Known for its stunning beaches and unforgettable tourist attractions, such as Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro is one of the most popular cities in the world. However, with more than 450 years of history, The Marvelous City, once the capital of Brazil, is not restricted to these most visited places. It also has a historical and cultural place that is not as recognized as it should be: downtown Rio. It is an ideal place for those who want to stay at a hotel in downtown Rio and learn more about The Marvelous City’s history.

Staying at a hotel in downtown Rio is a great option for those who want to go beyond the city’s traditional tourist attractions. Cradle of great architectural works, museums and an attractive night scene, downtown Rio brings together parties, culture and lots of history.

If you are planning to visit Rio de Janeiro, Rede Rio will show you why staying at a hotel in downtown Rio may be the best choice for anyone visiting the city.

7 Advantages of staying at a hotel in downtown Rio

1- It is close to many historical and cultural attractions

Staying in downtown Rio offers the possibility of being close to many historical and cultural monuments of Rio de Janeiro. In this region are located architectural treasures, such as Monastery of São Bento, one of the largest colonial architecture buildings in Brazil. Churches, such as Candelaria Church and Presbyterian Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro, have remarkable characteristics, making downtown Rio a diverse and unique place. In addition to several architectural works in the neighborhood, the central region is filled with museums such as CCBB and Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR), an Art Museum which has works from famous artists and receive many great cultural exhibitions. We can not forget the great Municipal Theater, which has the beauty of those great international theaters and where you will also find the National Library. The National Library was founded when the Royal family came to Brazil in 1808 and is considered one of the 10 largest libraries in the world, according to UNESCO .

These are just some of the historical-cultural attractions in the city’s central region. Therefore, staying at a hotel in downtown Rio is the best option for those who want to learn a little more about the history of our country.

2- Will be easy get around Rio

Anyone staying in downtown Rio can easily and quickly get around to any other region of the city. You can access the subway by 5 stations: Central, Presidente Vargas, Uruguaiana, Carioca and Cinelândia. Through this mean of transportation, it is possible to reach the northern end of the city, in Zona Sul and in the Barra da Tijuca Region.

In addition to subway, it is possible get around city and the metropolitan area by train. Also, there are many buses, in the famous Central do Brasil, to go anywhere you want. If you want to stroll through the central region without spending or walking too much, there is the possibility of being transported by the Light Rail Vehicle (VLT in Portuguese) which, besides the easy access, offers a downtown view for all the way.

Staying at a hotel in downtown Rio will also help you to be closer to bus stations and airports, thus you avoid that typical big cities’ traffic when it is time to go back home.

3- Great gastronomic diversity

Downtown area offers a variety of restaurants, bars and street food that suit all tastes. Cuisine of diverse cultures at prices that fit all budgets and exotic food are found everywhere in the neighborhood. Those who choose to stay at a hotel in downtown Rio can visit the traditional Confeitaria Colombo, a bakery founded in 1894 that even today offers a wonderful view of its Art Nouveau architecture besides their famous sweets and croissants. In addition to the bakery shop, a variety of traditional restaurants, cozy bistros and laid-back bars are waiting for those who visit the city. Despite the high quality food, the easy access and the pleasant atmosphere, prices paid by those who stay in downtown Rio and want to eat in these places are usually much lower than at trendy restaurants in Zona Sul.

4- Easy access to business center

Downtown Rio is not only an option for those who want to have fun. Many businessmen also want to stay at a hotel in downtown Rio, mainly, because of easy access to the city’s business centers. In addition, hotels in this region, such as Hotel Arosa and Hotel Pompeu of Rede Rio, offer auditoriums, convention rooms, and special rooms for business events.

5- Variety of commercial establishments

For those who want to enjoy Rio de Janeiro by shopping, it is ideal to stay at a hotel in downtown Rio. In the neighborhood, there are a multitude of shops of the most diverse segments with prices that fit all budgets. Saara, considered the largest open-air trade in Latin America, has about 600 clothing stores, footwear, toys, party supplies and other utilities. With easy access to all parts of the city, shopping is also possible in major malls, such as Nova América, which takes only 20 minutes by subway from the station Central. There is also Shopping da Informática, in Av. Rio Branco, which has countless galleries of stores and services related to computers and other technological devices. Those who choose to stay at a hotel in downtown Rio can buy everything they need without having to go too far and mainly without spending much.

6- Many leisure areas

Who thinks that by staying at a hotel in downtown Rio will be far away from areas of entertainment is very mistaken. The central region is also filled with leisure areas, which are not restricted to cultural activities. It is possible, for example, to spend the night in Lapa, one of the most bohemian neighborhoods in the city. You can also stroll through the new Port Zone, which was completely restructured by Porto Maravilha project, giving way to a beautiful boulevard, ideal for family outings and for those looking for a nice place to observe The Marvelous City. In the central region you can also visit Santa Teresa, one of the most charming neighborhood in the city, where is the famous staircase of Selarón and the unforgettable ride by cable car. Staying in downtown Rio is the best way to get to know and enjoy Rio de Janeiro as a local, and have fun as an authentic carioca.

7- Safe and excellent hotels

Even if you don’t think so, it is possible to travel to Rio and pay an affordable price at a safe, comfortable and quality service hotel. Proof of this are Rede Rio’s hotels in downtown area. Hotel Arosa, for example, is in the heart of downtown Rio, with easy access to restaurants and shopping centers. Hotel Gamboa is very close to Presidente Vargas Subway Station and to Píer Mauá, a revitalized area of the Port Area.

If you are coming to Rio and, after knowing all these advantages, want to stay at a hotel in downtown Rio, contact Rede Rio! We have great hotels and a well-trained team that offers good service with affordable prices. Get to know our hotels and make your reservation!

Advantages of staying at a hotel in downtown Rio