Saint Benedict Monastery - 1 km
Ranked as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this monastery stands out for the startling contrast between its austere facade with its triangular front and the intricately-worked gilded wooden carvings decorating the interior of its church. The paintings, works of art, design of the chapels and the roof of the nave - dating back to the XVIII Century - and its Gregorian plainchant choir all ensure that the São Bento Monastery will enchant every visitor. 

 Rio de Janeiro Municipal Theater - 1 km
Located near the National Library, the National Fine Arts Museum and the Pedro Ernesto Palace, the Municipal Theatre faces the spacious Cinelândia Square. Its attractive architectural design catches the eye, with its imposing facade, paralleled by the beauty of its interior decoration. Seating 2,200 people, this theater is a true temple of culture that is just as popular with visitors as the performances staged here.

 Maracanã Soccer Stadium - 4 km
The world''s largest sports stadium still retains all the glamour that makes it a landmark and an irresistible attraction for visitors to Rio. It also hosted mega-concerts by Frank Sinatra and Paul McCartney, drawing huge audiences of over 180,000 which made the Guinness Book of Records.

 MAM - Modern Art Museum - 2 km
It has a privileged location on Flamengo Park alongside Guanabara Bay, close to downtown. It currently houses some 1,700 works including paintings, sculptures and engravings by Brazilian and foreign artists, in addition to a specialized art library and a well-known cinemathèque that is among the most popular in town.

 National History Museum - 2 km
Once set right on the seafront, it was originally planned as a strategic factor in the defense of the city. Today it is home to a priceless cultural treasure trove.

 Nossa Senhora da Candelária Church - In front
The impressive façade of the Candelária Church rises tranquilly from the bustling financial center of Rio downtown, in the heart of an area rich in cultural attractions. Built in the XVIII Century, its ground-plan is designed in the shape of a Latin cross; lined with marble, its masonry facades feature elaborate bronze dooors, with its entire history painted on the walls. This is one of the loveliest churches in Rio de Janeiro.

 Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro Church - 3 km
This architectural jewel is part of the Rio landscape since the first half of the XVII Century. Its unique design is based on a polygonal ground plan with a domed roof, which ushered in a pioneering style in Brazil. Attended by the Imperial Family, this precious treasure is part of Brazil''''''''''''''''s royal legacy. Floodlit at night, it is a not-to-be-missed stop on any cultural tour of Rio de Janeiro.

 Quinze de Novembro Square - 800 m
Today home to the Imperial Palace, the historical Teles Arches and inviting by-ways such as the Travessa do Comércio, the Quinze de Novembro Square was originally a morass of mangrove swamps that was filled in as the city grew. As part of the nation''''''''''''''''s heritage, it was here that the history of Rio de Janeiro began. After recent modernization and reurbanization projects undertaken by the City Council, its bars, restaurants, open-air fairs, museums and colorful crowds all endow this square with a special charm that can only be fully appreciated by personally experiencing the ambience of this lively spot.

 Banco do Brasil Cultural Center - across the street
In 1989 it was converted into a cultural center, that today consists of two theaters, four exhibition halls, a computerized library with over 100,000 volumes, an auditorium, video rooms and a movie theater. In addition to its tasteful architecture, the Banco do Brasil Cultural Center offers a packed schedule of programs that should not be missed by visitors eager to savor a wide variety of cultural offerings.

 Colombo Restaurant - 800 m
A living portrait of the Belle Époque in Rio, and one of the city''''''''s gourmet landmarks, the Confeitaria Colombo still retains much of its Art Nouveau charm dating back to the beginning of the century. Its famous Belgian mirrors in their hardwood frames and rosewood showcases, Italian marble benches, ornate light fixtures, glossy floor and period furniture have been preserved intact, just as they were admired by many famous individuals who helped write the history of Brazil, while also making the Confeitaria Colombo a major downtown attraction.

 Dance Hall Estudantina - 1 km
Opened in 1932, the Gafieira Estudantina was designed as an alternative to the old dance halls popular during the 1930s. Today it is a nightspot which offers a setting for a wide variety of styles and rhythms, helping popularize ballroom dancing. A meeting point for artists, singers and song-writers, it has always attracted many visitors. Today it is renowned worldwide thanks to mentions in tour guides published in countless countries. With a capacity of 1,500 people, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it attracts crowds of enthusiastic dancers.

 Rio Sul Shopping Center - 10 km, 5 min. along Flamengo Park Highway
Visitors to Rio enjoy the wide variety of this mega-malls offering designer goods, as well as jewelry and souvenir stores, antiques, interior decor, etc. It includes a various food courts, as well as cinemas, theaters, event plazas and many other attractions. Rio Sul is as much entertainment complexe as shopping center.

 Sugarloaf - 11 km
The height and unmistakable outline of Sugarloaf make it - together with Christ the Redeemer one of the two main attractions offering breathtaking views of Rio. This famous landmark is reached by cablecar in two stages: first to the top of Urca Hill, where visitors catch the second car to their final destination. From the Sugarloaf, the endless beaches of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói stretch to the horizon. Set against the lush Atlantic Rainforest, the scene is dotted with historical buildings such as the Santa Cruz Fort and the miniature palace on Fiscal Island.

 Christ, the Redeemer Statue - 9 km
Located atop the Corcovado Mountain at a height of 710 meters, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is certainly one of the world''''''''s best-known and most-visited monuments.

 Carnival - in front of the door, 2 km from Sambodromo
The highlight is undoubtedly the world-famous Samba School Parade in the Sambadrome downtown. This is surely the world''''''''s largest and liveliest street festival, involving locals and foreigners alike with its irresistible excitement. Months of intensive preparation include sewing elaborate costumes, rehearsing at the samba schools and try-outs for neighborhood samba groups. Rio gears up for the great day, eager to welcome visitors with typical Carioca warmth. Surrounded by a dazzling array of costumes and floats, quick-footed samba stars dance to the driving percussion beat of deafening drums as the public cheers. This is truly the people.