Rio de Janeiro, a city renowned for its lively culture and stunning beaches, also boasts a rich architectural landscape. From colonial masterpieces to modern marvels, Rio's architectural sites reflect its diverse history and culture. In this blog post we are going to look at the best 15 architecture sites in Rio De Janeiro for you to add to your itinerary when travelling/ backpacking/ exploring the incredible country of Brazil. If you are heading to the Amazon rainforest then make sure to check out our post on the best gateway point to explore from.
Its your friendly architect Jack here with a carefully selected 15 architecture sites. Lets check them out ... We are going to start with the obvious and perhaps the most Iconic Christ the Redeemer. I would also like to add that 15 sites in a city this big seems like an injustice however, I had to draw a line somewhere! I will do a deeper dive with some self guided walking tours very soon, make sure to subscribe to find out when they are released.
The Best Architecture Sites in Rio De Janeiro - Map
The following architecture sites are all in numerical order with the written blog below. Let us know which you have visited and what you would add to the list.
The Best Architecture Sites in Rio De Janeiro No 1-5
No.1. Christ the Redeemer
Year of Establishment: 1931
Architect: Heitor da Silva Costa
Style: Art Deco
Purpose: Religious monument
Why it’s special: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Christ the Redeemer stands as an iconic symbol of Rio and Brazilian Christianity. This towering statue on Corcovado Mountain offers panoramic views of the city.
What to explore: Take the scenic train ride up Corcovado, marvel at the Art Deco design, and enjoy breathtaking views over Rio from the statue's base.
How to Get There: Take the Corcovado Train from the Cosme Velho neighbourhood, or catch a taxi to the Paineiras Visitors Center, where you can transfer to a van for the final ascent.
Tours and Tickets: Purchase tickets for the Corcovado Train in advance (orange link above), especially during peak times, or book a guided tour for skip-the-line access and commentary. the Corcovado Train will set you back around 102 Brazilian Real, 17USD or 13GDP (2024 exchange rates).
No.2. Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã)
Year of Establishment: 2015
Architect: Santiago Calatrava
Style: Futuristic and sustainable architecture
Purpose: Science museum focused on sustainability
Website: https://museudoamanha.org.br/en
Why it’s special: This striking building in Porto Maravilha is a symbol of modern Rio, focusing on ecology, technology, and urban sustainability. The museum's structure resembles a futuristic ship, surrounded by gardens and reflecting pools.
What to explore: Inside, visitors can experience interactive exhibits about humanity’s future and environmental challenges. Outside, enjoy the striking architecture and water gardens.
How to Get There: The museum is located in the Porto Maravilha district; use the VLT light rail from Rio’s downtown to get there.
Tours and Tickets: Tickets are available on the museum’s website (above) or at the entrance. Guided tours are also offered for a more in-depth experience.
No.3. São Bento Monastery (Mosteiro de São Bento)
Year of Establishment: 1590 (rebuilt in 17th century)
Architect: Friar Bernardo de São Bento Correia de Souza
Style: Baroque
Purpose: Monastic and religious centre
Why it’s special: A masterpiece of Brazilian Baroque, the São Bento Monastery is an oasis of tranquility with richly decorated interiors featuring gold leaf detailing and beautiful carvings.
What to explore: Visit during Sunday Mass to hear the Gregorian chants, and admire the intricate gold-covered altar and Baroque art.
How to Get There: Take the MetrôRio to the Uruguaiana station, followed by a short walk.
Tours and Tickets: Entry is free, but guided tours are available from local tour companies, offering insight into its history and artistry.
No.4. Municipal Theatre (Theatro Municipal)
Year of Establishment: 1909
Architect: Francisco de Oliveira Passos
Style: Eclectic, inspired by the Paris Opera
Purpose: Opera house and cultural venue
Why it’s special: Known for its opulent interiors and gilded details, the Municipal Theatre is Rio’s cultural heart, hosting ballet, opera, and classical music performances.
What to explore: Book a guided tour to appreciate the lavish interior, including marble staircases, stained glass, and the grand chandelier.
How to Get There: Located in the Cinelândia area, it’s easily accessible by the MetrôRio (Cinelândia station).
Tours and Tickets: Purchase tickets online for performances or guided tours, or check local operators for packages that include transportation.
