Petrópolis, known as Imperial City, offers a blend of attractions, historical tours, gastronomy, and ecotourism. It served as the summer residence of the Brazilian royal family in the 19th century and was built by order of Pedro II in honor of his father, Pedro I.
Located just 70 km from Rio de Janeiro city, Petrópolis is a convenient and well-loved destination in the state. It’s a favorite spot for weekend getaways or holiday excursions.
This article will guide you through Petrópolis’ top attractions and highlight the best hotel options for a remarkable stay.
Top Attractions in Petrópolis
Historic Center: The city center features numerous attractions, including the Cathedral of São Pedro de Alcântara, the Imperial Museum, Avenida Koeller, the Casa da Ipiranga, the Casa de Santos Dumont, the Bohemia Brewery, the Crystal Palace, and more.
Quitandinha Palace: Originally intended as a grand casino, the palace’s prominence was short-lived due to Brazil’s gambling ban. Today, it is a top attraction and venue for cultural events.
Serra dos Órgãos National Park: A natural gem spanning over 20,000 hectares, this park offers a stunning array of pools, trails, waterfalls, and caves that will delight any adventurer.
Best Hotels in Petrópolis
1. Hotel Reggia Catarina
Photo Credit: Hotel Reggia Catarina
The Reggia Catarina Hotel is in the heart of Petrópolis, nestled beneath majestic imperial palm trees. Housed in a historic family residence listed by the “National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage”, the property was meticulously renovated and converted in 2019 into a stylish boutique hotel featuring 20 rooms.
Each room has queen or twin beds, a TV, and a minibar.
The hotel boasts exceptional comfort, complete with a swimming pool and a terrace offering views of the cathedral.
Av. Ipiranga, 211 – Centro, Petrópolis – RJ, 25685-250
Rates from USD 109
2. Casa Marambaia Hotel
Photo Credit: Casa Marambaia Hotel
Casa Marambaia Hotel blends elegance and modernity, set amidst lush greenery and located about 30 minutes by car from the city center.
It features 12 designed accommodations, swimming pools, and a spa. The main house includes 8 highly exclusive suites, while 4 separate Houses offer privacy and comfort, blending seamlessly with the farm’s unique natural surroundings.
The hotel provides a range of experiences, including beach tennis lessons, private hiking tours, wine-tasting, and others.
Dr. Agostinho Goulão, Nº 2098 – Corrêas, Petrópolis – RJ, 25730-050
Rates from USD 385
3. Hotel Solar do Império
Photo Credit: Hotel Solar do Império
The Hotel Solar do Império is housed in two recently renovated neoclassical mansions that blend contemporary comfort with imperial elegance. Princess Isabel and Count d’Eu used to stay in the main mansion. Each of the 25 rooms reflects historical charm and pays tribute to notable figures from Brazilian history.
It offers a spa with an outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, dry and steam saunas, fitness equipment, and massage rooms.
Breakfast can be served at any time and place.
Av. Koeler, 376 – Centro, Petrópolis – RJ, 25685-060
Rates from USD 140
4. Casa Rosa Hotel Boutique
Photo Credit: Casa Rosa Hotel Boutique
Casa Rosa Hotel features 14 charming accommodations in the main house and an annex. Combining historical elegance with modern comfort, the hotel offers a refined atmosphere.
The suites are adorned with décor that blends contemporary and traditional elements, and equipped with a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, and a minibar.
The hotel features a swimming pool and a rooftop.
Alfredo Pachá, 76 – Centro, Petrópolis – RJ, 25685-210
Rates from USD 169
5. Hotel Casablanca Imperial
Photo Credit: Hotel Casablanca Imperial
The Hotel Casablanca Imperial, set within two stunning mansions designated as National Historic Landmarks, preserves the elegance and charm of Imperial Brazil.
The hotel features 86 comfortable rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a bistrô, and a fitness center.
da Imperatriz, 286 – Centro, Petrópolis – RJ, 25610-320
Rates from USD 48
6. Pousada Orquídea da Serra
Photo Credit: Pousada Orquídea da Serra
Nestled amid the mountains of Petrópolis and conveniently close to the city’s main attractions, Pousada Orquídea da Serra provides comfortable rooms equipped with a TV and a minibar.
The hotel also features an outdoor pool.
José Bonifácio, 435 – Centro, Petrópolis – RJ, 25685-261
Rates from USD 50
7. Hotel Casablanca Koeler
Photo Credit: Hotel Casablanca Koeler
Situated directly across from the cathedral, Hotel Casablanca Koeler provides great value for money.
The hotel features 21 spacious and comfortable suites, each equipped with a TV and a work desk.
Av. Koeler – Centro, Petrópolis – RJ, 25685-060
Rates from USD 53
8. Kastel Pedra Bonita
Photo Credit: Kastel Pedra Bonita
Situated in a serene natural setting, just 30 minutes by car from the city center, Kastel Pedra Bonita offers a peaceful retreat for families and friends. The hotel features a leisure area, including an outdoor heated pool, a sauna, and a spa.
It offers a range of accommodations, including standard rooms, suites, chalets, and bungalows, all equipped with a TV and minibar.
Rodovia BR-040, Km 69,2, s/n – Fazenda Inglesa, Petrópolis – RJ, 25670-070
Rates from USD 42
9. Hotel Vila Bavária
Photo Credit: Hotel Vila Bavária
Nestled in a spacious green area just an 8-minute drive from the Imperial Museum, Hotel Vila Bavária features a swimming pool and various leisure amenities.
The rooms are cozy and feature a king-size bed and a TV.
Dr. Hermogênio Silva, 522 – Retiro, Petrópolis – RJ, 25730-430
Rates from USD 33
10. Pousada Monte Imperial
Photo Credit: Pousada Monte Imperial
Situated in a beautiful mountainous area but still near the main attractions of Petrópolis, Pousada Monte Imperial features rooms with scenic mountain views, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
Each room is uniquely decorated and includes a TV and minibar.
José de Alençar, 27 – Centro, Petrópolis – RJ, 25610-050
Rates from USD 51
11. Hotel York
Photo Credit: Hotel York
With over 50 years of history, the Hotel York is one of Petrópolis’ most established venues, having opened its doors in 1958.
It provides excellent value for money and offers comfortable accommodations, each equipped with a TV and a minibar.
Rua do Imperador, 78 – Centro Histórico, Petrópolis – RJ, 25620-000
Rates from USD 53
Related Tours:
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation and Flight
Book your hotel and flight with Booking.com to find competitive rates and a wide range of options.
Book a Train Ticket
Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is a travel search engine that compares and combines various transport options to offer flexible travel solutions.
See also
Savor the Sweetness: Exploring the Delights of Brazilian Cakes
Beaches in Brazil: A Guide to the Top Coastal Destinations
Búzios Brazil: A Charming Coastal Seaside Getaway
Cabo Frio Brazil: A Coastal Gem in Rio de Janeiro State
Explore Bento Gonçalves: Brazil’s Hidden Gem in Wine Country