Top Rio de Janeiro Arts & Design

As one of Rio de Janeiro’s most iconic attractions, Christ the Redeemer attracts lengthy lines. Save time and prevent hassle by prebooking skip-the-line tickets, which allow you to board the next available train to the summit of Corcovado, where the statue is located. Your return ticket is valid on any train, so spend as much time as you like at the top, enjoying panoramic vistas of Rio and capturing photographs of the landmark.

Most fans only ever see Maracana Stadium from the outside, but by booking your admission in advance, you gain exclusive access to usually off-limits parts of the stadium. With a guide, visit the locker rooms, press conference room, the edge of the pitch, and see displays of historic trophies and memorabilia. It's an in-depth way to learn about Rio de Janeiro's top football (soccer) arena, and perfect for sports fans of all varieties.

Summit both Corcovado and Sugar Loaf mountains on this half-day tour in Rio de Janeiro. After bright and early pickup from your Rio hotel, travel through the Tijuca National Forest to get up close with the Christ the Redeemer statue without throngs of people around. After learning about its history from your local guide, move on to Sugar Loaf Mountain for spectacular views of the sprawling city.

Discover the birthplace of samba on a guided tour to Pedra do Sal, including a samba party. Head to the Saúde neighborhood and learn historical facts about Pedra do Sal, known as “Little Africa.” Then enjoy a “roda de samba,” a street party of samba musicians, with a complimentary caipirinha and dance moves for an engaging evening in Rio.

The bohemian Santa Teresa and the nightlife hub of Lapa are two of Rio de Janeiro’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. With this walking tour, explore some of the city’s most photo-worthy spots, including the Ruins Park (closed Tuesdays), the vibrant Selarón Steps, and Cinelândia. Take in the views as you ride the local tram, stroll through the Passeio Público, and visit the legendary Confeitaria Colombo café.

Get an overview of Rio's most important sights during this comprehensive day tour. With your guide, tick off Christ the Redeemer statue, the Selarón Steps, Maracanã Stadium, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. If you upgrade to the premium option, you can even take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, plus stop for lunch in one of the city's best steakhouses. Round-trip, air-conditioned transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Sail along Guanabara Bay just as the sun is setting below the horizon and experience Rio when it starts to come to life. This small-group sailing adventure is a perfect way to relax and see the sites such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio-Niteroi Bridge. Relax with complimentary drinks and light snacks while you sail.

Most people think they can only experience Carnival in February, during the season, but samba schools in Rio start preparing for the festival months beforehand. Join a small group and visit a samba school to see all that goes into the final productions—from the costumes to the choreography to the floats. This is an exciting experience for anyone who wants to learn more about Brazilian culture and Carnival.

Rio de Janeiro is well known for the architectural legacy of Oscar Niemeyer. This guided full-day tour takes you deeper into the city's modern architectural heritage. Your guide leads you through the South Zone, where, alongside the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, you'll see landmark buildings and learn about their history. Hotel pickup is included for a hassle-free start to your day.

Discover a side of Rio de Janeiro that many other visitors overlook—and learn more about what daily life is like in the Marvelous City—on this private tour of the Rocinha Favela. One of the city’s most accessible favelas, Rocinha also offers some of its best views—and this local-led tour will give you an introduction to the community. Meet local residents and enjoy a unique opportunity for cultural exchange.

This short but sight-filled tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro is for travelers who want to see major cultural attractions in the city in one tour. In just a few hours see the baroque Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, visit the Modern Art Museum, climb the tiled Selaron staircase, see the Sambadrome where Rio's Carnival celebrations take place, visit the Maracanã soccer stadium, and experience much, much more.

Go behind the scenes for a rehearsal at one of Rio's famous samba schools; it's the next best thing to attending Carnival itself. Visit the courtyard of Academicos do Salgueiro with other Rio locals and dance along to some of the best samba music in the city. During this evening outing, which varies in duration, you'll learn about the history and culture of Rio's samba schools from your guide, and get a chance to hit the dance floor yourself. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.

