Historic Centre Private Tour with a Photographer
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Historic Centre Private Tour with a Photographer

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(1 reviews)
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

For history lovers, the tour of Rio de Janeiro's historic center is a must! You'll visit plenty of tourist attractions and learn fun facts about the city's past and present. You'll be accompanied by a professional photographer who'll take care of all your photo needs, so you don't have to worry about capturing that special moment.

Available options

Historic Centre

What's included

Digital album in high resolution online
Professional guide photographer

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

After pick up we will park the car and visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro. It was projected by Edgar Fonseca and inaugurated in 1979, replacing the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo as the city's cathedral. In a modern style, it has a conical pyramid shape, 106 meters in diameter, 75 meters high outside, 64 meters high inside and a capacity for 20,000 people standing. A differential of the building, with straight and sober lines, is due to the colored stained glass windows torn on the walls up to the dome.

2

We will continue the tour on foot towards the Largo da Carioca, feeling the vibrating energy of Rio's city center. We will go up the hill to the church next to the Santo Antônio Convent overlooking the square and buildings.

3

We will then visit the most famous confectionery in Rio, founded in 1894 by Portuguese immigrants Joaquim Borges de Meireles and Manuel José Lebrão, having an extensive list of famous customers in Brazilian society.

Its architecture and environment give you an idea of ​​what the Belle Époque would have been like in the then capital of the Republic. Between 1912 and 1918, the salons inside the patisserie were renovated, with an Art Nouveau touch, with huge crystal mirrors brought from Antwerp, framed by elegant friezes carved in jacaranda wood. The wooden furniture in the interior was carved at the same time by the artisan Antônio Borsoi.

4
Stop 4

We will walk to the Paço Imperial, a historic building built in the 18th century for the residence of the governors of Rio de Janeiro, it became the house of the King of Portugal Dom João VI and the Emperors of Brazil, undergoing expansions in the 19th century. It is currently a cultural center. Due to its historical and aesthetic importance, the Paço Imperial is considered the most important of the colonial civil buildings in Brazil.

5

We will visit Rio's former Cathedral, the most famous church in Rio, where the King of Portugal Dom John the VI and the first Emperor of Brazil, Dom Pedro II were crowned.

6
Stop 6

We will visit the majestic Cultural Center of the Bank of Brazil, located on a building built in 1880, maintained by the bank. It was was inaugurated as a cultural center in 1989, being the first museum to be opened in the CCBB network. The building's adaptation project preserved the refinement of the columns, the ornaments and the marble that rises from the foyer by the stairs, in addition to having reworked the dome over the rotunda.

7
Stop 7

Rio's most notorious library, the Real Gabinete de Leitura Portuguesa, inaugurated by princess Isabel in 1880 and elected the 4th most beautiful library in the world, among 20 positions, according to Time magazine.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide
PT EN ES NL

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Important notes

• The listed price does not include a $15 parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

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 13-99
1
Childs
Age 7-12
0
Infants
Age 0-6
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
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Free cancellation available
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