No.5. Copacabana Palace Hotel
Year of Establishment: 1923
Architect: Joseph Gire
Style: Neoclassical and Art Deco
Purpose: Luxury hotel
Website: https://www.belmond.com/hotels/south-america/brazil/rio-de-janeiro/belmond-copacabana-palace/
Why it’s special: This iconic beachfront hotel has hosted celebrities and dignitaries from around the world and stands as a symbol of luxury in Rio.
What to explore: Enjoy a drink at the famous poolside bar, or book a stay to experience Rio’s luxurious side in a historic setting.
How to Get There: Located on Avenida Atlântica in Copacabana, the hotel is easily reachable by taxi or bus.
Tours and Tickets: Entry is exclusive to guests or diners. For an inside look, consider a package that includes afternoon tea or dinner at the hotel’s renowned restaurant. I have dropped the link to the hotel above so you can also have a cheeky look there 😉
The Best Architecture Sites in Rio De Janeiro No 6-10
No.6. Carioca Aqueduct (Arcos da Lapa)
Year of Establishment: 1750
Architect: Colonial engineers
Style: Colonial aqueduct
Purpose: Originally an aqueduct, now used for tram transport
Why it’s special: This 42-arch aqueduct is a historic landmark in the Lapa neighbourhood, symbolising colonial engineering. It’s now repurposed as a viaduct for trams.
What to explore: Take the Santa Teresa tram that crosses the aqueduct and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Lapa area at night.
How to Get There: The nearest MetrôRio station is Cinelândia, followed by a short walk.
Tours and Tickets: The tram ride is ticketed, with many guided tours offering stops here and options for evening visits to Lapa’s nightlife spots.
No.7. Royal Portuguese Reading Room (Real Gabinete Português de Leitura)
Year of Establishment: 1887
Architect: Rafael da Silva e Castro
Style: Neo-Manueline
Purpose: Library
Website: https://www.realgabinete.com.br/
Why it’s special: Known for its ornate interiors, this library has one of the most impressive book collections and is a treasure trove of Portuguese literature.
What to explore: Admire the intricate architecture and woodwork, and enjoy the peaceful, book-lined reading room.
How to Get There: Take the MetrôRio to the Uruguaiana station, followed by a short walk.
Tours and Tickets: Entry is typically free, but for a guided experience, consider a literary or historical city tour that includes this landmark.
No.8. Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón)
Year of Establishment: 1990–2013
Architect: Jorge Selarón
Style: Urban mosaic art
Purpose: Public art installation
Why it’s special: Artist Jorge Selarón decorated these steps with vibrant tiles from around the world, creating a colorful, iconic landmark in the Santa Teresa neighbourhood.
What to explore: Climb the steps to discover thousands of unique tiles, and capture photos of the famous mosaics.
How to Get There: Take the MetrôRio to Glória station, then it’s a short walk to the steps.
Tours and Tickets: Entrance is free, but guided walking tours are available, often combining a visit to the steps with other Santa Teresa highlights.
No.9. Modern Art Museum (MAM)
Year of Establishment: 1958
Architect: Affonso Eduardo Reidy
Style: Modernist
Purpose: Art museum
Website: https://mam.rio/
Why it’s special: MAM Rio is a masterpiece of Brazilian modernist architecture, featuring clean lines and open spaces designed to harmonise with the surrounding gardens.
What to explore: Enjoy the museum’s art collections and exhibitions, and stroll through the gardens designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx.
No.10. Maracanã Stadium
Year of Establishment: 1950
Architect: Multiple, led by Waldemar Levy Cardoso
Style: Modernist sports architecture
Purpose: Soccer stadium
Why it’s special: One of the world’s most famous soccer stadiums, Maracanã has hosted iconic sports events, including the World Cup and the Olympics.
What to explore: Take a guided tour to see the locker rooms, pitch, and even a mini-museum featuring historical memorabilia.
How to Get There: The stadium is accessible by MetrôRio from Maracanã station.
Tours and Tickets: Tickets for stadium tours are available on-site or via online booking. For a unique experience, book a ticket to watch a live soccer match.
