Petrópolis, the Imperial City
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 11 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Petrópolis, the Imperial City worth booking?
Petrópolis, the Imperial City is a 8-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $33 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (11)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $33 per person
Take the road to the historic city of Petropolis, founded after an initiative of the emperor Dom Pedro II and known as the "Imperial City". Pass by the "Palácio Quitandinha", a former casino-hotel from the 1940’s. Visi
What you get
- Professional guide with live tour commentary in English, Spanish & Portuguese
- Entrance for Imperial Museum
- Roundtrip transfer from the main hotels at (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Flamengo) and Downtown
About this experience
Take the road to the historic city of Petropolis, founded after an initiative of the emperor Dom Pedro II and known as the "Imperial City". Pass by the "Palácio Quitandinha", a former casino-hotel from the 1940’s. Visit the Imperial Museum and learn more about the history of Brazil and of the imperial family. Observe the Crystal Palace, stage of great dinners and parties. Get to know the São Pedro de Alcantara’s Cathedral, a beautiful monument with neo-gothic architecture where D. Pedro II, one of the Brazilian emperors, is buried. Go to the Santos Dumont’s House (optional visit – tickets not included), a museum about the famous Brazilian inventor, considered one of the pioneers of aviation. Then, enjoy your free time as you wish: choose between a walk on Rua Teresa, famous by the big shopping area, or for Bohemia Brewery tour, and explore traditional Brazilian beer. The tour includes a break for lunch (options with and without meal included).
What's included
Included
- Professional guide with live tour commentary in English, Spanish & Portuguese
- Entrance for Imperial Museum
- Roundtrip transfer from the main hotels at (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Flamengo) and Downtown
Not included
- Entrance for other attractions with optional visit, as Santos Dumont’s House
What you'll see and do
Sesc Quitandinha Cultural Center
Historic former luxury resort hotel, considered one of the most impressive architectural monuments in Petrópolis. It was the largest hotel casino in Latin America as of its foundation.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Catedral de Sao Pedro de Alcantara
Cathedral built in Gothic Revival style church between 1884 and 1925. It is also the resting place of the last Emperor of Brazil, Dom Pedro II, and his family.
15 minutes here
Imperial Museum
The IMperial Museum is the former summer residence of Emperor Pedro II (reigned 1831–1889), which was built starting in 1845. The museum includes pieces of the monarchical past of Brazil
50 minutes here · Admission included
Crystal Palace
Palace originally dedicated to host exhibitions and events, opened in 1884.
Pass by without stopping
Museu Casa de Santos Dumont
Picturesque residence built in 1918 that housed Santos Dumont, Brazilian inventor and aviation pioneer.
Pass by without stopping
Cervejaria Bohemia
Bohemia is the first beer factory in Brazil and contains the most complete beer experience in Latin America.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Imperial Petropolis
Pickup included
Petropolis with Lunch
Buffet Lunch: Drinks and desserts not included. Available for purchase at the restaurant. Pickup included
Petropolis with Lunch & Beer
Entrance for Bohemia Brewery: Explore traditional Brazilian beer. Buffet Lunch: Drinks and desserts not included. Available for purchase at the restaurant. Pickup included
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
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- C2Rio Tours & Travel
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
11 verified traveler reviews for Petrópolis, the Imperial City. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fun and quiet.
Very good tour, pleasant service.
Response from the operator: Estimada Eva, Muchas gracias por compartir su experiencia. Nos alegra saber que disfrutó del tour y que la experiencia fue de su agrado.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Need for changes to improve the ride!!!
I made the tour to Petrópolis with lunch and Bohemia Brevejaria. The Imperial Museum is beautiful! Worth a visit with plenty of time! The Brewery is very interesting, as it tells the history of beer. However, I consider that there are several aspects that need to be improved on the walk: 1) It is important to leave earlier so that the visitor has more time in the places visited; 2) The Van was very tight (space between banks) and uncomfortable, to improve the transport used much; 3) Completely unpaid stop on the way on the go, because it takes the time to visit the attractions of the city, which is the goal of the trip (we quickly stop at Quitandinha, a place that deserves a visit with quite calm); 4) please, do not take the tourists to lunch at the restaurant that took us (day 23.07, with the guide Dolores) - unpleasant appearance, bad food and still above with meat restriction, PESIMO, A VERGONHA!!! 5) I consider it important to visit the Quitandinha Palace, which is not carried out, we simply stopped in front of the place, with a huge distance to take photos - unfortunate!!! I would not recommend the tour, only with many changes!!!!
