Petropolis
Petropolis, Southeast Brazil
Popular in summer when the coast became hot and muggy, Petrópolis was the mountain getaway for Brazil’s imperial court. Nestled about 3,000 feet (914 meters) high in the Serra dos Órgãos range, the city still serves as a heat-beating retreat for the nearby residents of Rio de Janeiro.
The Basics
Known as the Imperial City, Petrópolis offers a juxtaposition between the rain forest, filled with European alpine architecture, and the Imperial Museum (Museu Imperial), a grand building that wouldn’t be out of place in Austria. Other attractions include the cathedral, with excellent views from its steps, and the glasshouse (Palácio de Cristal), imported from France for Princesa Isabel’s orchids. Rua 16 de Março is the place to go for eateries, and Rua Teresa is all about clothing shops. If you’re after something a little more active, hike and bike in the surrounding mountains.
You can tour Petrópolis by horse and buggy, which are available at the main entrance of the Imperial Museum. Guided day trips to Petrópolis from Rio de Janeiro are generally easy to arrange.
Things to Know Before You Go
Petrópolis is wheelchair-accessible with pedestrian crosswalks and bridges. The Imperial Museum has an elevator to access the second floor, but you’ll need to navigate over cobblestones around the grounds.
At the Imperial Museum, visitors are given slippers in order to protect the building’s original wooden floors.
How to Get There
Buses depart from the Rodoviário Novo Rio terminal in Rio de Janeiro, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Petrópolis—the trip takes about 1.5 hours. Once in town you’ll find buses, taxis, and rental cars, although it’s possible to hit most of the highlights on foot in under four hours.
When to Get There
Most Petrópolis sights are closed on Monday, and many restaurants are closed Monday through Wednesday—so aim to visit later in the week. If you’re there at the end of June or beginning of July, check out Bauernfest, one of Brazil’s largest German festivals, featuring typical cuisine, draft beers, music, and dancing.
Cervejaria Bohemia
A must for foodies and beer lovers, Petrópolis’ Cervejaria Bohemia is Brazil's oldest brewery. Enjoy samples of specialty beers as you tour the brewery, and interact with exhibits exploring the evolution of beer and the brewing process. There’s also an on-site bar and restaurant. Signage is posted in English, and English-speaking guides are available.
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