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Rio de Janeiro Culture & history

Our most recommended Rio de Janeiro Culture & history

Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

1. Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights of Rio with Lunch

Start your adventure with a pickup in the morning from hotels located in the South Zone and head towards your first stop at Christ the Redeemer.  Enjoy great jungle views in the minivan ride through the Tijuca Forest that surrounds the Corcovado Mountain. Reach the peak of the mountain and meet the statue of the Christ the Redeemer with its arms right open over the city. Admire the sweeping views and take breathtaking pictures. Head to a nice walk outside the Maracanã Stadium and find out more about the passion of the Brazilians for football. Learn about the samba tradition in Rio by visiting the Sambadrome, the place with the biggest Carnival parade on the planet. Marvel at the beautiful street art of the Selarón Steps, a gigantic mosaic work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. He started dedicating himself to decorate the stairs in the early 90s. The 250 steps have become a monument and an icon of Rio. Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro to revel at the biblical passages on the stained-glass inside it, following a stop for lunch in an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. With the batteries recharged, there is still one place left.  Head to Urca neighborhood and marvel at the beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain and be amazed by the cable ride to the top. From 220 meters above sea level take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi, and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Rio de Janeiro: Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard

2. Rio de Janeiro: Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard

After pickup from your accommodation begin your tour at the Museum of Tomorrow, one of the most highly rated attractions in Brazil. Admire the architecture of the museum from the exterior as you explore the reflective pool and gardens. Enter the building and see the main exhibit, created by physicist and cosmologist Luiz Alberto Oliveira.  The museum studies the future of the world and its possibility for transformation. Explore the five major areas: Cosmos, Earth, Anthropocene, Tomorrow, and Now. Marvel at the experiments and experiences that encourage you to consider the fundamental questions of existence. After exiting the museum, continue to the Olympic Boulevard. The walls measure an area of almost 3,000 square meters in total and were painted for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Get up close to the Ethnicities Mural by Eduardo Kobra, one of the world’s largest piece of graffiti art.

Petrópolis: Imperial City Tour

3. Petrópolis: Imperial City Tour

In the past, Petrópolis was the place where the Brazilian imperial family, as well as many other important people from high society, used to spend their summer vacations. Nowadays, people come from all over the world to see the well-preserved villas and palaces where they stayed.   Your tour begins with pick-up from your accommodation between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. You’ll then take the approximately 1-hour drive to Petrópolis on a comfortable air-conditioned bus. On the way, you’ll catch beautiful views of the mountains and the green spaces of the National Park of Serra dos Orgãos. Once at the city, start your visit with Quitandinha Palace, which used to be the biggest casino hotel in Latin America. Take some pictures at the palace, and then continue with a tour of the Imperial Museum, once the summer house of Emperor Pedro II. There, you’ll be able to see many important artifacts from the imperial family, such as jewels and the Emperor’s diamond crown. Your guide will teach you about the history of the Brazilian Empire and about the everyday life of the imperial family.     After a break for lunch, you’ll visit São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral, a marvelous Gothic building which is the mausoleum of the imperial family. Afterward, explore the city and see its German-engineered architecture. Stop in at the Crystal Palace, an erstwhile events venue for the imperial family. Finally, you’ll visit the Flowers Watch and see the Santos Dumont house. Arrive back in Rio at approximately 7:00 PM. Upgrade your tour to include a visit to a beer factory which makes the oldest beer in Brazil. Learn about the history of beer during a 1-hour tour with tastings included.

