The Top 10 Things To Do In Barra Da Tijuca Rio De Janeiro

While tourists tend to stick to the south zone of Rio de Janeiro (Copacabana, Ipanema, and Urca), Barra da Tijuca (often shortened to Barra) is a neighborhood in the west zone of Rio that stands out for its incredible assortment of things to do, stunning beaches and contemporary style. We round up 10 of the best things to try in Barra for an unforgettable visit.

See A Show At The HSBC Arena

As one of the venues for the Paralympic 2016 Olympics, the arena also hosts a variety of sports and music shows throughout the year. It was the venue for the Pan American Games in 2007, a regular spot for the UFC, and has supported top music acts such as Queen, Miley Cyrus, and Iron Maiden. Events are regularly published on the website.
HSB Arena, Parque Olímpico da Barra, Av. Embaixador Abelardo Bueno, 3401, Barra da Tijuca, RJ, Brazil

Lounge On The Beach

There is no going to Barra without heading to the beach. Wider, longer and whiter than its more famous counterparts in the south zone, these beaches are the perfect way to spend a lazy day sunbathing before taking a dip in the cooler waters. Barra’s beaches tend to be much less crowded than Copacabana, allowing beachgoers to relax in peace while cooling down with a cold drink in any of the kiosks dotted alongside the sandy shores.

Shop At Barra’s Malls

Barra has plenty of opportunities for shopping, both high end and lower end. Village Mall is a luxury mall with shops such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Hugo Boss. New York City Center Mall is unmistakable with its giant Statue of Liberty outside and has more affordable shops and restaurants, along with Barra Shopping and Open Mall.

Barra’a Mall, Barra da Tijuca, RJ, Brazil

Take On The Waves With Kitesurfing

With its long beaches, consistently good weather and regular windy days, Barra is the hot spot in Rio for kitesurfing. At the beginning of Barra, next to the shoreline, there are a few schools dotted on the beach where you can hire equipment for the advanced kitesurfers or try a few lessons for beginners. It is a tricky sport and requires good physical strength, but kitesurfers swear by its addictive nature. For the less active, pull up a towel, grab a chilled coconut, and watch the experts whip up and down Barra’s coast.

Watch A Movie At De Lux Cinema

With reclining sofas, a bar inside the cinema room, and personal sofa service, this place takes watching movies to another level. De Lux Cinema makes queuing up for popcorn a thing of the past as attentive waiters bring it to you. Even the popcorn is in a whole new world with flavors such as popcorn with rosemary oil. It’s the perfect way to watch a movie while enjoying being pampered.
De Lux Cinema, New York City Center (UCI, Salas 8/9), RJ, Brazil, +55 21 2461 1818