Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
Come and discover the charming Santa Teresa neighborhood on our Free Walking Tour, a journey through the history and culture of Rio de Janeiro that passes through emblematic places full of fascinating stories. We start at Largo dos Guimarães, the bohemian heart of the neighborhood, full of street art and a vibrant atmosphere. We headed to Bar dos Descasados, a picturesque place perfect for photos.
Next, we visit Atelier Bonzolandia, where you can discover local art and see how artists transform common materials into true works of art. We cannot miss visiting Bar do Gomes, one of the oldest and most emblematic bars in the city. We continue to Parque das Ruínas, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Rio while exploring the ruins of an ancient palace. And finally, we arrive at the famous Escadaria Selarón, one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the city.
Choosing our tour means having experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the history and secrets of Santa Teresa and a welcoming environment, perfect for those traveling alone, groups of friends or families. Book your place now and discover Santa Teresa in a unique and unforgettable way!
Welcome to the beautiful neighborhood of Barra da Tijuca, one of Rio de Janeiro's best zones for beaches, bars, and restaurants. In this tour we will explore some of the most iconic parts of Barra, such as Jardim Oceânico (or Oceanic Garden, and you will soon realize why it is called like this) and the Gigóia Islands, a hidden treasure, considered as Rio de Janeiro's very own Pantanal, where you might get the chance to spot capybaras and crocodiles. All this while exploring the bars for food and drinks around the area!
As we walk around the beach front, we will cross into Olegário Maciel Avenue, a bohemian, gastronomic hub in Barra. There, customers will be able to choose from a plethora of dishes according to their tastes, such as feijoada, picanha (rump steak), carne de sol com aipim na manteiga (sun-dried meat with yucca soaked in butter); or, for the more adventurous, chicken hearts skewers, alongside popular snacks such as pão de queijo and coxinha de galinha, besides much more depending on one´s hunger.
From Olegário Maciel, we continue our march to the ferries and visit the Gigóia Islands, a picturesque part of Rio de Janeiro, often known as the Pantanal (swamps) of the south. The islands also feature many bars and restaurants, where the customers can finish the tour with a refreshing caipirinha or two.
Important notice: there is a small fee for crossing the island (4 reais each way, to be paid exclusively in cash). Food and drinks costs are also extra!
The tour is NOT suitable for vegetarians or vegans (if you want to do the tour but your friend is a vegetarian - vegan, he or she is welcome to tag along and order whatever pleases, but none of those dishes are related to a historical background). The standard tour contains beef, pork and alcohol!
The average lenght of the tour is 3 hours, but be aware that during the peak summer months the restaurants can be quite busy. I do have an agreement with them to serve my group as quickly as possible, but it is beyond my powers when they are very busy during the weekends or holidays. Expect some tours to last 3:30 hours in high season months.
NO HAY TOUR EN ESPAÑOL! Sorry, the tour is already over 3 hours long. There is no remote possibility for me to translate what I say. Cheers.
Explore the fascinating history of Little Africa in Rio de Janeiro with our engaging free tour! Embark on a journey through time, walking through the streets where the rich African heritage left its indelible mark on Rio culture. Our tour begins at the historic Praça XV, one of the city's central points.
Praça Mauá, recently revitalized, is the next destination, standing out as a symbol of modernity and tradition, where past and present merge harmoniously. At Largo da Prainha, feel the vibrant and cultural atmosphere that permeates the place, reflecting the African influence in every corner.
The journey continues to the iconic Pedra do Sal, one of the birthplaces of samba, where music and dance celebrate the soul of Rio. Finally, we visit Cais do Valongo, an archaeological site that witnesses the arrival of thousands of Africans to Brazil, today recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tour offers a deep immersion into the traditions, influences and stories that shaped Rio de Janeiro. Come and enjoy a unique experience that unites past and present, revealing a vibrant Rio full of stories to tell.
This tour is conducted in English.
We currently do not offer translations or guides in other languages.
THIS TOUR STARTS AT 8:30AM SO WE CAN BEAT THE HEAT AND THE LINES
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO REGISTER YOUR WHATSAPP NUMBER SO I CAN SEND YOU OUR MEETING POINT AND SOME TIPS.
This is a tip-based tour, meaning your generous contribution directly reflects how much you enjoyed the experience. This tour lasts about 4.5 hours.
The suggestion is 200 Reais per person, but please feel free to give whatever amount feels right to you—your participation and enthusiasm are what truly make it special.
We're grateful to have you with us!
THIS IS JUST A SUGGESTION!
Due to Brazilian tax regulations, I can only accept payment in cash. I happily accept Brazilian Reais (BRL), US Dollars (USD), or Euros (EUR).
Please note that there are no ATMs along the tour route that reliably accept foreign cards. However, there is a Santander Bank branch near the end of the tour where you can withdraw cash if needed if your card works with this bank.
