Edifício Touring Rio de Janeiro: the historic building behind the city’s new food hub
Rio de Janeiro has just gained a new gastronomic hotspot — and it’s housed inside one of the city’s most iconic historic buildings. The Edifício Touring Rio de Janeiro, located at Praça Mauá, right next to the Museum of Tomorrow, has officially reopened with three floors dedicated to food, music, and culture.
What makes this reopening even more special is the building’s past. Designed by the same architect behind landmarks like the Copacabana Palace, the Hotel Glória, and Edifício A Noite, the Touring Building blends architectural heritage with the new creative energy transforming Downtown Rio.
⚠️ Important: venues, opening hours, and programming may change. Always check official channels before visiting.
👉 To better understand the region and nearby attractions, see our complete guide:
Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro
A nearly 100-year-old Art Deco icon
Inaugurated in 1928, the Edifício Touring is one of the earliest examples of Art Deco architecture in Rio de Janeiro. The building was designed by French architect Joseph Gire, who left a permanent mark on the city’s skyline.
Over the decades, the building became widely known for hosting the Touring Club of Brazil, once the country’s main automobile and tourism association. After years closed to the public, the building has now reopened — once again becoming a meeting point in the city.
Architecture preserved, history respected
With approximately 9,000 square meters spread across three floors, the Edifício Touring has retained its original architectural features:
- Original stained-glass windows
- Grand columns and crystal chandeliers
- The iconic clock tower, visible from Praça Mauá
At the main entrance, a historic stained-glass panel depicts the arrival of the Portuguese in Brazil, with Guanabara Bay and Rio’s landscape in the background — a visual reminder of the building’s cultural importance.
A new gastronomic complex in Downtown Rio
The revitalization project was led by entrepreneur Antonio Rodrigues, head of the Grupo Belmonte, with a clear goal: create a vibrant cultural and gastronomic hub aligned with the broader revitalization of Rio’s port area.
Today, the Edifício Touring houses a mix of classic Rio favorites and contemporary concepts, all with privileged views of Guanabara Bay.
What you’ll find inside
| Floor | Venue | Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Ground floor | Boteco Belmonte | Classic Rio bar |
| Ground floor | Azumi | Japanese cuisine |
| Second floor | Il Piccolo | Traditional Italian restaurant |
| Top floor | Acervo Gastrobar | Authorial cuisine + music |
On weekends, the building also offers a breakfast service at the entrance, featuring products from Padaria Ipanema, making it a great stop for morning walks around Praça Mauá.
Where is Edifício Touring located?
📍 Praça Mauá – Downtown Rio de Janeiro
The location couldn’t be better. The building sits next to some of Rio’s most important cultural attractions, including:
- Museum of Tomorrow
- MAR (Rio Art Museum)
- AquaRio
- Olympic Boulevard
👉 For more ideas nearby, see:
Things to Do in Downtown Rio de Janeiro
https://viagenselugaress.com/en/things-to-do-in-downtown-rio-de-janeiro/
How to get there
- 🚇 Subway: Uruguaiana or Carioca stations + VLT
- 🚋 VLT: Parada Museu do Amanhã
- 🚕 Taxi / Uber: Easy access from anywhere in the city
Official transport info:
https://www.metrorio.com.br
Estimated prices (2026)
| Venue | Average price per person |
|---|---|
| Boteco Belmonte | R$ 60 – R$ 120 |
| Azumi | R$ 120 – R$ 200 |
| Il Piccolo | R$ 150 – R$ 250 |
| Acervo Gastrobar | R$ 100 – R$ 180 |
⚠️ Prices may vary depending on menu, events, and season.
Is it worth visiting?
✅ Yes, if you:
- Enjoy gastronomy mixed with history
- Like revitalized urban areas
- Want to explore Downtown Rio beyond the obvious
- Appreciate architecture and cultural heritage
❌ Maybe not, if you:
- Prefer beach-only experiences
- Expect a nightlife-focused venue
- Are looking for budget-only dining
📌 Quick summary: Edifício Touring is not just about eating — it’s about experiencing Rio’s past and present in one place.
Best time to visit
- Late afternoon for architecture and photos
- Evening for dinner and live music
- Weekends for breakfast and a more relaxed vibe
Common mistakes visitors make
❌ Visiting without checking opening hours
❌ Expecting a nightclub atmosphere
❌ Ignoring nearby museums and attractions
❌ Going during peak hours without reservation
Final tips (local style)
- Combine your visit with the Museum of Tomorrow
- Go early if you want photos without crowds
- Make reservations for dinner on weekends
- Walk around Praça Mauá after sunset — the area is beautiful
Conclusion
The Edifício Touring Rio de Janeiro is a perfect example of how the city is reinventing itself without erasing its past. By preserving its Art Deco architecture and welcoming a new gastronomic scene, the building has once again become a symbol of Rio’s cultural heartbeat.
If you want to see a different side of the city — beyond beaches and postcards — this is a stop worth adding to your itinerary.
❓ FAQ
What is Edifício Touring in Rio de Janeiro?
Edifício Touring is a historic Art Deco building from 1928 that now houses a new gastronomic and cultural complex in Praça Mauá.
Where is Edifício Touring located?
It is located at Praça Mauá, next to the Museum of Tomorrow in Downtown Rio de Janeiro.
Who designed Edifício Touring?
The building was designed by French architect Joseph Gire, also responsible for Copacabana Palace.
What restaurants are inside Edifício Touring?
The complex includes Boteco Belmonte, Azumi, Il Piccolo, and Acervo Gastrobar.
Is Edifício Touring worth visiting?
Yes, especially for visitors interested in food, archite
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