The Praca do Republica is a square that divides Old Rio from the New City. A swamp during colonial times, today Praca do Republica is a beautiful garden with trees that makes it a good place for a nice walk.

One of the most breathtaking sights in Downtown Rio is the Mosteiro de São Bento, or Church of the Benedictine Monastery. The monastery was built in the early 1600s shortly after the foundation of the city itself. The outside may seem pleasantly simple but the silver and gold carved baroque interior is just astonishing. Furthermore, this place of peace and silence offers the visitor both an interesting slice of history and a good example of colonial architecture.

The Candelaria Church is a major architectural and artistic work of 19th Century Brazil. Built by the best names of its era, the building integrates neoclassical architecture with spectacular interior decoration. The effect is redoubled by the beautiful facade, a masterpiece of its time. The facade shows great harmony in the contrast between white paint and dark granite, as well as with its varied window profiles, two towers and classical gable.

This center boasts beautiful architecture with its original lines dating from the beginning of the 20th Century. It hosts the main cultural exhibitions that take place in the city. It also offers local art and photography exhibitions, theater performances, dance and music events and plenty more.

One of the oldest buildings in Rio, the Paco Imerial (or Imperial Palace) was built back in the 1700s as a residence for Brazil's viceroys. A cultural centre today, the palace hosts exhibitions and various special cultural events. There is also a visitors' cafe. Apart from the great cultural events, the palace itself is worth seeing as one of Rio's architectural treasures.

Praça Quinze de Novembro - or simply the Quinze Square - is a public plaza located in the center of the city, close to the historic Praça Marechal Anchor between Assembly Street and the Alley Barbers. Up until the beginning of the 20th Century, Praça Quinze was the main point of entry and landing in Rio de Janeiro.

The National Historical Museum, established in 1922, is truly a must see museum with some 300,000 items on display. This includes the largest collection of old coins and notes in all of Latin America. The complex that houses the museum is from Fort Santiago in Ponta Dungeon, which was one of the strategic points for defending the city of Rio de Janeiro.

This trapeze-shaped square is marked by a monument erected in honor of Marshal Floriano. The region around Cinelandia Square (also known as Praça Floriano) resembles a Parisian district with its range of impressive buildings in the Eclectic, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.

The Catedral Metropolitana is one of the most visited sights in Rio. Inaugurated in 1976, this massive cone-shaped structure resembles a futuristic Mayan pyramid. Inside you will be amazed by the vast interior space, designed as a virtual cavern with no support columns and boasting a granite altar. You can also visit a sacred arts museum located underground. Complete with four huge stained glass windows, the cathedral is truly an architectural wonder right in the center of the city.

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.

This monument to the dead of World War II is popularly known as the Monument to the Brazilian armed forces. It honors and keeps the memory of the Brazilian soldiers who died in battle and were buried in the Cemetery of Pistoia in Italy during the conflict.

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.