Half-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide
Roundtrip transfer
Lunch
Convent of St. Anthony (Convento do Santo Antonio)
Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro
What To Expect
Largo da Carioca
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.
Convent Of St. 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.
Options
Half-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great for families! Catered for adults and teens alike. A great way to learn about the city. Ask for Monica!
Elizabeth D,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have tried a variety of tours in Rio. Monica was by far and away the best guide! She was knowledgeable about the city, its history and political landscape sharping the architecture over time. She adjusted the tour to see some of the things we wanted to visit and surprised us with others!
Great Walking Tour Downtown Rio
mikecanela,
Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have lived in Rio several times over the past thirty years, and although we have visited the downtown area several times, we saw and learned so many new things about Rio. Monica, our tour guide, was extremely knowledgeable about the history of both Brasil and Rio de Janeiro, and made the afternoon both fun and educational. Several of the buildings are amazing, especially on the interior!
EVOCATIVE EXPERIENCE FOR THOSE WHO LOVE CULTURE AND WANT TO LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE CITY
I5876UCelisag,
Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did the tour with Monica, a really prepared guide, knows a lot of history of her city even in small details!! We started from Santa Teresa and then continued walking through the streets of the Center visiting many places of a relevant culture including churches, museums, libraries, cultural centers and monasteries. And there was also a small stop at Confetteria Colombo fabulous location with very good local food. Monica who accompanied me on more than one tour is a really knowledgeable guide and knows how to convey a real curiosity and interest in the history of this city! I will be back to do more tours with her!!!
Brazil Colonia, Brazil Republic
cristianeluziab,
Jan 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The visit is very good, very worthwhile, a time trip in the history of Brazil. Go through the main historical sites of the colonial and republican period,
Rio, with our history.
garantidac,
Jan 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic architecture, important history of Brazil, taught in school, revived on this tour, guide with a lot of knowledge and sympathy,.
Amazing...
Stay04361517355,
Jan 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mônica was the guide who accompanied us, a person with an excellent knowledge of history, served us with a lot of courtesy, patience and affection! Thank you Monica for an amazing day!
Rio's Past amidst it's present day spaces.
Anthony B,
Jun 27, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Had the joy of super-knowledgeable and fluently tri-lingual Alberto [Cardoza?] as my historian tour guide. Listened to my questions as thoroughly as he had provided curiosities and brings to life the Rio of four centuries ago (seeing it conjured beyond the Modernist high-rises) and immerses one in Brazil's Colonial past. My favorite part is after he entreated me to lie on the floor of the central aisle of the 1721 Igreja S.Francisco de Penitência's nave to experience the Only way to truly appreciate the trompe l'oeil vaulted ceiling painting!!! Amazingly GORGEOUS Baroque & Roccoco. I learned so much about the tumultuous 19th century intrigues during Napoleonic times (Neo Classical architecture) among Portuguese royalty and the banking and customs and the nouveau riche of Brazil. I even learned where Brazil gets its name. No spoilers. Don't expect much on the Art Deco period however... there seems to be little of it. The Belle Epoque Beaux Arts dominates.
I loved the experience
591andr,
May 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide made this an incredible experience!!! Thanks to her we visited several historical sites in Rio, she gave us a lot of useful information and provided us with security during the tour.
Excellent destination and a super complete tour
Adrisofil960422,
May 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rio is a spectacular destination, friendly people and beautiful places. The city enchants with its atmosphere, culture and history and without a doubt everything was much better with the company of Monica Bertazzolo, an excellent guide, supremely cultured, prepared and willing to make the tour the best experience.
Punctual, precise, generous, kind
B2954WUricardor,
Jan 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Monica is a great guide. He showed us places that normally on another tour one would not get to know. It has a lot of contextual information where the urban development of the city as well as its buildings is understood. The route is very structured, has sections on foot and by tram and presents an evolutionary perspective of the city from its founding to the intervention of the Olympic Games. Safely recommended for architects, urban planners, landscapers, historians and artists in general. Thanks Monica.
From US$60.00
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Operated by Rio Carioca Tour Ltda