A long, narrow stone quadrangle with a pool at the centre. The pool is surrounded by a low stone wall. Three sides of the quadrangle are visible, each made of a series of arches that open onto a covered, tiled walkway. Between the pool and the walkways, tables are set out. People are seated at these tables and appear to be dining. Leafy hills are visible behind the quadrangle and, in the far distance, Corcovado mountain is visible, with Christ the Redeemer perched atop it.

Hidden gems

Want a break from one of South America’s most bustling cities? Rio has plenty of opportunities for escaping the tourist hordes, from calming gardens and peaceful libraries to cultural centers where you can explore the arts.

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The interior of a circular room, under a dome. Roman-style columns or pillars are spaced around what's visible of the curved wall. At the top of the dome, a circular glass window offers a glimpse of the sky. Two diaphanous pieces of cloth appear to be floating down from the ceiling. Image: Diego Grandi/Shutterstock.

Real Gabinete Português de Leitura

The interior of a library, gilded and decorated in an extravagant style. The walls are densely packed with books over three floors. A chandelier is suspended from the ceiling, which is painted in part with what appears to be gold leaf. The centre of the space is empty other than tables and chairs.

A tranquil hub of Portuguese culture and learning

Real Gabinete Português de Leitura (the Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading) is a library and lusophone cultural institution in the center of Rio de Janeiro. The institution was founded in 1837 by Portuguese immigrants in order to promote Portuguese culture and language in the city. The current building was erected in 1880 by the last monarch of Brazil, Emperor Pedro II.

It’s home to the largest collection of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal, with a fully computerized collection of 350,000 volumes. In recent years, the Gabinete was listed by the Guardian and Forbes as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. It is fully open for public viewing, with visitors able to search for rare Portuguese books or simply browse through the amazing collection.

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Parque Lage

An old stone building sits at the bottom of a rocky cliff. The building, which is surrounded by leafy trees, overlooks a set of stone stairs leading down to a well-kept lawn with a fountain.

A lush Roman-style garden

Parque Lage is known by locals as one of the most beautiful parks in Rio de Janeiro. On land originally occupied by an old sugar mill, the gardens were created in 1840 by an English landscaper. They feature local species of tropical plants and trees, but were designed in a Romantic architectural style.

A mansion at the heart of Parque Lage – once home to an opera singer – was redesigned in the Roman style in 1920, giving the park its distinctive classical look. The gardens have been open to the public for more than 80 years, with thousands of tourists and locals soaking up the atmosphere – and enjoying coffee and food by the poolside – every year.

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Museu do Amanhã

A modern building beside a reflecting pool. The building’s roof extends from the front of the building over the pool. This extended section of roof is made up of dozens of narrow panels that appear to be attached to the structure with hinges. Under the roof, standing in the pool, is a sculpture of a 20-point star. Image: wtondossantos/Shutterstock

A neofuturistic museum on the water

The city’s Museu do Amanhã, or Museum of Tomorrow, is a science museum with a difference, designed to expand humanity’s knowledge and transform how we think about the world around us. The museum has a permanent exhibition centered on innovation – curated by science institutions around the world, including UNESCO and MIT – and other temporary technology exhibitions. It also houses an observatory used for scientific research and education.

Opened in 2015, Museu do Amanhã invites people from all walks of life to immerse themselves in learning. The museum is open six days a week and is situated on the waterfront at Pier Mauá.

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Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil

A cultural center in the heart of it all

One of the most distinctive buildings in the center of Rio de Janeiro, Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB) is a must-visit for anyone downtown. Housed in an art deco building (which is visually striking and well worth a visit in its own right) and located in the city’s former financial district, the center contains exhibition rooms, theaters, a library and a cinema.

Since the building’s redevelopment in the 1980s, CCBB has presented around 2,450 creative projects in the areas of visual arts, cinema, theater, dance and music. There’s something to entertain every audience in this temple to fine culture.

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Pier at Barra da Tijuca

A concrete pier ends in a small square. The pier is built on top of a mound of rocks. It's surrounded by water that is frothing against the rocks. Image: Rafael Catarcione/Riotur

Bring a book, listen to music or simply watch the fishermen. Barra’s seaside tends to be much less crowded than Copacabana, and the pier has a provincial, small-town feel. Cool down with a cold drink in any of the kiosks dotted along the sandy shores, or try a healthy sandwich or huge açaí bowl at one of the kiosks on Barraca do Pepê, a short distance from the pier.

Close by is the lively Rua Olegário Maciel, one of the busiest spots in Barra, where you will find shops and restaurants for every taste.

A long, narrow stone quadrangle with a pool at the centre. People are seated at these tables and appear to be dining. — The courtyard of the 19th-century mansion at the heart of Parque Lage. Image: Rafael Catarcione/Riotur