With its beautiful natural landscapes, Rio de Janeiro is a great city for those who like to enjoy the outdoors. This is because there are so many green spaces scattered around different neighborhoods, whether you want to have a picnic, take the kids to play or even enjoy the scenery in your own company. So, check out 10 parks in Rio de Janeiro that need to be on your list!
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Glória Maria Park (Ruins Park)
Parque Glória Maria (Ruins Park), located in Santa Teresa, has one of the most beautiful views in Rio. It also has a bit of everything: wooded areas, a cultural center, an art gallery and more!
Don’t forget to also visit the ruins of the Murtinho Nobre mansion, which was the residence of socialite Laurinda Santos Lobo during the 1920s. The name change is in honor of journalist Glória Maria, who passed away in 2023.
📌Rua Murtinho Nobre, 169 – Santa Teresa
Flamengo Embankment
Despite its name, Aterro do Flamengo goes beyond the neighborhood and stretches from Centro to the beginning of Botafogo. It has gardens designed by landscape architect Burle Marx and is perfect for practicing outdoor sports or just relaxing while watching the Sugarloaf Mountain.
What’s more, on weekends, the lanes are closed to cars and you can explore every corner of the park on foot. It ‘ s well worth the walk!
📌Avenida Infante Dom Henrique – Flamengo
Public Promenade
In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the City Center, take a breather in Rio’s oldest park. Built in colonial times by Mestre Valentim, Passeio Público is adorned with a variety of plants, lakes and fountains.
As you walk around, don’t miss the busts of historical personalities such as Chiquinha Gonzaga, Olavo Bilac and Castro Alves. It’s beautiful!
📌Rua do Passeio, 290 – Centro
City Park
Also known as Parque da Gávea, the space used to be a private property that housed the summer home of the Marquis of São Vicente. However, when it became public, cariocas and visitors had the chance to enjoy this beautiful, green space.
The park is also home to the City Museum, with more than 20,000 pieces of art.
📌Estrada Santa Marinha, 57 – Gávea
Guinle Park
In the past, Guinle Park was a farm, which was acquired to be the residence of Dr. Eduardo Guinle.
However, over the years, this charming corner of Laranjeiras has become a public space, with an imposing gate at the entrance that gives access to an area consisting of a small lake, boulevards, lawns, trees and tropical plants. In addition, the group of apartment buildings to the right of the park were designed by Lúcio Costa.
📌Rua Gago Coutinho, 66 – Laranjeiras
Quinta da Boa Vista
Quinta da Boa Vista is one of the most visited parks in Rio de Janeiro. But if you haven’t been there yet, here’s the tip! The area is famous for being the residence of the royal family until the Proclamation of the Republic and you can still see the palace, among other historical sites.
What’s more, for those with children, a trip there is a great idea, as there are plenty of options to entertain the little ones – and the big ones too!
📌Avenida Pedro II, s/n – São Cristóvão
Madureira Park
Since it opened in 2012, Madureira Park has become a great option for residents and visitors to the North Zone. The park is very complete and stretches across different neighborhoods, such as Guadalupe and Rocha Miranda.
So you can relax, picnic, take beautiful photos and play sports. As Madureira is a neighborhood traditionally known for its samba, the rhythm pumps there, with live shows and cold beers.
📌Rua Soares Caldeira, 115 – Madureira
Catacumba Municipal Park
For those who like trails, viewpoints and outdoor activities, Catacumba Park is the place to go.
Overlooking the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the park has numerous options for adventure, such as climbing, zip-lining and tree climbing. But if the idea is a light stroll, to walk and enjoy nature, the place is also a must-see.
📌Avenida Epitácio Pessoa, 3000 – Lagoa
Tijuca National Park
Another unmissable tip for those who love nature and the outdoors is to visit the Tijuca National Park.
This is because the place has many attractions, such as waterfalls and view points, and is the gateway to many of Rio de Janeiro’s tourist attractions, such as Corcovado, Vista Chinesa and the Tijuca Forest. You can spend all day there!
📌Estrada da Cascatinha, 850 – Alto da Boa Vista
Susana Naspolini Realengo Park
Among the recently opened parks in Rio de Janeiro, Realengo Susana Naspolini Park is also an excellent option!
With metal towers inspired by the Gardens by the Bay project in Singapore, the park is an urban refuge and has an extensive green space, as well as an amphitheater, skate park, sports courts, water playground, climbing wall and more!
📌Rua Professor Carlos Wenceslau, 388 – Realengo