Located in the Baía de Guanabara, the small Ilha de Paquetá has been a favorite Carioca getaway since Dom João VI began coming here in the early 19th-century. He was responsible for building the Capela de São Roque, around which the lively five-day Festival de São Roque takes place in August.

On most weekends and holidays, the island is routinely packed with families from the Zona Norte who crowd the (polluted) beaches and seaside bars. During the week though, the island makes for a relaxing day trip. Tranquility reigns and the slightly dilapidated colonial buildings retain their allure—albeit slightly faded.

The trip in itself is worthwhile for the splendid views of Rio and the bay.