Walking Tour in Rio de Janeiro Historic Center and Santa Teresa

Our next stop is Praça XV (Square XV), the heart of Rio’s main events from the colonial to the republic period. At the square you are going to see the Master Valentim Fountain, which used to be next to the entrance of the ancient harbor. You are also going to visit the Imperial Palace, the ancient coin house, a building full of history.

Crossing the street, you will visit one of the most important churches of the city: Our Lady of Carmo Church, the old cathedral of Rio. It has been the scene of some of the most important moments in history, such as the coronation of Dom Pedro I and Dom Pedro II, as well as the setting for royal weddings.

Right next to the Imperal Palace, we will see the the Tiradentes Palace, the headquarters of the National Congress in 1926. Nowadays it became a national political symbol in the city and it has consolidated itself as one of the most representative buildings of eclecticism in the 1920s. We will see it from outside.

The Candelária Church is one of the biggest and oldest churches from Rio. Being first a small chapel in the beginning of the 16th century, it was reconstructed from 1775 to 1898. The church has Baroque style mixed with Roccocó and Neoclassic and it is right in the middle of one of the most important avenues of Rio.

After some walk through the city center, we will stop by the famous “Royal Portuguese Gabinet of Reading.” Founded in 1877 by the Portuguese, the Cabinet has around 350 000 volumes, including the first edition of “Os Lusíadas”, from 1572. It got more famous recently after being compared to a Hogwarts library.

Then, we move on to a newer part of the city to visit the new Metropolitan Cathedral. Inspired by the Mayan Pyramids, the Cathedral surprises us with a very modern and unique architecture lit up by the four 64 meters high (209 feet) stained glass windows.

Our next stop is Cinelândia, important for being a political and cultural center in the early 20th century. We will have a panoramic view of Theatro Municipal, Ernesto Palace and the National Library.

We will then walk towards the tram station to take the "Bondinho." It is a historical landmark that connects downtown Rio to Santa Teresa, offering a nostalgic experience and stunning views. After embarking on the tram, you will pass above the famous “Arcos da Lapa”, the biggest colonial construction of Rio. Then, you pass by the most important streets of Santa Teresa with incredible views of Downtown.

On our way back, we will stop at Largo do Guimarães, the gastronomic center of the neighborhood. From there, we will start our walk tour inside Santa Teresa. The first stop will be at the Glória Maria Park (previously known as Ruin Park). A mansion that used to be the stage of famous parties in the Belle Époque of Rio, then abandoned after its owner died, and today a culture center where exhibitions and cultural events take place. Not mentioning the amazing view of Rio’s downtown and Sugar Loaf.

To close the tour with a golden key, we will walk down Santa Teresa streets to one of the three most visited sightseeing sites of Rio: the Selarón Steps. Covered with more than 2.000 tiles from more than 60 countries, the steps are a tribute to Brazil left by the eccentric artist Jorge Selarón.