Rio: Olympic Boulevard, AquaRio and Museum of Tomorrow Tour

4. Rio: Olympic Boulevard, AquaRio and Museum of Tomorrow Tour

Take an insightful excursion through Olympic Boulevard, the city's port area that houses the newest of Rio's attractions. Enjoy an informative commentary from your guide and visit the modern Museum of Tomorrow, as well as the AquaRio aquarium, depending on the option you choose. Take advantage of a hotel transfer and head out on your exciting Rio adventure. Visit the Museum of Tomorrow, a technological applied science museum dedicated to exploring and questioning all the possibilities for building the future of the planet and the human race. Take photos of the unusual architecture before walking in to explore the exhibits. Afterward, make a stop at the Kobra Mural, one of the largest graffiti murals in the world, created by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra. Observe five ethnic groups depicted realistically before a colorful background. If you book the AquaRio option, you'll have the chance to visit the largest marine aquarium in South America. See more than 5,000 animals from 350 different species from around the world in 28 saltwater tanks. Get up close and even interact with an immense variety of fish, rays, sharks, and corals.

Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

5. Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

The only backstage tour of the Carioca Carnival, the most famous carnival in the world! When in Rio, you need to experience Samba! This tour introduces you to the artistry and imagination of Carnival and allows you to discover the backstage of The greatest show on Earth! Have an unique and authentic experience exploring the backstage, the secrets, the people working and the preparations for the parade, which is also a competition. During the tour, you will be able to witness the process of construction and production of floats and more than 3000 costumes for the show. This visit includes a guided tour to the factory of the 2022th Carnival champion Samba School, Grande Rio. Including an exhibition about the history of Samba and Carnival, the tour provides a chance to dress up in authentic parade costumes, experience the samba dance and enjoy a delicious Caipirinha welcome drink! Come visit us!

Rio de Janeiro: Downtown Walking Tour

6. Rio de Janeiro: Downtown Walking Tour

Depart from the meeting point we go to Downtown Rio de Janeiro. The historic center of Rio de Janeiro is surrounded by centuries-old roads and buildings that show important periods in Brazilian history, from the time of the monarchy up to Brazil becoming a republic. Delve into 500 years of Brazilian history with a visit to the XV de Novembro Square. Admire the architecture of ALERJ building, Paço Imperial, and do Carmo Convent. Walk past the dos Teles Arch and see its winding alleyways. Follow your tour guide to Candelária Church and learn about its importance to the city. Then, discover hidden treasures in the architecture of the Brazil Bank Cultural Center, or as locals call "CCBB". Admire the contrast between old and modern by walking down the street to Cinelandia Square. Explore political and cultural buildings in the area, such as Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, National Library of Brazil, National Museum of Fine Arts, and City Council of Rio de Janeiro. Revel at the architecture of Colombo's Bakery, one of the main landmarks of the city's, and have a snack. Finish your tour at a subway station in Downtown Rio, and choose to return to your hotel or continue exploring the region on your own.

Rio Culture and History through the Art of Traditional Foods

7. Rio Culture and History through the Art of Traditional Foods

Join a delicious guided walking food tour in Rio de Janeiro's lively Santa Teresa and Lapa neighborhoods where you will visit unique local restaurants and specialty shops and sample different foods and beverages, including cachaça. Enjoy foods that contain some of the most important elements found in traditional Brazilian cuisine like açai, tapioca, and manioc flour.  Hop on a charming tram ride going over the Lapa Arches aqueduct, and passing by Ruinas Park to marvel at panoramic views of the city as you make your way from downtown to Santa Teresa. Taste local beer, as well as delicious cachaça on your route, and learn about the culture and history of Rio de Janeiro and the family traditions behind each food locales you visit. Your local guide will answer any questions you might have.

Rio de Janeiro: Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour

8. Rio de Janeiro: Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour

Following pickup from your accommodation, head to the historic center of Rio de Janeiro. Consisting of centuries-old buildings and roads, the historic center of Rio best illustrates the most important chapters of Brazil’s history.  See the contrast of new and old architecture at XV de Novembro Square. Continue to Cinelândia Square until you reach the famous Carioca Aqueduct (Arcos de Lapa) in Lapa. Admire the historic beauty as you continue to Santa Teresa by car. Enjoy the winding narrow streets and colorful buildings of bohemian Santa Teresa, famous for its bars, galleries, ateliers, and the 19th-century Santa Teresa tram. From the top of Santa Teresa Hill, enjoy some of Rio’s finest views and look across Guanabara Bay.  Take in the panoramic views of the city from the Parque das Ruínas, located in the ruins of an old mansion belonging to Laurinda Santos. The mansion has been partially restored and is now used as a cultural center hosting various exhibitions and events.

