Who thinks that Rio de Janeiro is reduced to the beach, Corcovado and Pão de Açúcar is deceived. Downtown Rio has true gems in its interior, a gigantic potential and mesmerizing tourist attractions. Downtown Rio is considered the cradle of roguery, and yet it houses historic buildings and modern skyscrapers.
Downtown Rio is a place for those who have interest in reviving a little of Brazil Colony and Empire, amid the immensity of the modernity of commercial buildings. The truth is that visiting Rio de Janeiro means having an inexhaustible source of things to do, as downtown Rio is formed by a lot of history, samba, religiosity and, moreover, beautiful scenery.
Check out these unforgettable places to visit in downtown Rio.
Unmissable tours in downtown Rio
Lapa
Lapa is the liveliest stronghold of Rio’ bohemia. Its bars, nightclubs and samba houses are known internationally. The Arches of Lapa are considered the greatest architectural work ever made in Brazil in the Colonial period and, at their feet, all kinds of cultural events take place. Above the Arches of Lapa, pass the tram tracks of Santa Tereza.
More than a musical district, Lapa has become a cultural hub, and the diverse entertainment options found there satisfy every kind of taste. Rain or sun, the Lapa will be waiting for you with open arms, ready to give you great moments. We leave here the addresses of some places to visit.
- Circo Voador
Arcos Street, s/n – Lapa – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: +55 (21) 2533 0354
- Fundição Progresso
Street dos Arcos, 24, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: +55 (21) 3212-0800
- Rio Scenarium
Lavradio Street, 20 – Lapa – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: +55 (21) 3147 9005
- Tá na Rua
Mem de Sá Avenue, 35 – Lapa – Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Phone: (21) 2220 0678
Ruins Park
The Ruins Park is located in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, and offers visitors a privileged view of downtown Rio, Santos Dumont Airport and the Urca neighborhood. It’s considered one of the most beautiful and romantic places of Rio de Janeiro and, according to its plaque, “one of the most effervescent salons of the Carioca Belle Époque”.
As incredible as it may seem, there are few people who go to the Ruins Park, so you’ll find tranquility to enjoy the place and its landscapes.
If you want to know more about the Santa Teresa neighborhood, how about staying at one of the hotels in lapa Rio de Janeiro? Our Arosa is an hotel in lapa Rio excellence in comfort and care!
Address: Murtinho Nobre Street, 169 – Santa Teresa – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: +55 (21) 2252-1039
Operating hours: everyday, from 10am to 5pm
Entrance fee: free
Confectionary Colombo
Confectionary Colombo is a classic place in downtown Rio and is considered the 7th most beautiful coffee in the world. The confectionery was inaugurated in 1824 and is also an important symbol of Belle Epoque in Rio de Janeiro. It has great European influence in its interior and is part of the Historical and Artistic Patrimony of Rio de Janeiro.
Sit in one of its tables, order a coffee and enjoy one of the wonders set in the sweet and savory shop window. You can also visit the Memory Space, with ancient objects from the history of Colombo.
Address: Gonçalves Dias Street, 32 – Downtown – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: +55 (21) 2505 1500
Operating hours: from monday to friday, from 9am to 7pm
Saturdays and holidays: 9am to 5pm
Royal Portuguese Reading Office
The Royal Portuguese Reading Office is considered the place with the largest collection of Lusitanian authors outside Portugal. There are more than 350,000 books scattered around its luxurious shelves, and definitely the architecture of the place is beautiful.
The Royal Office was founded in 1837 by a group of Portuguese living in Brazil and interested in promoting culture among the Lusitanians. In 1880 it was already considered the most important library in Brazil with its 50 thousand copies and, after that, the collection did not stop growing. In 1900 it became a public library and remains so today.
Adress: Luís de Camões Street, 30 – Downtown – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: +55 (21) 2221-3138 / +55 (21) 2221-2960
Operating hours: from monday to friday, from 9am to 6pm
Banco do Brasil Cultural Center(CCBB)
The CCBB Rio de Janeiro was inaugurated in October of 1989, and quickly became one of the most important cultural centers of the country. It houses spaces such as cinemas, galleries and theaters, as well as a library, located on the fifth floor of the building. On its website you can find information about the month’s schedule.
Address: Primeiro de Março Street, 66 – Downtown – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Phone: +55 (21) 3808-2020
Operating hours: from wednesday to monday, from 9am to 9pm
www.culturabancodobrasil.com.br/portal/rio-de-janeiro
Porto Maravilha
Porto Maravilha is a project of the City Hall of Rio de Janeiro to revitalize the port area of the city. The area has cultural projects such as: MAR (Museum of Art of Rio) and the Museum of Tomorrow. In addition, it’s the setting for concerts and cultural programming. You can follow the cultural calendar of Porto Maravilha through the website: www.portomaravilha.com.br/calendario.
Accommodation
If you want to enjoy these wonderful tours and are looking for a place to stay, look for hotels in downtown rio de janeiro or hotel lapa rio de janeiro. Gamboa Rio Hotel, for example, is a downtown rio de janeiro hotel located in the area of Porto Maravilha and is close to subway stations and bus stops, facilitating your tour through the downtown Rio. Contact Rede Rio to clarify any doubts and make your reservation.