Corcovado (Hunchback)
The Corcovado (Hunchback) mountain, so named because of its distinctive shape, is home to probably the most memorable and identifying image of the city, that of the Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) statue. Inaugurated in 1931, the iconic statue stands on top of the 710m (2,330ft) mountain and is itself 30m (99ft). The site is best visited by the historic train, which winds its way up a steep track through the forest to a station just below the summit (journey time - 20 minutes). From here, 220 steep steps lead to the summit; alternatively take one of the lifts or escalators. Weather permitting, there are stunning views of the city, beaches and the whole bay area below. After dark, floodlights illuminate the statue, providing a dramatic and spectacular sight visible throughout the city.

Corcovado Railroad Station
Rua Cosme Velho 513, Cosme Velho
Tel: (21) 2558 1329.
Website: www.corcovado.com.br
Opening hours: Daily 0830-1900; first train up 0830, last train down 1830 (departures every 30 minutes).
Admission charge includes train and entrance.

Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf)
This conical mountain vies with the Corcovado for the visitor's vote of best overall panoramic view. Originally called Pau-nh-Açquá (high, pointed peak) by the Tupi Indians, it was renamed Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf) by the Portuguese, who thought the shape of the 394m (1,293ft) granite rock resembled moulds used to set sugar cane.

Climbers frequently ascend the rock but the less strenuous and most popular route to the top is by two cable cars - a system that has been in operation since 1912. The present Italian-style cars complete the journey in two stages. The first leg of the ascent takes visitors from Praia Vermelha to a height of 220m (720ft) above sea level, stopping at the summit of Morro da Urca. The second leg completes the journey to the Sugar Loaf over a distance of 750m (2,460ft). The final stop offers fine views of the beaches, the city, the mountains of Tijuca National Park and the islands of Guanabara Bay. Just before sunset is the most dramatic time to arrive. The area also has several, safe, wooded trails, where it is possible to escape the majority of the tourists who frequently arrive at the summit.

Pão de Açúcar cable car station
Avenida Pasteur 520, Praia Vermelha
Tel: (21) 2546 8400.
Website: www.bondinho.com.br
Opening hours: Daily 0810-2200 (the cable car leaves every 30 minutes or when full).
Admission charge.

Copacabana
A large suburb of Rio, Copacabana is best known for its amazing, wide, sandy beach that stretches for 4km (2.4 miles). The beach is hugely popular with both residents and tourists and usually lies beneath a mass of beautiful and fit bodies. Carioca girls, in minimalist bikinis, bask in the scorching sun alongside families with their youngsters, geriatrics and business people. The beach is always a hive of activity. Displaying the Brazilians' passion for sport, joggers and power walkers use the trademark wavy black and white mosaic path that fringes the beach, cyclists whizz by in the cycle lane and the soccer fields and volleyball courts are in constant use. Strong currents can prove dangerous for swimmers, although an excellent lifeguard system exists.

The fishing community of Copacabana only became part of Rio when tunnels were built for the Rio Tramway. In 1923, the Copacabana Palace Hotel was inaugurated and other hotels, nightclubs and casinos attracted the rich and famous during the 1930s and 40s. Nowadays, hotels and apartment blocks dominate the skyline along the busy avenues and crowded beach. It is advisable for visitors to take the very minimum of possessions and money, as the easily identifiable tourist is an obvious target for petty thieves.

Ipanema
This sophisticated neighbourhood is an enticing blend of beach, bars and boutiques and today, it's much more desirable than the rather faded Copacabana, which nevertheless offers cheaper accommodation, eating and shopping. The area became famous worldwide with the success of the song, The Girl from Ipanema. The song was written by composer Tom Jobim and lyricist and poet Vinicius de Moraes, who were inspired by a local beauty, who walked past the Velosa Bar each day when returning from school. The very bar where they sat, now known as Garota de Ipanema (Girl from Ipanema), is a popular meeting place for locals and a place of pilgrimage for visitors.

The focus of Ipanema is the beach, which is nestled between Aproador and Leblon beaches, beneath the imposing peak of Pedro Dois Irmãos. Like Copacabana, many people visit Ipanema to exercise or lie on the sand and the Aproador is a popular sunset-watching spot. But shopping is also a major pastime and the area boasts a variety of fashionable and expensive outlets. Ipanema is also home to a Sunday arts and crafts market known as the Hippie Fair and workshop museums for jewellery shops Amsterdam Sauer and H Stern (see Shopping).

Centro (Centre)
Centro provides a worthwhile break to beach life. One of the main attractions is the square, Praça 15 de Novembro, where the 18th-century Paço Imperial (Imperial Palace) and other grand buildings are located. Another interesting place is the Museu Histórico Nacional (National History Museum), which dates from 1762 and contains a fascinating collection of art, documents, weapons and other assorted artefacts elucidating Brazil's history. Many churches are scattered around the area too. One of the most impressive is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária (Church of Our Lady of the Candles), with its domed roof, marble interior, Portuguese wood carvings and fascinating stained-glass windows. The Mosteiro de São Bento (Monastery of St Benedict) is a 17th-century monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an opulent interior of gilded woodcarvings and historic paintings. Art lovers will appreciate the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts), where paintings by Brazil's most prominent 19th- and 20th-century artists are exhibited along with examples of African and folk art.

Paço Imperial (Imperial Palace)
Praça 15 de Novembro 48
Tel: (21) 2533 4491.
Website: www.pacoimperial.com.br
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1200-1800.
Free admission.

Museu Histórico Nacional (National History Museum)
Praça Marechal Âncora
Tel: (21) 2240 2092.
Website: www.museuhistoriconacional.com.br
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 1000-1730, Sat and Sun 1400-1800. Closed Mon.
Admission charge.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária (Church of our Lady of the Candles)
Praça Pio X
Tel: (21) 2233 2324.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat and Sun 0900-1300.
Free admission.

Mosteiro de São Bento (Monastery of St Benedict)
Rua Dom Gerardo 68
Tel: (21) 2291 7122.
Website: www.osb.org.br
Opening hours: Daily 0700-1200 and 1400-1800.
Free admission.

Museu Nacional de Belas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts)
Avenida Rio Branco 199
Tel: (21) 2240 0068.
Website: www.mnba.gov.br
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 1000-1800, Sat and Sun 1400-1800.
Admission charge; free Sun.

Complexo Esportivo do Maracanã (Maracanã Sporting Complex)
Maracanã is the epicentre of Brazilian football and a mecca for sports fans from around the world. The Estádio Maracanã became the world's biggest stadium, capable of holding around 200,000 people, when it was built to host the 1950 World Cup Final. Tours of the stadium include a visit to the changing rooms, access to the stands for a view of the pitch and the opportunity to stand in the bronzed footprints of Pelé.

Football is a national obsession and even local matches are oversubscribed. Matches take place here up to three times a week, with evening kick-offs. The atmosphere in the stadium during games is unique to Rio and an experience to remember. The almost Colosseum-like surroundings serve as a fitting venue for a multitude of fireworks, colourful flags, banners and the sounds of samba drums and whistles.

Rua Professor Eurico Rabelo, Maracanã
Tel: (21) 2568 9962.
Website: www.suderj.rj.gov.br
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700; match days 0800-1100.
Admission charge on non-match days.