Rio de Janeiro Half-Day History-Focused Walking Tour

5.0 (9 reviews) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Duration5h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesPortuguese, English, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Overview

The tour offers a guided walk through the main historical and cultural landmarks of downtown Rio de Janeiro, combining history, and gastronomy. The tour begins in Cinelândia, famous for its cinemas, and buildings such as the Municipal Theater, the National Library, and others.
Next, the tour continues to the Church of São Francisco da Penitência, notable for the splendor of Brazilian Baroque architecture. Visitors then visit the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
The gastronomic stop takes place at the traditional Confeitaria Colombo, where you can taste typical Brazilian delicacies.
The tour continues to Praça XV, passing by historical sites such as the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, and the Chafariz do Mestre Valentim fountain. The walk continues through Arco do Teles, a hub of bars and samba, and Casa Tucum, a cultural center with works by indigenous peoples.
At the end, visitors can try a typical Brazilian lunch (if chosen).

Options

TOUR WITHOUT LUNCH

Only tour: Tour without lunch

TOUR WITH LUNCH

Lunch: Lunch with appetizer, main course, and dessert

What's included

  • Professional tour guide with live commentary in Portuguese, English, and Spanish
  • Lunch with appetizer, main course, and dessert (if this option is chosen)
  • Entrance to the Sacred Museum of the Convent of Saint Anthony
  • Guided half-day walking tour
  • Snacks and Drinks (available for purchase at Confeitaria Colombo)
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Lunch (if the option without lunch is chosen)

What to expect

  1. Cinelandia
    5m
    Start your tour here. This famous square was once a hub of art and culture due to the many theaters and cinemas that were concentrated there
  2. 5m · Admission ticket not included
    Discover this imposing building from the era of the Portuguese Empire.
  3. Biblioteca Nacional
    30m
    With over 200 years of history, the National Library is the oldest Brazilian institution, predating even the constitution of Brazil as an independent nation.
  4. Museu Nacional De Belas Artes
    20m · Admission ticket not included
    one of the largest museums in the country, owner of the largest collection of 19th-century Brazilian art.
  5. 40m · Admission ticket included
    Visit the Church of São Francisco da Penitência.
  6. Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura
    30m
    One of the most beautiful libraries in the world! Perfect for beautiful pictures.
  7. 30m · Admission ticket not included
    A permanent member of all the “must-visit cafes” rankings around the world
  8. 30m
    Main port of entry for Colonial and Imperial Brazil. Home to the Imperial Palace and the Mestre Valentim Fountain.
  9. Arco do Teles
    Pass by
    A hotspot for lively bars with lots of samba.
  10. 30m
    A cultural center with exhibitions and handicrafts created by different indigenous peoples of Brazil.
  11. 1h · Admission ticket included
    Enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant with 15 years of tradition located on the most famous, elegant, and charming street at the time when Rio de Janeiro was the capital of the Empire.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Cinelândia Square - Exit A of the subway, in front of the Floriano Peixoto monument.

End point

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The lunch includes admission, main course, and dessert per person. Drinks are paid separately.
  • Entrance: Chevre salad (mixed greens, nuts, balsamic vinegar, and goat cheese with herbs), Italian eggplant – served with house bread, Café Paris salad (iceberg lettuce, roasted tomatoes, pastrami, ricotta, and sauce), Campagne pâté (French pork and chicken terrine) served with mini green salad and house bread, and ricotta paste with green olives – served with house bread.
  • Main course: Fish and shrimp moqueca with white rice and dendê farofa; picadinho carioca with rice, beans, farofa, and poached egg; cassava escondidinho with dried meat; pork ribs with tropeiro beans; red feijoada (made with our meats smoked in-house over apple wood – pork loin, ribs, dried beef, paio sausage and calabresa sausage, with rice, farofa and kale (always on FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS)
  • Dessert: Chocolate-filled profiteroles, condensed milk pudding; chocolate ice cream cake with Negresco crumbs and pineapple with lemon zest.
  • Customers will have access to the restaurant with the possibility of shared tables (to be determined, subject to availability).

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (9)
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