Cariocas joke that the best thing about Niterói is the view—on a clear day you can see Rio de Janeiro with the Corcovado and Sugarloaf across the bay. The town itself is quiet and considerably sleepier than the buzzing capital across the water.
Catch a ferry from Rio's Praça 15 de Novembro and cross the bay in 20 minutes. From the Praça Araribóia or at the Terminal Hidroviário de Charitas, walk along the esplanade to the Forte de Gragoatá and then walk to Museu de Arte Contemporânea, whose Oscar Niemeyer–designed building and views of Rio are more impressive than the art exhibitions, which rarely thrill. Icaraí beach attracts local beach lovers, and offers spectacular panoramic views of Rio. If you have time, enjoy a beer on the beach and watch the sunset over Sugarloaf and the Corcovado. Don't plan to spend more than one afternoon in Niterói. Instead head up the Costa do Sol to Búzios or Cabo Frio. The tourist office is located next to the ferry terminal.
