Tourism Riode Janeiro

Tours & experiences

Downtown Ancient Rio Tour with Hotel pick-up and drop-off

About this experience

We take you on a journey through time. If you enjoy history and culture, this is the perfect tour for you. In this half-day tour, we will visit the Cinelandia Square, a place surrounded by the Municipal Theater, the National Library, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Municipality Chamber of Rio. We will also visit the Praça XV, a place surrounded by the Palácio Tiradentes, the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro, the Paço Imperial and Arco dos Teles. We will go through the Arco dos Teles to go to the CCBB and reach the Mosteiro de São Bento.

At a glance

  • Duration: 4 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Pickup in Barra da Tijuca
Pickup in Barra/ Recreio: Additional rate for pick-up and drop-off in hotels located in Barra da Tijuca or Recreio dos Bandeirantes.
Pickup included
Regular Pickup
Regular Pickup: Regular rate for pick-up and drop-off in selected hotels located in Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo and Centro.
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour4 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesGerman (live guide), Portuguese (live guide), English (live guide), Italian (live guide), French (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 4 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

  • Snacks
  • Lunch

Itinerary and highlights

From the Cinelandia Square you can see the most important historical and political buildings in Downtown Rio: the Municipal Theater, the National Library, the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Municipal Chamber of Rio.

Inaugurated in 1909, the Theatro Municipal is one of the most importante theaters of Brazil and Latin America. The Theatro Municipal has drawn international artists and important names from Brazilian culture, including dancers, musicians, opera singers, and performing artists. Since the 1930s, the Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro has maintained its artistic independence, and is the only Brazilian institution to have its own choir, a symphony orchestra, and ballet company.

The biggest library in Latin America was founded in 1810 by D. João VI, the King of Portugal. It is an imponent building with an archive of almost 9 millions items in downtown Rio that holds rare books, manuscripts, original letters written by Princess Isabel, the first newspapers printed in the country, and two copies of the precious Mainz Psalter Bible, printed in 1492.

Designed in 1908 by architect Adolfo Morales de los Rios to host the National School of Fine Arts, heir to the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, this building was built during the urban modernization carried out by mayor Pereira Passos in the then Federal Capital.

The square is located in the historical centre of Rio de Janeiro and is surrounded by the Palácio Tiradentes, the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro; and the Paço Imperial. The Praça XV Station is a ferry terminal servicing a number of destinations in the city of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi

Located in what was once the downtown market of the city, it has small streets and alleys full of bars and small restaurants.

Important cultural center that was once a bank.

Important church in the center of the busiest avenue of the city.

The statues, the walls, the golden leaves and even the floor were designed to be admired by everyone.

Meeting and pickup information

  • If you do not provide us the pickup location at the time of booking and you do not inform us about it later, we will assume you will meet us at the Meeting Point at the Front Desk of the Rio Othon Palace (Avenida Atlântica, 3264 - Copacabana).
  • Pickup is available from most hotels in the areas of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo and Downtown (Centro). Contact us back to adjust the pickup time. For Barra da Tijuca/ Recreio we provide pick-up for an additional rate.

Languages and tickets

  • German — Guide
  • Portuguese — Guide
  • English — Guide
  • Italian — Guide
  • French — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Rio Carioca Tour Ltda

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • We contact you back in order to provide proper pickup time. Check your emails and/or cell phone.
  • Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this tour.
  • If requested, you must present a copy of your ID.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers per Minivan.
  • 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.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 4 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Pickup is available from most hotels in the areas of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo and Downtown (Centro). Contact us back to adjust the pickup time.
For Barra da Tijuca/ Recreio we provide pick-up for an additional rate.
Which guide languages are listed?
German (live guide), Portuguese (live guide), English (live guide), Italian (live guide), French (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 5–10; Adult tickets: age 11+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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