The Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum - better known as MAC (an abbreviation of the Portuguese naming) - has been around since 1996, literally rising to fame as an icon of Rio de Janeiro. This disc-shaped museum often alluded to be a UFO (despite the architect’s poetic description of it to be a flower unfurling from rock) has a reflecting pool at its base. Even from afar, the eye-catching red of the path to the entrance might make you feel like you’re about to walk the red carpet.

By height alone, the museum might not be breaking records but the 3-level cupola that is 50 meters in diameter offers wonderful perspective and beautiful views. Enter to discover the hexagonal main hall that offers ample exhibition space (that is, 400 square meters) sans columns. Given the slanted structure from the side, the viewing promenade has windows that are angled at about 40 degrees - prepare to be awed not just by the exhibits, but also by the uninterrupted views. From here, you can see the Corcovado and snap pictures of the city skyline across the dark waters of Guanabara Bay. So what are you waiting for? Pack your cameras and head to the MAC!