Things to Do in Centro, Rio de Janeiro
A mix of historic landmarks like the Municipal Theater, the National Library, and the Arcos da Lapa, alongside modern attractions such as the Museum of Tomorrow.
A mix of historic landmarks like the Municipal Theater, the National Library, and the Arcos da Lapa, alongside modern attractions such as the Museum of Tomorrow.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint SebastianCathedral
Museu do AmanhãScience Museum
Royal Portuguese Cabinet of ReadingLibrary
By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026
Top things to do in Centro
Gustavo Capanema Palace
★ 4.4 · 315Palace MuseumGovernment office building known for its distinct modernist architecture & Brazilian murals.
- Mon–Fri
- 8 AM – 5 PM
- Sat
- Closed
- Sun
- Closed
Where to eat & drink in Centro
DarkCoffee Centro Rio
★ 4.8 · 3.9kCoffee Shop· R$40–80A spacious coffee establishment known for its various coffee extraction methods, creative menu including alcoholic mixes, cakes, sandwiches, and vegan options, with live music at certain hours.
- Mon–Fri
- 8 AM – 8 PM
- Sat
- 9 AM – 6 PM
- Sun
- 9 AM – 6 PM
Lilia
★ 4.6 · 1.6kBrazilian· $$A few metres from the conical Catedral de São Sebastião building, there is a singular restaurant with an unassuming façade that can easily go unnoticed among Lapa’s historic townhouses.
- Mon–Fri
- 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 7 PM – 11 PM
- Sat
- 12 PM – 5 PM, 7 PM – 11 PM
- Sun
- Closed
Casa Paladino
★ 4.7 · 2.3kBar· R$40-60Omelettes, club sandwiches, frittatas & beer in a historic bar with the original shelving from 1906.
- Mon–Fri
- 7 AM – 8:30 PM
- Sat
- Closed
- Sun
- Closed
More about Centro
The area is well-connected by public transport and offers a variety of bars and restaurants, particularly around Rua Riachuelo.
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Centro map
Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
- 1Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
- 2Museu do Amanhã
- 3Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading
- 4Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB)
- 5Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
- 6Benedictine Monastery of Rio de Janeiro
- 7Churches of Convent Carmo
- 8Confeitaria Colombo
- 9Itamaraty Palace
- 10DarkCoffee Centro Rio
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