Situated on the banks of the Rio Negro, Manaus is a cosmopolitan city, and due to its location next to the Amazon rain forest, it attracts many Brazilian and foreign tourists, who enjoy a variety of boat and land tours into the surrounding jungle and rivers. For more local sightseeing, tour boats depart Manaus to cruise the Meeting of the Waters, where the black waters of the Negro River meet the brown waters of the Solimoes River. Visitors can also swim and canoe in placid lakes or simply walk in the lush forest where much wildlife can be seen. One of Manaus’ most popular attractions is the Ponta Negra neighbourhood that has a beachfront and popular nightlife area. When the river is low at Ponta Negra beach, the sands are exposed, forming a beautiful contrast with the dark waters of the river itself. A prominent landmark of Manaus is the Teatro Amazonas opera house built in 1896. It contains crystal chandeliers, wrought-iron banisters, and Italian frescoes, as well as a museum.