Visit the Roberto Burle Marx home and gardens during a half-day tour from Rio. Exploring in the company of a guide means you'll get more insight into the home of this artist and designer than you would alone. Walk through the peaceful gardens and admire the home's collection of folk art while learning about his life, work, and aesthetic. Round-trip transportation from Rio ensures a seamless day out.

And an opportunity to learn to samba with a carnival queen of Rio de Janeiro. Besides having a lot of fun, you will learn to sambar ....

Carnaval is undoubtedly one of Latin America’s largest events, but it’s easy to miss the action among the crowds. This backstage experience at the Carnaval Factory gives you access to areas the public aren’t usually allowed in, so you can dress up in costumes, learn dance moves, and meet the professional dancers who participate in the parade for a samba class.

Get an in-depth local experience with this walking tour of one of Rio's "favelas," Rocinha. Follow your resident guide through the slum to get an insider's perspective on daily life and learn about the challenges these communities face. Upgrade your experience to a 2-day tour that includes a visit to Tijuca Forest.

Private guide and pick-up to Carnaval Experience (Samba City). When in Rio, you need to experience Samba! This tour will introduce you to the artistry and imagination involved in the creation of Carnival and allow you to discover the behind-the-scenes of the greatest Carnival in the world! You will Have a unique and authentic experience exploring the backstage, the secrets, the people working, and the preparations for the parade. During the tour, you will witness the construction and production process of more than 3000 costumes and floats for the Carnival parade. This experience includes a guided tour to the warehouse of the 2022 Carnival champion Samba School, Grande Rio, including exhibition about the history of Samba and the Carnival. This tour also provides a chance to dress up in authentic carnival costumes, experience the samba dance and enjoy a delicious Caipirinha welcome drink.

Experience Rio de Janeiro like never before with complete freedom to explore at your own rhythm, pausing to savor breathtaking views or delve deeper into fascinating neighborhoods as inspiration strikes. Our exclusive audio experience unveils hidden stories and lesser-known historical insights that even longtime locals rarely discover, transforming ordinary sightseeing into an authentic cultural immersion. Unlike restrictive group tours with their rigid schedules and crowded dynamics, spending as little or as much time as desired at each remarkable location. The expertly crafted narration features a captivating storytelling approach that brings Rio's vibrant history to life through engaging anecdotes, mysterious legends, and surprising revelations, delivered with crystal-clear audio quality and an irresistibly warm narrative voice that makes every moment feel like an intimate conversation with your most knowledgeable local friend.

Enjoy a unique experience around the streets of Rio de Janeiro and its artistic interventions! A full tour mentioning major local artists, stopping at different murals to see and hear the stories behind the pieces, and getting to know not only the artists, but one of the nicest neighborhoods in Rio. Join us now!

Explore Rio and visit Sugar Loaf Mountain during this 4-hour morning tour. Visit some of the city's most important landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and Copacabana Beach. Then, board a glassed-in cable car bound for Sugar Loaf's peak, stopping once at a scenic viewpoint. Upon reaching the top of Sugar Loaf at 1,299 feet (396 meters) above sea level, admire the views of Niteroi, Copacabana, and Santa Cruz Fortress. Round-trip transportation from selected Rio hotels is included.

You haven’t experienced Rio until you’ve taken in a Brazilian sunset. Save time as an experienced guide and driver navigates you through the busy streets during this afternoon tour to popular attractions like Christ the Redeemer, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Selarón Stairs. Wrap up a wonderful day of exploration atop Sugar Loaf Mountain as you watch the sun set over iconic Copacabana Beach.

Learn the insider stories underlying Rio de Janeiro’s UNESCO-listed architecture—and discover landmarks and highlights you’d miss if exploring alone—on this immersive walking tour. Meet your guide in the heart of Rio’s downtown, and get ready to explore: You can look forward to visiting everything from churches and libraries to art museums and more, all while you learn about their architectural heritage and soak up the Carioca spirit.

Tick off several of Rio de Janeiro’s top sights—including the Selaron Steps, Christ the Redeemer Statue, and Tijuca National Park—in just a few hours on a tour that offers a stress-free introduction for travelers short on time. In order to avoid the hassle of public transport, you’ll travel around Brazil’s cultural capital in an air-conditioned vehicle and benefit from the insider knowledge of your guide.