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Free tours in Rio de Janeiro

• Tours in Rio de Janeiro

Free Walking Tours in Rio de Janeiro: Join Us Today!

Located between lush mountains and picturesque beaches, Rio de Janeiro attracts tourists with its vibrant energy and undeniable charm. If you want to get the most out of your trip, it’s high time to book your tours in Rio de Janeiro on our website! With our guides, you will go beyond the tourist trails and discover many incredible facts about this Brazilian jewel. You’ll undoubtedly experience the rhythm of samba, the flavors of Brazilian cuisine, and its captivating history. Book your tour in Rio de Janeiro today and get ready for incredible adventures!

Explore Iconic Landmarks: Free Tours of Rio's Must-See Sights

Are you ready for your journey? Excited to experience the city vibes? It’s time to join our free walking tours in Rio de Janeiro and make this trip truly memorable! Let’s examine the most popular tours available on our website.

Free tours near Christ the Redeemer

Christ the Redeemer is the main centerpiece of Rio de Janeiro's skyline. Moreover, it symbolizes faith and a testament to the city's grandeur. We have a few tours in Rio de Janeiro taking you to this location. You can either book a morning bus or evening helicopter tour and enjoy the perfect scenery of this place. You will visit Christ the Redeemer and other highlights of this city. Overall, you can’t leave Rio without visiting this incredible place.

Explore the Mountains & Waterfalls of Rio 

If you love hiking, this tour is exactly what you are looking for. Set out to walk around long trails, see incredible waterfalls, rivers, and enjoy amazing views. Once we enter the National Park of Tijuca, you will choose what waterfalls and sights you want to see more. On this tour, you will immerse yourself in nature's embrace.

Free Tour - Bossa Nova: Copacabana & Ipanema

The meeting point is the General OsóRio subway station, where our friendly guides will be waiting to take you to two of the most beautiful beach locations. We will start our walk at Ipanema Beach, enjoy incredible mountains, and see the Cagarras Islands. We will also visit Arpoador Beach, much loved by surfers. Beyond this, you will also get to take incredible images near the Copacabana Fortress, the last fortress built in this city.

Immerse in Rio's Vibrant Culture: Free Cultural Tours

When booking this tour, you will step into the city's cultural scene. From the pulsating rhythm of samba to the rich traditions of Carnival, our expert guides are eager to share the cultural tapestry that makes Rio a global cultural hotspot. You will walk around the local neighborhoods and see many local artists, musicians, and performers. Our guides will show all their expertise to help you feel the heart of Rio, allowing you to connect with the citizens, local traditions, and expressions that define this vibrant metropolis. You’ll see the most important places of history and dive deeper into its unique culture.

Stroll Along Rio's Beautiful Beaches: Free Coastal Tours

Millions of tourists go there to soak up the sun on its incredible beaches. Even if you have only a few days, with our Free Tours of Rio de Janeiro, you just cannot miss the chance to experience the allure of Rio's breathtaking shoreline. You will see the world-famous Copacabana Beach and the serene beauty of Ipanema Beach, where the most fantastic sunsets in your life await! Be sure: here you will make some of the most outstanding photos of your life!

You will also share the local culture and find out more about the historical significance of these places for the townsfolk. Sounds exciting? It sure does. Rio is an incredible as a whole, but you can’t go back home until you see all its sights!

Discover Rio's Neighborhoods: Free Tours in the Local Communities

Would you like to see the true essence of Rio de Janeiro? With our free tours in Rio de Janeiro, you will get a fantastic chance to delve into the core of these local communities. These tours are led by our passionate local guides, who will provide you with some general information about the city and create an immersive experience. You will walk around the main streets, talk to locals, taste delicious food at racy pubs, and enjoy the most Instagrammable locations.

Practical Information: Tour Schedules, Meeting Points, and Booking Details

Now that you know everything about our private tours in Rio de Janeiro, it’s high time to dive deeper into some practical information. All the tours in this incredible city are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The duration of each tour varies, but on average, they last 2-3 hours. You have to book your Rio free walking tour beforehand on our website. Professional guides lead all the tours, putting years of field experience and passion in what they do.

Book Your Free Tour in Rio de Janeiro  Today!

Are you ready for an unforgettable trip to this city? Go to our website and book your walking tour Rio de Janeiro! Whether you dream of exploring the city’s cultural scene or admiring its beaches, our tours will surely hit the spot for you. Book your tour and embark on a unique Rio adventure!

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The Best Free Walking Tours in Rio De Janeiro

See the main attractions of Rio while immersing yourself in local culture by taking a walking tour. The young Brazilian guides bring plenty of energy and passion, turning a stroll around the city into an informative and lively activity. The tours draw an international crowd, making it a great place to meet fellow travelers. Here are the best free tours in Rio de Janeiro .

Favela walking tour.

The Strawberry Free Favela Tour explores Rocinha, the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro. The guides talk about the region’s history, describing how what was originally a setup of illegal housing grew into a huge self-sufficient community with its own schools, hospitals, shops and banks. The tour includes meeting locals, seeing the local fairs, visiting Rocinha’s samba school and seeing the colorful street art.

Lapa By Night Tour

Copacabana and ipanema walking tour.

The Free Walkers Copacabana and Ipanema Walking Tour tells the history of two of Rio’s most popular neighborhoods, including key attractions such as the beaches, Copacabana Fort and Arpoador. The tour finishes at Lagoa, a striking natural lake, where guests are treated to a free Brazilian-style picnic.

