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Discover Local in Rio de Janeiro - EN

Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the museum’s futuristic structure juts over Praça Mauá and toward Guanabara Bay, looking like a ship or a bird floating on the surface of the water. It’s sustainable too, with sun-tracking roof panels and a cooling system powered by bay water that cuts energy use by 40%. Reflecting pools add a calming touch and help keep the building cool.

Inside, you’ll journey through five themes. 'Cosmos' looks at the universe’s origins, while 'Earth' digs into its formation and life. 'Anthropocene' explores humanity’s impact. 'Us' makes you think about the choices we face today and 'Tomorrow' imagines where we could be headed. 

Tickets are R$30 (concessions R$15) and can be bought online or at the entrance.

Discover the future at the Museum of Tomorrow

Set within the historic fort, the café offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, the space is traditional and welcoming, with round tables and elegant bentwood chairs. Outside, the terrace provides sweeping ocean views, with a refreshing Atlantic breeze keeping you cool even on the hottest days.

The menu includes a mix of classic Brazilian dishes and French and Portuguese-inspired pastries. Start your day with the Café Colombo Especial, featuring fresh bread, cheeses, cold cuts and fruit. For a touch of elegance, indulge in the Chá do Forte, an afternoon tea with an assortment of teas, pastries and finger sandwiches. Don’t miss signature desserts like pastel de nata (custard tart), a nod to the café's Portuguese heritage.

Soak up the views over tea at Confeitaria Colombo

Founded by David Bispo, a former fisherman, the bar has earned acclaim for dishes like feijoada de frutos do mar, a seafood version of the classic black bean stew. This signature dish swaps traditional meats for shrimp, squid and mussels, creating a fresh and flavour-packed take on a Brazilian staple. Or try the bolinho de feijoada, crispy deep-fried balls that pack all the rich flavours of the dish into a bite-sized snack.

Another standout is the ressurgência, an inventive fusion of seafood and tropical fruits. The bar’s culinary creativity has been recognised with multiple awards, including top honours in the "Comida di Buteco" (bar food) competition. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with friendly service and panoramic views of the city and ocean.

Savour seafood feijoada at Bar do David

Since opening in 2013, MAR has become a symbol of Rio’s port area revitalisation, breathing new life into the city's artistic and social scene. The museum explores Rio’s rich history and contemporary culture, connecting the past and present through a mix of exhibitions. From long-term displays that highlight the city’s heritage to rotating shows featuring emerging and established Brazilian artists, there’s always something to spark your curiosity. Collaborations with major public and private collections across Brazil add even more depth and variety.

The architecture is as impressive as the art. The neoclassical Palacete Dom João VI contrasts beautifully with the sleek modernist structure beside it, and the rippling canopy ties it all together. It’s a nod to Rio’s connection to the sea and its blend of old and new.

Explore art and history at the Museu de Arte do Rio

Built in 1920 as a gift from Demócrito Lartigau Seabra to his wife, the house is a showcase for early 20th-century luxury, with chandeliers, paintings, sculptures and classic furniture imported from Europe. In 2002, antiques dealer Carlos Alberto Serpa de Oliveira bought it and turned it into an events venue and cultural centre to honour his mother, Julieta, and her love of the arts.

Today, you can explore art exhibitions, watch theatre performances or enjoy live music in the mansion’s elegant rooms. For dining, visit the Julieta Restaurant for lunch or sit down for afternoon tea in the romantic Winter Garden. The tea is served with imported blends, accompanied by tasty snacks, mini sandwiches and an assortment of pastries like brioches and croissants.

Marvel at the Casa de Arte e Cultura Julieta de Serpa

Built in 1914 to defend Guanabara Bay, the fort once housed cutting-edge artillery, including Krupp cannons that could fire up to 23 kilometres. The massive 12-metre-thick walls still stand, a reminder of the fort’s strategic importance.

Today, the site is home to the Museu Histórico do Exército (Army History Museum). Here, you can learn about Brazil’s military past through exhibits that span colonial times to modern peacekeeping missions. Walking through the original fortifications makes the experience even more immersive.

Beyond the museum, the fort offers stunning views of the Atlantic, making it a favourite selfie spot. Take a break at the fort's branch of the famous Confeitaria Colombo, with its brunch menus and French and Portuguese-style pastries.

Discover Local in Rio de Janeiro - EN

Discover the future at the Museum of Tomorrow

Marvel at the Casa de Arte e Cultura Julieta de Serpa

Savour seafood feijoada at Bar do David

Explore art and history at the Museu de Arte do Rio

Enjoy panoramic views and history at Fort Copacabana

Soak up the views over tea at Confeitaria Colombo