Brazil, the largest nation in South America, is also home to a large and varied population. During carnival, samba fills the streets of major cities, and at the country’s stadiums, passionate football supporters shout at the top of their lungs.
The top cities in Brazil boast a limitless variety of attractions, from some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches to a rich cultural legacy.
17. Belo Horizonte
This city, the capital of Minas Gerais state, gets its name from the surrounding Serra do Espinhaco mountains, which are a sight to see. Belo Horizonte is a huge mix of skyscrapers and favelas, but the city’s tree-lined avenues and parks make it surprisingly pleasant to visit, despite the fact that there aren’t many sights to see.
In this enormous metropolis, there are several museums and cultural landmarks to explore, as well as some stunning examples of architecture. People traveling to Ouro Preto and Tiradentes often make a pit stop here.
16. Natal
Natal is a popular tourist destination for Brazilians due to its proximity to the beach and the warm weather, but other than that, the city doesn’t offer much. However, there are beautiful beaches in the area, and the atmosphere is relaxed. The massive dune in Ponta Negra is the most impressive feature.
In addition to this, the only other must-see is the unique Forte dos Reis Magos, which has been around since 1598. Since it is the state capital, many people fly into Porto Alegre and then go on to other exciting destinations in Rio Grande do Norte.
15. Niteroi
Although it’s just over the sea from Rio, Niteroi sees surprisingly few visitors. Niteroi has a variety of great attractions that make it well worth a visit, despite the fact that locals in Rio de Janeiro joke that the finest part of the city is the breathtaking panorama of Rio.
A trip over on the boat is freeing, and the Oscar Niemeyer—designed museum, which looks like a saucer from the outside but has very little to offer inside, is a sight to see. One of the best beaches in the state is close by at Itacoatiara, and if you want to see Rio from a breathtaking vantage point, travel to Parque da Cidade.
14. Santos
Santos is home to South America’s busiest port as well as some beautiful beaches framed by high-rise white buildings. The large beachfront garden that stretches along the water’s edge is well worth exploring, as are the neighboring historic neighborhoods, formerly home to the coffee lords who negotiated the commodity’s price.
In addition to being a favorite weekend destination for many living in Paulo, Santos is home to a charming old town. Take the funicular to the peak of Monte Serrat for a breathtaking panorama of the metropolis below.
13. Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto is a charming colonial town that sits on the foothills of the Serra do Espinhaco mountains and boasts a magnificent old center, all of which contribute to the city’s status as a popular tourist destination.
The city, whose name means “black gold,” was formerly the state capital despite its relatively tiny size and its crucial role in Brazil’s gold rush. The ancient town’s cobblestone streets are like stepping back in time, and the picturesque views from the town’s hilltop churches are icing on the cake.
12. Campo Grande
The city’s prosperity stems from farming and livestock. “The Brunette City” is so called because the brown dirt it is constructed on gives it a distinctive appearance. Campo Grande has a cosmopolitan vibe as a result of its diversified population and its position as a major hub on the commerce route connecting Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Southern Brazil. With such a large student population, the area is always buzzing with activity, and there is no shortage of fun places to eat and drink.
11. Belem
Belem, not Manaus, is the best-looking city in the Amazon, thanks to its charming colonial core, wonderful architecture, and delectable gastronomy. Located on the shore of Guajara Bay, close to the Amazon River’s mouth, it serves as a convenient jumping off point for excursions all along the coast and farther inland along the Amazon.
10. Fortaleza
Fortaleza, a bustling city on Brazil’s northeast coast, is home to several beautiful beaches. Many foreign visitors come to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife and the nearby beaches since it is one of Brazil’s most populous urban areas.
All around Brazil, people know that Fortaleza is where forro music and the great writer Jose de Alcencar originated. The beaches and lively atmosphere more than make up for the lack of traditional tourist attractions.
9. Manaus
Manaus, being smack dab in the middle of the Amazonian jungle, is the starting point for most intrepid explorers of the Amazon. The city may be unpleasant, but the rainforest’s attractions are close at hand, and you should leave as quickly as possible to see them for yourself.
The spectacular Opera House and the Meeting of the Waters, where the Amazon River’s two colorful branches meet, are just two of the many tourist attractions in Manaus.