Ready to feel the pulse of Rio like a true Carioca? Toss aside those tired tourist maps and jump into my vibrant 4 to 5 hour walking and VLT adventure!
Forget the usual sights – we're plunging headfirst into the city's beating heart, uncovering those hidden corners and local whispers that other tours just breeze past. Get ready to level up your Rio experience!
Think of it this way: you're seeing Rio through my eyes, a local who knows its soul.
Our adventure ignites bright and early at 8:30am at the Cinelandia Starbucks.
Spot me waiting on the bench right out front!
Forget the usual tourist trail. We're about to ditch the crowds and dive headfirst into the real Rio.
We'll kick things off by gliding past gems like the historic Passeio Público and the jaw-droppingly colorful Selarón Steps. Next, we'll soak in the majestic Arcos da Lapa and admire the strikingly modern Metropolitan Cathedral.
Ready for more? Stand in awe of the breathtaking Real Gabinete Português de Leitura library, and appreciate the serene charm of the Igreja de São Francisco de Paula. Then, we'll hop on the VLT Tram from the lively Largo da Carioca and ride to the incredible Mosteiro de São Bento.
Our adventure continues as we pass by VLT through the revitalized Praça Mauá, home to the mind-bending Museum of Tomorrow. We'll end with a bang, taking in the vibrant explosion of color that is Kobra's iconic mural and learning about a crucial part of Brazil's past at the Valongo Port.
Ready to uncover the magic of Rio with us? Spots are limited, so snag yours now!
✨ Discover Brazil’s History Through the Eyes of Women ✨
Join me for a powerful walking tour that brings to light the stories of women who helped shape Brazil—women often forgotten or overlooked, yet whose legacies live on in the heart of this country.
🌟 What to Expect:
Uncover hidden female figures behind major historical events and explore monuments and public buildings where their stories remain untold. This tour offers a fresh perspective on the city’s past.
📍 Meeting Point: In front of the Obelisk on Avenida Rio Branco, Downtown Rio
🕙 Time: 10:00 a.m.
⏳ Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
💰 Cost: Tip-based — if you love it, show it!
Come walk with us and experience history differently—through the footsteps of the women who lived it.
SOME IMPORTANT INFO
If you can't attend, please cancel your booking even if it's in the early morning. Don't make me stand there by myself waiting for someone who won't show up!
I do accept walk-ins but please check first if I'll be there (I won't if I don't have any booking here or in another platform)
If you want to enjoy a unique experience at sunrise, you can't miss this paddle surfing activity in Rio de Janeiro. It'll be a magical moment!
Ditch the guidebook and uncover the beating heart of Rio de Janeiro! On this unforgettable walking tour, we'll guide you through a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant energy.
Here's a taste of what you'll experience:
- Cinelandia
- Escadaria Selaron
- Confeitaria Colombo
- Paço Imperial
- Praça XV
And that's just the beginning! Our local guides will share insider stories, hidden gems, and insights that will make you fall in love with Rio in every step. Get ready for a sensory adventure that will awaken your senses and leave you with lasting memories.
Ready to experience the real Rio? Let's take a walk!
Travel back in time in our Rio Free Walking Tour of Downtown and relive the past while walking through the charming colonial streets of Rio and learning about the four centuries of the history of the city. Join our tour to understand more about the Brazilian culture and society since the colonization until today.
We will visit some of the most important places in Brazilian history as the Imperial Palace and ALERJ , some of the most famous places in Rio as Municipal Theater and Colombo Bakery, and a few hidden gems that we'll keep secret until the tour.
Come on and booking now this tour with us!
When visiting Brazil, it’s impossible not to talk about the influence of Africa on our culture! Just imagine samba, capoeira, or feijoada, the things that Brazil is known for in the world. All these things have their roots in the African enslaved communities of Brazil! Learn stories about how the Brazilian cultural identity was formed during the years since slavery times until today. Meanwhile, visit important historical & contemporaneous landmarks in this less-visited area of downtown Rio de Janeiro!
Small Africa is the historic home of the Afro-Brazilian community in the Port Region of Rio de Janeiro. The region became known as Little Africa after the slave trade was made illegal in Brazil in 1831 (although the abolition of slavery did not take place until 50 years later). Between 1850 and 1920, freed slaves remained working in the region. Blacks and freed Africans from Bahia or the interior traveled to Little Africa in search of work and a sense of community. Today the area is known as a place of the black resistance.
Places we will cover:
- Praça Mauá
- MAR - Rio Art Museum
- Museu do Amanhã
- Eduardo Kobra Ethnicities Graffiti
- Largo São Francisco da Prainha
- São Francisco da Prainha Church
- Conceição Hill
- Salt Stone (Pedra do Sal)
- Cais do Valongo (Valongo Wharf)