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Tour of the Docks Area (African Heritage)

The Free Walkers Tour of the Docks Area provides a lesser-known overview of the African heritage of Rio. The docks area was the main point of arrival for slaves many years ago and has created a lasting impact on the city’s culture. Walkers will also see the Olympic Boulevard with the world’s largest street mural, the Museum of Tomorrow and Pedra do Sal – the most traditional point for live samba in town.

The Historical City Center Tour

The Rio by Foot City Center Tour explores Rio’s historic downtown, replete with colonial architecture and a rich, complex history. In addition to visiting some of the city’s most famous theaters and art galleries, walkers will also visit Lapa and the iconic Escadaria Selarón steps – the colorful stairway that was hand-decorated by Chilean artist, Jorge Selarón. The tour also includes free cachaça tasting and a free gift.

The Downtown and Lapa Tour

The Free Walkers Tour of Downtown and Lapa shows walkers key city center attractions such as the Lapa Arches and the Selarón steps, while unfolding the complexities of Brazilian history including slavery and the more recent dictatorship. The tour includes a trip to Colombo bakery, one of the most traditional bakeries in the city known for its grandiose architecture and delicious snacks and sweets.

The Paraty Walking Tour

For those taking a weekend or day-trip outside of the city to visit the colonial seaside town of Paraty , then the Free Walkers Paraty Tour is for you. The tour includes a historical overview of the former gold port in the Portuguese colonial days and trips to key attractions such as the old Paraty jail and the local market.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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A Walk Through Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro

Published December 20, 2020

Ipanema is Rio’s hottest beach in every sense of the word . Not only is it considered the most fashionable place in the city to be seen, but it’s also warmer than the city’s other beaches since there are very few shade trees and the sun shines down unobstructed until dusk. If beaches are your primary motivation for visiting Rio, Ipanema is one of the two major ones (the other being Copacabana).

Since visitors to Rio are likely to spend a lot of time in and around Ipanema, I’m writing this post as a guide and as a source of inspiration. Beaches are obviously pretty self-explanatory, but the adjacent neighborhood has a lot to see and do as well. This post will introduce the area , highlight some of my favorite things about the beach , and offer some tips and suggestions .

General Layout of Ipanema

As you can see from the map below, the neighborhood of Ipanema is a strip of land nestled between the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas to the north (Lagoa is worth exploring if you have time, this will be covered in a future blog post). To the west is an area called Leblon , and to the northeast is the equally famous waterfront neighborhood of  Copacabana .

The beach in this part of Rio begins at  Pedra do Arpoador  in the east and ends at the far side of Leblon in the west. In total, it’s 4.0 kilometers. I’ve walked from one end to the other and back countless times, but I usually am ready to be off my feet and out of the sun by the time I’m finished.

Away from the shoreline, Ipanema is an upscale area with a suburban vibe. The main commercial street that runs right through its center parallel to the beach is called  Rua Visconde de Pirajá  (which turns into  Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva  in Leblon).

If you’re looking for a place to eat, drink, or have coffee, head over to this area. There are lots of casual options mixed in with some higher-end restaurants that I’ll be discussing in my upcoming restaurant guide to Rio post. Stay tuned! Leblon is also home to a lot of upscale dining and bars.

About the Beach

There are five things about Praia de Ipanema that make it such a unique urban beach. Check out my list below!

1. A Mountain With Two Peaks

Upon arrival, first-timers will find themselves captivated by the view of Two Brothers Mountain (Morro Dois Irmãos) , which towers over the beach to the west. This rocky mountain is so distinctive because it’s got not one but two peaks , as the name implies. Although it looks pretty different when viewed from other vantage points in the city, it appears from Ipanema as if the mountain splits off into two pieces, almost like dorsal fins on a fish or shark. This makes it a very popular backdrop for photos taken on the beach.

If you’re at the far eastern end of Ipanema ( Arpoador ), you can even see a bit of the Pedra da Gávea , an even taller mountain peeking out from behind the Two Brothers peak. This stunning, almost otherworldly geography is my favorite thing about Rio. It’s what sets it apart from other great beach destinations around the world. I can’t think of another coastal city that has mountain views quite like this!

2. A Boardwalk Unlike Any Other

The other iconic thing about Ipanema is its boardwalk (calçadão). Running along the entire length of the beach, this unforgettable, mesmerizing pattern of black and white square tile appears to morph from a checkerboard style in the foreground to converging stripes at the vanishing point on the horizon.

Ipanema’s character and vibe are heavily influenced by the boardwalk, which is totally different from the wavy pattern that can be found on the much wider calçadão in neighboring Copacabana.

3. I Spy with My Little Eye... A Game of Futevôlei

This unique, challenging sport combines elements of football (soccer) and volleyball as the name suggests. It was actually invented in Rio de Janeiro in the 1960s. The concept is similar to beach volleyball and it’s played with a net, although you can’t use your arms or hands to get the ball over, and you can’t let the ball fall to the ground! Because that only leaves your head, feet, and chest to keep the ball in motion, futevôlei requires a lot of coordination and practice.

Cariocas (people from Rio) take the sport seriously, and if you see four people on the sand around a net in Ipanema, chances are that they’re playing futevôlei, not beach volleyball. You can watch matches in both Ipanema and Copacabana, and you’ll probably see a lot of beginners doing drills with coaches. But if you’re interested in really watching the game and seeing how it’s played, keep an eye out for experienced players who can keep the ball in play for multiple minutes.

