Petropolis
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By Air
As well as the international airport, Rio de Janiero is well served by a complex Brazilian bus network that links Rio with literally hundreds of destinations throughout Brazil and beyond. In general, Rio de Janiero is one of the most accessible cities in Latin America.
By Road
Rio's public transport system is cheap and effective. Buses are the most popular form of transport as there are lines connecting the entire city, but keep an eye out for pickpockets. Taxis are easily available and the subway system, although small, is safe and reliable. Driving around the city in a rental car is notoriously difficult so it is preferable to hire a car and driver.
Imperial Museum
Farther south-east along the same street is the Bosque do Imperador, with the neo-classical Palácio Imperial, now occupied by the Imperial Museum (Museu Imperial). Among the exhibits are Dom Pedro II's crown and scepter, the crown jewels, works of art and various objects which belonged to the imperial family, and 19th century documents and furniture. The Palácio Grão-Pará (1860) adjoining the Museum is occupied by descendants of Dom Pedro II.
Crystal Palace
Rua da Imperatriz and Rua 13 de Maio lead to Praça da Confluància, in which is the Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), a structure imported from France and erected here by the Conde d'Eu for a flower show (1879-84). It is now used for exhibitions, concerts and the Festa do Colono Alemão (Festival of the German Settler).
Palácio Rio Negro
On Avenida Koeler, which links Praça Princesa Isabel with Praça Rui Barbosa, are the Palácio da Princesa Isabel (1853) and the Palácio Rio Negro (1880), once occupied by the state government of Rio de Janeiro.
House of Santos Dumont
In Rua do Encanto, to the west of Praça Rui Barbosa, is the house (popularly known as the Casa Encantada, "Enchanted House") of the aviation pioneer Alberto Santos Dumont (1873-1932), with an observatory and observation terrace.
March - August