The Botanical Garden or 'Botanique' is steeped in history. From the Middle Ages this green oasis was the garden of the former 'commanderij van Pitzemburg', order of knights. After its abolition, in the nineteenth century the garden was turned into an English landscape garden for members of the elitist Société Royale d'Horticulture. After the First World War it opened to the public as a municipal park. In the middle of the Botanical Garden is a statue of the celebrated scientist Rembert Dodoens. In the sixteenth century he wrote a highly acclaimed herbal called the 'Cruydenboek'. These days the Botanical Garden is a quiet and very pleasant park where you can enjoy the plant life while the children let off steam in the playground.

Timidly emerging from the waters of Guanabara Bay, this 395 meters tall, egg-shaped mountain is one of the tourists' favourite destinations in Rio de Janeiro. Check the weather forecast to be sure of going on a clear day, and venture up to the top of the mountain to enjoy an astonishing 360-degree view including that of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the pristine beaches, the cityscape and the surrounding natural environment. The easiest and fastest way to reach the top of the mountain is by cable car but climbing is always an option.

The National Historical Museum in Rio de Janeiro is renowned for the quality of its exhibitions and its ability to chronologically and interactively present the history of Brazil. Six permanent and a few temporary exhibitions will guide you from the prehistoric era to the present day, using both historical finds and multimedia resources.