University energy pours onto the packed sidewalks of the BG and into sophisticated cultural spaces like the IMS photography institute.
Nestled between green mountains, the Lagoa and Leblon, Gávea is a neighborhood of passionate contrasts. On one hand, it has mansions hidden along steep, tree-lined streets; on the other, it breathes the youth and effervescence brought by thousands of students from PUC-Rio (Pontifical Catholic University), located in the heart of the neighborhood.
This mix makes Gávea a unique cultural and entertainment hub. Culturally, the neighborhood punches well above its weight: it houses the modern Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS) with its beautiful photography exhibitions, the historic Planetário da Cidade and dozens of small theatres and art galleries.
But it's at the corner of Praça Santos Dumont that Gávea earns its nighttime fame. The area known as "Baixo Gávea" (or simply BG) is a true carioca institution. On Thursday and Sunday nights, the streets around the square fill informally with young people, artists and intellectuals who occupy the sidewalks — drinks in hand — talking and socializing until the early hours of the morning.
Cariocando Tip: Explore the Instituto Moreira Salles in the afternoon, marvel at the modern architecture set within Burle Marx's landscaping, linger over a coffee in the gardens and, as night falls, head to Baixo Gávea to experience the local bohemian atmosphere firsthand.
