From the Past to the Present: A Historical Walking Tour of Rio | 3 hours to 4 hours

85 Reviews | Rio de Janeiro
From $87.50 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
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Adult (18-60) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 6
2
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Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • We use the VLT train system to access some of the locations on the list.
  • Licensed Tour Guide

Overview

I created this tour for people that are here in Rio with limited amount of time but want to explore some unique places while breathing some fresh air and mingling with locals. We'll visit some unique buildings along the way as we learn about the city's history and then some.

Meeting points

We'll meet in front of Starbucks.

End point

Open in Google Maps

This is where we'll end our tour.

Itinerary

  • Cinelandia

    This is where our experience will start. We will meet at Starbucks. Cinelandia is an area where some of the prettiest buildings in Rio are located. Theatro Municipal, Biblioteca Nacional, Museu Nacional de Artes and the old Supremo Tribunal Federal buildings.

    20 minutes

  • Passeio Publico

    Here we'll visit the first public park in Latin America.

    30 minutes

  • Escadaria Selaron

    Here we'll visit the world famous Selaron Steps. This amazing art work measures 125 meters long with over 2000 tiles.

    20 minutes

  • Arcos da Lapa (Pass By)

    Here we'll see an engineering marvel from the the 1700's. This water aqueduct was used to supply water to the city and now is used by the Bondinho de Santa Teresa.

  • The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian

    Here we'll visit a very unique and different Cathedral.

    20 minutes

  • Praca Tiradentes (Pass By)

    A quick stop at Praça Tiradentes

  • Real Gabinete Portugues Da Leitura

    A very unique library in the heart of Rio. Built in the 1800's.

    20 minutes

  • Paroquia De Sao Franciscofme De E G

    One of the most beautiful churches in the city and the second-largest temple in the city.

    10 minutes

  • Largo da Carioca (Pass By)

    Here we'll see how the city changed since its beginning.

  • Mosteiro De Sao Bento

    The Monastery of São Bento do Rio de Janeiro is a historic monastery located on Morro de São Bento, in the center of the city of Rio de Janeiro. It is one of the main monuments of colonial art in the city and in the country.

    15 minutes

  • Maua Square

    Here we'll visit the outer part of the Museum of Tomorrow and make our way to parts of Little Africa where we'll visit pedra do sal and the statute of Mercedes Baptista.

    30 minutes

  • Painel Etnias

    The largest graffiti in the world.

    5 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Free Cancellation

June 10100% refund
June 11No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

5.0

85 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    85
  • 4 stars
    0
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 85 reviews with 5 stars

Excellent tour

Published on Mar, 2025

Informative, and fun insider insights. Would recommend. We enjoyed hearing Bruno's history info, especially the land modifications and history. Strong English.

Fun and Informational!

Published on Feb, 2025

I ended up being the only one on my tour and Bruno still gave me the full experience just like he would have with a group. I felt very safe the entire time and the five hours we spent walking through the city felt like an hour! I had done a $200 full day tour the day before and had learned more in the 5 hours I spent with Bruno than the 10 hours I spent on my full day tour. He was extremely knowledgeable and even when I asked more questions he knew all the answers, it was incredible! He also knew all the good cameraangles at every place we went to and went the extra mile to make sure the experience was unique. You can definitely tell this is more than job for him. Very greatful for this experience and am very excited to come back with my family!

Great experience!

Published on Jan, 2025

Great tour! Bruno is an expert about Rio de Janeiro history. He is enthusiastic and the tour worth each cent I have paid. I highly recommend it!!!

Great tour

Published on Jan, 2025

The tour of the old city was really great, I highly recommend it. Bruno is extremely nice and very knowledgeable and passionate about Rio and Brazil. A must do if you’re in Rio!

Walking tour

Published on Dec, 2024

Bruno was a great tour guide with lots of knowledge about the city of Rio and its people, definitely recommend taking a tour with him.

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