Coastal Rio enjoys one of the world’s most photogenic locations for a major metropolis. With its high rises and homes looking out on the tropical waters of Guanabara Bay, the skyline of the second-most-populous city in Brazil is a 360-degree experience.

And while Rio itself is a city filled with architectural marvels, such as the Santiago Calatrava-designed Museum of Tomorrow, it’s the simple drama of Christ the Redeemer crowning Corcovado Mountain that makes this one of the most beautiful skylines in the world.

The largest Art Deco sculpture on Earth—and a New Seven Wonder of the World—the statue rises from the tangle of the South American jungle, its protective stance encompassing the citizenry and the 130 islands basking in the bay. Best of all, you can see the famous South American landmark from pretty much anywhere in the city—including the beach.