Quinta da Boa Vista Park

A real gem of the city, Quinta da Boa Vista is one of the largest urban parks on carioca soil, with approximately 155,000 square meters. Located in the neighborhood of São Cristóvão, one of the most traditional in Rio, it preserves the gardens created by the French landscaper Auguste Glaziou. For many years it housed the Rio Zoo, founded in 1888, which recently closed down and gave way to the Biopark, a new concept of zoo. The park is also home to the National Museum, considered to be the oldest scientific institution in Brazil, which is being painstakingly rebuilt after being hit by a fire.
Quinta da Boavista was the residence of the Portuguese Royal Family from 1808 to 1889, the year the Republic was proclaimed. Coming from Portugal, due to the Napoleonic Wars, D. João VI took up residence in the Paço. With this, Brazil ceased to be a colony and Rio became the seat of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and the Algarve. The entire Orleans and Bragança lineage was maintained there, and Princess Isabel was even born in that palace.Surrounded by greenery, its gardens are an invitation for picnics. There are also several multi-sports courts, which attract many young people. A walk through the artificial caves is a must, as well as a ride on a pedal boat or kayak on the park's lakes.