You're heading to Brésil for a trip and planning to spend a few days in the city nicknamed 'the Marvelous City'. We completely understand! But rather than following the beaten path like everyone else, you're eager to discover its hidden treasures and places where tourists rarely venture. Perfect—we've got 8 extraordinary places for you to experience Rio de Janeiro off the beaten path… 

1. The Favela Pereira da Silva and the Morrinho Project

We start with a remarkable project born within Favela Pereira da Silva, a pacified favela located in the Laranjeiras neighborhood, south of Rio de Janeiro. This is the Morrinho Project, a collective community and cultural space that brings together creativity, tourism, education and activism.

The project's objective? To challenge popular perceptions of Brazilian favelas, to show that favelas are spaces of tremendous cultural and social richness, and to give voice to neighborhood residents. To experience the Morrinho Project, guided visits are organized with the project's founders.

2. The Real Gabinete Portugues da Leitura

Still little known to tourists, the Real Gabinete Portugues da Leitura (the 'Portuguese Royal Library' in English) is a library located on Luís de Camões Street in downtown Rio de Janeiro. 

Founded in 1837 by a group of Portuguese political refugees, it houses the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal. You'll find thousands of books, as well as artistic works and objects (paintings, sculptures, coins…).

Beyond its treasures, the Real Gabinete Portugues da Leitura is worth a visit for its remarkable neo-Manueline architecture. Recognized by the national heritage institute, it has even been named, several times, as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. 

3. Boulevard Olimpico

Located in the neighborhood of formerly abandoned docks that were revitalized for the 2016 Olympic Games, Boulevard Olimpico is a space dedicated to art and culture. If you love street art, this is a must-visit spot during your stay in Rio de Janeiro!

You'll discover, among other things, the largest mural in the world. Called 'Etnias' and created by artist Eduardo Kobra, the mural stands 15 meters high and stretches 170 meters long! The artwork pays tribute to the world's different peoples, including the Mursi of Ethiopia, the Karen of Thailand, the Sámi of Europe, the Huli of Papua New Guinea, and the Tarpajós of Brésil.

4. Lage Park

Parque Lage is a public park situated at the foot of Corcovado, in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood and just next to the Tijuca Forest. Less known than the famous Botanical Garden, it attracts fewer tourists. Yet it's renowned as one of the most beautiful parks in Rio de Janeiro. It's the perfect place to take a break from the urban hustle.

You'll find magnificent gardens designed according to European models, imperial palms, a fountain, a mortar aquarium, a lake, bridges, playgrounds… The park also contains a beautiful manor that was once the residence of a local industrialist. Listed as part of Rio de Janeiro's historical and cultural heritage, the building now houses the School of Visual Arts.

5. A Hike to Morro Dois Irmãos

Do you want to hike and gain elevation to admire the city without being overwhelmed by tourists? Rather than doing the Sugarloaf hike, we recommend hiking Morro Dois Irmãos (Twin Brothers Hill), which offers some of the most stunning views over Rio de Janeiro. 

It's not as frequented by visitors because it's located in the heart of a favela: Favela Vidigal. Yet it's a pacified favela where locals are happy to help tourists. Many of them wait there to offer moto-taxi services to take you to the trailhead.

The hike is relatively easy and accessible to everyone. Plan about an hour to reach the summit (approximately 2 hours round trip). Once you arrive, you'll enjoy an incredible view of the city, Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and Ipanema Beach. You might even spot a few monkeys along the way!

6. The Local Market at Feira de São Cristovão

Local markets are true reflections of daily life for residents, offering a chance to discover the city from another angle. Rather than doing what everyone does by going to the Feira Hippie in Ipanema (which has lost its authenticity and is mostly visited by tourists), we recommend Feira de São Cristovão instead.

Also called 'Feira dos Nordestinos', this market is organized by the community of Nordestinos, people originally from the Northeast region of Brésil. You'll find food stands as well as various handcrafted items (terracotta, musical instruments, weaving, hammocks…). A perfect opportunity to discover the specialties and traditions of the Northeast. 

Note that you can enjoy meals on-site while soaking in the atmosphere, with two stages where live Forró demonstrations take place…

7. The Beaches of Grumari

Looking for relaxation and golden sand? To avoid the crowds at the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, head to Grumari, a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro's west side. Though they're about an hour's drive away, time will fly: throughout the journey, you'll enjoy magnificent coastal scenery with ocean views…

You'll find pristine, fine-sand beaches that are still wild and rarely crowded. Here are their names: Praia do Perigoso, Praia do Meio, Praia Funda, Praia do Inferno, Praia do Grumari (the largest), and finally Prainha. Note that Prainha Beach is considered one of Rio de Janeiro's best surfing spots.

8. Taking a Boat Tour Around Gigoia Island

We conclude our exploration of off-the-beaten-path Rio de Janeiro with one of the city's hidden treasures: Gigoia Island. Located just 30 minutes from downtown and accessible only by boat, the island's calm and natural landscapes offer a striking contrast to Rio's frenetic pace.

There, you can take walks, enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, meet the island's residents, and take a boat tour around neighboring islands. You can visit a nature reserve and even spot crocodiles! As you can see, Gigoia Island is perfect for visitors who want to escape the world for a day or longer…