Rio Walking & Historical Tour
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Rio Walking & Historical Tour

Active
(9 reviews)
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The best way to know the city you're visiting and feel like a local is by taking public transportation and walking through the streets to explore. The walking tour is a small group tour with a "Carioca" guide. You will be able to see and learn about the cultural and historical part of the city and visit Downtown's main attractions.

Available options

Rio walking tour

What's included

Professional guide

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1 Pass by

The Municipal Theater or Opera House is one of theJewels in Rio de Janeiro. It was built between 1906 and 1909 with the same architetural style of the Opera House in Paris with Eclectic Architectural style.

2
Stop 2

The Paço Imperial or Imperial Palace, previously known as the Royal Palace of Rio de Janeiro and Palace of the Viceroys, is a historic building.The Paço Imperial was built in the 18th century to serve as residence for the governors of colonial Brazil. From 1808, it was used as a royal residence by King John VI of Portugal as King of Portugal and later also as King of Brazil.

3
Stop 3

The CCBB in Rio de Janeiro is a building of neoclassical lines that in the past was connected to finance and business. Its foundation stone was launched in 1880, materializing the project of Francisco Joaquim Bethencourt da Silva (1831-1912), architect of the Imperial House, founder of the Society of Fine Arts and the Lyceum of Arts and Crafts

4
Stop 4 Pass by

The largest library in Latin America and the 7th largest in the world, its collections include about 9 million items.It organized the first library science courses in Latin America and its staff has led the modernization of library services, including the development of online databases

5
Stop 5

The Candelária Church is an important historical Roman Catholic church in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It was built and decorated during a long period, from 1775 to the late 19th century. The church combines a Baroque facade with a neoclassical and Neo-Renaissance interior elements.

6

The history of the Convent of St. Anthony begins in 1592, when the first Franciscan friars arrived in Rio de Janeiro, who settled provisionally near the Beach of Santa Luzia. Shortly afterwards, the Franciscans erected a small hermitage on the top of a hill located in an area a little further from the coast. In 1607, they were granted definitive possession of the hill, now known as Morro de Santo Antônio, in which they began to build the convent on June 4, 1608. The author of the first project was Brother Francisco dos Santos, but several others religious-Franciscan architects interfered in the work.

7
Stop 7

The square is located in the historical centre of Rio de Janeiro and is flanked by the Palácio Tiradentes , the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro; and the Paço Imperial. The Praça XV Station is a ferry terminal servicing a number of destinations in the city of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi.

8
Stop 8

Cinelândia is the popular name of a major public square in the centre of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its official name is Praça Floriano Peixoto, in honour of the second president of Brazil, Floriano Peixoto.

9
Stop 9

In 1738 the House of Governors (later to become the Imperial Palace) begins to be built under the command of Gomes Freire de Andrade, Count of Bobadela. In 1743 the construction of the new House of Governors is finished and the Largo do Paço region gains a great appreciation. Seeing the growth of the area, the Portuguese judge Antônio Telles Barreto de Menezes (who gave rise to the name of the arch) decides to buy land in the area and build a house, or a set of houses, in order to rent to merchants that came to visit Rio de janeiro

10
Stop 10

It is an imposing neoclassical solar, designed by Grandjean de Montigny, member of the French Artistic Mission (1816) and professor of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts. Commissioned by João VI of Portugal in 1819 for the installation of the city's first Commerce Square, it was inaugurated on May 13, 1820.

11

The Federal Justice Cultural Center (CCJF), an institution linked to the Federal Regional Court of the 2nd Region, occupies the former seat of the Federal Supreme Court. Its construction began in 1905, as an integral part of the project of reformulation of the city of Rio de Janeiro, then Federal Capital, in the administration of the mayor Pereira Passos. Originally intended to house the Mithra Archiepiscopal, the building was purchased for the installation of the Supreme and had its solemn inauguration on April 3, 1909. Designed by the architect Adolpho Morales de Los Rios, the building is one of the most important testimonies of eclectic architecture in City.

12
Stop 12

Built to house the school of the Lloyd Brazilian shipping company, the building was inaugurated in 1922. The projected school, however, was never installed, and the property was used for more than five decades for the operation of administrative units and of the Brazilian Post and Telegraph Company.

