As if the centro doesn't have enough to captivate the interest of visitors, take the bondinho over the old Arcos da Lapa aqueduct up to Santa Teresa for a colonial times experience. This area is known as an artists quarter and is considered one of Rio's most charming neighborhoods where you'll see cobblestoned streets, old homes, art galleries and the Museo de Chácara do Céu, once the home of art collector and industrialist Raymundo Ottoni de Castro Maya, where in addition to the Brazilian and European paintings, you'll see books, ceramics, furniture, and other objets.

Enjoy the beautiful gardens.

From the Praça Quinze de Novembro on the waterfront, take the ferry to Niterói and Ilha do Paquetá. The ferry runs frequently. Niterói has great beaches, more nightlife, hills with great views and is a lovely extension to your time in Rio. Ilha do Paquetá takes you away from the Rio atmosphere and gives you a glimpse of what the rest of Brzil is like.

Traveler's Tips

Browse this hotel list for a selection of places to stay in Rio.

Unfortunately, Rio de Janeiro has a high crime rate. Be aware, and take the usual precautions against pickpockets and muggers. Do not take your valuables on walking tours or to the beach.

The city's civic officials are cracking down on crime, but don't make yourself an easy victim. Efforts are underway to reduce Rio's reputation as a sexual destination.

"Though Rio once had an unsavory reputation for street violence, in the early 1990s governments began to pour money back into policing and the results were dramatic. With cops stationed on city streets and public beaches, crime rates have fallen.

That said, there are still several things to keep in mind. It's a bad idea to wander unaccompanied into any of the favelas (shantytowns) found in and around the city; this is where most of the crime in Rio takes place. In the ritzy areas like the Zona Sul, favelas cling to steep hillsides and ridgetops. It's also best to avoid the city center (Centro) on weekends, particularly Sundays. Though downtown merchants have recently begun a campaign to bring people back into the city on weekends, Centro on Sundays remains mostly empty, and more than a little eerie. Avoid the beaches at night, which are dark and mostly deserted (stick to the brightly lit and police-patrolled pedestrian walkway that borders the beach). At night, traveling by taxi is recommended -- don't rely on public transportation. Finally, as in any large metropolitan area, it's wise to observe commonsense precautions: Don't flash jewelry and large amounts of cash, and stick to well-lit and well-traveled thoroughfares." Frommer's.

Boa viagem!

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