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Bossa Nova Walking Tour

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Sway to the sounds of Bossa Nova, the popular genre that originated in Rio de Janeiro, during this small-group walking tour through the famous Ipanema and Copacabana neighborhoods. Alongside a musician guide, visit several spots where your favorite songs were written, composed, and played. Learn how and where it started and about its famous performers, such as Joao Gilberto and Tom Jobim.
  • Discover bossa nova spots you’d otherwise miss on your own
  • Hear a few songs played by your guide during the tour
  • Learn the stories and history behind famous songs
  • Enjoy a more personalized experience in a small-group setting

What's Included

  • Tour guide
  • Guitar live musician performance
  • Transport
  • Food/drinks/water

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Nossa Senhora da Paz / Ipanema
    Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, 22411-001, Brazil

    Meeting point: Nossa Senhora da Paz Square (in front of EXIT A of the subway, on the corner of Joana Angélica st - nearby the McDonald's)

End point

  • Restaurante e Bar Garota de Ipanema
    R. Vinícius de Moraes, 49 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22411-010, Brazil

    On the corner of the streets Vinicius de Moraes and Prudente de Morais.

Itinerary

1

Praca Nossa Senhora da paz

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

Praca General Osorio

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Copacabana Beach

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

4

Estatua de Dorival Caymmi

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

5

Parque Garota de Ipanema

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

6

Estatua de Tom Jobim

20 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

7

Casa de Cultura Laura Alvim

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0
based on 60 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Wonderful Experience and Lots of Fun

Ingrid_S, May 2026
This is a great walking tour! It was fun to have the guide play the guitar throughout the tour. He was fun and funny! I would highly recommend.

Listen to the beating heart of the music!

JeanH_K, Apr 2026
Our guide Guilherme is a steadfast keeper of the flame for the great heritage of Bossa Nova music, and an inspiration for those interested in learning more about it. He is both knowledgeable about the history and details of the many episodes in the development of the great songs as well as the relationship of the music to Brazil’s history and development in modern times. Guilherme also an accomplished musician, and wove live music with instruments and singing into his presentation. This tour not only gives an informative factual history, but gently leads participants to realize that great music is about the people who make it and listen to it, ultimately living it.

Great tour!

christine_k, Mar 2026
Really enjoyable, our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, educational. We really enjoyed it! The walking was totally manageable and we saw some great sites!

Response from Host, Mar 2026

It is so great to know you had such an enjoyable time with us! Our tour guideslove sharing their knowledge while keeping the pace comfortable for everyone. Seeing those great sites together is always a highlight. Thank you for walking with us, and we would be thrilled to welcome you back.

Bossa Nova alive and active in Rio!

Cynthia_C, Jan 2025
Our guide Gui was delightful. As he taught us the history of Bossa Nova, he accompanied his songs with his fabulous guitar made in Grenada, Spain.

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Hello Cynthia. Thanks for joining our tour and for taking the time to write this beautiful review. We truly appreciate your feedback. Thanks a lot

Sights and Sound of Brazil strolling with a Troubadour

Nancy_M, Jan 2025
It is the most unique tour of any kind I’ve had. Three hours walking the neighborhoods of Ipanema with a strolling professional guitarist playing and singing songs of all era’s in Brazil rich history of the boss nova and samba while also explaining the history of the development of the music along with the country. Not to be missed whether or not you are a music lover.

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We're delighted to hear that you found our Bossa Nova Walking Tour so unique and enriching. It’s wonderful that the combination of music and history resonated with you, regardless of your musical background. We hope to see you again for more unforgettable experiences!

Best tour ever!

Patty_C, Jan 2025
What an amazing journey we had! Guilhermo brought us through the history of Bossa Nova through music and participation. We brought us along with him in the journey instead of giving us a lecture about it. Excellent!

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Guilhermw made your journey through Bossa Nova so engaging and interactive. It’s great to know you enjoyed the experience and felt involved in the music. We hope to welcome you back for more memorable adventures soon!

It was great to learn...

Eduardo_J, Dec 2023
It was great to learn about the history of bossa nova along with the Guilherme my guide playing the classics.

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Hi Eduardo! We're delighted you enjoyed learning about Bossa Nova's history with our 'tour-guide-musician' playing the classics! 🎶 Thank you for joining our tour, and we hope the melodies of Rio stay with you. 🇧🇷✨ #BossaNovaExperience

Eine super...

Sandro_T, Jan 2025
Eine super Bossa-Nova-Tour mit Gui Guimares, der immer wieder Songs und Geschichten zur Freude von Tom, Vinicius, Joao und mir zum Besten gab, sehr empfehlenswert!

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Vielen Dank für Ihr tolles Feedback! Es freut uns sehr zu hören, dass Sie mit Gui Guimares eine unvergessliche Bossa-Nova-Tour erlebt haben. Die Geschichten und Lieder machen unsere Touren besonders, und wir freuen uns, dass Sie und Ihre Freunde so viel Freude daran hatten. Wir hoffen, Sie bald wieder bei uns begrüßen zu dürfen!
Likely to Sell Out

From $49.42

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 30 days in advance.

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