In this community at the top of Santa Teresa you will find one of the coolest street art projects in the city. The Caminho do Graffiti the brainchild of artist and local resident SWK is a row of houses that have been covered top to bottom with graffiti art,  with the tags dozens of names from Brazil and around the world. 200m in length and 500m² of art that emblazon the slopes of this community. There is also a 360º view of Rio thrown in for free. For food and drink, Bar do Tino is just a few steps away offering grilled chicken and ribs and ice cold bottles of beer. Access to both places is via Rua Almirante Alexandrino, around number 3780 heading towards condominium “Equitativa” (remember that parking is exclusively for condominium residents. Visitors can only park on Almirante Alexandrino itself).

Aside from taking a stroll through one of the most beautiful parks in Rio, the Botanical Gardens also offer the Muse do Meio Ambiente, a museum dedicated to all things socio-environmental. There is also the Espaço Tom Jobim which constantly hosts exhibitions celebrating the eponymous musical legend, composer of Carioca anthem “The Girl from Ipanema” as well as having a theatre and other temporary exhibitions. When the time comes to eat, within the park itself there is La Bicyclette, an artisan bakery and bistro that serves one of the most acclaimed breakfasts in the city. Ideal for a break during the middle of the afternoon or perfect while you wait for the evening theatre programme as the cafe remains open until shows start.

Old Rio is one of the city’s architectural and cultural gems, and one thing it certainly doesnt lack is great art, music and gastronomic attractions. A day out here begins with exhibitions at the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB), one of the most important cultural centre in Rio, or at the Casa França Brasil and/or the Centro Cultural Correios. From there, just follow the cobblestone alleys until you arrive at the charming Rua do Ouvidor for a spot of lunch at Toca do Baiacu, or some light snacks at legendary bar Antigamente. There is also every fortnight live (and free!)  samba courtesy of group Samba da Ouvidor. Another great attraction around there is the bookshop Livraria Folha Seca which specialises in literature about Rio de Janeiro.

This beautiful park designed by famed landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, with its majestic palm trees, sculptures and acres of grass is worth a visit alone. But there is even more; Rio’s Museum of Modern Art (MAM-Rio) itself and architectural work of art by Affonso Eduardo Reidy, an icon of Brazilian modernism. Not only does it have one of the most complete collections in the country, the museum hosts some of the most important exhibitions in the city. And to finish off, for those that don’t mind splashing out on a memorable meal, there is the Laguiole whose kitchen is headed up by award-winning chef Elia Schramm. It opens from Monday to Friday for lunch.

Exhibitions, theatre and excellent musical attractions take place at the Centro Cultural Municipal Parque das Ruínas, which also has a stunning view over the city, a very common feature of various spots up in Santa Teresa. A good shout is enjoying the various bars and restaurants around Largo dos Guimarães, such as the famous Bar do Mineiro where you can devour a delicious black bean croquette (bolinho de feijão) and enjoy a caipirinha. There is also Adega do Pimenta where you can knock back an excellent chopp (Brazilian draught beer) and try its German-inspired dishes or why not a quick stop for a few tidbits at the cozy Cafecito? Once you’ve supped enough there’s still time to pass by Tucum, a charming shop from a collective that sells indigenous Brazilian arts and crafts.