NITERÓI IN 3 DAYS
1ST DAY: MAC AND SANTA CRUZ FORTRESS
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art of Niterói (MAC - Museu de Arte Contemporânea) and continue on your way along the beach, meeting the beaches of Icaraí, São Francisco and Charitas, where several gastronomic options are an invitation for lunch. Right ahead the road goes through a picturesque fishermen settlement before reaching Santa Cruz Fortress, an imposing military architectonic complex built to protect Guanabara Bay. To complete your promenade refer to the several cultural diary options.
2ND DAY: CITY PARK AND OCEAN BEACHES
An area of environmental preservation, which is situated on Viração Hill (Morro da Viração) at a 270 meter height. The reinaugurated City Park provides a touristic structure and two beautiful views of the ocean region - where you can observe Piratininga and Itaipu Lagoons as well as the ocean beaches. The other view you can have is a wonderful look at neighborhoods and beaches comprising the Guanabara Bay, the bay itself and a beautiful sight of Rio de Janeiro city. There are two hang gliding ramps there. Moving towards the ocean region you can find Piratininga and Camboinhas beaches, where it is possible to taste spices sitting on the beach sand. The next beach is Itaipu, with its calm waters, besides fish and sea food restaurants and the most beautiful sunset in the city. Further ahead is Itacoatiara, the paradise location for surfers and young people.
3RD DAY: HISTORIC PROPERTIES
Begin with São Lourenço dos Índios Church that keeps within it a precious Jesuitical retable, which is a religious symbol of the origin of Niterói. Going down towards the center, the Republic Square (Praça da República) is comprised of buildings of the beginning of the 20th century. You can't miss that. The completely repaired Municipal Theatre of Niterói is mentioned by historians as the landmark of the Brazilian theater, holding the best national presentations. In front of the theater, take the opportunity to check the gastronomic delights and excellent stores of the city at Plaza Shopping. Following your route to Ingá, visit the manor Solar do Jambeiro, a very beautiful Portuguese architecture building of the 19th century covered with tiles. End your day at Antônio Parreiras Museum, whose name refers to a landscape designer and painter of the beginning of the 20th century.
