
2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio worth booking?
2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio is a 6-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $135 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (20)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $135 per person
Brazil and its cuisine are a wild and sometimes baffling stew of influences and cultures – and Rio’s old city and port zone are where many of the country’s disparate elements deliciously converge. These atmospheric neighborhoods are where the Portuguese began building the city, where the enslaved Africans who were brought over to Brazil first landed, where samba was born and – most importantly – where this bustling metropolis’s multicultural identity and food culture started taking shape. On this tour we trace that history through its food, meeting the people who are keeping Brazil’s culinary traditions alive and those who are creating exciting new ones.
What you get
About this experience
Brazil and its cuisine are a wild and sometimes baffling stew of influences and cultures – and Rio’s old city and port zone are where many of the country’s disparate elements deliciously converge. These atmospheric neighborhoods are where the Portuguese began building the city, where the enslaved Africans who were brought over to Brazil first landed, where samba was born and – most importantly – where this bustling metropolis’s multicultural identity and food culture started taking shape. On this tour we trace that history through its food, meeting the people who are keeping Brazil’s culinary traditions alive and those who are creating exciting new ones.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
At this square, it lies one of the four oldest hills in the city, where the Franciscan Order built the Saint Anthony Monastery, who arrived in today’s Brazil in 1500 in the Portuguese caravels.
30 minutes here
Busy and historic avenue.
30 minutes here
Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura
The largest archive of Portuguese literature outside of Portugal and consistently ranked among the most beautiful libraries in the world.
30 minutes here
It is a place of cultural blend and many restaurants from the Arab diaspora.
30 minutes here
The president for whom the avenue is named, Getulio Vargas, was the longest-serving president in Brazil's history.
30 minutes here
The place tells the story of how the cultural hub of Little Africa cultural hub.
30 minutes here
Historic landmark.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rio de Janeiro
We meet at the Carioca Clock, a historic landmark located in the bustling Centro district of Rio de Janeiro.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Culinary Backstreets
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
9 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour!
The guide was excellent and the food was awesome!
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review. We are so glad you enjoyed the fantastic food and your time exploring the city with our guide. By joining our walk, you directly support the local heroes and traditional families who keep Rio's true culinary culture alive.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing culinary tour with a side of history and culture
Such an amazing experience. Juliana was an exceptional tour guide. Not only did we visit amazing food spots but she was so knowledgeable about the history and culture of Rio and Brazil that I learned a ton along the way. Everything I ate and every place we visited had a story behind it which made the experience so much better than any other tour. She also graciously ajd patiently answered my MANY questions about neighborhoods, the people, etc. This tour is definitely one of the main highlights of our time in Rio. I can’t recommend the tour and Julianna highly enough!
Response from the operator: Hello, and thank you so much for this wonderful review of your time in Rio de Janeiro. We are thrilled that the stories of our city's daily life and culture enriched your experience. Your support means the world to us and to the unsung heroes of the kitchen who work so hard to preserve these beautiful culinary traditions.
via Tripadvisor
Great trip, great guide
Excellent tour and guide. good history and food together! Loved the esfiha and the finale at the Museum of Tomorrow.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review and for exploring Rio's rich history and flavors with us. We are thrilled you enjoyed the traditional esfiha and the beautiful finale at the Museum of Tomorrow. By joining our walks, you are directly supporting the unsung heroes of the kitchen who work so hard to keep these culinary traditions alive.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Tour!
Marco was a fantastic guide. He had such a depth of knowledge in history and economics that brought the food we tasted to life. Thank you for a wonderful tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you for the review and for taking the time to share your wonderful experience. We are thrilled that Marco's deep knowledge of history and economics helped bring the city's food and stories to life for you. Thank you for supporting our local heroes and helping us preserve these invaluable culinary traditions.
via Tripadvisor
The tastes and history of Brazil in 6 hours. Fabulous!
Another fabulous Culinary Backstreets tour. Our guide, Marco, was a wealth of information about the history, culture, and food of Rio and Brazil and every stop was a treat for the mind and the stomach. From the start at the oldest cafe in Rio, Casa Cave, to dessert at the Museu do Amanha (Museum of Tomorrow), it was all delicious and fascinating. I highly recommend this tour, and Culinary Backstreets in general.
Response from the operator: Hello, and thank you for sharing this wonderful review of your time in Rio. We are thrilled that you enjoyed diving into the complex history and flavors of Brazil with us. Thank you for choosing Culinary Backstreets and for supporting the traditional spots and local artisans that keep the city's true culinary soul alive.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Culinary Backstreets, who run 16 experiences we rank across 9 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.5.
See everything Culinary Backstreets runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio cost?
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Prices start at $135 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rio de Janeiro usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rio de Janeiro is not rushed.
Is 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rio de Janeiro, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rio de Janeiro can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rio de Janeiro and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rio de Janeiro within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro?
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On Outty we rank every Rio de Janeiro experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio, Favela Tour Rio de Janeiro - Vidigal Walking Tour by Russo Guide, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rio de Janeiro?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rio de Janeiro?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio?
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Included: Lunch; Snacks; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio?
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We meet at the Carioca Clock, a historic landmark located in the bustling Centro district of Rio de Janeiro. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about 2026 Discovering the Culinary Soul of Old Rio?
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Across 20 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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