Centro, Commercial neighborhood in downtown Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Centro is the business neighborhood in downtown Rio de Janeiro, with modern office towers, historical buildings, and government institutions clustered together. The area forms the economic heart of the city and hosts major corporations and financial services.
The neighborhood emerged as Rio's main business center during the 1800s, when coffee exports and banking activity established its economic role. This period shaped the architectural and financial structure that still defines the district today.
The Municipal Theatre and National Library shape the neighborhood with exhibitions and performances that happen regularly. These institutions draw people who want to experience art and architecture that reflect the city's cultural life.
The area connects to several metro lines and bus routes, making it easy to reach for thousands of commuters and visitors daily. Weekday mornings and early afternoons offer the best experience, as museums, theaters, and public buildings are open and the area buzzes with activity.
The Carioca Aqueduct with its white arches stands out as a working structure that has carried a traditional tram system through the streets since 1896. Many visitors overlook this engineering feat even though it remains one of the oldest functioning viaducts of its kind in South America.
Location: Centro
Shares border with: Gamboa
GPS coordinates: -22.90806,-43.17667
Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:43
Brazilian Academy of Letters
482 m
Escadaria Selarón
865 m
Museum of Tomorrow
1.6 km
Colégio Pedro II
1.1 km
National Library of Brazil
221 m
Casa da Moeda do Brasil
1.5 km
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil
811 m
Carioca Aqueduct
601 m
Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí
2.1 km
Paço Imperial
557 m
Confeitaria Colombo
409 m
Teatro Municipal
104 m
IRB
680 m
Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading
651 m
Valongo Wharf
1.6 km
Mosteiro de São Bento
1.2 km
Candelária Church
816 m
Pedra do Sal
1.4 km
Rio de Janeiro Cathedral
523 m
Praça XV de Novembro
640 m
National Historical Museum
771 m
Ilha Fiscal
1.6 km
Museu Nacional de Belas Artes
127 m
Gustavo Capanema Palace
318 m
Museum of Modern Art, Rio de Janeiro
806 m
Rio de Janeiro Stock Exchange
692 m
Circo Voador
653 m
AquaRio
2.3 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes