Come find the true Rio at Arcos da Lapa. Built in 1750, it first served as a means to carry water from a nearby river. Its 42 arcs are stretched to serve Rio's oldest tram line, which connects the Santa Theresa area with downtown. The ancient Roman style is wonderfully complemented by new architecture, with many restaurants, bars, and dance clubs in the area. Lapa is truly worth the visit whether you are looking for historic sights or just want to experience Rio's nightlife.

One of the most beautiful buildings in Rio, the Theatro Municipal is the country's main music hall and one of the most important such venues in all of South America. Opened on Bastille Day 1909, its design was inspired by the Paris Opera House. Its architectural style is mostly classic, although the profound decorations remind us of baroque. There is much to admire with the exterior and interior of the building, to say nothing of the exquisite opera, ballet and classical music performances.

The Palace of Pedro Ernesto was built in 1920. Today this grand building serves as Rio's City Hall. The building is located on Cinelândia square. The Palace of Pedro Ernesto is one of the main tourist attractions in the area. Make sure that you will visit this place.

The National Library holds the documentary heritage of Brazil and is considered to be the largest library in South America. Constructed in 1910, the building is truly a masterpiece of the eclectic style, with an architecture that blends modern and neoclassical trends. Visit the National Library and enjoy the guided tours on history, architecture and the works housed by the library.

The Parque do Flamengo is a leisure complex built along the Bay of Guanabara, which is known as Flamengo beach. The complex includes the Museum of Modern Art, the Monument to the Brazilian armed forces, sporting facilities and a restaurant. With flowering bushes and a profusion of trees, the popular Parque do Flamengo is one of the most beautiful recreation areas in the city.

The Museum of the Estate of Heaven (Museu da Chácara do Céu) brings together a number of paintings, drawings and prints by famous international artists such as Matisse, Modigliani and Degas. It also houses a great collection of Brazilian art, including maps and paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries as well as plenty of great works from the modern era.

Located in the Catete neighborhood, this palace is another of Rio's fine examples of neoclassical architecture. It was the seat of power in Brazil from 1897 until 1960, when Brasilia became the country's capital. Today it hosts a museum as well as extensive gardens that are open to the public.

This building is a prime example of the country’s neoclassical architecture. Built in the middle of the 19th century, it belonged to one of Brazil's wealthiest coffee barons. The building is part of a landscaped park with water decoration elements that make it a very quiet place to come and relax. Today the charming palace hosts a museum of recent history. Visits to the Palace and the Museum are free on Sundays and Wednesdays.