Art mural at the Bhering Factory in Rio's Port Zone

Bhering Factory in Rio de Janeiro: What to Do, Where to Eat and Safety Tips

If you think you know everything there is to do in Rio de Janeiro, maybe it’s time to get off the beaten track and explore one of the city’s most authentic spaces: the Bhering Factory, in the Santo Cristo neighborhood.

Forget for a moment the beaches of the South Zone and the classic Christ the Redeemer circuit. Here, the atmosphere is industrial, artistic and full of personality. The former candy and chocolate factory has become a creative hub with studios, galleries, cafés, restaurants and cultural events.

But is it really worth a visit? What is there to do inside? Is it safe? Where to eat? How much time to set aside?

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find all the answers.



Quick Summary – Bhering Factory

📍 Location: Rua Orestes, 28 – Santo Cristo – Zona Portuária – Rio de Janeiro
🕒 Opening hours : Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 6pm (workshops may vary)
🎟 Admission: Free
🚋 How to get there: VLT (Bus Station Stop), bus or app
Ideal visit time: 2 to 3 hours
🎨 Tour profile: Cultural, alternative, artistic

🌐 Website / Information
📸 Instagram

💡 Best day to go: On Internal Circuit dates, when practically all the studios are open and there is a special program with art, music and gastronomy.

🔒 S afety tip: Go during the day, prefer transportation by app or VLT and avoid walking through deserted streets in the area. Before including it in your itinerary, read our updated guide on
👉 Safety in Rio de Janeiro:
https://viagenselugaress.com/seguranca-no-rio-de-janeiro-guia-completo-2026/

🎯 Is it worth it? Yes, especially for those who want to see a more creative and less touristy side of Rio de Janeiro.


The History of the Bhering Factory

Before becoming a creative hub, Bhering was one of Brazil’s largest food industries. The imposing building, which occupies an entire city block, produced coffee, chocolates and famous sweets.

A curious detail is that part of the metal structure of the building and the machinery was imported from Germany, coming from Hamburg. The place breathes industrial history.

With the decline of factory activity, the building went through a period of abandonment. It was then that artists began to occupy the space, attracted by the large warehouses, high ceilings and affordable rent.

The movement was organic. One artist invited another. And so a creative community was born.

If you like this kind of cultural discovery, I also recommend:
👉 https://viagenselugaress.com/passeios-fora-do-obvio-rio-de-janeiro/


Where it is and how to get there

The Bhering Factory is located in Santo Cristo, in the Port Zone of Rio de Janeiro.

It is relatively close to Praça Mauá, where the Museum of Tomorrow and the Rio Art Museum are located.

👉 Rio Art Museum Guide:
https://viagenselugaress.com/museu-de-arte-do-rio/

👉 Things to do in Rio de Janeiro:
https://viagenselugaress.com/o-que-fazer-no-rio-de-janeiro/

How to get there

  • Tram – Bus Stop
  • Transport app
  • Buses

Avoid walking around the area too much outside of business hours.


Is the Bhering Factory safe?

This is a common – and important – question.

The Port Zone has improved a lot since the revitalization of Porto Maravilha, but it still requires basic attention.

Tips:

✔ Go during the day
✔ Prefer app or tram
✔ Avoid empty streets
✔ Don’t expose valuables

Before organizing any tour of the center, read our updated guide:
👉 https://viagenselugaress.com/seguranca-no-rio-de-janeiro-guia-completo-2026/

Following these guidelines, the experience is usually smooth.


What to do inside the Bhering Factory

There are around 80 studios spread over five floors.

You will find:

  • Handmade ceramics
  • Photography
  • Contemporary art
  • Design
  • Designer fashion
  • Independent bookshops
  • Joinery
  • Creative studios

Each floor has a different energy. It’s an exploratory walk.


Restaurants and Cafés in the Bhering Factory

Here the experience gets even more interesting.

Bhering is not just art – it’s also creative gastronomy.

🍽 Restaurants

Some spaces function as bistros and signature restaurants. The menu varies according to the current venture, but you’ll usually find one:

  • Executive dishes
  • Contemporary Brazilian food
  • Vegetarian options
  • Handmade pasta
  • Handmade burgers

The prices are usually more affordable than restaurants in the South Zone.


☕ Cafés and patisseries

The factory houses charming cafés with:

  • Specialty coffee
  • Homemade cakes
  • Handmade pies
  • Vegan sweets
  • Sandwiches

It’s common to find menus with:

  • Brunch
  • Dishes of the day
  • Vegan options
  • Designer drinks

The industrial atmosphere creates an interesting contrast with the delicacy of the dishes.

If you like food tours, see also:
👉 https://viagenselugaress.com/restaurantes-no-rio-de-janeiro/


Internal Circuit: The Best Time to Visit

The Internal Circuit is a regular event.

That day:

  • All workshops open
  • There’s live music
  • Expanded gastronomy
  • Special exhibitions

This is when the space becomes more vibrant.


The Bhering Factory Terrace

One of the highlights is the terrace.

The view reaches:

  • Rio Center
  • Port region
  • Part of Guanabara Bay

It’s a great photo spot.


How long to book?

Set aside for at least 2 hours.

If you want to have lunch and visit the ateliers at your leisure, consider 3 hours.

You can combine it with:

Morning → Museum of Tomorrow
Afternoon → Bhering Factory
Evening → Lapa Region

👉 Complete day-by-day itinerary:
https://viagenselugaress.com/roteiro-no-rio-de-janeiro-dia-a-dia/


Is it worth including in your itinerary?

It depends on your profile.

If you’re looking for:

Alternative culture
✔ Independent art
✔ Local experience
✔ Spaces off the beaten track

So yes.

If your trip is short and focused only on the classics, you might prioritize Christ, Sugarloaf Mountain and the beaches.

👉 Where to stay in Rio:
https://viagenselugaress.com/onde-ficar-no-rio-de-janeiro/


Final Tips


Conclusion

The Bhering Factory represents a lesser-known side of Rio de Janeiro – creative, collaborative and full of identity.

It’s a tour that connects industrial history, contemporary art and gastronomy in one place.

If you want to go beyond the basics and discover a more authentic Rio, it’s worth including in your itinerary.

And before you go exploring the Center, always remember to check out our up-to-date safety guide:
👉 https://viagenselugaress.com/seguranca-no-rio-de-janeiro-guia-completo-2026/

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