Rio Walking & Historical Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rio Walking & Historical Tour worth booking?
Rio Walking & Historical Tour is a 3-hour experience in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from $45 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (9)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $45 per person
The best way to know the city you're visiting and feel like a local is by taking public transportation and walking through the streets to explore. The walking tour is a small group tour with a "Carioca" guide. You will be able to see and learn about the cultural and historical part of the city and visit Downtown's main attractions.
What you get
About this experience
The best way to know the city you're visiting and feel like a local is by taking public transportation and walking through the streets to explore. The walking tour is a small group tour with a "Carioca" guide. You will be able to see and learn about the cultural and historical part of the city and visit Downtown's main attractions.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
The Municipal Theater or Opera House is one of theJewels in Rio de Janeiro. It was built between 1906 and 1909 with the same architetural style of the Opera House in Paris with Eclectic Architectural style.
Pass by without stopping
Paco Imperial
The Paço Imperial or Imperial Palace, previously known as the Royal Palace of Rio de Janeiro and Palace of the Viceroys, is a historic building.The Paço Imperial was built in the 18th century to serve as residence for the governors of colonial Brazil. From 1808, it was used as a royal residence by King John VI of Portugal as King of Portugal and later also as King of Brazil.
10 minutes here
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil - CCBB Rio de Janeiro
The CCBB in Rio de Janeiro is a building of neoclassical lines that in the past was connected to finance and business. Its foundation stone was launched in 1880, materializing the project of Francisco Joaquim Bethencourt da Silva (1831-1912), architect of the Imperial House, founder of the Society of Fine Arts and the Lyceum of Arts and Crafts
10 minutes here
Biblioteca Nacional
The largest library in Latin America and the 7th largest in the world, its collections include about 9 million items.It organized the first library science courses in Latin America and its staff has led the modernization of library services, including the development of online databases
Pass by without stopping
Church of Our Lady of the Candelaria
The Candelária Church is an important historical Roman Catholic church in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It was built and decorated during a long period, from 1775 to the late 19th century. The church combines a Baroque facade with a neoclassical and Neo-Renaissance interior elements.
10 minutes here
Convent Of St. Anthony
The history of the Convent of St. Anthony begins in 1592, when the first Franciscan friars arrived in Rio de Janeiro, who settled provisionally near the Beach of Santa Luzia. Shortly afterwards, the Franciscans erected a small hermitage on the top of a hill located in an area a little further from the coast. In 1607, they were granted definitive possession of the hill, now known as Morro de Santo Antônio, in which they began to build the convent on June 4, 1608. The author of the first project was Brother Francisco dos Santos, but several others religious-Franciscan architects interfered in the work.
15 minutes here
Praca Quinze de Novembro
The square is located in the historical centre of Rio de Janeiro and is flanked by the Palácio Tiradentes , the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro; and the Paço Imperial. The Praça XV Station is a ferry terminal servicing a number of destinations in the city of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi.
10 minutes here
Cinelandia
Cinelândia is the popular name of a major public square in the centre of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Its official name is Praça Floriano Peixoto, in honour of the second president of Brazil, Floriano Peixoto.
10 minutes here
Arco do Teles
In 1738 the House of Governors (later to become the Imperial Palace) begins to be built under the command of Gomes Freire de Andrade, Count of Bobadela. In 1743 the construction of the new House of Governors is finished and the Largo do Paço region gains a great appreciation. Seeing the growth of the area, the Portuguese judge Antônio Telles Barreto de Menezes (who gave rise to the name of the arch) decides to buy land in the area and build a house, or a set of houses, in order to rent to merchants that came to visit Rio de janeiro
10 minutes here
Casa Franca-Brasil
It is an imposing neoclassical solar, designed by Grandjean de Montigny, member of the French Artistic Mission (1816) and professor of the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts. Commissioned by João VI of Portugal in 1819 for the installation of the city's first Commerce Square, it was inaugurated on May 13, 1820.
10 minutes here
Centro Cultural Justica Federal
The Federal Justice Cultural Center (CCJF), an institution linked to the Federal Regional Court of the 2nd Region, occupies the former seat of the Federal Supreme Court. Its construction began in 1905, as an integral part of the project of reformulation of the city of Rio de Janeiro, then Federal Capital, in the administration of the mayor Pereira Passos. Originally intended to house the Mithra Archiepiscopal, the building was purchased for the installation of the Supreme and had its solemn inauguration on April 3, 1909. Designed by the architect Adolpho Morales de Los Rios, the building is one of the most important testimonies of eclectic architecture in City.
