Cinelândia: Our most recommended tours and activities

Santa Teresa & Lapa With Tram Ride And Selarón Steps

1. Santa Teresa & Lapa With Tram Ride And Selarón Steps

Begin your tour at Downtown (“Centro”), where you will get the tram (“bondinho”) to the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa. You will drive over the Arcos da Lapa, the aqueduct used to connect water from Santa Teresa to Downtown and one of Rio’s most traditional postcards. At Santa Teresa, you will experience an interesting local atmosphere. Walk through the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa, a bucolic area in Rio de Janeiro. Located on a hillside, Santa Teresa has become a district of cultural interest because of its architectural value and prime location, famous for its winding, narrow cobblestone streets and a favourite spot for artists and tourists. A flair similar to Montmartre, in Paris. You will visit the Ruins Park, a public park with an art gallery built around the ruins of a mansion. Take a minute to enjoy the city’s landscape, in particular the Downtown area and the Sugarloaf Mountain. Up next, you will walk down the colorful Selarón Steps, one of Rio’s landmarks, and arrive at the district of Lapa, the zone with the most traditional nightlife. Take a stroll in the Passeio Público, the oldest public park in South America, to reach Cinelândia, a lively spot in Rio thanks to its bars, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Among many remarkable constructions in the area, you will notice the Theatro Municipal, Rio de Janeiro’s most traditional theatre and opera house, as well as the Biblioteca Nacional, Brazil’s most important library. Your last stop will be at Confeitaria Colombo, a permanent member of all must-see cafés rankings around the world. Enjoy the opulent art nouveau decoration with huge stained glass, tiles, and mirrors imported from France, Portugal, and Belgium. You can finish your tour tasting one of the Brazilian traditional snacks – such as the coxinha de frango (‘little chicken thigh’) – or desserts – such as the brigadeiro (‘brigadier’) in what was one of Rio de Janeiro’s most prestigious places at the beginning of the 20th Century.

Rio de Janeiro: Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour

2. Rio de Janeiro: Historic Rio and Santa Teresa Half-Day Tour

Following pickup from your accommodation, head to the historic center of Rio de Janeiro. Consisting of centuries-old buildings and roads, the historic center of Rio best illustrates the most important chapters of Brazil’s history.  See the contrast of new and old architecture at XV de Novembro Square. Continue to Cinelândia Square until you reach the famous Carioca Aqueduct (Arcos de Lapa) in Lapa. Admire the historic beauty as you continue to Santa Teresa by car. Enjoy the winding narrow streets and colorful buildings of bohemian Santa Teresa, famous for its bars, galleries, ateliers, and the 19th-century Santa Teresa tram. From the top of Santa Teresa Hill, enjoy some of Rio’s finest views and look across Guanabara Bay.  Take in the panoramic views of the city from the Parque das Ruínas, located in the ruins of an old mansion belonging to Laurinda Santos. The mansion has been partially restored and is now used as a cultural center hosting various exhibitions and events.

