This green neo-gothic 19th century palace, which sits on its own miniature island in the city, was the site of the last Imperial Ball. Nowadays it forms part of the Cultural Complex of the Brazilian Navy in Rio de Janeiro, and has a museum open to the public. Among its attractions there are permanent and temporary exhibitions that reveal the history of the island and the Navy.

Built in 1820, the Casa França Brasil is the country's first neo-classical building. Today a French cultural center, it hosts visual arts, photography, print and sculpture exhibitions that reflect the cultural relationship between France and Brazil. It's made all the more attractive to visit by its lack of cover charge and its excellent on-site restaurant.

One of the oldest buildings in Rio, the Paco Imperial (Imperial Palace) was built back in the 1700s as a residence for Brazil's viceroys. A cultural center nowadays, the palace hosts exhibitions and other special cultural events. It's also got a cafe for visitors' refreshment. The palace is a great attraction both for its exhibitions and its fantastic architecture.

This baroque style church was built back in 1726. Besides its great spiritual heritage, it has marvelous ornaments and decorations, such as the jacaranda wood carved altar or the roof panel depicting St Francis receiving the stigmata. With advance booking you can take a guided tour of the underground passages under the church which were in use up until 1850.

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 the 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 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.

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.

The Santa Teresa area is like a town of its own inside historic Rio. The district occupies a hill in the heart of the city and opens to a magnificent view over Rio. For decades it has preserved its old architecture from colonial Portugal and retains a bit of history on every corner. Its narrow, winding streets are home to old trams - the only ones still running in Brazil - that give an added peculiar attraction to the neighborhood.