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Half-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio

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

Overview

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.
  • Pick between two convenient start times to suit your schedule
  • See a side of Rio de Janeiro that many other visitors overlook
  • This tour is perfect for visiting history buffs and architecture lovers
  • Exploring on foot makes it easy to soak up the city’s atmosphere

What's Included

  • Tour Guide
  • Roundtrip transfer
  • Lunch
  • Entrance fee - Convent of St. Anthony (Convento do Santo Antonio)
    R$10.00 per person
  • Entrance fee - Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro
    R$20.00 per person

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Carioca / Centro
    Centro, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, 20031, Brazil

    Meeting Point at the Metro Station Carioca at the Exit *Acesso C - Convento de Santo Antônio*.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

1

Largo da Carioca

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

2

Convent Of St. Anthony

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

3

Cinelandia

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

4

Palacio Capanema

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Academia Brasileira De Letras (Pass By)

5

Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Reduced mobility or Wheelchair must be informed in advance and it is subject to availability.must be informed in advance.
  • If requested, you must present a copy of your ID.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers per tour guide.
  • Contact us back if you need further instructions to get to the Meeting Point.
  • Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this tour.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Non refundable in case of bad weather.
  • Contact us to confirm the pickup time according to hotel location.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 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 14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Rio's Past amidst it's present day spaces.

Anthony_B, Jun 2024
Had the joy of super-knowledgeable and fluently tri-lingual Alberto [Cardoza?] as my historian tour guide. Listened to my questions as thoroughly as he had provided curiosities and brings to life the Rio of four centuries ago (seeing it conjured beyond the Modernist high-rises) and immerses one in Brazil's Colonial past. My favorite part is after he entreated me to lie on the floor of the central aisle of the 1721 Igreja S.Francisco de Penitência's nave to experience the Only way to truly appreciate the trompe l'oeil vaulted ceiling painting!!! Amazingly GORGEOUS Baroque & Roccoco. I learned so much about the tumultuous 19th century intrigues during Napoleonic times (Neo Classical architecture) among Portuguese royalty and the banking and customs and the nouveau riche of Brazil. I even learned where Brazil gets its name. No spoilers. Don't expect much on the Art Deco period however... there seems to be little of it. The Belle Epoque Beaux Arts dominates.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Hello! Thank you for your excellent review! We're glad you enjoyed your tour with Alberto! His extensive knowledge and passion for the history of Rio de Janeiro make for a truly immersive experience. We're also glad that you enjoyed the unique way of seeing St. Francis of Penance Church and learning about the rich past of our city and country. Thank you for choosing us. We hope to welcome you again soon! Best wishes!

A great introduction to Rio and Brazil!

AnnaUlla_R, Apr 2022
An amazing way to learn about the city, its culture, history and art. A must for anyone interested in architecture. It was a beautiful experience to learn about different times of the city, its architectural developments as well as possibility to see the city in action. To see people engaging in their hobbies was a great way to learn about Rio.

Response from Host, May 2022

Hi! Thank you very much for your comment. We are very happy to know that your experience was pleasant. We do our best to make everything perfect and an unforgettable experience.

From $60.00

per person

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

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 15 days in advance.

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