October 13, 2023
Every year around 6.35 million people visit Brazil, it is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world. If you are one of the travellers planning a visit to this beautiful and diverse country, we have put together a list of must-see places across the country that stand out the most and will make wonderful memories to own.
With beautiful scenery, stunning monuments and architecture as well as art and culture there’s so much to capture in Brazil. So whether you are a budding photographer looking to up your Instagram game or a professional photographer wanting to capture something out of the ordinary, we’ve got you covered.
1) Rio de Janeiro
Named the Cidade Maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro is surrounded by a luscious forest and has a sugary-white shoreline which has seduced many visitors over the years.
One of these beaches is Copacabana which became a symbol of Rio in the 1940s when starlets from around the world would come here to holiday and take pictures on the 4km long beach, putting it on the map and making it the place to be. Unsurprisingly, this is still the case to this day as it is one of the most photographed beaches in the world and one of the most visited destinations in Rio. The crystal clear water and white sandy beach make the perfect backdrop for your pictures while recreating your best Brigitte Bardot pose.
Corcovado peak is home to the Christ the Redeemer statue and by default also has the best view of the city. Corcovado peak stands at 710 metres tall and once at the top you have a sweeping view of the city.
The Escadaria Selarón was created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón and is a colourful mosaic staircase in Rio de Janeiro’s Lapa neighbourhood. Surrounded by leafy trees it is a pretty background that will be the envy of your Instagram followers. Make sure to get there a little early as it can get quite busy and don’t be daunted by the climb, it is really worth it to get an idea of the craft it took to build such a beautiful staircase.
2) São Paulo
São Paulo is known to be a concrete jungle with its tall buildings and impressive skyline that would make New York jealous. However, in the middle of all the glass, concrete and metal you will find Ibirapuera Park, a haven of tranquility and the biggest park in the city. It has one of the nicest views of the São Paulo skyline as well as the river that passes through it. You will also be able to admire some of Oscar Niemeyer works from here and capture them from a different angle. The best time to visit is during the day when most of the locals are at work and the park is relatively empty.
Beco Batman is a must-visit while in São Paulo. Located in the Vila Magdalena neighbourhood, it is a globally renowned location for both international and local graffiti artists to expose their art. The whole alley is decorated in colourful street art that truly displays the vibrancy of the community. The most famous and photographed of graffitis is the large peacock showing off his fabulous tail.
The Hotel Unique is a modern hotel designed by Ruy Ohtake. The hotel’s facade is shaped like that of a half moon and is a great piece of architecture that really stands out in the city. The rooftop pool is a deep red and in the evening the whole of the rooftop area lights up red to match the pool, a unique setting to view the city and enjoy a couple of cocktails and to take some pictures of the nighttime skyline, a very different look to its daytime version.
3) Bahia
Located in the northeast of Brazil, Bahia is the birthplace of samba and capoeira and has some of the best beaches in the country. One of these is Praia do Forte, a coastal village that has kept a wonderful quaintness to it. The town is also home to beautiful mosaic sidewalks that put our drab grey ones to shame. The area is also a treasure trove of flora and fauna with natural pools dotted along the beachfront. A wonderful location to capture the uniqueness of Brazil.
Chapada Diamantina National Park is a nature reserve that holds some of the most stunning natural sights, a photographer’s paradise. Between cascades, grottos, valleys and rivers there is so much to see and do, travellers will be blown away by its beauty. Some of the more remarkable sights are the surprising Poço Encantado, a subterranean lake with the bluest of waters, the Fumaça waterfall whose water evaporates into mist before it reaches the ground and the Devil’s Pool which got its name because of the dark, almost black colour of its waters. You absolutely do not want to forget your camera when you come here as you'll want to remember all of the magical sights on offer.
You can't go to Bahia without visiting its capital Salvador, a hub of Afro-Brazilian culture which was once the capital of Brazil for two centuries. While there, head over to Pelourinho, the historical quarter of the town where you will be able to see remnants of that time. After all, Pelourinho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with true gems to be found such as a grand cathedral and three baroque palaces. Walking through the streets you will be able to witness up close the pretty pastel coloured houses and colonial architecture that will make you want to immortalise the scene forever in picture.
4) Museums
The Centro de Arte Contemporânea in Inhotim is a wonderland for contemporary art aficionados. It was initially Bernardo Paz’s private property and personal art collection and has since become one of the largest outdoor art centres in South America. A botanical garden was later added to the museum and many of the art, especially sculptures, soon spilled out into the gardens into art ‘pavillions’. It is an incredibly peaceful place to visit and while there you can take pictures with the beautiful art dotted around, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Yayoi Kusama, Steve McQueen and Adriana Varejão.
5) Coffee shops and restaurants
Casa Cavé is one of the oldest coffee shops in Rio having opened in 1860 and is located right in its centre. The cafe has kept its original decor and colonial charm complete with cracked floors and old walls. The restaurant offers local and traditional pastries and cakes. The perfect place to enjoy authentic food in an even more authentic location. A blast from the past you'll want to capture.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Sofá Café, a new addition to the coffee scene in São Paulo. The café is decorated in a quirky and industrial style with colourful decor and quirky art dotted around. Sofá Café offers a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and snack options. The perfect place to get that brunch shot.
For those who enjoy eclectic decor and a touch of nightlife, head over to 48 Bar, a gastropub in Ipanema that is known for its alternative design. The bar is decorated with repurposed and mismatched furniture with the walls covered in art by local artist Marcelo Eco. The quirky decor draws a lot of crowds, grab a table and a cocktail and capture the moment to share with your friends and family.
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Parque Lage was once a private estate and has now been turned into one of Rio’s public parks near the Jardim Botanico. You can easily spend hours strolling through here and admire all that nature has to offer. Make sure to make the most out of your visit by heading to the Plage Cafe, located at the back of the park. The cafe is set inside an old mansion that has been repurposed as a visual arts school with chairs and tables dotted around the pool. It also has a stunning, alternate view of the Corcovado mountain and the Tijuana forest which creates a natural skyline that just begs to be photographed.
You will be making more than one person jealous upon your return back home when they see all of your stunning photography. Make sure to get in touch with us so we can curate the perfect photography tour for you so you don’t miss out on anything.