Dating to 1884, this beautifully preserved Victorian mansion retains a host of elegant features including French chandeliers, Belgian crystal mirrors, Carrara marble fireplaces and dozens of murals. The magnificent grounds are the work of Auguste Glaziou, the landscape architect who designed Rio's Quinta da Boa Vista and Passeio Público. It's open for guided tours and occasional musical and theatrical events.
Casa da Ipiranga
Rio de Janeiro State
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Museu de Arte do Rio
27 MILES
Looming large over Praça Mauá, the MAR is an icon for the rebirth of Rio's once derelict port. The huge museum hosts wide-ranging exhibitions that focus…
Escadaria Selarón
28.27 MILES
One of Rio's best-loved attractions, the steps leading up from Joaquim Silva became a work of art when Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón decided to cover…
Arcos da Lapa
28.09 MILES
A much-photographed symbol of Lapa, the arches date back to the mid-18th century, when the structure served as an aqueduct to carry water from the Carioca…
Parque do Flamengo
29.54 MILES
Officially called Parque Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, Parque do Flamengo was the result of a landfill project that leveled the São Antônio hill in 1965. It…
Mosteiro de São Bento
26.98 MILES
This is one of the finest colonial churches in Brazil. It was built between 1617 and 1641 on Morro de São Bento, and has an excellent view over the city…
Centro Cultural Oi Futuro
29.29 MILES
One of Rio's most visually exciting additions is this futuristic space on the edge of Flamengo. Within 2000 sq meters of exhibition area spread across six…
Sambódromo
27.95 MILES
The epicenter of Rio’s Carnaval, the Sambódromo was designed by Oscar Niemeyer and completed in 1984. During big parades, come here for fantastic views…
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil
27.28 MILES
Housed in a beautifully restored 1906 building, the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil hosts some of Rio's top exhibitions. Facilities include a cinema, two…
Nearby Rio de Janeiro State attractions
1. Catedral São Pedro de Alcântara
0.2 MILES
Petrópolis’ cathedral houses the tombs of Brazil’s last emperor, Dom Pedro II, his wife, Dona Teresa, and their daughter, Princesa Isabel. The bell tower,…
2. Museu Imperial
0.26 MILES
Petrópolis’ top draw is this impeccably preserved 19th-century palace. Felt slippers provided at the entrance help protect the fine wood floors – great…
3. Palácio da Princesa Isabel
0.32 MILES
This showy salmon-hued mansion was once home to Brazil's Princess Isabel, daughter of Emperor Pedro II and Empress Teresa Cristina. It can be viewed from…
4. Palácio Rio Negro
0.43 MILES
Visitors are free to roam among the high-ceilinged, parquet-floored rooms of this grand yellow edifice, which served as a summer home for Brazil's…
5. Casa do Barão de Mauá
0.45 MILES
This blocky pink 19th-century mansion, viewable from the outside only, was once home to Brazilian entrepreneur and politician Irineu Evangelista de Sousa,…
6. Palácio de Cristal
0.45 MILES
Built in France and imported in 1879, this ornate iron-and-glass structure was originally used as a hothouse for growing orchids. It's now a venue for…
7. Cervejaria Bohemia
0.57 MILES
Don't miss the engaging 1½-hour tour (half self-guided, half guided) at Brazil's oldest brewery, where interactive exhibits trace beer-making history and…
8. Casa de Santos Dumont
0.66 MILES
This charming house was the summer home of Brazil’s diminutive father of aviation and inventor of the wristwatch. Photos and exhibits document Dumont’s…