13
Stop 13

The laity of the Order of the Third Order of San Francisco settled in Rio de Janeiro in 1619, occupying a chapel inside the church of the Franciscan convent of Santo Antônio, located on the top of a hill (the Morro de Santo Antônio). In the middle of the seventeenth century, the Franciscan convent gave them a plot of land next to the convent's church to build their own temple there. The Church of St. Francis of Penance was built, with interruptions, between 1657 and 1733.

14
Stop 14 Pass by

The first building was an imperial parliament, built in 1640, which had on its lower floor a chain called the "Old Chain," where the prisoners of the colonial period were housed, and where Joaquim José da Silva Xavier (the Tiradentes), while waiting for execution on the gallows, which would happen on April 21, 1792.

15

It was founded together with the city in 1565, when it was formed only by a prosecutor and a judge. Two years later, there was the first election for the City Hall of Rio de Janeiro. At each election, twelve councilors were elected for a year, with the President of the House accumulating the functions of the current municipal mayors.

What's not included

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6
5 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.8
4 reviews
5★
3
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide -English and Spanish
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Not recommended for people with walking difficulties
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date.

Meeting point

Av Atlantica, 1702 Copacabana

Important notes

• Please, have a paper or electronic voucher with you. It need to be presented to the tour guide at the beginning of the tour.
• Your local contact is  +55 21 985715350
• By email at contact@guidedtourinrio.com
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• Meeting point: By the entrance of the Copacabana Palace Hotel, located at Av Atlantica,1702- Copacabana at 9am

About Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, known as the 'Marvelous City,' is famous for its natural settings, Carnival, samba, bossa nova, and Balneario beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema. It's a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, including the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Top Attractions

Christ the Redeemer

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this iconic statue offers breathtaking views of Rio de Janeiro.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours R$84 (including train ticket)

Sugarloaf Mountain

A famous peak offering stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and its beaches.

Nature 2-3 hours R$88 (round-trip cable car)

Copacabana Beach

One of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.

Beach Half day or full day Free

Tijuca National Park

The world's largest urban forest, offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Nature Half day or full day Free (some attractions may have fees)

Santa Teresa

A historic and bohemian neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, art galleries, and scenic views.

Cultural Half day Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Feijoada

A hearty stew made with black beans and various cuts of pork, often served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices.

Dinner Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Pão de Queijo

Cheese bread made with tapioca flour, giving it a unique texture and flavor.

Snack Vegetarian, but contains dairy.

Moqueca

A traditional fish stew cooked in coconut milk and dendê oil, with various seafood and vegetables.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and tofu.

Açaí

A thick, creamy fruit pulp from the açaí palm, often served with granola and condensed milk.

Dessert/Drink Can be made vegan with plant-based milk.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Tijuca National Park Surfing in Arpoador Paragliding in Pedra Bonita Beach lounging in Ipanema Spa treatments in Copacabana Yoga in Botafogo Visiting museums in Centro Attending a samba show

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and the famous Carnival in February/March. Expect crowded beaches and higher prices.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Portuguese
  • Widely spoken: English (limited)
  • English: Limited

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL)

Time Zone

GMT-3 (Brasília Time)

Electricity

110V/220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Rio de Janeiro is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and violence can occur. Exercise caution, especially in less touristy areas and at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Avoid walking alone at night in unsafe areas
  • • Use common sense and stay alert to your surroundings
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air
  • Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
  • Santos Dumont Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center
By train

Central do Brasil

By bus

Rodoviária Novo Rio, Terminal Rodoviário da Gavea

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and air-conditioned, the metro is a great way to avoid traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, 99 Taxis

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Copacabana Ipanema Santa Teresa Lapa Botafogo

Day trips

Petrópolis
65 km (40 miles) • Full day

A charming colonial town in the mountains, known for its historic architecture and cool climate.

Paraty
170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight

A historic coastal town with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches.

Búzios
170 km (105 miles) • Full day or overnight

A picturesque beach town known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife.

Festivals

Carnival • February/March (dates vary) Rio Carnival Samba Parade • February/March (dates vary) New Year's Eve (Réveillon) • December 31

Pro tips

  • Visit Christ the Redeemer early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
  • Take a helicopter tour for a unique perspective of the city
  • Explore the less touristy neighborhoods like Santa Teresa and Botafogo for a more authentic experience
  • Try local street food like pão de queijo and coxinha for a taste of Brazilian flavors
  • Learn some basic Portuguese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 4-99
1
Childs
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 14
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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