Updated em by Talita
Visit Rio de Janeiro, see Christ the Redeemer, on the edge of Copacabana, see the Garota de Ipanema cemetery and two classic travel plans in Brazil. But, just a short distance away, we have a variety of new, cute and fun things for you to enjoy your fairs!
But at a short distance, you have “a City of Smiles” with many new, beautiful and fun things for you to enjoy during your trip: Niterói.
Niterói is a small Rio de Janeiro, with more security and tranquility. In the least experience in the city of Niterói, we say that tourists do not know and do not value the beautiful tourist spots and calm beaches, missing out on many experiences and even the most beautiful view of the Rio!
So, here are 10 things to do (and why you should visit!) in Niterói to complement your trip to Rio.
And if you are interested in more attractions in Rio de Janeiro outside of Niterói, confirm this article on the Bate Papo blog: 10 Imperdíveis Locais in Rio de Janeiro.
1. Camboinhas Beach
As a beach located in the “oceanic part” of Niterói, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Camboinhas is quiet and private, but is normally open to the public. With a path that embraces the entire beach, it is the best place to exercise with a walk, bike or run.
The water here is calm, clean and clear… it’s cool during the high season. During the winter seasons (which are not very cold), the beach remains quiet and empty.
There is not much infrastructure here, but there are some beach stands that hold chains and guard your belongings and serve drinks and lunches so you can enjoy the sun while admiring the beautiful views of the sea and the hills that make up Niterói. Around the area, there are also some small establishments where you can eat lunch or drink a sorbet too!
I definitely recommend attending by sun no sea, directly on the horizon 🙂
2. Fortress of Santa Cruz da Barra
Built in 1555 during the Portuguese colonial and imperial period for defense, the Santa Cruz da Barra Fortress is located near Guanabara Bay. At the time, this place was very strategic, as it was the only possible entrance to the bay, which had the shape of a “hook” like the Morro da Urca (“Mount Urca”) and the famous Sugar Field in front.
It is one of the two main points of Niterói, and it will give a panoramic view of the city of Rio de Janeiro, since it is the closest point between the two cities.
A visit to the fort costs R$10 for people from 22 to 59 years old and R$5 for those under 21 years old, students, military personnel.
The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes, and in addition to the fortress, you will also see an arsenal of cannons in the Capela de Santa Barbara (built in 1612, this is the oldest church in Niterói).
3. Praia do Sossego
A beach after Camboinhas, a Praia do Sossego does not have this name at all.
Since there is no direct access by car, you will have to follow a trail (very clearly marked) and descend a staircase to reach that small and very calm area.
With turquoise-blue water with few or dark waves, the Atlantic Ocean gently terrifies this beach thanks to the protective rocks that surround it. Thanks to the surrounding tropical forest, the climate remains cool so you can enjoy the sun comfortably.
There are some barracks here where you can place chains and guards if you don’t have them or your own. They also sell lunches and drinks.
4. Bairro de Jurujuba (Colonia de Pescadores)
Don’t walk to Santa Cruz Fortress, you will pass through that friendly beach by the sea, a large fishing community that is part of the history of the formation of the city.
With several boats, the main street has a colorful view for a beach swimming in the waters of Guanabara Bay (not recommended for swimming).
I recommend the seafood restaurants that are fantastic in the region, mainly Berbigão Grill and Bicho Papão, which are on the other side. A moqueca de lá is irresistível!
5. Museum of Contemporary Art of Niterói (MAC)
With a spaceship format, the MAC was designed by Oscar Niemeyer in 1996. The museum became the city’s postal card. It has a beautiful view of Rio de Janeiro and an excellent permanent exhibition that houses various temporary exhibitions.
Admissions cost R$12.00 for most two visitors, but admissions for this goal are available for R$6.00 for students, educated visitors over 60 years old, young people from low-income communities between 15 and 19 years old, and teachers. Admission is free for children under 7 years old, students of public schools, residents of Niterói, visitors with disabilities, municipal public servants and anyone who visits the bicycle museum (yes, it’s true! Go on a bicycle!).
