Even when your agenda is full of congresses, conventions, fairs or exhibitions, there is always time for leisure, and Rio de Janeiro offers options for all tastes and ages. If your choice is movies, there are multiplex cinema complexes, and the movies you will see are the latest international releases, in the original language. The cinemas usually have snack bars or cafés attached, and many of them are situated in the large shopping malls, both in the South Zone and Barra. Then there is a theme park - Rio Water Planet (Estrada dos Bandeirantes, 24000 - Vargem Grande - Tel: 2428-9000) offers entertainment and excitement, including shooting the artificial rapids.

On weekends the main roads along the beaches, from downtown to the South Zone, are closed to traffic and the lanes are transformed into a leisure area that is paradise for walkers, roller-bladers, skate-boarders and bikers who take full advantage of the space, bringing out the kids and walking their dogs. The banks of the lagoon are also crowded with holiday-makers and their families, and the kiosks with their snacks, cold draft beer and coconut water are very popular. There are public courts for various sports, including tennis and even baseball.

Another way of passing your leisure hours is just to lay back and enjoy the view. Wherever you are staying, or whatever convention center that happens to be hosting your event, there will always be a look out point nearby from which you can appreciate the spectacular views of the city. These moments will stick in your memory, to be recalled when you are back in your own country, thinking of the beauty of Rio and the warmth of its inhabitants.