Travel to Brazil

Museu da Chácara do Ceu

Chácara do Ceu  houses exhibits and antiques that once belonged to this fine arts enthusiast and patron. Amongst the most important pieces are works by Picasso, Debret, Dali, Braque, Degas, Matisse and Monet, as well as the Brazilian Portinari, Djanira and Heitor dos Prazeres. The furniture is all original, and the 17th and 18th century maps add to the classic atmosphere of the house. The shaded and peaceful garden, offers a beautiful view of the city to the visitors and the best part is that you can see all this for free!.

Pedra da Gávea

Adventure  lovers will definetly enjoy climbing this 2,800 feet mountain from which one has an awesome panoramic view of the city and the beaches below. The mountain was named because of its shape, resembling a gávea (the upper part of a ship). Visitors can either walk on the trails or choose a guided tour. There are some inscriptions on the rocks and a lot of controversy over whether or not they are from earlier civilizations.

Planetário da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro

The planetarium was inagurated in 1970, this is an excellent place to know everything about constellations of the Southern Hemisphere, or simply to gaze at enchanting, twinkling stars. Enjoy one of the guided tours that are available for all the visitors. Led in Portuguese, they are geared to children, teenagers or adults. Some weekdays, one of the astronomers will allow you to look into his telescope. The complex offers courses, workshops and expositions, as well as a theater. One of a kind in Rio de Janeiro

Convento de Santa Teresa

In the 18 century two sisters began to build the convent, where the chapel of Desterro formerly existed. The nuns belonged to the order of Saint Clara, but in 1777 adopted the severe rules of the Teresianas and so they began a life of seclusion; only their superior is allowed to communicate through an ingenious device on the wall of the vestibule. One cannot visit the closure, but in the vestibule there is a fine work in Portuguese tiles, depicting Bible scenes.

Museu Histórico da Cidade

You can go to the Museu Histórico da Cidade to learn all about the building of this mammoth metropolis. The exhibit includes paintings, medals, weapons, photos, as well as information relating to city history and planning, displayed within a two-floor 19th century house that was once owned by the Marquês de São Vicente. After visiting the museum, you can enjoy the 116 acres park and simply relax.

Leblon

This beach is situated right next to Ipanema at the far west end of the same stretch of sand. Some of Rio's most fashion clubs, restaurants and boutiques lives on its streets, which can get amazingly crowded during the summer. More exclusive than Copacabana, this is the place that you want to be seen. Remember to stop by the near hippy fair on the weekends in Ipanema.

Centro Cultural do Banco do Brasil

An imposing domed building that dates back to the late 19th century in the middle of the downtown district, this is Brazil's best cultural centre of its kind. It includes a cinema with high-quality art films, state-of-the-art theatres and a large exhibit of fine arts and photography, with a few permanent exhibitions like the collection of Brazilian coins. Displays are diverse, ranging from photography to experimental film festivals. Daily newspapers will have the schedule of events, some of which are free of charge.

Igreja e Mosteiro de São Bento

This antique church offers everything for the visitor: interesting history, colonial architecture and a wealthy decorated interior. Located in the middle of the city it was built in the early 17th century by Benedictine monks as a place for worship and study. The façade is simple yet pleasant, while the baroque interior is full with gold and silver, from the wood carvings of the altar to the spiral columns. On Sundays at 10a, a special attraction: the celebration of a Gregorian chant mass.

Praça XV de Novembro

This is the real center of Rio and the home of one of the oldest markets in town. In the early days of the city, it was located on the waterfront. Find local handcrafts, foods, ceramics, paintings, coins and stamps here. In the center of the square there is a chafariz (fountain) by the famous Brazilian sculptor Mestre Valentim. Sprung from politial and social life, this praça is named for Brazil's first president, Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca.

Museu H. Stern

Situated in the prestigious zona sul, this is an absolute must for admirers of rare gems and exclusive design jewellery. Here, at the jeweller's largest branch, there is a 12 minute guided tour and a museum, which has an exhibition of rare jewels, minerals and a large display of tourmalines. For the Fashion visitor there is always the option to buy exclusive jewellery, at H. Stern prices.