Located on Guanabara Bay's eastern shore, this Brazilian city connects to Rio via the Rio-Niterói bridge. Art and culture thrive through street sculptures and the yearly Banda de Ipanema carnival.
Niterói lies across Guanabara Bay from Rio de Janeiro, where you'll spot the UFO-shaped Contemporary Art Museum perched on a cliff edge. Walk along its 11 kilometers of Atlantic coastline to find surfers catching waves at Itacoatiara Beach, families relaxing at Camboinhas, and fishermen selling their morning catch at São Pedro Market. From the 16th-century Santa Cruz fortress to the red-paved walkways of Niemeyer's modernist buildings, you can explore the city while keeping Rio's skyline in view across the water.
Getting to Niterói from Rio
You can reach Niterói by ferry from Praça XV in Rio, with boats departing every 20 minutes during weekdays. The ferry journey takes about 20 minutes and gives you views of Guanabara Bay. Alternatively, take a bus or taxi across the President Costa e Silva Bridge, which spans 13 kilometers over the bay.
The Contemporary Art Museum and Niemeyer's Architecture
The Contemporary Art Museum (MAC) rises from a cliff edge, its circular form creating a striking silhouette against the sky. The building belongs to Caminho Niemeyer, an 11-kilometer collection of modernist buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Walk through rotating exhibitions of Brazilian and international contemporary art, then head to the viewing gallery for panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and Rio's skyline.
Beaches and Surfing
At Itacoatiara Beach, watch surfers navigate powerful waves between granite cliffs. The white sand and clear water make this an ideal spot for both swimming and surfing. Camboinhas Beach has gentler waters and fewer visitors. For a quieter afternoon, take the marked trail down to Sossego Beach, where you'll find a small cove with calm waters.
Historical Fortifications
At Fortaleza de Santa Cruz, walk through tunnels and barracks dating back to the 16th century. The fortress walls contain cannons pointing toward Guanabara Bay, and you can see Sugarloaf Mountain across the water. Join a guided tour to learn about the fortress's role in colonial naval battles and see the restored soldiers' quarters.
Parks and City Views
Walk the trails at Parque da Cidade for views of both Niterói's coastline and Rio de Janeiro across the bay. Watch paragliders take off from the hilltop launch points. In the Icaraí neighborhood, Campo de São Bento comes alive on weekends with market stalls selling local crafts and food.
São Pedro Fish Market
At São Pedro Fish Market, the largest in Rio de Janeiro state, walk between stalls where fishermen display their morning catch on beds of ice. You'll find everything from small sardines to large tuna. The market maintains high cleanliness standards, with vendors regularly refreshing their ice displays throughout the day.
