One of Rio's oldest neighborhoods, this pretty area feels like a tiny slice of Portugal, with its old shuttered houses, quiet cobblestone streets and twittering birds. While there isn't a lot to do here (it's really just one long winding street), there are a few galleries open to visitors (look for 'atelier' signs) and a good local restaurant. There's also a hostel if you want to stay overnight. Saturday is the liveliest time to visit.
To get here on foot, take the narrow uphill lane Ladeira João Homem, reachable just off Praça Mauá.
