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Activities in Rio de Janeiro

Free Tour of Rio's Historic Center

  • 2,670 reviews | 58,170 travellers
    The guide Victoria was very good, both for the information provided and for her kindness.
    10 Mariel

If you're in Rio de Janeiro and want to discover iconic landmarks of the city, then you can't miss out on this free tour of the historic centre of Rio. You'll love it!

If you're in Rio de Janeiro and want to discover iconic landmarks of the city, then you can't miss out on this free tour of the historic centre of Rio. You'll love it!

Tour Details

At the indicated time, we'll meet at the Largo da Carioca Historical Clock, where we'll start a free tour through the historical centre of Rio, an essential neighbourhood to visit in Rio de Janeiro.

We'll start at Confeitaria Colombo, the most famous pastry shop in Brazil, because of its beautiful Parisian architecture and typical Portuguese and Brazilian sweets. Here, we'll stop for a while so you can try one of their delicacies if you want!

Shortly afterwards, we'll visit Casa Tucum, a space of art and resistance that brings to light the history of Rio de Janeiro. There, we'll discover the perspective of indigenous peoples, voices that were silenced for centuries, but which here resurface with strength and beauty.

Next, we'll go through Travessa do Comércio, an area full of bars, restaurants, and lovely colonial houses! From there, we'll head to Praça XV, one of the most important squares in Rio. Here, we'll find the old port, the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo, the old imperial chapel, and the Paço Imperial, the house where the Portuguese royal family lived when they arrived in Rio in 1808.

As we arrive at Praça XV de Novembro, we'll delve into the history of the Brazilian monarchy: we'll see the old harbour, the church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, the church of the Third Order of Carmel and the monumental Imperial Palace, which was the residence of the Portuguese royal family.

The final leg of our free tour of the historic centre of Rio de Janeiro will take us to Cinelândia, which became popular in the 1930s and used to be frequented by the city's elite. Did you know it was nicknamed the Paris Carioca or Broadway? Here we'll also see the Municipal Theater, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city for its eclectic architecture and appearance similar to the Paris Opera House.

We'll end our tour in Cinelândia after a total of 3 hours, a perfect place to continue exploring the cultural life of Rio de Janeiro.

Groups

This free tour of Rio de Janeiro does not accept reservations for groups exceeding 6 people. If you want to explore the carioca city on an exclusive tour just for you and your partner, family, or friends, we recommend booking our private tour of Rio de Janeiro with an English-speaking guide.

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More Information

Duration

3 hours.

Language The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide

Not included

Tips

When to book?

You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Pets

Permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Free Walker Tours Corporate name: FREEWALKERTOURS TURISMO LTDA ­ ME Registered Office: Av. Rio Branco, 156, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): CNPJ 24955594000152 Contact information Email: luanasassuncao@gmail.com Phone: +55 21 99501-0667

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Where does the activity end?

Largo da Carioca Historical Clock

Selaron Staircase

View map
Where does the activity end?

Selaron Staircase

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