Historic Downtown Walking Tour with Lunch
Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro
Discover downtown Rio de Janeiro on foot. Immerse yourself in the historical past of the former capital of the Portuguese Empire and visit many heritage sites.
Highlights
- Visit the Portuguese Royal Cabinet, one of the most beautiful libraries on earth
- Get tips on places to visit in downtown Rio de Janeiro
- Travel back in time with the historical and architectural wonders of Rio
- Try the delicacies of the charming and century-old Confectionery Colombo
- Tour the city's main cultural attractions with an experienced guide
Description
Discover many of Rio de Janeiro's most remarkable places on a walking tour accompanied by an experienced guide: Cinelândia, Municipal Theater, National Library, Royal Portuguese Cabinet, Convent of Santo Antônio, Praça XV, and Confeitaria Colombo.
Start your tour of downtown Rio de Janeiro at Cinelândia, formerly known as the “Paris Carioca.” It is popular for housing the famous Municipal Theater, the National Library (the most important in Brazil), the Museum of Fine Arts, and other buildings that marked the arrival of the Portuguese Royal Family in Brazil.
Leaving Cinelândia, you will visit the Church of São Francisco da Penitência, belonging to the Convent of Santo Antônio. Renowned for its stunning architecture and the artistic richness of Brazilian Baroque, the church is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most remarkable religious landmarks. Then get tips on famous local shops in Largo Carioca and head to the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world!
Your break to recharge your batteries will be at Confeitaria Colombo, a permanent member of all the “must-visit cafes” rankings around the world. You can sample one of the traditional Brazilian snacks, such as chicken coxinha, or desserts, such as brigadeiro, in one of the most prestigious locations in Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century.
From there, head towards Praça XV. Pass through the Barbeiros alley and discover the curiosities of the place. Continue walking to the Nossa Senhora do Carmo Church, another must-see church. Large and Rococo in style, it was the scene of the coronations of D. Pedro I and D. Pedro II, as well as the wedding of Princess Isabel. Next to it is the famous Praça XV, where D. João's first residence was established upon his arrival in Brazil, and artistic monuments such as the Mestre Valentim fountain.
Walk through the area passing by Arco do Teles, where Carmen Miranda lived and now a hotspot for lively bars with lots of samba. When you reach the street of Rosário, pay a quick visit to Casa Tucum, a cultural center with exhibitions and handicrafts created by different indigenous peoples of Brazil.
To finish, choose our complete tour with a delicious lunch - full of traditional Brazilian cuisine options. Or visit other attractions recommended by our guide that are popular among locals on your own.
Includes
Lunch with appetizer, main course, and dessert (if this option is chosen)
Entrance to the Sacred Museum of the Convent of Saint Anthony
Professional tour guide with live commentary in Portuguese, English, and Spanish
Guided half-day walking tour
Excludes
Snacks and drinks (available for purchase at Confeitaria Colombo)
Transportation to the meeting point
Lunch (if the option Without lunch is chosen)
Important Information
- The tour will start at Cinelândia Square - Exit A of the subway, in front of the Floriano Peixoto monument
- Appetizer: Chevre salad (mixed greens, nuts, balsamic vinegar, and goat cheese with herbs), Italian eggplant, Café Paris salad (iceberg lettuce, roasted tomatoes, pastrami, ricotta, and sauce), Campagne pâté (French pork and chicken terrine) served with mini green salad, and ricotta paste with green olives served with bread
- Main course: Fish and shrimp moqueca with white rice and dendê farofa; picadinho carioca with rice, beans, farofa, and poached egg; cassava escondidinho with dried meat; pork ribs with tropeiro beans; red feijoada (made with our meats smoked in-house over apple wood – pork loin, ribs, dried beef, paio sausage and calabresa sausage, with rice, farofa and kale; available on Fridays and Saturdays)
- Dessert: Chocolate-filled profiteroles, condensed milk pudding; chocolate ice cream cake with Negresco crumbs and pineapple with lemon zest
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
