Rio de Janeiro as seen by Clara Mazini

This is my favourite beach in Rio, but it has never been more special to me than the day I took this picture. I remember seeing big waves form a lagoon in the middle of the sand: it was completely surreal, almost like a mirage. Just when I thought this place couldn’t get any more beautiful… 

At the end of Copacabana beach you'll find this traditional fishing colony. It's a real hidden gem, and the perfect place to buy fresh fish in the city.

Rio has many museums, but one of my favourites is the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow). Not only is it a place to admire beautiful art, it encourages people to think about sustainability and what kind of world we want for the future. It's a place that reflects some of my own concerns.

Farmers and artisans come from all over the state to sell their produce at the street markets across the city. The sights, sounds and smells of the weekly markets are one of the highlights of Rio life.  

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas is a stunning lagoon in the city centre. I love going there to relax and observe the view while watching the city dwellers enjoy a game of football or a picnic. Relaxing in this stunning environment is one of the reasons why Rio is so close to my heart.

Formerly a chocolate factory, Bhering has since been transformed into a creative space which also includes studios, design shops and restaurants. Featuring countless pieces of exciting art, this unique place is a hub for Rio's creative community.