How to spend top weekend in Rio de Janeiro - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

The city of samba and the motherland of the most colorful carnival in the world, Rio de Janeiro can impress visitors not only with its grandiose celebrations and iconic landmarks but also with its unusual symbols. There are awesome markets where visitors can buy exclusive items at the most advantageous prices, unusual excursions and fantastic places to get acquainted with gastronomic traditions of the country.

If you don’t have enough time for long excursions and walks in the city, but you still want to see the main historic landmarks of Rio, it’s high time to make a trip on an amphibian bus. These cute yellow buses make rides to the most picturesque historic streets of Rio. When an excursion is about to end, the bus goes down to Guanabara Bay and magically turns into a boat. During an hour and a half, travelers will be able to observe main landmarks of the city and then enjoy panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro during a marine ride. The price of such a fantastic excursion is approximately US$40, but there are special 50% discounts for children and retired people.

If you arrive in Rio during the time that doesn’t coincide with the next carnival, don’t be upset. Better visit the picturesque Mercado Popular Uruguaiana market as the atmosphere of a holiday never stops there. Many experienced travelers are aware of the market, but not many know what goods are the most popular. Besides colorful handmade carnival costumes, it’s possible to buy fantastic shoes on the popular market. The quality of shoes is always high despite affordable prices. Pay attention to food stalls as it is possible to try and buy many national desserts, sweets, and traditional baking on the market. When you reach the end of the market, don’t hurry to turn around and leave. There is a charming garden right behind Mercado Popular Uruguaiana, and visitors will be able to see peacocks, ducks, rabbits, squirrels, and many other animals there. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If it’s not the first time you visit Rio, you will notice one of the main current trends – different types of street culture have higher influence on the modern city. Colorful graffiti drawings are present in virtually every district of Rio, but Lapa is a true mecca for fans of street art. In this district, visitors will be able not only to enjoy colorful paintings on the walls of old buildings, but also see how artists work or even show off own skills.

If you crave for some romantics after walking on noisy city streets and markets, head to the seaside. It is possible to make amazing discoveries even during a simple beach walk in Rio. Thanks to efforts of local architects, the seaside is full of unusually looking cottages, some of which are truly creative. There is a cottage in the shape of a tropical flower near one of the popular beaches. The architecture masterpiece looks absolutely stunning.

Are you a fan of swimming and sunbathing, and have already visited all famous beaches of Rio? Head to the picturesquePraia de Grumari that is located in immediate Rio suburbs and is a very calm and peaceful place. Despite quite a distance from the noisy city center, Grumari beach is very comfortable and is well-equipped for various water sports and entertainment. True romantics claim that Rio has unique and inimitable sunsets. One can admire the last rays of a sunset on a comfortable observation deck, which are quite widespread in the city, or make a refreshing ride along the coast on a motor boat or a ship.