rio is beautiful from above, I'm sure this is an amazing experience!

8) Shopping
There are many shops, malls and street fairs all over Rio. One of the biggest and most fun open air artisan markets is the Hippie Fair on Sundays in Ipanema.

9) Jardim Botanico
This is a beautiful garden with tropical plants and flowers from around the world. This is a great place to spend a few hours relaxing and recharging while you stroll through the beautiful ponds and trees.

10) Museums and Cultural Centers
There are several museums that represent many aspects of Brazilian culture and history as well as cultural centers that are like museums and run by different companies. A popular cultural center is the Banco do Brasil Cultural Center.

11) Favela Tour
People who have done this say it is an interesting and enlightening experience.

12) Santa Teresa and Lapa
This is an area I didn't get a chance to see and hopefully I will someday! The biggest attraction is Escaderia Selaron, a mosaic stairway that connects the two neighborhoods. The area seems to have an artsy bohemian flair and you can get there from downtown Rio on a trolley-like train.