While everyone climbs Cristo Redentor, Rio's most fascinating history lies in overlooked corners.

Museu da República in Catete was Brazil's presidential palace until 1960. President Getúlio Vargas shot himself here in 1954 — The room is preserved exactly as it was. Small entrance fee with free days on weekends, you'll often have entire floors to yourself. Note: currently closed for renovation but gardens remain free.

Cemitério São João Batista in Flamengo contains tombs of Machado de Assis and Tom Jobim. Free entry, incredible marble sculptures, 150 years of Brazilian culture carved in stone.

The Arcos da Lapa aren't just Instagram backdrops — They're 18th century engineering marvels that brought mountain spring water to colonial Rio.