4. Leblon Lookout (Mirante do Leblon)

This  little lookout  is technically farther than the edge of the beach, but it’s only about a two or three minute walk on the pedestrian path connecting them. It’ll allow you to see all the way down the beach on a clear day and offers a unique view of the Ipanema skyline.

5. Arpoador, Especially for Sunset

At the other end of the beach opposite Leblon is Arpoador. This massive rock formation  sticking out of the water has a bit of a garden and pathway snaking through the bushes and cacti growing on it, but it’s not really handicap accessible. In certain places, it’s a bit steep. If you’re able to make it out to the far end, Arpoador offers a 360-degree view of the beach , Morro Dois Irmãos, the open ocean, and even Christ the Redeemer if there’s no cloud cover.

Arpoador is also one of the best places in Rio to watch the sunset . At least for the time of year I’ve lived here (September to January), the sun sets either behind Two Brothers or over the ocean. Whenever the weather is good, people come to sit on the rocks for a bit and watch the sun go down.

As promised, here are some tips for a perfect visit to Ipanema! Click or tap a question below to skip down to it!

• How should I explore Ipanema on foot?
• What is the easiest way to get to Ipanema from other parts of Rio?
• I’m looking for a panoramic view from above. Any suggestions?
• Is Ipanema safe? What about at night?
• Where should I stay?

1. How should I explore Ipanema on foot?

There are countless ways to walk Ipanema, and the most obvious would be to stroll up and down the beach. If you love to walk, I highly recommend exploring from one end of the beach to the other on foot. If you’d rather not retrace your steps, you can go back along the main street ( Rua Visconde de Pirajá ), especially if you want to browse for food and drink options on the way.

2. What is the easiest way to get to Ipanema from other parts of Rio?

Ipanema is very easy to get to via Rio’s metro system . Two stops serve Ipanema proper (General Osório and Nossa Senhora da Paz), and two are on opposite ends of Leblon (Jardim de Alah and Antero de Quental). The underground train system is safe, convenient, and easy to understand , with only one single line in this part of the city connecting Copacabana, Ipanema, and a couple smaller beaches further southwest.

3. I’m looking for a panoramic view from above. Any suggestions?

If you can find a place that offers a panoramic view of Ipanema from above, don’t miss it! One good option is  Espaço 7zero6 , a restaurant on the top floor of the Praia Ipanema Hotel . They have a pretty fancy menu in a casual space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, so the view of the beach is amazing. You can also see Lagoa to the north.

The only odd thing about the lunch I had here was that the employees asked me not use my camera in the restaurant (which is by no means a big one with a huge lens, tripod, any other bulky accessories). The dining room was also almost completely empty, so it’s not like I was disrupting anyone’s meal. The other funny thing was that they told me this after I had very obviously taken dozens of photos with the camera, but just be aware of this before coming here.

4. Is Ipanema safe? What about at night?

As a touristy area, Ipanema is quite safe . This is not a beach where you need to worry about violent crime, and there is always a visible police presence throughout the day. As in most parts of Rio, the biggest risk by far is pickpocketing, so keep a close eye on your belongings.

Although I don’t consider Ipanema to be dangerous at night, people don’t tend to walk here after dark. In contrast, many more people seem to take their evening stroll in  Copacabana . If you’re desperate to stretch your legs, this is where I recommend going. Copacabana is also better lit at night, and the beach bars tend to stay open later.

5. Where should I stay?

As a safe, relatively central neighborhood, Ipanema is where many visitors to Rio choose to book an accommodation. The other option for lodging I recommend is Copacabana (where I’ve lived the past three months). Both are beautiful, safe neighborhoods that are well connected to the rest of the city via the metro.

Both Ipanema and Copacabana offer great choices for any budget, although I’d imagine that Ipanema might be just a bit more expensive overall.

Are you ready for a walk?

I’ll admit that exploring Ipanema doesn’t require a ton of research beforehand . As a safe, upscale area and one of the most famous beaches in the world, it’s not too hard to figure out. However, I do hope this post provides some helpful insights and inspires some travelers to add Rio de Janeiro to their South America wish lists!

Do you have any remaining questions? Have you been to Ipanema before? Let me know by leaving a comment below! And if you’re curious about Copacabana, be sure to check out my  comprehensive guide  to that beach as well! Thanks for visiting Caffeinated Excursions!

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This post was published on Dec 20, 2020

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The Caffeinated Man Behind The Blog

Hi, I’m Kevin ! I’m a coffee addict from Seattle, and I love to travel. Caffeinated Excursions is a record of my trips. Since I started blogging in January 2018, I’ve lived in Mexico, Vietnam, and Brazil. I moved to Chicago in 2021 and love exploring this amazing city. Thanks for checking out my blog!

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This post has 8 comments.

I’ve always heard about this beach being the sexiest in the world along with Miami Beach 🙂 The views of the Mountain With Two Peaks is gorgeous and it’s also great that you are not far from the city. I love beaches with views like this rather than flat views (Florida to name one).

I am actually looking at Rio for maybe 2022 (forget this year….its already a mess with Covid this year..lol), and I have never heard of this beach (but have heard of the famous one around the corner), My wife is a beach goer and I showed her your post and she now eyes this beach also. We gotta do a few days chilling out by the ocean. Loving the views as well of the surrounding area. The other thing I learnt….Rio has a metro system. I didnt know this (and I work in the railway industry in the UK!), so I learnt something new today. 🙂

Certainly hope I get the opportunity to make use of these notes in the not too distant future. Would love to check out both these icinic beaches. The backdrop with the Two Brothers Mountain is amazing. Think I’ll be giving futevôlei a miss though. Requires far too much dexterity and coordination for me!