Rio: Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & History Tour

9. Rio: Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & History Tour

Begin your tour by being picked up from your hotel and discover the many hidden gems in Rio’s Downtown area with a tour guide. Start at the Valongo Wharf (the latest Unesco World Heritage site in the city) and learn more about the African influence in Brazil. Then head to the Kobra Mural — one of the largest graffiti walls in the world — created by the Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra, to admire the five ethnic groups portrayed in a colorful geometric background. After a few pictures, you will walk along the Olympic Boulevard towards the Museum of Tomorrow. This is a modern and technological science museum dedicated to exploring and questioning all the possibilities for constructing the future of the planet and mankind. Discover its remarkable architecture, and pay a visit to the most visited museum in Brazil. After exploring the future, travel to the past in the Monastery of Saint Benedict, where you will experience the contrast of the simple façade, with the interior covered with golden ornaments, a heritage from the Baroque period. Before heading towards the historical streets of Rio, you will see the Rio 2016 Olympic Cauldron created by the American artist Anthony Howe. You will notice the reflective-kinetic-sphered-structure is a reminder of the Games. At the Praça XV, you will see one of the former headquarters of the Brazilian empire and learn more about important facts of Brazilian history that happened in the area. Your last stop will be at Confeitaria Colombo (closed on Sundays), one of the “must-see cafés” from around the world. Enjoy the opulent art nouveau decorated with huge stained glass, tiles, and mirrors imported from France, Portugal, and Belgium. You can finish your tour tasting one of the Brazilian traditional snacks such as the coxinha de frango (‘little chicken thigh’), or desserts such as the brigadeiro (‘brigadier’) in one of Rio de Janeiro’s most prestigious places at the beginning of the 20th century.

From Rio de Janeiro: Niterói Day Trip

10. From Rio de Janeiro: Niterói Day Trip

After pickup, sit back and relax during the 1-hour drive from Rio to Niterói. Take the opportunity to snap some photos as you cross Guanabara Bay. Learn about the old capital of Rio state and how the name comes from the indigenous Tupi language. Make your first stop in downtown Niterói and visit the Niemeyer Way, a series of works by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer. Sites such as the Oscar Niemeyer Popular Theatre, Oscar Niemeyer Foundation, and Roberto Silveira Memorial extend for 11km in the coastal neighborhoods of the city. Continue on to Juscelino Kubitschek Square. Head to Niterói Contemporary Art Museum, known locally as ‘the MAC’ and the highlight of this day trip. Revel at the interesting and inventive shape of what is considered one of the greatest works by Niemeyer. See contemporary art inside the museum. Make a quick stop at São Pedro Fish Market to finish off the tour. See where most restaurants buy their fresh fish and seafood. Finally, be dropped off back at your accommodation in Rio.

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What people are saying about Rio de Janeiro

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,789 reviews

I had a great time, the places are beautiful and Rio was hot, the van had a good air conditioner what helped me a lot. The guide was polite even though some people weren’t that polite. Had a great time

Brilliant well-organised experience. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. The driver drove safely. Value for money. Definately recommend to do this tour.

Amazing tour. We had a lovely day and saw everything we wanted to see. Very well organized and loved our guide Lavina. Lunch was very good as well, thanks!

A whistle stop tour of Rio’s main sights. Well organised, nice comfortable bus, great guide - a good way to see the city if you’re short on time.

Súper recomendado este tour. Puedes conocer varios puntos turísticos de Rio en un solo día.