Rio Architecture Loop

Begin at the Municipal Theatre and continue to tour around the Museum of Fine Art and the National Library (all architectural must-sees). Take a right onto R. Santa Luzia and head to the Escadaria Selarón. Also known as the ‘Selaron Steps’, this is a set of world-famous mosaic steps by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón.

Next, climb your way through the Santa Teresa neighborhood. Perched on a hill overlooking the city’s harbor, the Santa Teresa neighborhood invites visitors to step back in time and experience the faded elegance of Rio’s 19th-century plantation mansions and cobblestone streets. Wander back down the hill on R. Monte Alegre, until you reach R. Frei Caneca. Take a right. Head to the Carioca Aqueduct to view the Arcos da Lapa, or Lapa Arches. Next, follow the path around the distinctive Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro (Metropolian Cathedral). It is highly recommended that you take a break and step inside to witness the otherworldly beauty of the Cathedral. Finally, use Av. República do Chile to loop around to the start.