What a lovely beach Ipanema is, a walk along the beach must be truly magical. Your pictures bring alive the vibes of the place. I really like the view of the mountains from the beach. The sunset seems to lend a touch of magic to the place. I can understand why this beach is the heart of Rio Di Janeiro.

I can see it now, I am going to have to arm Darcee with 8 water bottles, a gigantic floppy hat, a hand fan, gallons of sunscreen, and the comfiest flip flops ever cause I may drag her all over Ipanema! What is weird is that this beach looks crazy packed even compared to those in Southern Cali or Miami or Panama City Beach here in the states which is nuts to me! But either way, I think you are right, Ipanema is iconic for beach lovers in Rio de Janeiro. I think the viewpoints are amazing. During the day you get mesmerized by the Two Brothers Mountain (Morro Dois Irmãos) and in the evening you head over to Arpoador to catch those amazing colors as the sun sets!

Wow, I have a hard time keeping the ball up in volley ball, so Futevôlei is definitely a few levels up and I don’t think I will have any chance there. But…it is nice to watch. The beach at Ipanema is real nice and I can imagine spending a few days there. But looking at the waves, I guess there is likely no good snorkeling. Correct?

Brazil was supposed to be the last country on my south American trip which I couldn’t able to complete due to the pandemic. I am still hopeful to return to South America one day to complete my incomplete trip! Love the sunset pictures.

I am loving all the views of Morro Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers Mountain) they make such a dramatic backdrop to Ipanema beach, especially at sunset! I also love that you can walk for 4km along the beach, go swimming…then once you’ve tired yourself out, eat the best sushi in Rio! That sounds like a brilliant way to spend a day!

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The best ipanema beach walking tour in rio, travel journal , travel planning, a virtual walking tour along ipanema beach.

Join me as we explore the world-famous Ipanema Beach in Brazil through the above video . You’ll experience a virtual walking tour and enjoy the sounds of crashing waves and the sight of beachgoers engaging in various sports.

Ipanema Beach’s Surfing Paradise

Ipanema Beach, located between Copacabana and Leblon Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, boasts great waves for surfing and breathtaking scenery. Its fame can be attributed to the Bossa Nova classic, “The Girl From Ipanema,” drawing tourists to its waters since the 1960s.

Enjoying Activities At Ipanema Beach

While the beach offers opportunities for water activities and sunbathing, walking along the boardwalk is a personal favorite. On Sundays, Avenida Viera Souto, the street in front of the beach, transforms into a car-free zone, perfect for leisurely strolls, bike rides, and skateboarding—an ideal family-friendly event.

Delicious Brazilian Food

At the beach, you will find a delectable array of Brazilian snacks. From grilled cheese with honey to refreshing coconuts, you’ll find an array of options to tantalize your taste buds. After a day in the water, kiosks like La Carioca beckon with Caipirinhas and mouthwatering shrimp-filled pastries.

Prioritizing Safety at Ipanema Beach

When visiting the beach, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Avoid bringing valuables and refrain from staying on the beach after dark due to security concerns. Furthermore, instead of towels, consider using Cangas—lightweight beach coverings readily available from local vendors.

Embrace the Ipanema Experience

Ipanema Beach offers a world of adventure and relaxation. From surfing to strolling along the boardwalk and savoring Brazilian treats, this iconic destination has something for everyone. Remember to stay safe and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and beauty of this iconic, world-renowned beach.

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5 days itinerary Rio de Janeiro

5 days itinerary Rio de Janeiro: if you are coming to Rio for 5 days, we are sure you are wondering: what to do in Rio de Janeiro in 5 days?  with so many attractions in the city, it might be difficult to decide what to do. This is exactly why we carefully chose some place so you can enjoy the most of your 5 days in Rio de Janeiro.

Before presenting the 5 days itinerary in Rio de Janeiro, I would like to remind you that many activities in Rio can´t really be done during rainy days, so make you plans flexible according to the weather forecast. Therefore, we will leave some alternatives in case of bad weather. But don’t worry too much: Rio is a very sunny city, and there is a lot of amazing stuff to do on a rainy day as well! Check also our blog post of things to do in Rio when it rains

If you didn’t like some of the options on our list, have a look on our page with a selection of  what to do in Rio de Janeiro .

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Find out the best ways to go to Christ the Redeemer and the Sugar Loaf, as well as what to do in other interesting areas, such as the charming neighborhood of Santa Teresa. Get practical tips about customs, nightlife, restaurants and a lot more to make the most of your days in Rio!

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Day 1 of 5 days itinerary Rio de Janeiro: Rio Free Walking Tour Centro e Lapa + Porto Maravilha

1. Rio Free Walking Tour Centro e Lapa: perfect for any weather (sunny or rainy)

Every time I arrive to a new city, I immediately participate on a Free Walking Tour. I love that in a entertaining and funny tour of only around 3 hours, I already get a general idea of the history and curiosities of the place, and also get the best tips on the city! For who isn’t familiar, in this model that was born in Europe, by the end of the tour the tourist is free to pay any amount that he thinks the tour was worth. There is no minimum or maximum value! If you have 5 days in Rio de Janeiro, the free walking tour is definatelly worth doing on your first day.

What are you going to see during the Rio Free Walking Tour of Downtown and Lapa:

Carioca Square: Rio´s busy city center where, in the middle of modern buildings, is located one of the oldest churches of Rio de Janeiro: The Convent of Saint Anthony.

