Lage Park (Parque Lage)

The basics

Along with Christ the Redeemer, Tijuca Rainforest, Santa Teresa, and Sugarloaf Mountain, Parque Lage is counted among Rio’s Big Five attractions. That said, the park is featured on many city tours and is often paired with Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens on tours that focus on the city’s green spaces. Instagrammers and social media fans can book a photo shoot at Parque Lage, which typically includes a digital photo album with images from a professional photographer.

Things to know before you go

• Parque Lage offers a less-crowded alternative to the Jardim Botanico, making it ideal for those wanting to escape the city bustle.
• Admission to the park is free.
• The park offers an onsite cafe serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch.

How to get there

The public park can be found in the Jardim Botânico district along the Rua Jardim Botânico, where a number of busses make a stop (101, 105, 109, 112, 309, 409, 420, 412, 416, 439, 538, 548, 581, 583, 750D, 751D, 775D, 1750D, 1775D, 2012, and 2750D). Get off at Rua Jardim Botânico próximo ao 354-394.

When to get there

Parque Lage is open daily from early morning until early evening. It rarely gets crowded, but it’s a good idea to visit on a clear day in the morning or late afternoon when the heat is less intense.

Parque Lage Mansion

Among the most impressive features of Parque Lage is its colonial-style mansion, which was later remodeled by Italian architect Mario Vodrelan. The building now houses a school of visual arts, which often hosts exhibitions of student artwork in its gallery space; check the Parque Lage website for details of upcoming exhibitions.