The second largest city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro has also been the country’s main tourist destination due to its fun and colourful carnivals and fabulous beaches. The giant statue of Christ the Redeemer at the Corcovado Mountain has also given a sense of identity to Brazil whilst attracting thousands of tourists every year.
But while the city promises a lot of magnificent and extraordinary attractions, visitors who are in Rio for more than a few days will find that most of these interesting places require an entrance fee, which are mostly pricey.
For those who are in a budget, finding some free things in the city will be a big help in stretching your money in Rio. Here are a few tips to enjoy the city for free:
Check out the beach
Rio de Janeiro has the country’s largest beaches, and some of the world’s best. Among the popular beaches in the city are Copacobana and Ipanema. If you are fine with the scorching sun and large crowds, these beaches are for you to enjoy without any cost. At night, there are performances and concerts in the beaches that are also offered for free.
Visit Christ the Redeemer statue on your own
Instead on getting on a tour to the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue, you can head to the place on your own and save from train ride fees or taxis which are usually overpriced. You can drive up to the road of Paineiras by yourself to enjoy the sight of the world’s second largest art deco. This option though only works when you’ve already rented a car in the city.
Do away with Tijuca National Park tour services
Unless your stay is really short and have enough money to spend for a tour service, doing away with tour packages to the Tijuca National Parl will significantly cut your tour expenses in Rio de Janeiro. The largest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca National Park does not really have an entrance fee. Thus, you can take a trail on its exotic fauna and flora and enjoy a picnic in the park with your family and friends without having to spend much.
Join the carnival
If you are in the city around January and February, then do not miss to take part in the city carnival which is renowned all throughout the world. The exhibits, parades, and free entertainment that come with the carnival is something that you will never forget in your visit to Rio.
Visit free museums
Rio de Janeiro is known for its world-class museums. While some require expensive entrance fees, there are still a number that admits people for free. Among the free museums in the city are the Monumento Nacional aos Mortos da II Guerra Mundial, which is a monument and military museum dedicated to those who gave their lives in the Second World War.
Sure, travelling to Rio de Janeiro does not come cheap, but knowing where to go for free, you’ll learn that budgeting is still possible even in high-end tourist destinations like Rio.