National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer worth booking?
National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer is a 4-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $28 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (9)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $28 per person
Let us discover the secrets behind two cultural institutions of Brazil: The National Theater and the National Library. Located in Downtown Rio, these two landmarks are known for their imponent building, impressive archit
What you get
- Driver/guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tickets to visit the National Theater and National Library
About this experience
Let us discover the secrets behind two cultural institutions of Brazil: The National Theater and the National Library. Located in Downtown Rio, these two landmarks are known for their imponent building, impressive architecture and the striking sculptures and designs inside them. Tickets for the National Theater cannot be bought in advance, so they are subject to availability at the time of your visit. Tour guide, entrance to the National Theater and the National Library and roundtrip transfer included.
What's included
Included
- Driver/guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tickets to visit the National Theater and National Library
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
Inaugurated in 1909, the National Theater is one of the most important theaters in Brazil. The National Theater – or Theatro Municipal, as we call it in Portuguese - has drawn the attention of international artists and important names from Brazilian culture, including dancers, musicians, and opera singers. Since the 1930s, the Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro has maintained its artistic independence and is the only Brazilian institution to have its own choir, a symphony orchestra, and ballet company.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Biblioteca Nacional
The biggest library in Latin America was founded in 1810 by D. João VI, the King of Portugal. The National Library – or Biblioteca Nacional, as we call it in Portuguese - has an archive of almost 9 million items with rare books, manuscripts, original letters written by Princess Isabel, the first newspapers printed in the country, and two copies of the precious Mainz Psalter Bible, printed in 1492. By law, a copy of every book published in Brazil must be held in the library. As the oldest cultural institution in the country, during your visit you see Brazil, quite literally, through the pages of history.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rio de Janeiro
If you do not provide us the pickup location at the time of booking and you do not inform us about it later, we will assume you will meet us at the Meeting Point at the Front Desk of the Rio Othon Palace (Avenida Atlântica, 3264 - Copacabana).
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
If you do not provide us the pickup location at the time of booking and you do not inform us about it later, we will assume you will meet us at the Meeting Point at the Front Desk of the Rio Othon Palace (Avenida Atlântica, 3264 - Copacabana).
Options you can book
Regular Pickup
Regular Pickup: Regular rate for pick-up and drop-off in selected hotels located in Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo and Centro. Pickup included
Pickup in Barra da Tijuca
Pickup Barra/ Recreio: Additional rate for pick-up and drop-off in hotels located in Barra da Tijuca or Recreio dos Bandeirantes. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Rio Carioca Tour Ltda
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchair accessible, but not for all areas.
- We do not operate this tour on Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and Carnival season.
- Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this tour.
- Special events at the National Theater and National Library may affect the tour. We contact you in advance to advise you.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers per Minivan.
- Minimum of 2 people are required for this activity to take place.
- Contact us to confirm the pickup time according to hotel location.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 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
9 verified traveler reviews for National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Interesting excursion, nice guide
Been out on the road all afternoon with guide Wagner. Due to a wind warning for Rio, many public buildings were closed. The National Library was therefore also closed. Guide Werner had a wonderful alternative: the Gabinete Portuguess de leitura. Beautiful . We also got the monastery of Benvento as an extra. The visit to the beautiful theater was a must. Very nice guide too.
via Viator (translated)
Visits did not occur
The purpose of the tour was to visit the Municipal Theatre and the National Library, which did not occur, for various reasons.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A Complete Fiasco!
This attempted visit to the National Theatre in Rio offered by Rio Carioca Tours was a complete fiasco! I paid for two tickets three weeks in advance and received a confirming message two days before the tour--all good. Then, late the NIGHT BEFORE the tour, I get a text from Rio Carioca advising that they cannot provide the National Theatre tour and asking if I would like to replace it with something else. I said that I was not interested in that and objected strongly to this last minute change of plans. A few minutes later, they told me the tour was back on and that I would get the details of the meeting place from the tour guide the next day. After several phone calls the next day made by a friend who spoke Portuguese, arrangements were made on where and when to meet the guide for this tour. When the guide finally arrived, she advised that there were no tickets available for the National Theatre that day but that we would be seeing other things. When I protested that I had already paid in advance for this tour and had been assured that it would take place, the local guide advised that the National Theatre has a habit of randomly cancelling tours and/or refusing to sell tour tickets and that this had happened to her many times before. I told her that since she could not give me what I had paid for, I wanted a complete refund of my money. I was advised that this would be promptly taken care of, but when I checked my credit card account two days later, the original charge was still showing but not the refund.
via Tripadvisor
Changed the tour without English on offer
They changed the tour. Would not have been able to hear tour in English. A car showed up to drive us. Seemed risky to get in car with who was supposed to be tour guide. More walking outside in rain for two older women with walking difficulties.
via Tripadvisor
A flair of 1900 Paris in Rio!!!!
Don’t miss it! The National Library and the Municipal Theatre are both amazing! The Theatre is inspired by l’Opera Garnier de Paris. Both are lovely buildings from the early 1900, located on a square from the same era, it feels like you are in a Brazilian Paris! And the guide: she arrived at our hôtel 15-20 minutes ahead of meeting time and started right away to tell us about today’s tour what we would see and the history of Brasil, Rio and of the sites. She is fluent in French and English which was a plus!!! More over, she is passionate and she succeeds in transmitting her love for her country! Thank you Monica!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $28 to $70
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Rio Carioca Tour Ltda, who run 29 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.4.
See everything Rio Carioca Tour Ltda runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer cost?
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Prices start at $28 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 National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer take?
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Plan for about 4 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 National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 9 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 National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer?
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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 National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer?
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Around 3 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer 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 Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included, Rio: Tijuca Rainforest Hike, Wildlife, Waterfalls & Caves, Explore the Best of Tijuca Forest – Hike to Peaks, Caves & Falls. 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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