Rio de Janeiro: Guided Bike Tours in Small Groups

3. Rio de Janeiro: Guided Bike Tours in Small Groups

Choose from 3 different itineraries to best fit your time in Rio and your preferences. Explore some of the city's highlights on a small-group bike tour with an expert guide and learn about the historical background of the city. • 3-Hour Urban Tour: Praia Vermelha, Botafogo & Lagoa Visit several of Rio's famous sites and some of its traditional neighborhoods on this tour that focuses on the southern part of the city. Start at Copacabana beach to experience where locals spend a large part of their social life. From there, bike to Sugarloaf Mountain to view its imposing vastness up-close, and make a stop at nearby Vermelha Beach, a tiny oasis of quietness. Next, pedal to the lively neighborhood of Botafogo to get a glimpse of the back lanes of Rio. This stretch of the bike tour will give you a closer look at how real Cariocas live when they’re not on the beach. Finally, head to Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and admire its surrounding green hillsides and fancy neighborhoods. • 4-Hour Panoramic Tour: Botafogo, Flamengo Park & Old Rio Get a panoramic perspective of Rio on this tour that goes from Copacabana to the shores of the Bay of Guanabara, Lapa, and Rio’s historical center. Bike through the lively backstreets of iconic neighborhood Copacabana to Botafogo. There, pass by Rio’s “celebrity” cemetery, São João Batista, the resting place of several Brazilian presidents, writers, singers, actors, and renowned Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer. Pedal on to the Bay of Guanabara along the beach of Flamengo, the site of the first European settlement after the discovery of the city. Continue to the historical center of Rio, with stops at Cinelândia and the bohemian neighborhood Lapa, well-known for its nightlife and the Selarón steps, covered in over 2000 tiles from different countries. On the way back, cycle through Flamengo Park. The last stretch of the tour will pass along Copacabana beach. 7-Hour Ultimate Tour: Urban Tour + Panoramic Tour + Lunch Discover the best of Rio de Janeiro in just one day. As well as exploring the popular South Zone, famous for the iconic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, pedal through less well-known but equally fascinating neighborhoods such as Botafogo and Urca. After taking these in, head to the old city center where you’ll stop in the Bohemian quarter of Lapa. Take a step back to Rio's colonial past at the historic Cinelândia Square, and visit Jorge Selarón’s psychedelically decorated staircase to see how art can be truly public. Savor a typical Brazilian lunch — included in the tour — at a local restaurant. The last stretch of the tour passes by the beautiful lake, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, surrounded by hills clad with lush Atlantic rainforest.

Rio de Janeiro: Downtown Walking Tour

4. Rio de Janeiro: Downtown Walking Tour

Depart from the meeting point we go to Downtown Rio de Janeiro. The historic center of Rio de Janeiro is surrounded by centuries-old roads and buildings that show important periods in Brazilian history, from the time of the monarchy up to Brazil becoming a republic. Delve into 500 years of Brazilian history with a visit to the XV de Novembro Square. Admire the architecture of ALERJ building, Paço Imperial, and do Carmo Convent. Walk past the dos Teles Arch and see its winding alleyways. Follow your tour guide to Candelária Church and learn about its importance to the city. Then, discover hidden treasures in the architecture of the Brazil Bank Cultural Center, or as locals call "CCBB". Admire the contrast between old and modern by walking down the street to Cinelandia Square. Explore political and cultural buildings in the area, such as Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro, National Library of Brazil, National Museum of Fine Arts, and City Council of Rio de Janeiro. Revel at the architecture of Colombo's Bakery, one of the main landmarks of the city's, and have a snack. Finish your tour at a subway station in Downtown Rio, and choose to return to your hotel or continue exploring the region on your own.

Rio: Historical Walking Tour

5. Rio: Historical Walking Tour

Take the subway and enjoy a guided walking tour in downtown Rio. Rich in history and buildings of great architectural appeal, the center of the former capital of the country is best absorbed in the details when you walk through it. Travel by subway to downtown, arrive at Cinelândia Station an area with relics of the French architectural influence.  On the way to Carioca square see the Naval Club, the Monastery Church of Santo Antônio and the Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência. Visit the Confeitaria Colombo, built in 1894, Tiradentes Palace (State Hall), Praça XV including the Imperial Palace, the statue of General Osório, Mestre Valentim's Fountain and the Teles Arch. Reach the cobble-stoned Travessa do Comercio and the former residence of Carmen Miranda. See the Church of Our Lady of the Merchants, the Post Office Cultural Center, France-Brazil House, Bank of Brasil Cultural Center and Candelaria Church. Before heading back to your hotel by subway. 

Rio: Historical Downtown and Lapa Walking Tour

6. Rio: Historical Downtown and Lapa Walking Tour

“Rio de Janeiro is still gorgeous”, is one of the most beautiful and simple quotes that portrays the Amazing Rio de Janeiro. The energy, monuments and the spectacular mix of sea and mountains, makes the landscape of Rio breathtaking. Did you know Rio is considered part of the world’s heritage? We from Rio By foot invite you to learn more about the history and culture of the incredible Rio de Janeiro city. We’ll walk through historical downtown and take you back to times of kings and queens, emperors, freedom fighters and revolutionaries. We’re certain that you will fall in love with Rio de Janeiro even more. You’ll discover that Rio is not only home the most beautiful beaches of the world, but also the gorgeous architectural heritage of one of the most classical European courts. This is the perfect first experience you can make in the City,as you'll be able to understand more of, not only our history, but also about our daily life. Get more from our guides. Need tips on nice places for that amazing picutre? Want to know of the amazing restaurants we have? Wanna go for a cool area in the evening to dance Sambe and drinkg caipirinhas? Our guides will be able to help you with all that througout the tour.

