The recent decision by the International Olympic Committee to award the 2016 Summer Games to a city in South America for the first time has drawn unprecedented attention to Rio de Janeiro. As a bookend to our top ten list of must-see attractions in Chicago then, we present a similar treatment for the most provocative city in Brazil.

One visit to Rio de Janeiro and you know. The nickname A Cidade Maravilhosa is more than apropos.

10. Copacabana Beach

Geography, as much as culture, plays a vital role in the indelible allure of Rio de Janeiro. Whether on New Year’s Eve, when millions gather to celebrate and samba, or for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Copacabana Beach proves that without a coastline, there is no Rio.

9. Rio de Janeiro Cathedral

The Catedral de Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, or simply Rio de Janeiro Cathedral, is one of the most unusual religious landmarks in the world. Four massive rectilinear stained glass windows grace the cathedral walls, with room for up to 20,000 worshipers.

8. Museu Nacional de Belas Artes

Rio de Janeiro’s Museu Nacional de Belas Artes is a spectacular fine arts museum. One of the best in South America, let alone Brazil, the museum has been a prominent cultural institution since the early 19th century.

7. National Historical Museum of Brazil

Within a colonial fort that dates back to the late 16th century, the National Historical Museum of Brazil is as impressive on the outside as it is on the inside. The museum is a dream for numismatics, with scores of rare coins on display and more than 300,000 items in total.

6. Teatro Municipal

In a classic example of colonial architecture, the Teatro Municipal is a remarkable landmark in Rio de Janeiro. From a perch over Cinelandia Square, the 1,700-seat theater is quite majestic and features names of prominent Brazilian performers on the outside walls.

5. Candelária Church

Built over a period of more than a century, the Candelária Church is a major monument in Rio de Janeiro. With a legendary history, the church features Baroque, Neoclassical and Neo-Renaissance elements.

4. Estádio do Maracanã

Soccer and Brazil go hand in hand. Home to the best national team and some of the most legendary players the game has ever seen, it behooves any visitor to the country to experience futebol, Brazil-style. In Rio de Janeiro, that means a visit to Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho, more commonly known as Maracanã. A derby match between Flamengo and Fluminense is as indelible a Rio experience as Carnaval.

3. Ipanema

The most famous beach in the world may never be as perfect or idyllic in reality as in the famous song by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Still, as you lay on the sand, take in the exquisite view and hum “The Girl from Ipanema”, you know you can only be in one place. So grab a cachaça, play some footvolley and of course, enjoy the curvy attractions.

2. Jardim Botânico

The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, or Jardim Botânico, is one of the most famous in the world. The garden dates back to 1808 and was originally not for the public but rather, for use by John VI of Portugal and the colonial rulers. Today, the park is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and contains well over 6,000 types of trees and plants and a wide variety of tropical birds.

1. Christ the Redeemer

One of the most prominent and iconic landmarks in the world, Christ the Redeemer towers over Rio de Janeiro. At over 130 feet tall, the soapstone and concrete monument is a marvel and sits at the peak of Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park.

Check out the best hotel rates in Rio de Janeiro.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10