All fourth fairs are happy.
6. Forte de São Luiz
The Forte de São Luiz is located at the top of the city of Niterói and simply has the most beautiful views of Guanabara Bay, on the edge of the city of Rio de Janeiro, or Corcovado, or Pão de Açúcar and along stretches of the Serra dos Órgãos.
Built in the 18th century to protect Guanabara Bay and the Santa Cruz Fortress against invasions, the Morro do Pico 230 meters above the sea and the native Atlantic Forest on its shores, the Forte is also known as Forte do Pico.
The entrance fee is R$10 and children and children pay half the entrance.
7. Igreja de São Francisco de Xavier
The Church of São Francisco de Xavier is a small colonial church from the 17th century that was built on a large hill on the side of São Francisco to shelter the Jesuits and the farmers who passed through the region along the coast.
With a beautiful forest and a view of the sun, many weddings and baths happen here.
8. Trilha da Pedra do Elefante
If you like to do trails and walks, I recommend the trail of Pedra do Elefante, one of the main mountain formations of the Niterói and São Gonçalo region. Also known as Alto do Mourão, you will have a view of the entire city of Niterói and Maricá and for the ocean beaches of Itacoatiara and Itaipuaçu, such as the Parque de Preservação da Serra da Tiririca.
The walk/walk takes about an hour and reaches 412 meters of altitude. The journey begins on the exit from Praia de Itacoatiara on Estradada Gilberto Carvalho (Rua Gilberto Carvalho). The final flat part of the Pedra do Elefante is not very large, so I recommend that you visit during the week to appreciate at a glance all the multitudes.
9. Igreja da Boa Viagem
Also from the colonial period, this church is located on the Boa Viagem Island. It was built in the 16th century for devotees of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem who was the patron of two sailors who sailed from the port. From the church, you will be able to see a classic Portuguese Catholic architecture with a panoramic view of the island.
In the year 2022, the municipal prefecture carried out a church revitalization project.
10. Parque da Cidade de Niterói
Being a point to do paragliding and hang gliding, the Parque da Cidade has free entry and one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen! Even with a more hazy time, it is possible to see both the oceanic part of Niterói and also the Guanabara Bay and the main tourist spots of the River lined up: the Christ the Redeemer, the Sugar Loaf hill, and all at the coast.
We have a nice coffee, with a Mata Atlântica on the horizon, where you can also order a cold beer with your friends with the golden light of the sun.
With the pulo tracks, you will be on the left side with a view of Niterói and its crystalline beaches, and on the right side of Rio de Janeiro. Certainly the most beautiful view that I have for the city!
How to get to Niterói
There are some buses from Rio to Niterói if you want to cross the bridge. But, the raft is very nice and takes less than 20 minutes!
As rafts operate regularly, you may be able to join the Praça XV do Rio ferry terminal (not very long from Estação Carioca on Line 2 of the Metro).
If you want to take advantage of your trip to Rio de Janeiro to visit two of the most badass places in Rio de Janeiro, read here what to do in Lapa during the day or at night!
Summing up
Here are 10 reasons to visit (and 10 best things to do in) Niterói during your trip to Rio de Janeiro:
- Camboinhas Beach
- Forte de Santa Cruz da Barbara
- Sossego Beach
- Bairro de Jurujuba (Colonia de Pescadores)
- Museum of Contemporary Art of Niterói
- Forte de São Luiz
- Church of São Francisco de Xavier
- Trilha da Pedra do Elefante
- Igreja da Boa Viagem
- Niterói City Park
Concluding…
Don’t limit yourself only to the most useful itineraries for tourists, leave your comfort zone and discover new places!
Brazil has various points of natural beauty and historical buildings, as well as always having entertainment in the cities, which must be visited. Niterói really deserves to receive more people to see those beautiful views. So, I’m sure you’ll have fun exploring this new place!
Are you planning your next trip?
