Rio de Janeiro is one of the gateways to Brazil and full of a thousand charms (as the song says). From the most famous beaches to corners full of history. Often left aside, the Center of Rio is a cradle of culture and art. Over the last few years, it has undergone several renovations and has become quite an attraction, with multiple programs. Here in this post, you will therefore discover 5 tours in the Center of Rio. Take the opportunity to also read about 10 unmissable spots in Lapa and get to know the digital guide about Brazil.
5 tours in the center of Rio
1. Praça Mauá
Recently, the Square underwent a revitalization process as part of the project Porto Maravilha, and it was charming! With ample space, it has a beautiful view of the Guanabara’s Bay! That’s where the Museum of Tomorrow, opened at the end of last year, with an imposing architectural project designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. He has attracted a lot of public to his exhibitions, such as the one at Santos Dumont.
Rio Art Museum
Right next door, still in the Mauá Squarewe have the SEA, the Rio Art Museum. The modern building built in 2013 was connected to an old structure, Palacete Dom João VI, joined by a suspended walkway that resembles a sea wave. The architectural project won the Architizer A+ Awards for best construction in 2013. Beautiful!
The latest attraction of center and the VLT, the light rail vehicle, which has 31 stops, such as at the Bus Station and Santos Dumont Airport. Our editor Renata Araujo rode the VLT and loved it! Another means of transport to further integrate our city.
are you going to travel abroad?
Buy your travel insurance here, tested and approved by us!
Know more
Where to eat in Praça Mauá and surroundings
To make the program complete, several restaurants are located on the outskirts of the hotel. Mauá Square. A Le Max Hamburgueria, right on the corner of Rio Branco, offers great burgers even for vegetarians. The environment is small but friendly, and a good option for those who love this new wave of burgers gourmet.
Nearby is the Spinninga restaurant from the Varejão family, which has a new concept of healthy cuisine, with quick but tasty dishes and using regional and seasonal ingredients.
Read here: Le Max, gourmet burger restaurant in the Center
2. CCBB – Banco do Brasil Cultural Center – tours in the center of Rio
Certainly one of cultural centers most important in the country, the CCBB was founded in 1989 in a neoclassical building built in 1906. There we can find art galleries, music, theater, cinema and, in addition, a library and video library.
There are diverse cultural attractions that attract the public during the weekend, in addition to the building, which in itself is a beautiful work of art. Therefore, it is always a good idea to take a look at the website to check the schedule.
And since we are talking about culture, the Casa França Brasil is another tip in the surrounding area for those who like art. The building, opened in 1820, was the scene of very important events in colonial times, so it is pure history.
Next to Casa França Brasil stay the Correios Cultural Center, another cultural space that hosts several exhibitions throughout the year. The exhibition “Memórias do Esporte” will be on until September 25th, which brings back rare records from old Olympics and everything about the relationship between sport and cinema. Nothing more propitious for Rio 2016.
On March 1st, the Candelaria Churchbeautiful and an icon of the historic center of Rio. Therefore, it is certainly worth extending the tour and going there to see it.
Gastronomy near CCBB and Casa França Brasil
The Livraria da Travessa is located within the CCBB, Verso Café e Restaurante is a lunch option for those visiting the center. The Brazilian bistro with contemporary touches is run by chefs Erik Nako and Cristiano Lanna from Prima Bruschetteria.
Read also: Winter surprises at Prima Bruschetteria
Around the Cultural centerwe found other good restaurants such as Cais do Oriente, located in a mansion from 1878, often used for events and with a varied menu, and Bistrô Ouvidor, a charming bistro on Rua do Ouvidor.
Read: Cais: a delicious restaurant in the center of Rio
3. Cinelândia
On a list of tours in the center of Rio, it is unmissable to visit Cinelândia, also revitalized. This is where the Municipal Theater is located, an architectural jewel that is more than a hundred years old and the stage for important awards, ballets, operas and various shows. The neighbor National Museum of Fine Artsfrom 1937, always offers interesting exhibitions.
A Cinelândia It is also home to one of the most traditional cinemas in the world. Rio de JaneiroCine Odéon, in Praça Floriano, where awards and big premieres take place.
Teatro Rival, another classic of the tours in the center of Rio, and more recently Rivalzinho, an annex on the street, which has attracted a lot of young people to the sound of renowned DJs and was even nominated as one of the best places in Rio to flirt , at the Comer e Beber awards, from Veja Rio.
Cinelândia – where to eat
Yellow – a classic Rio de Janeiroa bar-type with a good draft beer and typical dishes from a good dirty foot.
Laguiole – for those who have more time, the Laguiole restaurant is located inside the MAM (Museum of Modern Art) and is one of the best in Rioled by chef Elia Schrarmm, who creates a contemporary menu with French touches.
- The Amarelinho and Laguiole restaurants were closed in 2020.
4. Imperial Palace
The colonial building is one of the icons of the Rio’s historic center, and was built in the 18th century to be the residence of the rulers of the captaincies. Located in Praça XV, it is a Cultural center which brings together exhibitions on different subjects, such as painting, photography, sculpture, cinema and music. In addition, a variety of courses are offered, such as Art History.
5. Praça XV
The historic square also underwent revitalization and gained a new waterfront, Orla Conde, which runs from the Square XV to the Mauá Square. In the past, it was the main gateway for those arriving by sea into the city, and today it holds the details and beauty of our history.
Pass by there Teles Arch, certainly one of the best preserved passages, with old houses and huts. Bars, cafes and restaurants with tables on the sidewalk are a great option to enjoy the outdoors.
It is also worth mentioning the traditional antique fair in Square XV, which takes place every Saturday. There are several stalls selling a little bit of everything, from furniture to clothes.
Restaurants in Praça XV – tours in the center of Rio
The traditional Albamar, which is now called Âncoramar, is located in a building that is the only remaining tower of the old Mercado da Praça XV, demolished in 1962 and has a beautiful view of Guanabara Bay. In fact, the restaurant has even won a best view of Rioby Comer & Beber 2015. Operating since 1933, it specializes in fish and seafood.
By Renata Araujo and Duda Vétere
Photos: Renata Araujo and Disclosure
Read more:
Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro, in Barra da Tijuca
São Cristóvão Fair, in Rio de Janeiro
5 beaches for vacation in Brazil
5 bars in Leblon
