Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

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)

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.

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!

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!

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!

Your presence is the most important gift we could ask for!

To help us continue these one-of-a-kind explorations, we are gratefully accepting contributions. A contribution of R$200 per person is suggested, but any amount you feel comfortable giving is welcomed and makes a huge difference.

We prefer cash if possible, but are also happy to accept cards and foreign currency in good condition. 

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 8:00 am sharp 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? We'll dive deep into Carioca culture at Praça Tiradentes, 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 walk 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!

Forget everything you think you know about Rio! Toss those snooze-fest guidebooks and get ready to plunge headfirst into the city's electric heart with my ridiculously fun 4 to 5-hour walking and VLT experience. We're not just scratching the surface; we're winking at the secrets only locals like me know (and yes, the cool VLT ride? My treat!).
 
Your presence is the most important gift we could ask for!

To help us continue these one-of-a-kind explorations, we are gratefully accepting contributions. A contribution of R$200 per person is suggested, but any amount you feel comfortable giving is welcomed and makes a huge difference. Remember this is a tip base tour and this is just a suggestion.

We prefer cash if possible, but are also happy to accept cards, dollars and euros as long as they are  in good condition. 

Think of it: you, me, and a whirlwind tour of the real Rio. We'll kick things off bright and early at 9:00 am sharp at Cinelandia Starbucks, then zoom off to discover the tranquil beauty of Passeio Público, the explosion of color that is the Selarón Stairs, the majestic arches of the Aqueduct, the pulsating rhythm of Lapa, and the architectural marvel of the Metropolitan Cathedral.

But wait, there's more! We'll dive deep into Carioca culture at Largo da Carioca, and find a moment of peace at the serene São Bento Monastery. Then, prepare to be wowed by the futuristic Museum of Tomorrow  and because Rio's history is as vibrant as its art, we'll take a stroll through Little Africa's historic Largo da Prainha and reflect at the poignant Cais do Valongo. and finish our tour at the famous Kobra mural.

Ready to ditch the tourist clichés and dive into the authentic soul of Rio? Your adventure starts now – grab your spot before it disappears faster than a feijoada on a Saturday! Let's make some unforgettable Rio memories! 

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.