Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro
Travel back in time in our Rio Free Walking Tour of Downtown and Lapa 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 and some of the most famous places in Rio as Selaron Stairs and Lapa Arches.
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)
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!
While a completely optional contribution of R$150 would fuel these unique, off-the-beaten-path explorations, there's absolutely no pressure. Chip in whatever feels right for you – cash and credit cards are both welcome!
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 8:00 am sharp at the Cinelandia Starbucks. Spot me waiting on the bench right out front!
From there, we'll glide through captivating gems like the historic Passeio Público, the explosively colorful Selarón Steps, the majestic Arcos da Lapa (Aqueduct), the electric energy of Lapa, and the strikingly modern Metropolitan Cathedral.
Next, we'll dive into Carioca culture at Praça Tiradentes, stand in awe of the breathtaking Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, appreciate the serene charm of the Igreja de São Francisco de Paula, soak in the lively vibes of Largo da Carioca, and find a moment of peace at the Mosteiro de São Bento.
Our journey continues to the revitalized Praça Mauá, home to the mind-bending Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow), the culturally rich Pequena África (Little Africa), and culminates in the vibrant explosion of color that is Kobra's iconic mural.
Stoked to ditch the tourist hordes and embrace the authentic rhythm of Rio?
Snag your spot now – let's uncover the magic together!
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 the 6 pm tour to last some 3:30 hours from Thrusday to Sunday.
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
- Lapa
- Catedral Metropolitana
- 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!
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.
The bohemian heart of Rio de Janeiro awaits you. During the free tour of the Santa Teresa neighborhood you will discover beautiful mansions, charming yellow trams and numerous urban art murals. The journey will take us approximately 15 minutes. We will begin to walk through its cobblestone streets while we chat about the history of this area. Did you know that its fame as a bohemian comes from the wave of artists who moved here in the sixties? During the tour we will enjoy privileged views of the popular Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Between colonial houses, palaces and the passage of the famous yellow trams of the Santa Teresa neighborhood, we will arrive at Parque das Ruinas. There we can enter the house of Laurinda Santos Lobo, a mansion abandoned more than 50 years ago that once represented the splendor of the Brazilian belle époque. The space, which has been rehabilitated, will offer us a spectacular panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and will show us what life was like in the ancient Brazilian Empire. This guided tour will not miss a walk through the main urban art murals. Let's remember that we are in a place full of artists.
“Rio de Janeiro is still gorgeous”, is one of the most beautiful and simple quotes that portrays the Amazing Rio de Janeiro. The energy, monuments and the spectacular mix of sea and mountains, makes the landscape of Rio breathtaking. Did you know Rio is considered part of the world’s heritage? We from Rio By foot invite you to learn little bit more about the history and culture of the incredible Rio de Janeiro city. We’ll walk through historical downtown and take you back to times of kings and queens, emperors, freedom fighters and revolutionaries. We’re certain that you will fall in love with Rio de Janeiro even more. You’ll discover that Rio is not only home the most beautiful beaches of the world, but also the gorgeous architectural heritage of one of the most classical European courts. Rio By Foot is the only Free Tour company in Rio de Janeiro city with 5 stars on Trip Advisor. Walk through the historical downtown with us to learn about the city history in one of our Free Walking Tours in Rio. Our guides really love Rio and are going to enjoy showing you all Rio wonders and make your stay the most pleasant, interesting and economic as possible.
