The Imperial Palace stands at the heart of the Praça XV. Now one of the city's foremost cultural centres, it holds temporary exhibitions of painting and sculpture and has its own cinema. Built in the 18C, this palace with colonial architecture is full of history. By turns the residence of the viceroy of Brazil, of King Joãn VI of Portugal, then of Brazilian emperors, this is where the abolition of slavery was proclaimed in 1888. You can make the most of the setting by eating at the restaurant, which opens onto the superb interior courtyard.