Top 5 Landmarks To See During The Rio Olympics
Fans who travel to the Rio 2016 Olympics might be a little too distracted by the sounds of records shattering to take in the sights. But if you're fortunate enough to be in Rio de Janeiro, these are the city's top five landmarks to check out between events. (The rest of us will try to catch a glimpse in pre-competition camera shots.)
Sugerloaf Mountain
This is just one of the awesome views from the top of Sugerloaf Mountain, the famous peak rising 1,300 feet above Rio's harbor. The only way up is in a cable car, which 2,500 tourists race up each day. It was even used in a fight scene between James Bond and Jaws in the 1979 film Moonraker, which tells you something.
Christ The Redeemer
Iconic of Rio, the Christ the Redeemer statue is nearly 100 feet tall (not including its pedestal) and no trip to Rio would be complete without seeing it. Completed in 1931, the statue is listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and also offers amazing views of the city below.
Copacabana Beach
If you came to Rio to watch Olympic beach volleyball, then you're in luck—your seats are right here on Copacabana Beach. For the Olympics, an enormous, temporary beach volleyball stadium has been erected right on the sands of one of the most famous beaches in the world.
Centro Cultural Banco Do Brasil
With over 2 million visitors a year, the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil is a must-see for art aficionados. It's among the top hundred most visited museums in the world and also contains several theaters and cinemas for special exhibits.
Maracanã Stadium
If you're attending the opening or closing ceremonies then you'll see this famous stadium—it's hosting them both. But if you're not, it's worth a visit. Maracanã Stadium is a true Brazilian landmark and had one of the largest attendances in soccer history during the 1950 World Cup final, where over 200,000 people watched Brazil lose to Uruguay in a shocking defeat that silenced the crowd.
