Brazil · Architecture

Half-Day Architecture Walking Tour in Rio

4 Hours Round trip from Rio de Janeiro Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Walk through Downtown Rio with a licensed tour guide
02 See colonial, Art Deco, modernist, and brutalist architecture
03 Visit Largo da Carioca and the Convent of Saint Anthony
04 Admire the Art Deco buildings of Cinelandia
05 Learn about Palacio Capanema and its modernist design
06 See the Academia Brasileira de Letras building
07 End the tour at the Museum of Modern Art

Discover Rio de Janeiro through its architecture on this half-day walking tour through the city’s historic downtown. From colonial-era religious landmarks to Art Deco façades and pioneering modernist design, this experience offers a fascinating look at how Rio’s urban identity has evolved over the centuries.

Begin at Largo da Carioca, one of the oldest and most important areas in the city, where you’ll see the Church and Convent of Saint Anthony. Continue through Cinelandia to admire its striking Art Deco buildings, then explore key examples of Brazilian modernism, including Palacio Capanema, the Academia Brasileira de Letras, and the Museum of Modern Art.

Discover Rio de Janeiro through its architecture on this half-day walking tour through the city’s historic downtown.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Rio de Janeiro

Languages English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

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.

Convento do Santo Antonio

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.

Cinelandia

Admire the Art Deco buildings.

Palacio Capanema

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.

Academia Brasileira De Letras

Located inside the Edifício Austregésilo de Athayde, the building is a symbol for modernist architecture in Rio.

Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro

The Museum of Modern Art inaugurates the brutalism aesthetic in the city. Ticket: 20 BRL per person.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Rio de Janeiro 1 city · 4 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Tour Guide

What's Not Included

Roundtrip transfer
Entrance ticket to the Convent of St. Anthony (approx. 10 BRL per person).
Entrance ticket to the Museu de Arte Moderna (approx. 20 BRL per person).
Lunch

Know before you go

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
Infants must not sit on laps
Infant seats unavailable
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.
BOARDING INFORMATION: Arrive 15 minutes in advance to avoid any delays. Contact Rio Carioca Tour if you need assistance getting to the Meeting Point. Different age policies may apply according to each location. ID or copy is mandatory, even for children. Voucher is confirmed only by payment confirmation. The tour itinerary may change its order on a daily basis due to force majeure. Read our Cancellation Policy. IMPORTANT: During high season and major events, the visitation time on each location can be affected, due to long waiting queues. Carnival-related products have a specific cancellation policy. Take care of your personal belongings as we are not responsible for items left in places visited.