8 Photos Of Beautiful Street Art in Rio

These days, when you hear “Rio de Janeiro,” four things probably come to mind: the World Cup, the statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking the city, Carnival, and world-famous beaches. If you’re not a soccer fan, then perhaps you’re thinking of the 2016 summer Olympics. What may not come to mind immediately is the street art, which is some of the world’s finest owing to its content (Brazilian graffiti is politically and socially charged) and its aesthetic quality (in keeping with its surrounds, the art is dynamic and vibrant).

Visitors will be truly amazed by how ubiquitous the street art in Rio is – there’s something artsy on every corner. Sometimes building owners commission the art because they cannot afford more expensive external repairs, but mostly the art’s welcomed for its “coolness.” Also, despite being intended for topographic and security reasons, the city’s numerous high walls just beg to be painted on; in all their white-and-wide-open glory, they’re a grafiteiro’s dream come true. And since no section of Rio is free from artistic expression, you’ll get your fair share of the city’s street art even when touring the favelas. Or, if the favela neighbourhoods aren’t to your tastes, try a Brazilian cooking tour, or relax on a sailing excursion!