This is the birthplace of Rio de Janeiro; it is where the city began, the place from which its foundation was spread. A break from the beach life (for those who can bear to break from it), the Center holds many of the city's top museums, monuments and historical buildings, all incredible and well-worth seeing. Crossing the town on foot takes about 45 minutes, though the trip is likely to take much longer if curiosity should lead you astray.

One of the main attractions is Praca VX, a square where the 18th-century Paco Imperial (Imperial Palace) and other grand buildings are located. There are also many beautiful churches scattered about - one of the most impressive is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelaria, which has breathtaking glass windows and beautiful wood carvings.

From here untill the Campo de Santana park (and everywhere inbetween), the visitor is in store for some of the bestsightseeing, shopping, and walking that Rio has to offer, filled with small churches and shops that have sprang up amongst the crooked little streets.

Towards the East End of downtown, this area holds the most important commercial skyscrapers such as the Petrobas building and the Catedral Metropolitana, Rio's famous cathedral.


Praca 15 de Novembro 48
Tel: (21) 2533 4407. Fax: (21) 2533 4359.
Open: Tues–Sun 12–6

Praca Marechal Âncora
Tel: (21) 2550 9224.
Open: Tues–Fri 10–5:30, Sat and Sun 2–6pm.

Praca Pio X
Tel: (21) 2233 2324.
Open: Mon–Fri 8 am–4 pm, Sat and Sun 9am –1 pm.

Rua Dom Gerardo 68
Tel: (21) 2291 7122.
Open: Daily 8 am–11 pm and 230 am–4pm.
Website

Avenida Rio Branco 199
Tel: (21) 2240 0068.
Open: Tues–Fri 12–6 pm, Sat and Sun 2–6 pm.
Website

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Rio de Janeiro Overview

   Sights and City Tours
   Architecture
   Museums
   Beaches
   Entertainment

   Lodging
   Shopping
   Dining
   Transportation

   Carnival in Rio

   Neighborhoods:
   Copacabana
   Ipanema
   Leblon
   Center
   Botafogo
   Leme
   Tijuca

   Nearby Towns:
   Buzios
   Paraty
   Angra dos Reis
   Minas Gerais Towns
   Petropolis

   Nearby Sights:
   Tropical Islands

Visit Rio

Enjoy the best hotels, tours and activities when you visit beautiful Rio de Janeiro on a vacation organized by AR Tourism Brazil.
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