Centro is Rio de Janeiro’s financial core, with ultra-modern skyscrapers standing alongside historical colonial buildings. The area serves as the city’s downtown, with professionals descending on office buildings during the week. Beyond corporate HQs, Centro is home to a suite of fantastic museums and galleries. The contemporary cathedral is a must visit attraction for architecture enthusiasts, as is Brazil's treasured playhouse, the Theatro Municipal.
Lined with historic churches, museums and sculptures, Centro's main plaza serves as a meeting point for tourists and nine-to-fivers alike. Simply sitting in the plaza, or wandering the busy streets is a great way to experience a unique part of the city, where imperialism meets capitalism.
As its name suggests, Centro is conveniently located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Galeão International Airport is a 25-minute drive, with Santos Dumont Domestic Airport perched on Centro’s eastern cape. Metro services whisk visitors to attractions like Ipanema Beach and Sugar Loaf Cable Car in just 35 minutes.
While today Centro is definitively modern, its roots are ancient. Its oldest church dates back to 1590, and still stands proud to this day. Over the centuries, food has been a big part of Centro’s identity. Today, its streets are lined with everything from boutique patisseries and artisan cafes to colourful street vendors and grungy bars.