Walking Tour in Rio de Janeiro Historic Center and Santa Teresa

7 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Selarón Steps — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The last tram of Rio — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

In this unique experience, you will embark on a historic adventure walking on the old streets of Rio and visiting the oldest and most beautiful buildings of the city. It is a private tour totally adaptable for you and your partner, family and friends.

The guide will pick you up at the hotel and take you downtown by subway to the walking tour downtown. Only with our guides will you get to know all the rich details and uniqueness of Rio de Janeiro's history.

Then, you will take the last tram of the city to visit the bohemian and historic neighborhood of Santa Teresa, filled houses from the end of the 19th and beginning of 20th century. Situated on hilltops, the neighborhood offers panoramic views of the city and is close to downtown, being an authentic Rio experience.

Possibility of having lunch downtown or in Santa Teresa (lunch not included)

The tour can also be done by private car by the payment of an extra fee.

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At a glance

Duration: 7 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Operated by: Habla Marlie - Tours in Rio

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–10 years) · Youth (11–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water
Included: Ticket to Subway Station
Included: Certified Tour Guide
Included: Tickets to Museums and Sightseeings
Included: Ticket to Santa Teresa Tram

Not included

Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Feira Da Praca XV

one hour

Our next stop is Praça XV (Square XV), the heart of Rio’s main events from the colonial to the republic period. At the square you are going to see the Master Valentim Fountain, which used to be next to the entrance of the ancient harbor. You are also going to visit the Imperial Palace, the ancient coin house, a building full of history.
Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Antiga Se

20 min

Crossing the street, you will visit one of the most important churches of the city: Our Lady of Carmo Church, the old cathedral of Rio. It has been the scene of some of the most important moments in history, such as the coronation of Dom Pedro I and Dom Pedro II, as well as the setting for royal weddings.
Tiradentes Palace

20 min

Right next to the Imperal Palace, we will see the the Tiradentes Palace, the headquarters of the National Congress in 1926. Nowadays it became a national political symbol in the city and it has consolidated itself as one of the most representative buildings of eclecticism in the 1920s. We will see it from outside.
Church of Our Lady of the Candelaria

30 min

The Candelária Church is one of the biggest and oldest churches from Rio. Being first a small chapel in the beginning of the 16th century, it was reconstructed from 1775 to 1898. The church has Baroque style mixed with Roccocó and Neoclassic and it is right in the middle of one of the most important avenues of Rio.
Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura

30 min

After some walk through the city center, we will stop by the famous “Royal Portuguese Gabinet of Reading.” Founded in 1877 by the Portuguese, the Cabinet has around 350 000 volumes, including the first edition of “Os Lusíadas”, from 1572. It got more famous recently after being compared to a Hogwarts library.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian

30 min

Then, we move on to a newer part of the city to visit the new Metropolitan Cathedral. Inspired by the Mayan Pyramids, the Cathedral surprises us with a very modern and unique architecture lit up by the four 64 meters high (209 feet) stained glass windows.
Cinelandia

30 min

Our next stop is Cinelândia, important for being a political and cultural center in the early 20th century. We will have a panoramic view of Theatro Municipal, Ernesto Palace and the National Library.
Santa Teresa

2 h 10 min Admission included

We will then walk towards the tram station to take the "Bondinho." It is a historical landmark that connects downtown Rio to Santa Teresa, offering a nostalgic experience and stunning views. After embarking on the tram, you will pass above the famous “Arcos da Lapa”, the biggest colonial construction of Rio. Then, you pass by the most important streets of Santa Teresa with incredible views of Downtown.
Centro Cultural Municipal Parque das Ruinas

30 min

On our way back, we will stop at Largo do Guimarães, the gastronomic center of the neighborhood. From there, we will start our walk tour inside Santa Teresa. The first stop will be at the Glória Maria Park (previously known as Ruin Park). A mansion that used to be the stage of famous parties in the Belle Époque of Rio, then abandoned after its owner died, and today a culture center where exhibitions and cultural events take place. Not mentioning the amazing view of Rio’s downtown and Sugar Loaf.
Escadaria Selaron

40 min

To close the tour with a golden key, we will walk down Santa Teresa streets to one of the three most visited sightseeing sites of Rio: the Selarón Steps. Covered with more than 2.000 tiles from more than 60 countries, the steps are a tribute to Brazil left by the eccentric artist Jorge Selarón.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

We should meet you at the exit A of the subway station Carioca/Centro.

End point

We should meet you at the exit A of the subway station Carioca/Centro.

Pickup points

Hilton Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Santos Dumont Airport
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
Internacional Airport

The guide will pick you up at your hotel and then take you downtown using public transportation.

Using your ticket

After booking the tour, please send me the name of you hotel and you number or email, so the guide can pick you up to start the tour.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

Walking Tour in Rio de Janeiro Historic Center and Santa Teresa

Pickup included
Private Car Included

Private Car: Private Car with Air-conditioning

Pickup included