Colombo Bakery : famous luxurious colonial bakery of Rio de Janeiro. This is the place where the politicians used to go to discuss about the future of Brazil on a period when Rio was still the capital of the country.

Travessa do Comércio: these narrow alleys still preserve the antique architecture of Rio.

XV Square: here was the residency of Royal Portuguese Family in Brazil (Imperial Palace), where events that changed the history of the country happened, such like “I Stay Day” and the abolition of slavery.

Tiradentes Palace (or ALERJ): the old base of the Brazilian congress, when Rio was still a capital.

Cinelândia: in my opinion, the most charming square of the Marvellous City. Home of the Municipal Theater , Fine Arts Museum , the National Library and the City Council.

The Lapa Arches : the biggest colonial construction of Brazil, and the symbol of urban neighborhood of Lapa.

Selaron Steps : the last stop of the tour is the famous Selaron Staircase. It´s considered the biggest open air piece of art in the world by National Geographic. That’s also where Snoop Dogg filmed his clip “Beautiful”.

Before going to Porto Maravilha: stop for a lunch (we recommend a lunch with Free Walker group by the end of the tour).

From city center to Porto Maravilha: the easiest way to get to Porto Maravilha is to walk until Cinelândia and get the VLT train. For who didn´t get tired in the morning tour, it’s also possible to walk there by the shore.

2. Porto Maravilha: a great option for any weather (sunny or rainy)

The whole portuarian zone of Rio was fully renovated for the Olympic Games 2016. The formerly completely abandoned area turned into one of the principal attractions of the city.

Museum of Tomorrow : the main symbol of revitalized area is this interactive science museum, where the themes discuss about the climate change, the environmental degradation and the social collapse. The architecture of the museum is super modern and different!

MAR (Art Museum of Rio): Old beautiful building! In temporary exhibitions of MAR, some consecrated artists such like Tomie Otake were presenting their art. Meanwhile, the permanent exhibition illuminates the transformation of Rio´s landscape during years.

Murals: There are various murals full of street art in the port zone. The highlight is a mural painted for the Olympic Games, made by Eduardo Kobra. This painting represents 5 ethnicities of the different continents. This is the biggest graffiti in the world made by just one person!

AquaRio : the biggest marine aquarium of South America! If you want to enter, the aquarium is opened from 10AM until 6PM, the ticket office closes one hour earlier.

At the port zone you can also find historical places that formed the Brazilian cultural identity: the Valongo Wharf (old port of Rio and a UNESCO World Heritage site), Pedra do Sal (where samba was born), the Valongo Garden, between others! The port zone is characterized as one the most important places of the country when talking about African Heritage in Brazil, this was the point where majority of African slave ships arrived.

Learn more about the african heritage by participating on Rio Free Walking Tour African Heritage .

Day 2: Christ the Redeemer + Stroll on the Beach + the Sugarloaf

The classics can’t be missed for in your 5 days in Rio de Janeiro. After familiarizing yourself with city´s history, Free Walker ´s recommendation is to do both of the big attractions in one day!

It is important to emphasize that many people prefer to do Rio’s classics with a travel agency because of its facility, comfort and cost-benefit. There are a lot of companies in Rio, so it’s possible to get great prices! I recommend you to always look at the comments on tripadvisor and facebook.

S2RIO  for example, besides having excellent reviews on Tripadvisor and Facebook, gave us a special discount (R$20,00 per person) to a lot of different tours, including Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf! You just need to talk to them on whatsapp and inform the discount voucher or  click here and talk directly to them on whatsapp

1. Christ the Redeemer Rio de Janeiro: only sunny days

Start the day from Christ the Redeemer, which frequently gets so crowded that it´s difficult to enjoy the experience during the peak hours. The Christ opens at 8AM, and I can guarantee: start the day around 6:30AM to visit the monument on the first hour, is worth every minute of peace and calmness up there! Discover the details how to get to Christ the Redeemer Rio de Janeiro and the curiosities of Christ the Redeemer Rio de Janeiro

2. Walk on Copacabana: great for any weather (sunny or rainy)

Of course that our 5 days itinerary Rio de Janeiro includes the most famous beach in the world. Begin at of Copacabana Palace, and after taking a photo in front of the most famous hotel of Rio, walk on the world famous sidewalk until arriving to Copacabana Fort (towards Ipanema). The walk takes approximately 40 minutes, and on the way you will pass the famous statue of Carlos Drummond de Andrade!

Inside of Copacabana Fort , there is an army museum, a breathtaking view of the beach and a bakery called Colombo. The entrance costs R$8,00 and the sweets of Colombo are amazing! The fortress lays by the end of Copacabana, only 10min walk from Ipanema. If it´s not too late, there´s still time to walk until Ipanema and enjoy the post card view of Two Brothers mountain!

And the heat? During summer months, walking on the beach might be really uncomfortable (around 40 degrees). In that case, I recommend you to enjoy the beach under an umbrella and swimming! When it´s hot, the best time to walk by the sidewalk is by night, when the sun has already set.

Tip 1: on Sundays, the roads at Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are closed for the traffic, and a lot of people go there to walk, ride a bike, skate, rollerblades…it´s a very chill vibe there!

