Top Rio de Janeiro Music Tours in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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 ....

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Take your Rio de Janeiro sightseeing experience into your own hands on this customizable, private tour of the Marvelous City. Alongside a ‘carioca’ (Rio de Janeiro resident) and personal driver, tick off top Rio attractions chosen by you. Personalize your itinerary according to your interests and only visit the sites you wish to see: your guide tailors the tour according to preferred themes, such as food, history, or sport, and offers undivided attention throughout. Pickup and drop-off from your Rio de Janeiro hotel are included.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get an overview of Rio's most important sights during this full-day tour. Travel through the Tijuca Forest to see the Christ the Redeemer statue. Take the cable car from Urca up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, before visiting downtown highlgihts such as Maracanã (outside only), the Sambadrome area, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Sao Bento Monastery and Selarón Stairs. Round-trip transport from selected hotels in Rio is included, and you can opt to include admission tickets and lunch.

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.

Explore Rocinha, the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro, on a private half-day walking tour that emphasizes cultural exchange and respectful interaction. Begin with convenient hotel pickup before a private transfer to the favela, where a local guide introduces you to community life. Experience stunning panoramic views, visit a local craft fair, and engage with cultural projects like capoeira and samba while walking through vibrant alleys filled with street art and local businesses. This immersive tour not only enriches your understanding of the favela but also supports local initiatives. - Private tour exclusive to your group, accommodating up to 15+ participants - Local guide fluent in your language with in-depth knowledge of Rocinha - Includes motorcycle taxi ride for steep hillside access and panoramic views - Tour duration is approximately 3 to 4 hours with a focus on cultural respect

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.