Top Rio de Janeiro Music Tours

Looking to experience a dose of Carnaval magic, even if you’re not visiting Rio de Janeiro during the annual festival? This tour offers the perfect introduction. Choose from several start times and travel via air-conditioned vehicle from Copacabana straight to one of the city’s top samba schools. You’ll meet dancers, try on costumes, discover floats, and enjoy a celebratory caipirinha cocktail. Then, learn insider tips during a hands-on samba lesson.

Struggling to fit an authentic cultural experience into your Rio de Janeiro itinerary? Head to the Roxy Dinner Show for unforgettable night in the heart of Copacabana, perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Brazil’s vibrant culture without logistical stress. Set in the beautifully restored art deco Roxy Theater, watch “Aquele Abraço”—a dynamic performance blending live music, dance, and folklore from across the country. Choose from three flexible options: Ticket-only for independent explorers, a delicious Brazilian steakhouse dinner upgrade for food lovers, or add hotel pickup and drop-off for ultimate convenience.

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 ....

Descubra os segredos do Carnaval do Rio com um tour exclusivo nos bastidores da famosa Cidade do Samba. Explore o Barracão da Grande Rio e veja como os carros alegóricos e fantasias são criados. Aprenda a sambar com uma fantasia tradicional e tenha a chance de capturar momentos inesquecíveis. A experiência inclui um guia profissional bilíngue e um confortável transporte de van com ar-condicionado, além de uma bebida de boas-vindas. Seja parte da festa que encanta o mundo e mergulhe na vibrante cultura carioca. - Saiba mais sobre a cultura do Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro durante esta excursão - Visite a Cidade do Samba e o Barracão da Grande Rio - Experimente fantasias de Carnaval e aprenda alguns movimentos de dança - Traslado de ida e volta dos hotéis na Zona Sul incluído

Get a glimpse into local life in Rio de Janeiro during a favela tour that reveals a different side of the Marvelous City. In an intimate group limited to 12 travelers, you’ll explore two of the largest favelas in Rio, and benefit from the local insight of a guide as you learn more about living conditions in the city.

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.

Favela da Rocinha is the largest favela in Rio, located in the South Zone. With this tour, join a local family-run tour to experience the rich history, culture, and heritage of Rio as you learn about life in the favelas. Explore the alleys of the favela on a guided walking tour, peek inside the shops and restaurants, and learn about local cultural projects

After a day of sightseeing, spend your evening getting to know Rio’s cultural side on this nighttime tour. Alongside a private guide, experience the city’s bustling nightlife as you explore the bohemian neighborhood of Lapa. Catch stunning views of Rio’s cityscape from the top of a tall building, then head to small, quirky bars for a night of drinking, dancing, mingling, and samba.

Tour Rio de Janeiro your way, with a private car and driver, during this fully customizable tour. Choose the landmarks and attractions that you want to visit, such as Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado, Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Selarón Steps, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the city's famous beaches. Learn about the food, language, culture and history of the city and its inhabitants from your informative local guide while you explore. Round trip transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle is included.

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.

Experience authentic Brazilian culture in a special combination of gastronomy and artistic performances at Roxy Dinner Show. Enjoy the rich Brazilian gastronomy, manifested in delicious dishes signed by award-winning chef Danilo Parah. Experience a full dinner service of international standard, with a starter, main course and dessert. After dinner, be enchanted and be part of the unusual show “Aquele Abraço”, made up of lots of colors, lights, poetry, technology and rhythms such as Funk, Forró, Samba and MPB. Feel like you're at a big party in a spacious setting with beautiful Art Deco architecture.

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.

Swap the bars for a fun night out in Rio de Janeiro with this exciting dinner show at the Roxy, located in the heart of Copacabana. Enjoy a dazzling showcase of song and dance from several regions across Brazil, brought to life by beautifully costumed performers. Before the show, feast on a delicious 3-course dinner accompanied by the smooth sounds of Bossa Nova by the house band.

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.