Tip 2: who likes to discover more in less time, it´s possible to rent a bike or registration of Itaú Bike  (website in Portuguese) and experience Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon all in on day- in this case you will need a Brazilian SIM card.! Bike in Rio rents bicycles for R$15,00 per hour in Copacabana (Rua Carvalho de Mendonça, 24)

Tip 3: Walk by the beaches and discover the history, hidden secrets and curiosities on our Free Walking Tour Rio de Janeiro of Copacabana and Ipanema

3. Sugarloaf: only sunny days

Probably this will be the highlight of your 5 days itinerary in Rio de Janeiro. The best time to visit Sugarloaf is by the end of the day, as the sunset there is incredible! During winter the sunsets is around 5PM and during summer around 7:30PM.

How does the cable car work? There are two parts: the first connects Praia Vermelha and Urca Hill, and the second one Urca Hill and Sugarloaf. You have to take two cable cars to get to the top, so I recommend you to arrive in advance!

How long before the sunset should I arrive? It´s difficult to calculate the queuing time, it really depends on the day. In my experience, during high season (especially carnaval, new years and other special events) lining can take a long time, so it´s better to arrive 3 hours earlier. For low season 1 hour in advance is enough. Don´t wanna stay on a line? You can purchase a golden ticket! (attention: it´s bought online and has a specific date. If it rains, you still have to do the tour on that day!)

Prices (it’s cheaper if you buy in advance, on the website):

Normal: R$110,00 or R$99,00 on the website

Kids and adolescents (06 to 21 years): R$55,00 or R$49,00 on the official website

Kids under 06 years: free

Golden ticket: R$205,00 or R$185,00 on Sugar Loaf cable car official website.

Changing the order? The ones who prefer to go to Sugarloaf directly after the Christ, another option to see a beautiful sunset is Arpoador (located between Copacabana and Ipanema). A big benefit to invert the order is to be able to stay the rest of the day more relaxed, without the “stress” to arrive to Sugarloaf on time for sunset.

Like hiking? Read a bit more about Urca Hill Hike

Day 3: Beach + Pub Crawl in Lapa

After waking up very early to go to the Christ, time for a very relaxing day, enjoying the beach, a must for your 5 days in Rio de Janeiro.

1. Beach: sunny days only

After the two first days full of activities, we prepared a relaxing and entertaining day! Copacabana and Ipanema are famous worldwide, but we recommend to have a day to explore a less-known beach.

See here the 5 best beaches of Rio de Janeiro capital

2. Pub Crawl: works with any weather (sunny or rainy)

After a relaxing day on the beach, we can’t forget about Rio’s nightlife in our 5 days itineraty Rio de Janeiro.The diversity of Rio´s nightlife is unique! And to visit several places in one night, save money and guarantee the entertainment the answer is our Pub Crawl Rio de Janeiro Lapa (every Thursday, Friday and Saturday) or Pub Crawl Ipanema (every Tuesday)

Pub Crawl is a tour of different bars with super cheered up people wanting to make new friends. The route between bars is made by foot, and ends at a famous night club!

Day 4: Barra Da Tijuca

Barra da Tijuca is one of the newest neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro. When I go there I feel like I just travelled to another city. The neighborhood is well known as “Brazilian Miami”, because of the amount of shopping malls, huge condominiums and wide roads. It became the gastronomical and leisure center of Rio’s capital, with luxury buildings where brazilian celebrities and football players live.

Since the metro was inaugurated in Barra da Tijuca, it’s much more accessible nowadays. Barra has one station (Jardim Oceânico).

What to do in Barra?

1 Barra Beach: sunny days only

Barra Beach is the longest beach of Rio de Janeiro, with 18km of extension it has white sand, clean and greenish water and lots of waves. The whole beach itself is an attraction. The spot called Praia do Pepê is popular with young crowds.

2 Shopping malls: great with any weather (sunny or rainy)

There are many options for shopping malls in the neighborhood. For who wants a great variety of shops, head to Barra Shopping (biggest of the region), or something different/luxury go to Village Mall .

Botanical Garden + Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas + Santa Teresa

1 Botanical Garden: great with any weather (sunny or rainy)

Last day of 5 days itinerary Rio de Janeiro. The Botanical Garden is the oldest in the country and one the 10 most important of the world. It is National Historic and Artistic Heritage for its historical and cultural importance. It is considered by UNESCO as an Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve.

The most significant part of the stroll are the imperial palm trees, the symbol of the garden! Also, make sure to check the orchid and bromeliad houses!

Visitation hours: Tuesday to Sunday (from 8Am until 5PM) and Mondays (from 12PM until 5PM)

The ticket costs R$15,00

2. Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas: only sunny days

Located just next to the Botanical Garden,this is for sure one of the most beautiful view of Rio de Janeiro. How about refreshing with a coconut water?

3. Santa Teresa: wonderful for any weather (sunny or rainy)

The grand finale of the 5 days itinerary in Rio de Janeiro. Santa Teresa is very unique and you can’t miss it on your 5 days in Rio de Janeiro. Santa Teresa was one of the richest neighborhoods of the city, boasting several colonial mansions.

The best of Santa? It offers a marvellous view of the city! Because it is home to many artists, it also has several atelies.

Read more about Santa Teresa Rio de Janeiro

Hope our recommendations of 5 days itinerary in Rio de Janeiro help you to plan your trip and enjoy the most of your time. Let us know if you still have questions about what to do in Rio de Janeiro in 5 days.

Some other options to spend a rainy day in Rio, if it rains during your 5 days in Rio de Janeiro

• In Cinelândia: visit the Nacional Library and Municipal Theater
• In Porto Maravilha: visit the Museum of Tomorrow and MAR (Rio Art Museum)
• Rio Sul Shopping Center or Shopping do Leblon
• In Centro: Cultural Center Bank of Brasil, Candelária Church e Monastery of São Bento

Extra tip: accommodation on a good location and with good cost-benefit

If you are looking for an accommodation with a great cost-benefit to spend your five days in Rio: Mango Tree Hostel – located one block from Ipanema beach and the metro – is a great option! Mango Tree offers the comfort of a Guest House (comfy mattresses, cotton sheets, delicious breakfast) and a wonderful atmosphere for anyone willing to meet new people!

