City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro worth booking?
City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro is a 3-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $46 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (6)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $46 per person
Rio's downtown is more than a busy work center for hundreds of thousands of Cariocas. It is a witness of more than 450 years of history. We can still find some of this history in the layout, buildings, places, and names
What you get
About this experience
Rio's downtown is more than a busy work center for hundreds of thousands of Cariocas. It is a witness of more than 450 years of history. We can still find some of this history in the layout, buildings, places, and names in the city. We will discover this mix of the old and new city together. A good example of this history is the history of its cathedrals, several churches have served this role until the very modern cone-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro was build. Another example is the Benedictine monastery in Rio with its baroque church which baths in gold, the richness that was gathered on the backs of an army of thousands of slaves. The legendary Maracana stadion, which was the host to two world cups and the rio2016 Olympic games. The colorful and enchanting steps of Selaron are two of the other stops on this full-day tour.
What's included
Included
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only)
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Maracana
After pick ups, the tour starts with a visit to the Maracanã Stadium (outside only) where we will have a quick stop for pictures at the Bellini’s statue, a famous captain who led Brazil’s soccer team to win the World Soccer Cup in 1958.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Sambodromo da Marques de Sapucai
After seeing Maracanã Stadium we will head to the Sambadrome, get ready to see where the magic happens every year. You'll see where the biggest carnival parade happens.
10 minutes here
Church of Our Lady of the Candelaria
The Candelária Church is an important historical Roman Catholic church in the city of Rio de Janeiro, in southeastern Brazil. It was built and decorated during a long period, from 1775 to the late 19th century. The church combines a Baroque façade with a neoclassical and Neo-Renaissance interior elements
Pass by without stopping
Mosteiro De Sao Bento
Following we will then visit the São Bento Monastery. A place of monastic simplicity that is one of the most beautiful architectural complexes in Brazil where there is a surprising contrast between the austere, purposefully simple appearance of the exterior and the richness of the interior highlighting gilded Baroque engravings with plants motifs. See for yourself the exuberant Rococo style in the engraving on the high altar, followed by a view of the dome and the Chapel of the Santíssimo Sacramento.
20 minutes here
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian
As we continue through the city, we will see the Lapa Arches, Lavradio street and Avenida Chile. There we will visit the cone-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral, a major landmark in this Brazilian city and a masterpiece of modern art. With architecture inspired by the Mayan pyramids of Mexico, the conical shape is believed to give proximity to God. Four stained glass windows run from floor to ceiling forming a cross at the top. You will notice that acoustics are great in there!
20 minutes here
Arcos da Lapa
The Carioca Aqueduct is located in the center of the city, in Lapa neighborhood, and is frequently called Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches) by Brazilian people. Since the end of the 19th century the aqueduct serves as a bridge for a popular tram that connects the city center with the Santa Teresa neighborhood uphill, the Santa Teresa streetcar.
Pass by without stopping
Escadaria Selaron
Next we will visit the Escadaria Selarón or Selaron staircase, a colorful tiled stairway, work of a self-taught Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. Having traveled the world, Selarón moved to Rio in 1983, in a tiny house just in front of the desolate stairway connecting the areas of Lapa and Santa Teresa. 215 steps that he entirely covered with tiles collected in urban areas of Rio or donated by visitors from all around the world. Since 1990, Selarón has laid over 2000 tiles, He choose green, yellow and blue as main colors like the Brazilian flag: unique pieces representing a “tribute to the Brazilian people”. It has starred in many music videos such as "Beautiful" by Snoop Dog and Pharrel Williams in 2002.
25 minutes here
Church of Our Lady of the Glory of the Outeiro
The Nossa Senhora da Glória do Outeiro church is one of the most important monuments of Brazil's colonial religious heritage. Architecturally speaking, the building is an 18th century masterpiece - the temple and nave still bear the original Azulejo decorated tiles, small works of art in themselves. Though ornamental, these pieces depict Biblical scenes from the Book of Tobit and the Song of Songs with startling clarity.
Pass by without stopping
Botafogo Beach
The Botafogo beach are one of the most beautiful postcards of Rio de Janeiro, being inside the Guanabara Bay and having the Sugar Loaf ahead to set the scene. However the beach is more frequented by locals, for sports, sun bathing and recreation, instead of swimming. Occasionally some music concerts are organized in the place.
Pass by without stopping
Copacabana Beach
Is one of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in the world. The atmosphere is very vibrant and the people are colorful and fun loving.After the pick-up we will start the tour from Copacabana Beach.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rio de Janeiro
Departure Point: Tour departs from most hotels by the cost line of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. If your hotel is outside the pickup area contact local provider to know the best pick up location and pick up time. Please wait by the entrance door - lobby Daily Returns to original departure point
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Departure Point: Tour departs from most hotels by the cost line of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. If your hotel is outside the pickup area contact local provider to know the best pick up location and pick up time. Please wait by the entrance door - lobby Daily Returns to original departure point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guided Tour In Rio
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Afternoon tour - pick up between 1pm and 1:30pm
- Adult pricing applies to all travelers for passengers 5 years old and up
- Child rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat with ID
- Operated by a multi-lingual guide - English and Spanish always
- Wheelchair accessible, please advise at time of booking to check if possible
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very satisfied
Our tour guide Peter was very friendly and nice. He made us feel comfortable and welcomed. He was very knowledgeable about places we visited. I highly recommend.
via Viator
Excellent
We really enjoyed a personalized tour. Our tour guide, Gisela, was an excellent guide, She really know the city and answered all of our questions.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent experience,...
Excellent experience, learnt a lot about the history of Rio and Brazil. The tour guide Luiciana ( Lou ) was very knowledgeable and easy going. Had ample time to see the sites and take in the atmosphere. Doing it on Sunday had the added benefit of less congestion.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much!
via Viator
Alright
Excellent guide, very knowledgeable Very quick but which gives an idea of the points of interest in the center of Rio For a first glimpse of the city
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review!!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Poor tour gude
Arrived 40 min late to pick us up. Then sped up thru town with very little commentary on sites. Rush, rush, rush. The 3 hr tour barely lasted 2 hours.
Response from the operator: Hi Robert, We are very sorry for it. Usually we don't have delays on our tours but during high season sometimes the lines are very long and make everything more complicated for our guide. we are extremely sorry.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro cost?
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Prices start at $46 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 City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro take?
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Plan for about 3 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 City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 6 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 City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro?
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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 City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro?
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Around 2 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does City Tour of Art, Architecture and Culture in Downtown Rio de Janeiro 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, Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included, Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Caves. 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.
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