Sail on Guanabara Bay for half a day, viewing the Rio's picturesque city skyline and Sugarloaf Mountain from the water. On this cruise from Rio, glide through the bay's tranquil waters, passing islands and historic forts. Upgrade your experience to enjoy a local all-you-can-eat barbecue lunch at a restaurant in Rio. Round-trip transportation from most Rio hotels is included.

Enjoy a flexible, fully customized way to experience Rio de Janeiro—and opt to visit the sights that interest you most—on this private, full-day sightseeing tour. Traveling aboard a private vehicle makes getting around seamless. Choose to stop at major landmarks including Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the Selaron Steps (admission tickets own expense). You can also explore the historic city center, visit Tijuca Forest, or discover bohemian Santa Teresa.

Head to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro. Your skip-the-line ticket gives you priority access to both cable cars, saving you time waiting at this popular attraction, and is valid for any departure time on the day you select. Admire the beautiful views of the city, the mountains, and the coastline from the lookout.

Follow the voice of Priscila, a charming Carioca, who will lead you to one of the most famous beaches in the world, Ipanema beach. Starting from the best place in the city to watch the sunset, the "pedra do arpoador", you will learn about the origins and the musicians who invented Bossa Nova. During the walk you will hear that Priscila can not really sing, but she will try in a charming way to introduce you to some of the most famous Bossa Nova songs. The walk will take you to the Park of the Girl of Ipanema, where you will learn about the legend of the two brothers from the hill of Vidigal, who inspired Chico Duarte to write a song. Afterwards, you will learn more about the similarities between Bossa Nova and Samba, especially about the unique instruments. You will also discover the story of Tom Jombin while admiring his monument.

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.

Experience an unforgettable moment in the heart of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival with access to an exclusive VIP box at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome during the 2027 Samba School Parade. Prepare to immerse yourself for up to 10 hours in the world's biggest party, surrounded by the contagious energy of samba, impressive floats, and the grand performances of Rio's samba schools. From the VIP box, enjoy a privileged view of the parade while feeling all the excitement of the avenue in a comfortable, lively, and vibrant Brazilian atmosphere. Music, culture, joy, and plenty of emotion are part of this unique night that transforms Rio de Janeiro into an unforgettable spectacle. Ideal for those who want to experience the true spirit of Carnival in comfort, safety, and a vibrant atmosphere, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of the most famous festivals on the planet in an exclusive and memorable way.

Rio de Janeiro is much-loved by travelers for its sun, sand, and samba, but this tour takes you deeper into the city’s history and culture. Your guide will take you to the most important places in the city’s history of civil rights and immerse you in Afro-Brazilian culture and traditions while teaching you about the struggle for the abolition of slavery in Brazil. The tour concludes at a samba school where you will learn about the engaging dance form’s history of resistance.

Experience all the excitement of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival in an exclusive experience at the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome during the 2027 Samba School Parade. Prepare for an unforgettable night surrounded by the contagious rhythm of samba, the dazzling costumes, and the grandeur of the floats that transform the avenue into a true spectacle of colors and emotions. With access to a special VIP box, enjoy up to 10 hours immersed in the vibrant energy of the world's biggest party, following every detail of the performances in comfort, excitement, and with a privileged view of the Sambadrome. The unique atmosphere of Rio's Carnival involves visitors from all over the world in an intense celebration of Brazilian culture, marked by music, joy, and great emotion. This is the perfect opportunity to experience the magic of Rio up close during Carnival and create unforgettable memories in one of Brazil's most iconic experiences.

Come and visit one of the most traditional courts in Rio de Janeiro. Samba is a musical genre considered one of the main manifestations of Carioca and Brazilian culture. This tour offers the opportunity to watch closely the rehearsals of the biggest Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro. In Rio de Janeiro, the samba school party starts long before the carnival. Rehearsals for the parade at the Sambadrome for groups A, B and Especial take place from the middle of the year and the school courts open the doors for revelers of all ages to heat up the tambourines. The court rehearsals bring together young people, the community, tourists and celebrities in crowded parties, where the battery queens and school muses tend to be a fixed presence.