More than 100,000 people have already enjoyed our tours

Salvador: Discover the Best of Both Worlds

Free walking tour salvador, free walking tour in salvador: discover pelourinho, what to do in salvador, discover salvador with our unique experiences.

In Salvador, we offer two extraordinary experiences for you to make the most of the city: our Free Tour in Pelourinho and the thrilling Pub Crawl in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood. Each tour provides a unique perspective of the city, from its rich history to its vibrant nightlife.

Explore History with the Free Tour in Pelourinho

The Free Tour in Pelourinho is a fascinating journey through the historical heart of Salvador. Led by expert guides, this tour takes you on a charming stroll through the picturesque streets of Pelourinho, revealing secrets and stories dating back centuries. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, immersing yourself in Salvador from 250 years ago. Enjoy the flexibility of personalized payment, where you decide the value of the tour based on your satisfaction.

Why choose our Free Tour?

Custom Price: Surely Rio is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and that’s why everyone who comes here falls in love. But beyond nature, beaches, Corcovado, Carnival, and caipirinhas, there is much to be seen in this vibrant and colorful city.

Guaranteed Quality: We visit the most incredible places, and our guides are lively, experienced, and dedicated to making your experience safe and memorable.

Local Tips: In addition to telling the history, we offer valuable tips for exploring the city and saving money during your stay.

Experience Nightlife with the Pub Crawl in Rio Vermelho

For those who want to explore the vibrant nightlife of Salvador, the Pub Crawl in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood is the perfect choice. In a single night, you’ll visit the best bars and venues, meet people from around the world, and dance to the sound of captivating music. With welcome drinks, special attractions, and the opportunity to socialize, this Pub Crawl offers an unforgettable nighttime experience.

Make the most of your visit to Salvador with our exclusive tours. Explore the past and present of the city, dive into history, and feel the energy of nightlife. Book now and discover the best of Salvador!

About Free Walker in Salvador

We are much more than just an agency in Salvador. We offer tips, guidance, and unique experiences to make your trip unforgettable. Explore Salvador with experts and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the city.

A Bit of Salvador's History

Salvador is a city rich in history and culture. Its past as a center for the trade of gold, slaves, and coffee contributed to its prosperity and diversity. Currently, tourism is the city’s main economic activity, making it a charming destination.

Join us to discover more about Salvador! The city is considered a National Heritage and has a rich cultural history. After our two-hour walk, you’ll see Salvador with a fresh perspective.

Atrações imperdíveis em Salvador

Cristo Redentor Uma das 7 maravilhas do mundo moderno não pode ficar de fora.

Pão de Açúcar A grande maioria dos nossos turistas dizem que preferiram o Pão de Açúcar ao Cristo Redentor.

Copacabana e Ipanema Free Walking tour Rio de Janeiro Copacabana e Ipanema.

Escadaria Selarón A escadaria já foi considerada a maior obra de arte do muno a céu aberto.

Museu do Amanhã Se emocionar com a reflexão que o local propõe.

Boulevard Olímpico Conhecer o Boulevard Olímpico e a região da Pequena África.

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A Walk in Rio de Janeiro: Along Fabled Beaches

By Seth Kugel

For first-timers, a five-mile stroll along Copacabana and Ipanema beaches — Rio de Janeiro’s two most fabled sand parentheses — will stir up feelings even in those who have long and unironically listed “walks on the beach” as a favorite pastime.

Such reactions may range from counterfactual nostalgia (“Imagine coming of age in a place like this”) to cultural aha moments (“Bossa nova makes so much sense now”) to medium-term reverie (“What are the rules on Brazil’s digital-nomad visa again?”).

More than 20 visits in, I still turn some kind of emotional every time I return to Rio and set foot on the boardless boardwalk where the vast majority of this stroll takes place. Brazilians call such a beachfront sidewalk the “calçadão,” but forget pronouncing it and focus on its official sound: a thousand flip-flops slapping the wave-patterned Portuguese pavement.

The route is simple: Walk along the first beach, cut inland briefly to skirt a rocky peninsula, and then walk along a second beach. Stop for refreshment at the countless kiosks along the way. As the desire strikes, turn left for a dip in the water or right for an urban foray.

Start midafternoon on a sunny day — the Rio beach scene under gray skies is like Italy during a pasta shortage. Weekends are good, December to February summer weekends are better, and Sundays are ideal, as the city closes the adjacent beachfront avenue for throngs and thongs of promenading locals.

Sneakers or flip-flops will do, but please no sandals with socks: Rio de Janeiro beaches accept all body types and locals are accustomed to touristy foibles like baggy bikinis and gringo skin broiled to the color of juicy shrimp, but even they draw the line somewhere. Take sunscreen, a credit card — wireless tap to pay is nearly ubiquitous, even at street vendors — and keep your smartphone buried in your pocket. (This is one stretch of Rio where tourists can walk by day in relative safety, but still.) No need for a step counter; keep track of progress by the lifeguard posts (postos) along the way, numbered 1 to 12.

