It is undeniable that Rio de Janeiro, as a whole, is a place of great culture and full of very special spaces. But, without a doubt, visiting the legacy that was left by Old Rio de Janeiro is a spectacle apart. There are several addresses, most of them in downtown, that allow us to go back in time and enjoy a little of what the city was in distant times, such as when it was an important part of the Portuguese empire, being the only European capital outside Europe.
So, take your notepad and don’t miss a detail from our list. It’s worth checking out the tips on how to revive Old Rio de Janeiro that Rede Rio Hotels has designed especially for you.
Main points of Old Rio de Janeiro
Confectionary Colombo
There’s no way we can talk about Old Rio de Janeiro without remembering the most traditional confectionery in the city. Confeitaria Colombo was founded in 1894 by Portuguese immigrants and entering it is a real journey in time. Its delicacies have already been tasted by very important historical people, such as Getúlio Vargas, Juscelino Kubitschek and Chiquinha Gonzaga. The coolest thing about the visit is to notice how the place remains so well maintained and with such a yummy menu, keeping its tradition throughout the centuries. How about staying at a hotel in Rio near this wonderful place? Our hotels in downtown Rio de Janeiro offer easy access to the Colombo Confectionery.
Address: Gonçalves Dias Street, 32, Downtown.
Lapa Aqueduct
One of the most well-known and visited tourist attractions in Rio, the Lapa Aqueduct prints many postcards, but few know about its contribution to the composition of the history of Old Rio de Janeiro. The famous Lapa Aqueduct were built in 1750 to bring water from the Rio da Carioca to the Largo da Carioca fountain and solve the problems of lack of water in the region. In 1896, the aqueduct began to serve as an overpass for the trains of Santa Teresa. It connects the hills of Santo Antônio and Santa Teresa and, although it has already undergone works of revitalization, still maintains its historical look. Better than just visiting it is to stay very close to it in one of the hotels in Rio de Janeiro. The Arosa, our hotel downtown Rio de Janeiro, is a 12 minute walk from the place and has great prices waiting for you.
Address: Lapa Aqueduct, Lapa.
Largo da Carioca
One of the great features of Old Rio de Janeiro is the Largo da Carioca, the heart of downtown Rio. There, there’s the convent of the Franciscan friars, well known by Cariocas. Did you know they’ve been there since 1592? The friars have gained ground and are still there today. The easy access to Largo da Carioca by subway is another attraction that makes the visit something indispensable. In addition, Caixa Cultural is also in the square and is another reason for the visit.
Address: Largo da Carioca, Downtown.
Cinelândia
The Cinelândia square was nicknamed like that because it’s the main stage of entertainment in Old Rio de Janeiro. There’s the Municipal Theater – inspired by the Paris Opera – and the Cinema Odeon, very traditional points of the city. The National Museum of Fine Arts is also nearby and can’t be missed. Without a doubt, Cinelandia is a culture bath.
Address: Praça Floriano, Downtown.
Quinta da Boa Vista
The rest house of the Royal Portuguese Family could not be left out of this list. The house, now home to the National Museum of Natural History, surrounded by beautiful gardens is a very pleasant space for a picnic among friends or a simple walk.
Adress: Pedro II Avenue, São Cristóvão.
Tiradentes Square
The square that bears the name of the main martyr of the Inconfidência Mineira, was also a space of constant cultural activity from the beginning of nineteenth century. To this day, Tiradentes Square is surrounded by important theaters of the city, Carlos Gomes and João Caetano, and in its center, we can contemplate a beautiful work that portrays Dom Pedro I celebrating the Brazilian independence. If, besides enjoying this memorable place of Old Rio de Janeiro, you want to stay very close to it, we offer the Arosa Rio hotel, our hotel lapa Rio de Janeiro, which is a short distance from there.
Address: Tiradentes Square, Downtown.
Imperial Palace
Built in the 18th century, the Imperial Palace was home to important decisions for Royal and Imperial Rio. Nowadays, the place is yet another important cultural center for the city and hosts very interesting exhibitions.
Address: Quinze de Novembro Square, 48, Downtown.
Cultural Centers
In addition to what we have already mentioned, Old Rio de Janeiro has also left many Cultural Centers important to the city. Historic buildings in very important locations house unique and beautiful exhibitions. In this article you can learn more about the most special Cultural Centers of Rio.
So, did you write down our tips on how to revive Old Rio de Janeiro? When you come to Rio, be sure to stay in one of our units. See our promotions and enjoy!