Home › Destinations › Museu Nacional
Museu Nacional, Brasil - Things to Do in Museu Nacional

Things to Do in Museu Nacional

Museu Nacional, Brasil - Complete Travel Guide

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's vibrant cultural capital, is home to the tragic remains of the Museu Nacional, once Latin America's oldest and largest natural history museum. Located in the Quinta da Boa Vista park in the São Cristóvão neighborhood, the museum was housed in the former Imperial Palace until a devastating fire in 2018 destroyed much of its 20-million-piece collection. Despite this loss, Rio remains a city of incredible beauty and cultural richness, where visitors can explore world-famous beaches, iconic landmarks, and a thriving arts scene. The city seamlessly blends natural wonders with urban sophistication, from the towering Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain to the bustling neighborhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema. Rio's infectious energy is evident in its music, dance, cuisine, and the warmth of its people, making it an unforgettable destination that continues to captivate travelers from around the world.

Top Things to Do in Museu Nacional

Visit Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain

Experience Rio's most iconic landmarks with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, beaches, and surrounding mountains. The Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado offers spiritual significance and stunning vistas, while Sugarloaf Mountain provides equally spectacular views accessible by cable car.

Booking Tip: Book combination tours for both attractions to save money, typically costing $60-80. Visit early morning or late afternoon for better lighting and fewer crowds. Look for operators that include transportation and skip-the-line access.

Explore Santa Teresa and Lapa Neighborhoods

Discover Rio's bohemian heart in the cobblestone streets of Santa Teresa, known for its colonial architecture, art studios, and panoramic city views. The adjacent Lapa district comes alive at night with samba clubs, bars, and the famous Selarón Steps mosaic staircase.

Booking Tip: Join guided walking tours for $25-40 to safely navigate these areas and learn about local history. Evening tours in Lapa include club visits and cost $50-70. Choose operators with good safety records and local guides.

Experience Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches

Relax on Rio's world-famous beaches, where golden sand meets the Atlantic Ocean against a backdrop of mountains. These beaches offer excellent people-watching, beach sports, and beachside dining, embodying the laid-back Carioca lifestyle.

Booking Tip: Beach tours with activities like volleyball or surfing lessons cost $30-50. Rent beach chairs and umbrellas for $10-15 per day. Book sunset tours for $25-35 that include caipirinha cocktails and local snacks.

Take a Favela Cultural Tour

Gain insight into Rio's complex social fabric through responsible community-based tours of favelas like Rocinha or Vidigal. These tours showcase local culture, street art, and community initiatives while supporting local economies.

Booking Tip: Choose ethical operators that give back to communities, typically costing $35-55. Book tours led by local residents for authentic experiences. Avoid tours that treat communities as tourist attractions and focus on educational aspects.

Discover Brazilian Cuisine and Nightlife

Immerse yourself in Rio's culinary scene from street food markets to high-end restaurants, sampling feijoada, açaí, and fresh seafood. Experience the city's legendary nightlife with samba shows, rooftop bars, and beachfront clubs.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $45-75 and include multiple tastings and drinks. Samba show dinners range from $60-120 depending on venue quality. Book nightlife tours for $40-60 that include club entries and transportation for safety.

Getting There

Rio de Janeiro is served by Galeão International Airport (GIG), located about 20km from the city center, with direct flights from major international destinations. The more centrally located Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) primarily handles domestic flights. From Galeão, take the premium bus service (around $4) or taxi/Uber ($20-30) to reach the main tourist areas. The city is also accessible by bus from other Brazilian cities, with the main terminal at Rodoviária Novo Rio.

Getting Around

Rio's metro system is efficient and safe, connecting major neighborhoods and tourist areas, with single rides costing around $1. Buses are extensive but can be confusing for tourists, while the modern BRT system serves some areas. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are widely available and recommended for evening travel or reaching areas not covered by metro. For beach areas, walking and cycling are pleasant options, with bike-sharing stations throughout Copacabana and Ipanema.

Where to Stay

Copacabana
Ipanema
Leblon
Santa Teresa
Botafogo
Flamengo

Food & Dining

Rio's dining scene ranges from beachside kiosks serving fresh açaí and grilled prawns to sophisticated restaurants in neighborhoods like Ipanema and Leblon. Traditional churrascarias offer all-you-can-eat grilled meats, while local favorites include feijoada (black bean stew), pão de açúcar (cheese bread), and fresh tropical fruits. The city's bars and botequims serve excellent caipirinhas and petiscos (Brazilian tapas), particularly in areas like Santa Teresa and Lapa. For upscale dining, head to Michelin-starred restaurants in Leblon, while street food markets like Feira de São Cristóvão offer authentic northeastern Brazilian cuisine.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Brasilia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Mangai

4.6 /5
(23882 reviews) 3

Fogo de Chão Brasília

4.8 /5
(12271 reviews) 4
bar

Asa Gaúcha Restaurante

4.7 /5
(8730 reviews) 3

Steak Bull Churrascaria: Rodízio, Carnes, Buffet, Adega, Vinhos, Asa Sul

4.6 /5
(8091 reviews) 3

Caminito Parrilla Asa Sul

4.9 /5
(6916 reviews) 3

Restaurante Universal

4.7 /5
(4385 reviews) 3
bar
all dining options →

When to Visit

Rio enjoys a tropical climate with the best weather from May to October (dry season), offering sunny days, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. This period is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing, though it's also peak tourist season with higher prices. Summer months (December to March) are hot, humid, and rainy, but this is when Rio comes alive with Carnival and beach culture. Avoid visiting during Carnival (February/March) unless specifically for the festivities, as prices skyrocket and the city becomes extremely crowded.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Portuguese phrases as English isn't widely spoken outside tourist areas
Always carry minimal cash and leave valuables in hotel safes, especially when visiting beaches
Try to blend in by dressing casually and avoiding flashy jewelry or expensive cameras in public

Explore Activities in Museu Nacional