Architecture in Rio de Janeiro

At first glance, Rio de Janeiro architecture can appear to consist mainly of modern high rises set against a backdrop of breezeblock favelas. Take a closer look, however, and you'll find there is much more to architecture in Rio. Magnificent churches, streets packed with colonial buildings and art deco constructions that pop up unexpectedly across the city - all can be seen here. The best places to admire Rio's colonial architecture are arguably Centro and Santa Teresa, both of which provide a glimpse of the city in times past. Our number one pick, Rua do Lavradio, is the oldest street in the city, and a great place to pick up antiques as well as to admire the buildings. Meanwhile, Centro's hilltop sister Santa Teresa features cobbled streets lined with crumbling colonial mansions, all of which can be admired from the antique bonde (tram) as it rattles along. Architecture buffs should keep their eyes peeled at all times while wandering around downtown Rio - Centro and Lapa are both home to some stunning buildings sitting alongside less interesting office blocks. Lapa is also home to the love-it-or-loathe it modernist cathedral, while the work of Brazil's most acclaimed architect, Oscar Niemeyer, can be admired at his space-age Modern Art Museum, across the bay in Niteroi.

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