Response from the operator: Prezada Dalila, Agradecemos por compartilhar sua experiência conosco. Lamentamos que o transporte, o almoço e o tempo nas atrações tenham prejudicado sua experiência. Ficamos felizes que tenha apreciado o Museu Imperial e a Cervejaria Bohemia. Seus comentários sobre o horário, o veículo, o restaurante e o Palácio Quitandinha serão avaliados com atenção para melhorias. Nos mantemos também à disposição no email reservations@c2rio.travel.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Culture, history and an ideal climate: Excellent excursion with C2Rio
If you are looking for a respite from the Rio heat, the "Imperial City" tour with C2Rio Tours & Travel is the ideal choice. Not only because of the destination, which looks like a bit of Germany in Brazil, but because of the warmth of the team. We booked the Petropolis day tour and it exceeded our expectations. From the start, the coordination with Ana Julia by WhatsApp was impeccable; we were confirmed the pick-up at our Copacabana hotel 24 hours in advance. One very positive detail: we saw that people staying in Barra de Tijuca were provided with an Uber to approach the meeting point, something that not all agencies do. Our guide, Thais, was a resounding 10. Although most spoke Portuguese, he took all the time to explain every detail in Spanish with a lot of patience and passion. Also special mention for our driver (a genius, very responsible behind the wheel). We visit: Views of Serra dos Órgãos National Park: The scenery on the climb is amazing. Quitandinha Palace (free admission): The perfect entrance to the city. Cathedral of San Pedro de Alcantara. Imperial Museum (entrance fee included with tour): The main course. The collection is very rich and includes the royal crown, the scepter and the king's cape. (Too bad the stables were closed, a reason to come back!). Crystal Palace Free time: Although Rua Teresa was closed for Sunday and we did not want to go to the craft brewery, Thais suggested excellent options. We opted for the Casa de Santos Dumont and sweetened up at the Chocolateria Katz, a total success! The combi was modern and comfortable. One detail I highlight is punctuality; the organization is so professional that they are watching every passenger on WhatsApp to make everything flow. The return was made very enjoyable thanks to the good vibe of the group and the safe driving of our driver (sorry I do not remember her name but very friendly also and responsible behind the wheel). I would definitely choose Thais and C2Rio again for an upcoming adventure.
Response from the operator: Estimado Sergio, Muchas gracias por compartir una reseña tan detallada y afectuosa. Nos alegra saber que el tour a Petrópolis superó sus expectativas y que todo el proceso, desde la atención de Ana Julia hasta el profesionalismo de nuestra conductora, contribuyó a un día tan especial. Es fantástico saber que Thais hizo la experiencia aún más enriquecedora, explicando cada detalle en español y ofreciendo recomendaciones que marcaron la diferencia. Nuestro objetivo es justamente combinar organización, cercanía e información para que cada visitante disfrute lo mejor de la “Ciudad Imperial”. Gracias por su confianza y por la recomendación. Será un placer recibirlos nuevamente para nuevas aventuras en Río.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Many History.. good experience
For people who like history this is an excellent choice. The agency Punctual and the guide well prepared.. always with a smile and good aptitude
Response from the operator: Estimado Jose, Gracias por compartir su experiencia. Nos alegra saber que disfrutó la historia de Petrópolis y el excelente servicio de nuestro guía. Atentamente, - C2Rio Team
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Very nice tour
It was a súper nice tour, the tour guide Newton was very friendly and he share a lot of important information in the tour and he care about each member of the group
Response from the operator: Dear passenger, We’re glad Newton made your tour special with care and great insights. Thanks for sharing your experience! Sincerely, - C2Rio Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Price range
- $33 to $95
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by C2Rio Tours & Travel, who run 16 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.3 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything C2Rio Tours & Travel runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Petrópolis, the Imperial City: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does Petrópolis, the Imperial City cost?
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Prices start at $33 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 Petrópolis, the Imperial City take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Petrópolis, the Imperial City worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 11 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 Petrópolis, the Imperial City?
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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 Petrópolis, the Imperial City suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Petrópolis, the Imperial City?
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Around 4 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Petrópolis, the Imperial City 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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