Start at the northernmost end of Leme Beach (which soon becomes Copacabana), taking the time to stroll out to “Fisherman’s Path” along the rocks to say hi to the bronze statue of Clarice Lispector , one of Brazil’s great 20th-century novelists, or to actual, potentially more responsive, fishermen. Then pass the scene around Posto 1, with young people sunbathing and playing altinha, the show-offy, keep-the-soccer-ball-in-the-air game.

Posto 2 means you’re in Copacabana, at once touristy (because of the hotels) and diverse (thanks to public transportation). It’s crackling with energy, foot volleyball, sand sculptures and one notable non-sand sculpture of Ayrton Senna , the championship Formula 1 driver who holds near-Pelé status around here. Stop and stare at the Copacabana Palace , the French Riviera-inspired hotel, opened in 1923 and still classing up the beach.

Not far past Posto 6, your first beach comes to an end at Fort Copacabana . Cut across on Francisco Otaviano Street for three-plus blocks, ducking through a park to Arpoador Beach — known best for morning surfers and late-afternoon sunset applauders, but also home to a charming little peninsula-top park.

Between Postos 7 and 8 is your next bronze statue, the guitar-toting Tom Jobim, composer of (what else) the bossa nova classic “ Girl From Ipanema .” If it’s a Sunday, detour one block to General Osório Square for crafts at the Hippie Market , then head toward the finely sculptured human specimens near Posto 9. This might be the time to take a break on the sand — a friendly neighborhood beach chair renter will magically appear.

If you haven’t left the beach yet, consider turning right on Rua Vinícius de Moraes (named for the lyricist of “Girl From Ipanema”) onto the posh Ipanema neighborhood’s main drag for either ice cream at Vero or an icy guava juice or grilled sandwich at Polis Sucos .

Then cut back to the beach and cross the canal and you’re in the mellower (even posher) stretch known as Leblon. From the end of the beach, climb the short but winding road to the lookout point or, even better, head inland to join the local crowd at Boteco Boa Praça and order a chopp: There’s a lot more of Rio to get to, but there’s no Rio at all without an icy, foamy draft beer at the end of a beach day.

Distance: Five miles

Difficulty: Easy, because it’s almost entirely flat, but you’ll get hot and sweaty on a sunny day.

Time to walk: Two and a half to three hours, with lingering.

Good for kids: Probably not the best bet for young children given the length, and the fact that they’ll probably be more interested in playing on the beach.

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Free Walking Tour Rio de Janeiro

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City of Foley to begin free walking tours

FOLEY, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Residents and visitors alike will soon have the opportunity to explore and learn about Foley’s history.

According to a press release, the city is preparing to debut its 2024 historic walking tours series on Saturday, April 6. The free tours, scheduled for each Saturday throughout April, will highlight historic areas of the city that date back to the 20th century.

Officials said the tours will begin at 10 a.m. at the historic Foley Welcome Center located at the intersection of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98 and continue onto other historic sites in the downtown area.

Some of the historic sites included in the tours are:

• L&N Railroad Depot: Located next to the Welcome Center, the depot was built in 1909 to replace the station that burned down in 1908. It was the center of South Baldwin commerce and travel for more than 60 years before being converted into a city museum.
• Centennial Plaza: The plaza was remodeled for the city’s centennial birthday, according to WAS Design.
• Holk Building: The City of Foley’s website notes that Arthur Holk was the mayor of Foley for 20 years. He is noted to have contributed “greatly to the history and development of the City of Foley through his political service and community involvement.”
• Magnolia Hotel: The hotel, also known as Hotel Magnolia, opened its doors in 1908. According to Alabama’s Foley walking tours guide, the hotel was operated by city founder John Burton Foley and attracted tourists and residents alike.
• Holmes Medical Museum: According to the press release, the museum was the site of Baldwin County’s first Hospital.

The tours, which begin at 10 a.m., are set to last an hour and cover about five city blocks.

Local community members will conduct the tours, according to the release.

• April 6: Retired Baldwin County Probate Judge Tim Russell and his wife and long-time teacher at Foley High School, Sandy Russell
• April 13: Foley Marketing Director LaDonna Hinsley
• April 20: Longtime employee at Rivera Utilities, Randy LeDrew and his wife Cathy LeDrew
• April 27: Marketing Communications Manager Guy Busby

For more information about the tours, call 251-943-1200.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.

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• About UCL Minds

UCL Walking Tour

12 April 2024, 12:30 pm–1:30 pm

Explore the rich and radical history of UCL, one of the world’s leading universities in the heart of London, on this free tour every Friday.

This event is free.

Event Information

Availability.

Book your place About the Tour:

Founded in 1826, UCL has been at the forefront of radical and disruptive thinking for nearly 200 years. Join us as we explore UCL’s campus and delve deeper into the researchers, students and stories that have helped shape the UCL of today.

We will be running tours every Friday. The tour will start at 12:30 pm and last an hour to we will be running one tour every week, with the tour taking place every Friday. The tour will start at 12:30pm and last roughly an hour.

We advise all visitors to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of the tour.

Please note that you will need to book an individual ticket for everyone attending the tour.

Accessibility - We want to make sure everyone can enjoy the tour. Please let us know when you book if you have any additional access needs. The tour is wheelchair-accessible and sign language interpreters are available upon request. However, we are not able to provide wheelchairs.

Departure point - The Tour will depart from North Lodge Welcome Point, which is situated at the entrance to the UCL Main Quad on Gower Street. It is the building to the left as you come through the main gates. Please look out for our student ambassadors who are on hand to walk you through UCL’s history.

If you need to get in touch please contact us on: [email protected] .