Pass by without stopping
Correios Cultural Centre
Built to house the school of the Lloyd Brazilian shipping company, the building was inaugurated in 1922. The projected school, however, was never installed, and the property was used for more than five decades for the operation of administrative units and of the Brazilian Post and Telegraph Company.
10 minutes here
Sao Francisco da Penitencia Church
The laity of the Order of the Third Order of San Francisco settled in Rio de Janeiro in 1619, occupying a chapel inside the church of the Franciscan convent of Santo Antônio, located on the top of a hill (the Morro de Santo Antônio). In the middle of the seventeenth century, the Franciscan convent gave them a plot of land next to the convent's church to build their own temple there. The Church of St. Francis of Penance was built, with interruptions, between 1657 and 1733.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Tiradentes Palace
The first building was an imperial parliament, built in 1640, which had on its lower floor a chain called the "Old Chain," where the prisoners of the colonial period were housed, and where Joaquim José da Silva Xavier (the Tiradentes), while waiting for execution on the gallows, which would happen on April 21, 1792.
Pass by without stopping
Palacio Pedro Ernesto - Camara Municipal do Rio de Janeiro
It was founded together with the city in 1565, when it was formed only by a prosecutor and a judge. Two years later, there was the first election for the City Hall of Rio de Janeiro. At each election, twelve councilors were elected for a year, with the President of the House accumulating the functions of the current municipal mayors.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rio de Janeiro
Av Atlantica, 1702 Copacabana
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Av Atlantica, 1702 Copacabana
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guided Tour In Rio
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide -English and Spanish
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Not recommended for people with walking difficulties
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date.
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
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for Rio Walking & Historical Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The Real Rio
Sabina was a great guide and showed us historic Rio and the business and religious center of the city - where fewer tourists go.
Response from the operator: Thank you! It was our pleasure to show you this beautiful city.
via Tripadvisor
Walking tour
Omg this was absolutely amazing and had such an amazing time with our guide. We booked the 9 am tour on Tuesday and was not disappointed… she was very well versed with the history and architecture of Rio and for that it was very amazing.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review.
via Tripadvisor
Great insight into historical Rio
The guides knowledge was insane he was friendly and well mannered he took us to places we didn’t know about our only regret was that we didn’t do this earlier in our time in Rio
Response from the operator: Fantastic! We are very happy you enjoyed your tour
via Viator
Not for me
This tour is nice and shows the “other” side of Rio. The guide was nice but don’t think this tour was for me. I did not like it because it was the first day of my trip and this side of Rio is not what I was expecting from Rio. We did see this amazing Portuguese library but I felt sad for the beaten down city center. I didn’t know that we were taking the subway to Downtown from Copacabana.
Response from the operator: Hi Hena, I'm very sorry you didn't like it. This is a Historical tour. To learn and understand more from Brazil and Rio. To feel like the local feel. On the description is written that we use subway to reach downtown exactly to give out clients the local atmosphere. Maybe is not the best option for a first day in the city if you don't like history. Best regards,
via Viator
history live
Despite the years, history remains alive, through the streets, luminaires, footwear, every corner a detail ..we should explore more this cultural center
Response from the operator: Olá, muito obrigada pelo seu comentário. Realmente um tour histórico a pé é como voltar no tempo. Estamos a disposição, Grata Gisela Vayda
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rio Walking & Historical Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rio de Janeiro.
How much does Rio Walking & Historical Tour cost?
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Prices start at $45 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 Rio Walking & Historical Tour 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 Rio Walking & Historical Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 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 Rio Walking & Historical Tour?
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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 Rio Walking & Historical Tour 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 Rio Walking & Historical Tour?
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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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rio Walking & Historical Tour 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 Rio Walking & Historical Tour?
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Included: Professional guide. Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Rio Walking & Historical Tour?
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Av Atlantica, 1702 Copacabana Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Rio Walking & Historical Tour offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. 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 Rio Walking & Historical Tour?
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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.
Is Rio Walking & Historical Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Rio Walking & Historical Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rio de Janeiro. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Rio Walking & Historical Tour?
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Across 9 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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