Rio de Janeiro is on of Brazil’s 26 states, and stretches along the underside of the country along the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is also called Rio de Janeiro, site of one of the world’s favorite tourist spots. You might recognize Rio de Janeiro , from any direction, as long as you can see the famous Cristo Redentor statue that guards the city from atop Corcovado Mountain. In addition, Rio has some of the world’s most festive carnivals and celebrations, as well as a world-famous nightlife.

The beauty of the state and the general area is world renowned, and the city itself is famous for its festivals and carnivals. The city is divided into zones, and each one has its own flavors and feels. You can go from the historic downtown district to the beach, and to modern facilities, all in the same day. Let’s look at a short history of Rio de Janeiro, then take a short tour of the districts and see what each on has to offer.

History of Rio de Janeiro

In the 1500s, Portuguese settlers reached an area called Guanabara Bay, which is the site of the current city. Soon the Europeans came, attracted by Brazilwood and other riches. The city was finally founded by Estacio de Sa, a Portuguese knight. He originally named the city São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro 20, which means “St. Sebastian of the January 20th River,” and its purpose was to provide a place where they could attack a local settlement that was set up by the French. Although the Portuguese succeeded, pirates and enemies of the Portuguese attacked the colony repeatedly.

Eventually Napoleon’s army drove the Portuguese royal family to Rio de Janeiro, and it became the temporary capital. After many years it became part of Brazil, and is now the festive Rio de Janeiro we know today.

Historic Downtown

This district also serves as the financial district of Rio de Janeiro, and many historic buildings line the streets. Some of the original Portuguese structures still stand, as well as some of the regions most famous churches. There are many landmarks in this historic district, including the Municipal Theatre and the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes. There is also the beautiful gardens of the Passeio Publico and many other structures dating back to the historic occupations of the city. Downtown is home to many of Brazil’s largest companies.

North Rio de Janeiro

This zone is home to sports. With the Maracana Stadium--site of many world-famous soccer matches--and other attractions, this is a good place to start your tour. One place you don’t want to miss in the north area (besides the stadium) is the Quinta da Boa Vista Park, location of the ancient Imperial Palace. The natural history museum there is one of my favorite places in Rio.

The South Zone

This is one of the finest beach areas in this part of the world, and boasts of many beautiful vacation spots. I personally like Ipanema Beach, both for its beauty and that is was the subject of The Girl from Ipanema, by Tom Jobim and Vincinius de Morais. There are also several other attractions in the south, one of them being a large and raucous New Year’s Eve party called Reveillon, complete with fireworks and millions of party-goers. Another popular activity is the cable car ride from Praia Vermelha to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers stunning views of the area.

Like hang gliding? There is plenty of it at Pedra Bonita. Gliders usually take off from the rock and land on a nearby beach. This area also contains an urban forest called Floresta de Tijuca, which is now a national park.

The West of Rio

This area is largely industrial, and has a cosmopolitan urban feeling to it. In the far west is the neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca, which contains a lot of new construction with plans for more. It’s very urban, and there is some talk about creating a new city of Barra da Tijuca from the rest of the city and creating a new one.

Events and Festivals

One thing I love about Rio is the festive atmosphere. The most popular and joyful festival is called Carnival, and is held before Easter when Lent begins. There are many choices to attend Carnival. You can go to the downtown area and see the traditional carnival, or see the local bands that parade the areas. Although Carnival compares in significance to Mardi Gras, it actually ends when Mardi Gras begins.

In some ways every day is a party in Rio. I say this because even when there isn’t an official parade, festival, or carnival going on, there are enough nightclubs and music clubs to satisfy the partier. Many of the world’s notable people call Rio de Janeiro their favorite place to have a great night life.

Travel in the City

Because of the high crime rate in the city in general, you need to be careful where you go and how you go there. There is a large number of poverty-stricken populations, and several neighborhoods that can only be described as shanty towns. There is some violence, as with any large city, although if you travel in the tourist sections you won’t see the same risk as you would if you traveled into the destitute and urban industrial areas. I have followed this advice in my travels to Rio, and have not had an incident. However, make sure you check with the Department of State before traveling to any foreign country so you can be better prepared.