From the Past to the Present: A Historical Walking Tour of Rio

Overview

Limited Time in Rio? Discover Hidden Gems & Local Life! Maximize your Rio adventure with our unique tour, perfect for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist spots. Escape the crowds, breathe in the fresh air, and truly connect with the city by mingling with locals. Along the way, you'll explore unique buildings and uncover fascinating stories about Rio's history and culture. Experience the authentic Carioca spirit in a way that fits your schedule. Book your unforgettable glimpse into the real Rio today!"

What's included

Day by day

1. 01

   Stop 1

   This is where our experience will start. We will meet at Starbucks. Cinelandia is an area where some of the prettiest buildings in Rio are located. Theatro Municipal, Biblioteca Nacional, Museu Nacional de Artes and the old Supremo Tribunal Federal buildings.

2. 02

   Stop 2

   Here we'll visit the first public park in Latin America.

3. 03

   Stop 3

   Here we'll visit the world famous Selaron Steps. This amazing art work measures 125 meters long with over 2000 tiles.

4. 04

   Stop 4

   Here we'll see an engineering marvel from the the 1700's. This water aqueduct was used to supply water to the city and now is used by the Bondinho de Santa Teresa.

5. 05

   Stop 5

   Here we'll visit a very unique and different Cathedral.

6. 06

   Stop 6

   One of the most beautiful churches in the city and the second-largest temple in the city.

7. 07

   Stop 7

   Here we'll see how the city changed since its beginning.

8. 08

   Stop 8

   The Monastery of São Bento do Rio de Janeiro is a historic monastery located on Morro de São Bento, in the center of the city of Rio de Janeiro. It is one of the main monuments of colonial art in the city and in the country.

9. 09

   Stop 9

   We'll pass by Mauá Square on our way to the famous Kobra Graffiti.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    Largo de São Francisco da Prainha is a charming historic square in Rio’s Little Africa district. Surrounded by colorful colonial buildings and the Church of São Francisco da Prainha, it reflects the city’s port history, Afro-Brazilian culture, and the traditions that helped shape samba and Rio’s identity.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    Pedra do Sal is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most important Afro-Brazilian cultural landmarks. Located in Little Africa, it became a gathering place for formerly enslaved people, musicians, and workers. Today, it is celebrated as one of the birthplaces of samba and a proud symbol of Black history in Rio.

12. 12

    Stop 12

    The Cais do Valongo (Valongo Wharf) is an archaeological site located in the port area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It holds immense historical and spiritual significance as it was the main landing point and trading center for enslaved Africans brought to Brazil between 1811 and 1831.

13. 13

    Stop 13

    The largest graffiti in the world.

Getting there

About Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro, also known simply as Rio, is the capital and largest city of the state of Rio de Janeiro. It is the second-largest city in Brazil after São Paulo, and the largest by international tourists. It has a population of 6 million in the city proper, and 13 million people in its metropolitan area as of 2025. It is also the sixth-most-populous city in the Americas.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to stay