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. The area is well-connected by public transport and offers a variety of bars and restaurants, particularly around Rua Riachuelo.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint SebastianCathedral
Museu do AmanhãScience Museum
Royal Portuguese Cabinet of ReadingLibrary

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Top things to do in Centro

Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
★ 4.7 · 29.0k
Cathedral★
Distinctive, modern Catholic cathedral resembling a pyramid, inaugurated in 1979.
Website ↗Map ↗
Museu do Amanhã
★ 4.7 · 105.4k
Science Museum★
Waterfront applied science museum exploring humanity's future challenges & opportunities.
Mon–Tue
10 AM – 5 PM
Wed
Closed
Thu–Fri
10 AM – 5 PM
Sat
10 AM – 5 PM
Sun
10 AM – 5 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading
★ 4.8 · 4.2k
Library★
Neo-Manueline-style library with ornate decor & a vast collection of volumes by Portuguese authors.
Mon–Fri
10 AM – 5 PM
Sat
Closed
Sun
Closed
Website ↗Map ↗
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB)
★ 4.8 · 47.1k
Art Museum★
Art galleries, cinema & theater in a 1906 neoclassical building, managed by the Bank of Brazil.
Mon
9 AM – 8 PM
Tue
Closed
Wed–Fri
9 AM – 8 PM
Sat
9 AM – 8 PM
Sun
9 AM – 8 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
★ 4.8 · 25.0k
Theater★
Storied, Parisian-style theater from 1909 offering ballet & classical-music performances plus tours.
Mon–Fri
10 AM – 6 PM
Sat
Closed
Sun
Closed
Website ↗Map ↗
Benedictine Monastery of Rio de Janeiro
★ 4.9 · 2.9k
Monastery★
monastery in Rio de Janeiro
Every day
6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Churches of Convent Carmo
★ 4.8 · 1.3k
Monastery★
Roman Catholic church in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Every day
9 AM – 10:30 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Confeitaria Colombo
★ 4.4 · 12.3k
Sweets· $$$
Breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea served at a branch of this iconic restaurant.
Mon
Closed
Tue–Fri
10 AM – 7 PM
Sat
10 AM – 7 PM
Sun
10 AM – 7 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Gustavo Capanema Palace
★ 4.4 · 288
Palace Museum
Government office building known for its distinct modernist architecture & Brazilian murals.
Mon–Fri
8 AM – 5 PM
Sat
Closed
Sun
Closed
Map ↗
RJ CPAD MEGASTORE
★ 4.8 · 1.1k
Bookstore
Mon–Fri
9 AM – 6 PM
Sat
9 AM – 1 PM
Sun
Closed
Website ↗Map ↗
Only Music Records
★ 4.8 · 290
Record Store
Founded in 1993 by DJs Gello and Ricardinho, Only Music has established itself as a reference in Vinyl Records, serving the biggest DJs and music lovers.
Website ↗Map ↗
Cia do Doce
★ 4.3 · 1.4k
Chocolate Shop
Map ↗

Where to eat & drink in Centro

Rio Scenarium
★ 4.6 · 8.4k
Nightclub· R$60–160
Multilevel bar with eclectic, vintage accents for pub fare & cocktails, plus live music & dancing.
Mon–Tue
Closed
Wed–Thu
7 PM – 1 AM
Fri
7 PM – 2 AM
Sat
12 PM – 6 PM, 8 PM – 3 AM
Sun
Closed
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
DarkCoffee Centro Rio
★ 4.7 · 3.1k
Coffee Shop· R$40–80
A 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
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Lilia
★ 4.6 · 1.6k
Brazilian· $$
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
Book ↗Map ↗
Casa Paladino
★ 4.7 · 2.3k
Bar· R$40–60
Omelettes, club sandwiches, frittatas & beer in a historic bar with the original shelving from 1906.
Map ↗