About this experience
Enjoy a half-day tour through the architectural landmarks in Rio.
Rio de Janeiro was recently named the first World Capital of Architecture by UNESCO. The city has constructions of the colonial period, buildings in the art-deco style and modernist buildings.
Our walking tour starts from the Carioca’s Square in the Downtown area, where we see a group of constructions of the XVII century: the Church and the Convent of St. Anthony. Then we proceed towards the Rio Branco Avenue, the first avenue to be opened in our city. Then, we go to the Cinelandia Square to see its Art Deco Constructions before we make another time jump towards the modernist architecture. The tour ends at the Museum of Modern Art.
At a glance
- Duration: 4 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 4 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
Rio de Janeiro Architecture Guide
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What is included
- Tour Guide
Not included
- Roundtrip transfer
- Lunch
- Convent of St. Anthony (Convento do Santo Antonio)
- Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro
Itinerary and highlights
It is considered the heart of Downtown Rio. The occupation of the city started on this place. From here, you may see the Church and the Convent of Saint Anthony.
Built in 1608 by the Order of Saint Frances, the Convent of Saint Anthony is one of the first and most important catholic constructions in Rio. If we are lucky, we may be able to attend a mass.
Ticket: 10 BRL per person.
Admire the Art Deco buildings.
We can see Le Corbusier’s "Five Points of a New Architecture" incorporated into the design of the building. It was designed between 1935 and 1936, by a team of young architects, such as Lucio Costa and Affonso Eduardo Reidy. Oscar Niemeyer, who became Brazil's best-known architect later, was an intern in Costa's office by then.
Located inside the Edifício Austregésilo de Athayde, the building is a symbol for modernist architecture in Rio.
The Museum of Modern Art inaugurates the brutalism aesthetic in the city.
Ticket: 20 BRL per person.
Meeting and pickup information
- Meeting Point at the Metro Station Carioca at the Exit *Acesso C - Convento de Santo Antônio*.
Languages and tickets
- Portuguese — Guide
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Rio Carioca Tour Ltda
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Reduced mobility or Wheelchair must be informed in advance and it is subject to availability.must be informed in advance.
- If requested, you must present a copy of your ID.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers per tour guide.
- Contact us back if you need further instructions to get to the Meeting Point.
- Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this tour.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Non refundable in case of bad weather.
- Contact us to confirm the pickup time according to hotel location.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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