What Rio has to offer on rainy days

It is a rainy afternoon here in Rio de Janeiro and now we are especially glad that our Bed&Breakfast Casa579 is such a cozy place. The guests sink into our comfortable sofas with a cup of steaming Brazilian coffee in their hand and ask us: “So, what does Rio de Janeiro has to offer on rainy days?” And this is one route we tell them…

Museu Nacional de Belas Artes

Even if you are not specifically an art lover, the National Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see. This Brazilian national heritage exhibits paintings and sculptures from Brazilian and international painters. Already the architecturally interesting building and Pedro Américo’s impressive Battle of Avaí are worth the visit. You will find yourself spending a good hour admiring the beautiful pieces that tell you a little more about Brazilian history.

Information

Adress: Av. Rio Branco, 199 - Centro (Metro stop: Cinelândia)

Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

                           Saturday, Sunday, holidays: 12-5 p.m.

Entrance fee: R$8 (half price tickets: R$4) free entrance on Sundays!

Visit the official website for more information.

Teatro Municipal

Just a two-minute walk from the National Museum of Fine Arts is the Municipal Theatre, one of the most important ones of the country which re-opened about a year ago after a thorough restoration. Luckily it was not hurt by the strucural collapse of the building in January of this year.The theatre will begin the season with the ballett Creation in May, choreographed by Uwe Scholz. If you are not interested in seeing a theatre performance, the interior design of the Municipal Theatre is still worth your time.

Information

Adress: Av. 13 de Maio 33 - Centro (Metro stop: Cinelândia)

Phone: 2332-9123

Please visit the official website for more information on the theatre performances.

Confeitaria Colombo 

After seeing the museum and the theatre, you will probably be looking for a nice café to sit down and have a hot coffee - the famous Confeitaria Colombo is exactly what you are looking for on a rainy day like today. Also named a historic site by the National Heritage council, the confectionary impresses with its large mirrors, the clean marble floor and the beautifully old chairs and tables. Opened 106 years ago, and with two branches in Barra Shopping and the Copacabana Fort, the elegant café is still today a meeting point for artists, politicians and intellectuals. 

Information

Adress: Rua Gonçalves Dias, 32 - Centro (Metro stop: Cinelândia)

For more background information and pictures please visit the official website.

How to start your rainy-day-trip from our B&B Casa579?

Take the bus 006 from the left corner of Rua Julio Otoni/Rua Alm. Alexandrino and get off at the corner of Avenida Rebública do Chile/Avenida Rio Branco. The National Museum of Fine Arts is on the left side of Av. Rio Branco. 

Größere Kartenansicht

Brazil's finest: Parque Nacional da Tijuca

  You have seen all the typical tourist attractions in the city, have enjoyed the beach but are now ready to see a different side of Rio de Janeiro? The famous Parque Nacional da Tijuca is exactly what you are looking for! Far away from the large buildings, the polluted air and the ongoing noise in the city, you find yourself in absolute silence - the contrast could not be more extreme.

When walking on small trails deep inside the Atlantic forest (mata atlântica), passing over gently splashing streams and hearing birds chirp, you will experience the natural beauty and diversity Brazil is so famous for. You emerge further into the forest and cannot help but feel your body fill with admiration and appreciation for this natural wonder. Being constantly surrounded by people, the Parque Nacional da Tijuca offers you the privacy that you long for after a few days in Rio.

So, what are you waiting for?

General Information:

Opening Hours: Every day from 08:00-17:00 (18:00 in the Brazilian summer)

Phone number: (021) 24922252/24922253

Hiking Tours:

You would like to fully experience the Atlantic forest but do not feel comfortable going by yourself? Book an exciting hiking tour with the company Rio Hiking and enjoy the view over Rio at the 3300-ft high summit. For more information please visit www.riohiking.com.br.

How to get to Alto da Boa Vista (main entrance) from Casa579:

• Walking: walk to Christ the Redeemer and from there walk straight into the forest
• Bus: take the 007 to the last stop Central, walk to Avenida Presidente Vargas and to the right until the bus stop. From there take any bus (301, 333, 308, 309, 345) that goes to Alto da Boa Vista
• Metro: take the metro Zona Norte to the last stop Saens Pena. From there take the bus 345 or 355 to Alto da Boa Vista