8. Curitiba
To go about the city of Curitiba, which is a great example of what can be accomplished with good urban planning, just get on one of the city’s futuristic buses. It’s hardly the most beautiful city in the world, but the beautiful botanical gardens more than make up for that.
Even though there aren’t many eye-popping tourist attractions, Curitiba has been transformed into a lush, leafy city thanks to careful urban design. Unfortunately, the city’s historic core is covered with graffiti, and homelessness is a major issue in Curitiba.
7. Recife
The second-largest city in Brazil’s northeast is a lively and exciting destination due to its beachfront location.
There is a wide variety of excellent restaurants, pubs, and clubs, and the city’s cultural sector is well worth exploring. The medieval district of Olinda more than makes up for the city’s soulless, vast skyscrapers.
If you can time your visit well, you may enjoy the spectacular carnival and take breaks on the gorgeous beaches.
6. Brasília
When Brasilia opened in 1960 as the nation’s capital, its planners saw the city as a symbol of Brazil’s promising future. The urban core has a somewhat futuristic vibe thanks to its sleek, high-tech buildings and gridlike structure that recalls an aircraft.
Large parks and tranquil green areas may be found if you go out of the city. Because it sprang from nothing in such a short amount of time, it offers a really unforgettable travel experience. Many visitors come to marvel at the buildings, but don’t miss out on the city’s pulsating nightlife and thriving cultural scene.
5. Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguacu is a somewhat dull city, yet it serves as a gateway to the beautiful Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Situated on the border with Argentina, the roaring cascades are a sight to see no matter which side you approach them from.
The Brazilian side offers breathtaking vistas of the enormous waterfalls, while the Argentine side offers scenic hiking paths high above them. Foz do Iguacu, so called because it stands at the river’s mouth, is a good site to rest and refuel before continuing on to Argentina to see the falls and other nearby attractions.
4. São Paulo
The metropolitan area of this massive metropolis is home to well over twenty million people, making it Brazil’s most populous city. Exploring this region will be both physically and mentally taxing. Sao Paulo is a buzzing metropolis, and tourists will enjoy its many exciting attractions.
In addition to its over seventy museums and theaters, the city is home to a plethora of fine dining establishments, a lively nightlife scene, and an infinite number of watering holes. It’s probably in Sao Paulo. Although the city itself is a polluted concrete jungle, the adjacent mountains and jungles provide welcome relief from the hectic pace of daily life. Sao Paulo is an interesting destination because of its variety and active cultural scene.
3. Salvador
Salvador is an attractive metropolis, especially its historic core, which displays a wonderful variety of colonial buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. It is an exciting and energetic location to visit, especially during carnival, thanks to its strong Afro-Brazilian culture and thriving cultural sector.
The city’s location, on the expansive All Saints Bay, is one of its many selling points. The highlight of Salvador is undoubtedly the city’s historic center, with its charming cobblestone streets, fascinating museums, and distinctive culture that has had far-reaching effects on Brazilian society.
2. Florianopolis
Florianopolis, the capital of Santa Catarina state, is located in two parts: one on the mainland and one on an island. Florianopolis is a popular Brazilian tourist destination since it is home to some of the country’s most stunning beaches. With its easygoing atmosphere and varied offerings, this place has something for everyone.
Even if the seaside has been somewhat defaced by construction projects, Florianopolis has retained much of its appeal, notably in its historic church and market. In addition to the many watersports, paragliding, and hiking opportunities, forty-two beaches are at your disposal.
1. Rio de Janeiro
Many people refer to one of the world’s most stunning urban areas as “the Marvelous City,” and with good reason. The famous Copacabana Beach follows the gentle curve of Guanabara Bay, and the soaring peaks of Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer provide a breathtaking backdrop.
The tropical forest-clad mountains and vividly colorful favelas that dot Brazil’s second-largest metropolis, Rio de Janeiro, complement this magnificent environment. Rio de Janeiro is a great place to visit at any time of the year, but during its world-famous carnival, the city becomes the party capital of the globe.
Actually, it’s impossible to make a bad decision by traveling to Rio de Janeiro; samba music is in the air, and the city’s fascinating attractions are always a pleasure to discover. Visit the Maracana stadium to take in a football game; even if you’re not a fan of the beautiful game, you’ll enjoy the electric atmosphere.
