7 History Tours in Rio de Janeiro to Build a Day Around

1.Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 228 reviews · 4 hours · from $47Our pick

See XV de Novembro Square, Cinelândia, the Arcos de Lapa, and bohemian Santa Teresa with a multilingual guide such as Dario, Monica, or Millene. The tour ends at Parque das Ruínas, where Guanabara Bay opens below you. Hotel pickup is included.

“Very interesting tour, lots to see. Monica was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. She even took photos of our group in choice locations and sent them to us. Much appreciated and strongly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Little Africa Heritage Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 177 reviews · 2h 30m · from $40Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Rio Art Museum for a 150-minute walk through Little Africa. Hear Rio’s colonial and Afro-Brazilian story, view Mauá Square from a rooftop, visit Pedra do Sal and Valongo, and learn from guides such as Luana, Nathalia, Larissa, and Eddie.

“You couldn’t ask for a better guide than Eddie for the little Africa tour, an enthusiast with so much information to share. Eddie was patient in answering our questions and had great recommendations for activities and food in Rio. A fantastic place with a rich embedded history.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Explore Little Africa : Unveiling Afro Heritage in Rio de Janeiro

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 97 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $82Top rated

Walk through Rio’s Little Africa with guides such as Carolina, Rafael, and Malu. In 3.5 hours, visit Santa Rita, Pretos Novos, MUHCAB, Valongo Wharf, Pedra do Sal, and Largo da Prainha, with a short VLT ride included.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the topic. We were so fortunate to have him explain all the sites, their history, meaning, and significance to Brazil and the larger African Diaspora.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Learn the History of Rio with an Unforgettable City Center Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $49

Explore Rio’s historic center on a private three-hour walk with a guide such as Rafael or Danielle. See Cinelândia, Selarón Steps, Lapa’s arches, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Colombo Café, and Paço Imperial, with room to adjust the route to your interests.

“Amazing, friendly and very informative walk around the historical center of Rio! 5 / 5 stars! Thank you!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Rio’s city walking tour: a glimpse of history and olympic legacy

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 78 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $60

Spend about four hours exploring downtown Rio with a local guide, visiting São Bento Monastery, Candelária Church, Paço Imperial, Mauá Square, Colombo Bakery, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Hotel pickup is included from most hotels in Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and São Conrado.

“Another great tour. It was not a hard walk. Good pace and lots to see on this tour. Worth taking this one.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & Historical Rio

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 66 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $72

Spend four hours exploring Rio’s Port Zone and historic center with a guide such as Carlos, Sandra, Gabriella, or Alexia. You’ll visit the interactive Museum of Tomorrow, Cais do Valongo, São Bento Monastery, Praça XV, and Confeitaria Colombo, with hotel pickup from selected areas.

“Despite the downpour, Sandra was an amazing guide! Loved walking the city with her. Would definitely recommend .”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 47 reviews · 4 hours · from $67

This four-hour Rio tour links African heritage at Valongo Wharf, Eduardo Kobra’s giant mural, the Museum of Tomorrow, Saint Benedict Monastery, Praça XV, and Confeitaria Colombo. English, Spanish, and Portuguese guides lead the visit, with hotel pickup from Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, and Leme.

“La guía, Marilia, se perdió al llevarnos de un punto a otro. No explicaba los lugares de visita, siempre nos estaba apurando a pesar del tiempo que perdió al perderse entre las calles. El transporte casi nos deja al final del recorrido ya que como eran dos tours en el mismo transporte parecía que estábamos ligados al segundo tour. No fue una experiencia agradable. Por lo que no lo recomiendo.”

Check availability →Read our full review