World City Guide

Further Distractions

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon)
This lake is a huge open space in the middle of the city, offering fantastic views over the Ipanema skyline and jagged mountains, including Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer, which stand guard above. At the weekend, visitors can join the city’s residents for a stroll or cycle on part of or the entire eight-kilometre (five-mile) path that surrounds it. There are a number of parks, exercise stations and leisure facilities positioned around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Visitors can join families on the lake, by hiring one of the swan-shaped pedaloes. Nearby is the Jardim Botnico, a landscaped garden containing over 8000 Brazilian and imported species of flora. In the evening, the lakeside remains alive, as people dine at the 25 kiosks, each serving a different cuisine from various parts of Brazil or around the world. Some also provide live music for entertainment.

Bordered by Leblon, Ipanema, Jardim Botnico and Botafogo districts
Transport: Bus marked Leblon, Ipanema or Jardim Botnico (visitors should hop off at the lake or take a map and walk from these districts).

Jardim Botnico
Rua Jardim Botnico
Tel: (21) 2294 9349.
Website: www.jbrj.gov.br
Transport: Bus marked Jardim Botnico.
Opening hours: Daily 0800–1700.
Admission: R$4.

Museu Internacional do Arte Naif (International Naive Art Museum)
The Museu Internacional do Arte Naif contains one of the most comprehensive collections of naive art (folk art) in the world. The simplistic, colourful exhibits line the walls of an historic mansion, situated next door to Corcovado Railroad Station. The museum displays a selection of its collection of over 8000 works of folk art, which were created between the 14th century and the present day by artists from Brazil and 130 other countries. Works include a huge painting depicting Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay, as well as a mural that tells the history of Brazil and is the largest naive art canvas in the world. The museum also displays temporary exhibits by renowned naive artists throughout the year.

Rua Cosme Velho 561, Cosme Velho
Tel: (21) 2205 8612. Fax: (21) 2205 8884.
E-mail: mian@museunaif.com.br
Website: www.museunaif.com.br
Transport: Bus 180, 181, 182, 183 or 184 from Centro and Flamengo; bus 583 or 584 from Botafogo, Copacabana and Ipanema (marked Cosme Velho).
Opening hours: Tues–Fri 1000–1800, Sat and Sun 1200–1800.
Admission: R$4.