The Best Architecture Sites in Rio De Janeiro No 11-15
No.11. Niterói Contemporary Art Museum (MAC)
Year of Establishment: 1996
Architect: Oscar Niemeyer
Style: Modernist and futuristic
Purpose: Art museum
Why it’s special: Shaped like a flying saucer, this museum is one of Niemeyer’s most iconic works, offering spectacular views of Rio across Guanabara Bay.
What to explore: Inside, view contemporary art exhibits, and walk along the surrounding cliff for panoramic views of the city.
How to Get There: Take a ferry from Praça XV to Niterói, then a short taxi or bus ride to the museum.
Tours and Tickets: Tickets are available at the museum, with guided tours offering insights into the art exhibits and Niemeyer’s design vision.
No.12. Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian (Catedral Metropolitana)
Year of Establishment: 1979
Architect: Edgar Fonseca
Style: Modernist, inspired by Mayan pyramids
Purpose: Roman Catholic Cathedral
Website: https://catedral.com.br/
Why it’s special: This unique, conical cathedral features towering stained-glass windows and a vast, open interior. It’s an architectural landmark in downtown Rio.
What to explore: Step inside to experience the play of light through the stained-glass windows, creating a spiritual and architectural marvel.
How to Get There: Located near the Cinelândia area, accessible by MetrôRio from Cinelândia station.
Tours and Tickets: Entry is free, guided city tours often include this landmark with commentary on its design and history.
No.13. Copacabana Fort (Forte de Copacabana)
Year of Establishment: 1914
Architect: Army engineers
Style: Coastal military architecture
Purpose: Coastal defence
Website: https://www.mhexfc.eb.mil.br/pt-br/
Why it’s special: The fort provides a historical look at Brazil’s military history with cannons and exhibits on Brazilian military heritage.
What to explore: Visit the on-site museum and enjoy the views over Copacabana Beach from the fort’s scenic café.
How to Get There: Located at the south end of Copacabana Beach; buses and taxis are easily available to the area.
Tours and Tickets: Tickets can be bought on-site. For a guided experience, look for tours that include Rio’s coastal history and scenic photo stops.
No.14. Palácio do Catete (Museum of the Republic)
Year of Establishment: 1866
Architect: Gustav Waehneldt
Style: Neoclassical
Purpose: Former presidential residence, now a museum
Why it’s special: This palace offers insight into Brazil’s political history and displays beautiful period architecture, gardens, and art collections.
What to explore: Explore the lavish rooms, historical exhibits, and the peaceful gardens behind the palace.
How to Get There: The nearest MetrôRio station is Catete, right by the palace.
Tours and Tickets: Entrance tickets are available at the museum. History tours of Rio often include a stop here for deeper insight into its political significance.
No.15. Flamengo Park (Parque do Flamengo)
Year of Establishment: 1965
Architect: Affonso Eduardo Reidy and Roberto Burle Marx (landscaping)
Style: Modernist urban park
Purpose: Public recreational area
Why it’s special: Flamengo Park is one of the largest urban parks in Latin America, featuring sprawling green spaces, sports areas, and scenic paths with views of Sugarloaf Mountain.
What to explore: Walk, bike, or picnic in the park, and admire Burle Marx’s landscape design that integrates art and nature.
How to Get There: Located along the waterfront between Botafogo and Glória, accessible by MetrôRio from several stations, including Flamengo and Glória.
Tours and Tickets: Entry is free, but guided bike tours and outdoor fitness classes provide fun ways to explore the park and its surroundings.
The Best Architecture Sites in Rio De Janeiro Final Thoughts
Rio de Janeiro has an architectural diversity that speaks to Brazil’s layered history and vibrant culture. From the monumental Art Deco curves of Christ the Redeemer to the intricate Baroque interiors of São Bento Monastery, the city blends old-world charm with modernist daring and futuristic ambition. Each site on this list offers a distinct perspective on Rio’s evolution, and together, they create a rich narrative that’s perfect for both architecture enthusiasts and backpackers/ explorers looking to dive deeper into the spirit of Rio.
If like me you’re fascinated by design, these architectural gems are essential stops. They offer the chance to not only see Rio’s landmarks but to truly experience the city’s essence through its built environment. So as you carve out your itinerary, make space for these must-see sites; each one has a story to tell and a unique piece of Rio’s history to share.
Until the next one take care. Jack
For the curious explorer
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