Historical Rio Walking Tour: Explore Downtown Rio's Architectural and Cultural Richness
5.0
17 Ratings
Copacabana
Discover the historical and cultural richness of downtown Rio on a guided walking tour. Explore architectural gems and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Copacabana Beach - You will meet our tour guide at the entrance of the Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel and you will be taken by subway to downtown, stopping at Cinelândia Station
What's Included
  • Professional guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

If you want to have a different and cultural morning, come with us and take the subway to enjoy a guided walking tour in downtown Rio. Many cariocas still refer to downtown as “the City”, as if it were a city apart, so busy, profuse and attractive. Rich in history and buildings of great architectural appeal, the center of the former capital of the country is best absorbed in the details when you walk through it.

You can also extend your tour and take the afternoon part of this walking tour. Please check our complete walking tour called “Rio Walking Tour - City Center plus Olympic Boulevard and Museum of Tomorrow”

  • Operated by a multilingual guide
  • Not recommended for people with walking difficulties
  • It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date.
Location
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Avenida Atlântica
Departure at 9:00am
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(17 Ratings)
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Chiangj2024
May 30, 2024
Excellent and experienced tour guide! Explored the most essential parts of Rio in 1 day! - Monica was an amazing tour guide! Really knowledgeable and experienced. We initially wanted to engage in a 2-day tour but changed it to just 1 day and she still managed to squeeze in all the important sights into a 1 day itinerary! She brought us to the best photo spots on Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf mountain, was an amazing photographer for us, and also gave us great explanations to the iconic buildings of Rio de Janeiro city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suea755
Feb 3, 2024
Well worth it - Our guide Meilin made the difference on this tour. She is knowledgeable and passionate about her city. An excellent way to learn about Rio and see lots in one tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traveler826529
Sep 11, 2023
Bruno made a difference in Rio! - Our guide Bruno Linhares clearly made a difference, due to the high historical knowledge he demonstrated and especially the clear and fun way in which he transmitted this knowledge to us. It exceeded our expectations and added historical and tourist attractions not included in the initial program. It was the guide we wanted to have in every city we visited around the world. Thank you Bruno.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alfred_j
Jan 11, 2023
A great tour! - Matilde was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions. She was also considerate in having me take a coffee and pastry break. Was very impressed by the beauty of Rio after this tour. Thanks Matilde!
Review provided by Viator
Pkapshuk
Jan 19, 2022
The wonders of the old city of Rio - This was an enlightening tour of the old city of Rio de Janeiro that was highlighted by the wonderful architecture of some of Rio’s most iconic buildings such as the Opera house, the St. Anthony Monastery and Rio’s state legislative assembly building. This is a must do tour for history buffs and those enthralled by exquisite architecture. In addition, my guide Sergio took me on the ferry to Niteroi (across the bay from downtown Rio) which provided magnificent vistas of downtown Rio. This is highly recommend tour with a tour guide that had a outstanding command of the history of Rio and the historical figures that played an integral part in the development of this beautiful city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dyan_123
Nov 14, 2019
Fabulous sites and guide - It poured on us but Leonardo hung in there! His English was excellent, which we appreciate since many guides are hard to understand and he was very knowledgeable. He took us to many fabulous sites and made our tour special. We had already done 2 day tours in the area, but, this one is a must if you want to see the historical section of Rio.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Whitehalltraveller
Oct 10, 2019
See another side to Rio - We spent 4 and half hours with Leonardo, our guide on this tour, who was excellent. We met him outside the Belmont Copacabana Palace hotel, Rio’s oldest hotel, which is a popular meeting point for tours. We then went by metro to centro where we visited the opera house, city council office, variously squares, traverse do comercio which shows off the colonial alleys. Several churches which were al beautiful. Leonardo was very knowledgable and gave us a history lesson on Brazil. Well worth doing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wasmith59
Jun 27, 2019
Leonardo is an excellent guide - We had a private tour with Leonardo. We saw the subway to get to Centro. He took us to many beautiful churches, and described the history and architecture of many buildings in Centro. We also learned a lot about the history of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro. Leonardo is very professional, knowledgeable and safety conscious. The snack was Colombo was delicious. The ride back on the city bus gave us another good experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pjt99
Feb 19, 2019
Get a feel of the real Rio - Away from the famous sites and the beaches, this walking tour lets you find out about the history behind Rio, some of it's most elegant buildings and churches etc. It's not too onerous, gets you used to riding the metro (very easy) and our guide Leonardo was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Domiegagnon
Feb 9, 2019
What is says it's what it is! - We booked this tour with Viator. This walking visit to downtown Rio was exceptional! Rafael gave us much more than we expected. We have learned a lot!!! Not only about Rio but about Brazil in general. it was an exceptional tour! If you like history, this is the tour to book!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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