Of all the museums I visited in this trip to Rio, the Museu da República was one of two that was…read morefully open to visitors. Admission was free but any bags had to be placed in a locker, free use. The building was originally built by a rich coffee baron before eventually housing the presidency of Brazil. While important to the history of Brazil, most of the signage happened to be in Portuguese so it was a little harder to absorb the importance. The first floor was almost fully accessible but very restricted on the second floor such that one could only peek into the more elaborate rooms from the doorways. If they only permitted people to walk into the middle of the room then I felt one could better appreciate just how pretty they were both from the decor and furnishings. Don't forget to take a look at the very intricate ironworks at the front of the museum (it faced the street but was not the museum entrance). Besides the museum, the park like grounds held a small waterfall like grotto, pond and gazebo. There were no restrictions to wander around. The museum was located in Catete so a little bit away from the heart of Centro. I stitched a visit together with other museums in the area like Petrobas Futuros and Carmen Miranda.

The Museu da República is housed within the Palácio do Catete and was Brazil's presidential palace…read morefrom 1894 to 1960. It was turned into a museum after the capital of Brazil was moved from Rio to Brasília. The outside is very unassuming and not well-marked, so you could easily walk right past it. But the inside is nothing short of amazing. Most of the rooms have been preserved with original furniture and the paintings, statues, and frescos have been kept in excellent condition as well. Honestly, I'm having a hard time describing what the rooms look like, and I'm not sure words can do them justice. This is an important part of Brazil's history and I can't recommend a visit highly enough (come here instead of seeing the painted stairs). You can tour the old ballrooms, the dining area, the meeting area, see the former Presidential Office, and many other rooms. There is a third floor where President Getúlio Vargas killed himself (the Presidential Bedroom), but it's closed for renovations/preservation. Well worth the visit - take exit B from the Catete Metro Station and you're right there. The entrance fee was R$6, and there are lockers where you can leave your bag or coat.

Every time I go to Rio, I love checking out the exhibits here. This July, I got here just in time…read moreto check out the Picasso and Spanish Modern Art exhibit. Pretty awesome. Though the Japanese art exhibit a couple years ago was super cool. Just FYI, they don't let you take photos of the artwork, but will let you take pictures of the placards with descriptions. The top floor has a permanent money and president office exhibit. Don't miss out on that. Price to get in? Free. Dat line tho. It wrapped around the building, and then some. There are lots of street vendors outside selling filled churros and popcorn. But there are also some sweet and savory snacks available inside. There's also a book shop.

Free exhibit of Salvador Dali's work at the cultural center!! What what!!! Great activity (thank…read moreyou random stranger at a bar for telling me) for a rainy day or if you are in the Centro area. It is kind of confusing when you enter so don't think the exhibit is only a tiny showcase of a few paintings and nose/lip sculpture. You'll have to loop around the museum to find the line to the exhibit where you go up to the first floor on an old elevator that is hand cranked by a human (crazy)! Rumor has it going during the week is easier to get in - we went in around 2pm and didn't have to wait in line but when we were done around 330ish, there was a long line. Come early!

We were recommended to eat at MAC by a local while visiting Camino de Neimeyer in Niteroi. What a…read morepleasant experience! It is located below the Museum of Contemporary Art. First of all you will see a breathtaking view of Rio (Sugar Loaf, Christ Redemer). It is an excellent place for pictures and to know Oscar Niemeyer's (architect) work. Once you have finished taken pictures and visiting the museum, step down into the restaurant MAC. Very classy, elegant and also with a view. The menu it is not long and you have variety. We ordered fish, chicken and beef. All flavors were delicious with the perfect side to match. Fish covered with tapioca crust with dark quinoa and steamed veggies. Curry chicken with almond rice and potato balls. Beef bourguignon with linguini. Lemon Pie. All flavors were amazing and we could not choose a favorite! It is pricier compared to previous experiences at other places, but it is definitely worth it!!!

I guess I have an affinity for UFO shaped buildings so the MAC was my second one I visited this…read moresummer. It was located across the Bay in Niterói via a 20 minute ferry and then a 10 minute taxi ride from the ferry building. The façade was very sleek and well placed on a slight outcropping into the bay that could've held a nice view of Rio on a clearer day. The building was designed by Oscar Niemeyer a well regarded Brazilian architect who was responsible for hundreds of projects throughout Brazil. I was nicely greeted upon entering and told that there was free admission that day. He directed us up the ramp to the top floor to walk around and see the panorama views outside while the exhibit floor was empty except for the painters. Unfortunately the museum itself was under renovation (a common theme during this visit to Rio) so there was nothing to see and even the regarded cafe was closed. At least I got to wander through this saucer shaped museum but the views from outside were much better and clearer (maybe until the windows were cleaned after the renovation).