other great picnic spots around rio de janeiro include some of the quieter beaches of the zona sul - such as praia da urca, with a gorgeous view of the city and the christ, or praia vermelha, with a spectacular close-up view of the sugar-loaf. crowded on week-ends, these beaches are typically quieter around sunset and on week-days.   

overall, all these areas are great opportunities to enjoy the city under a different angle - calmer and quieter than one might expect.