3-Hour Urban Arts Walking Tour

7. 3-Hour Urban Arts Walking Tour

Experience the result of a 6-year project and discover the urban art streets of Rio de Janeiro. Walk with your guide through colorful titles and massive murals such as The Ethnicities. Learn about Brazilian culture and those from all over the world. Meet your guide in front of the Municipal Theatre in Cinelandia, downtown Rio. From there, listen to a quick briefing and head to the nearest VLT station. On the way, begin to see urban art that surrounds the area. Ride on the new tramway inaugurated in the 2016 Olympic Games, and get off at the Olympic Boulevard stop. Here, experience old and modern Rio, and capture amazing sights of graffiti, including the largest mural in the world. Discover the diversity of Brazilian artists and foreigners alike by admiring the dozens of different graffiti and paintings that dawn the city. Finish the tour at the Museum of Tomorrow where you'll be directed on how to get back to your accommodation.

Sugarloaf Mountain & City Tour with Metropolitan Cathedral

8. Sugarloaf Mountain & City Tour with Metropolitan Cathedral

Your tour begins with a drive through beautiful downtown Rio, passing by the Sambodrome, the Metropolitan Museum, Cinelândia square with its historical buildings, the Municipal Theater, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Passing through the Aterro do Flamengo , the largest park in Rio de Janeiro you arrive in Urca, home of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain , one of the major symbols of the city. Your visit to the top is made by two sets of cable cars, the first taking you to the top of Urca Hill which stands 215 meters high and overlooks Guanabara Bay and its many islands, the Rio-Niteró Bridge and Corcovado Hill, where you can see the statue of Christ the Redeemer keeping watch over the citizens of Rio. Your second cable car journey takes you to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain where panoramic vista's await and you can view such sights as the famous Copacabana Beach.

Rio: Bike Tour: Botafogo, Flamengo Beach, and Downtown

9. Rio: Bike Tour: Botafogo, Flamengo Beach, and Downtown

Discover Rio’s coolest scenes by bike on a 4h00 tour passing by beaches, parks, attractions and downtown. Bike around the city’s network of bicycle lanes at a relaxed pace with an expert guide who stops regularly to share insights. The tour starts in the Copacabana area cycling to the neighborhood of Botafogo, passing by red beach. Stop beachfront to sip a cold coconut while enjoying privileged views of the shores and Sugarloaf Mountain. Ride along Flamengo beach that houses the largest artificial park in the world. Then, enter the city center with its buildings and squares. Learn about Rio's culture and history as the guide answers any questions you may have. Next, continues to the historical center of the city and see iconic symbols. Following this, head to Lapa, the epicenter of the city's bohemian scene close to the famous Selarón steps. On the way back you cycle along the paths winding through Flamengo Park, designed by famous landscaper Burle Marx ending in Copacabana area.

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What people are saying about Cinelândia

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 170 reviews

An excellent half day tour with Meilin who customised the tour to our interests and my walking ability. Lovely architecture in the historic centre, we saw the first library in Brazil which was stunning and had a coffee at the Cafe Colombo which is a local institution. Meilin is full of interesting facts and tells the history of Rio like a story. A must to do.

Great day. G the tour guide was so informative. Took us to off the beaten tracks to areas with no tourists which was wonderful. Explained the diffferent architecture and hidtory of the area. Loved the whole day.

Very good tour and Antonio is very knowledgeable and was good company in showing me around the historic centre of Rio de Janeiro. The tram ride to Santa Theresa was a highlight.

Fantastic! Ulysses the guide was amazing and it was a very enjoyable way to see part of Rio. Totally recommend it!

Tour muy personalizado gracias a nuestra guía Matilde, muy simpática y muy profesional