Located in Rio de Janeiro's Serra dos Órgãos mountains, this former imperial summer residence includes Dom Pedro II's palace, 19th-century mansions, and historic gardens.
In Petrópolis, 68 kilometers northeast of Rio de Janeiro, you can walk through rooms where Emperor Pedro II once lived, see Brazil's imperial crown jewels up close, and step into Santos Dumont's innovative 1900s home with its unusual architectural solutions. The surrounding Serra dos Órgãos mountains rise above 2,000 meters, creating a climate that stays around 19°C (66°F) year-round. Each July, the city's German roots come alive during Bauernfest, when local families serve traditional recipes and dance in traditional costumes on the streets.
Getting to Petrópolis
Regular buses run from Rio de Janeiro's Terminal Rodoviário Novo Rio to Petrópolis, with the journey taking approximately one hour. The ÚNICA-FÁCIL bus service operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, making it convenient for day trips from Rio. As you travel, you'll see the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range through the bus windows.
Weather and When to Visit
Temperatures in Petrópolis remain mild throughout the year, averaging 19°C (66°F). Summer brings temperatures around 23°C (73°F), while winter cools to about 15°C (59°F). The busiest period starts in July during Bauernfest and continues through the winter months. The Winter Festival at Quitandinha Palace adds music performances and art exhibitions to the calendar.
Exploring the Imperial Museum
The Imperial Museum opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (R$30 entrance fee). You'll need to wear provided slippers to walk through the former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II. The museum displays the imperial crown, the gold quill used to sign Brazil's slave emancipation law, and the royal family's furniture from the 1800s. Photography isn't permitted inside.
Santos Dumont House Museum
Aviation pioneer Santos Dumont designed this hillside house in downtown Petrópolis with creative solutions like narrow stairs that require you to climb using both handrails. The museum (open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM) displays his aviation designs and personal belongings. An elevator helps visitors who can't use the steep stairs.
Serra dos Órgãos National Park
The park's trails lead to waterfalls, natural pools, and viewpoints of peaks over 2,000 meters high. The distinctive Dedo de Deus (God's Finger) rock formation rises like a pointed finger above the landscape. You can choose from day hikes to multi-day treks, with clear trail markers and maps available at the visitor center. The park (entrance R$20) protects the city's water sources and local wildlife.
Annual Festivals
During Bauernfest in July, families set up food stalls selling German recipes passed down through generations. You'll find beer gardens, traditional music, and dancing throughout the city center. The Winter Festival fills Quitandinha Palace with theater shows, concerts, and art exhibitions from June to July, with both free and ticketed events.
