Rio de Janeiro: 6-Stop Highlights Tour with Lunch

Exploring the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro just got a lot easier. There’s so much to see and do, and if you are planning to fit everything into one day, then a 6-stop highlights tour with lunch is the way to go. You’ll get all the essential Rio sights, with a few extra added perks, including an optional visit to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and the chance to sample authentic Brazilian cuisine.

Rio de Janeiro’s Rich Culture

Rio de Janeiro is a city steeped in culture and history. From its colonial legacy to its thriving modern world, this is a city that celebrates its past while pushing towards a brighter future. It combines, religious and secular destinations, stunning beaches, and stunning natural beauty that’s synonymous with Brazil.

Highlights of this 6-Stop Tour

• Start your day in the center of downtown Rio, at Praça XV Square,
• Make your way to the world-famous Cathedral of Saint Sebastian,
• Learn about the local culture at Rio’s Museum of Art,
• Spend some time admiring Panoramic views from Guanabara Bay,
• Explore Santa Teresa district and take in the historic charm of Arcos dos Lapa,
• End your tour with a delicious Brazilian lunch.

Start at Praça XV Square

Praça XV de Novembro Square, better known as “Praça XV” is the perfect place to start your tour of Rio since it houses many of the city’s historical sites. Praça XV is a large square in downtown Rio and it’s among the most important public spaces in the city. The square was originally built in 1823 to commemorate a Brazilian victory in an international parliamentary competition. This place grounds the lively streets of downtown Rio and stands tall with beautiful fountains surrounded by arcades and just behind is the lively Lapa district. It’s here that you’ll find plenty of local food stands, art galleries, and street performances every day. It’s also home to several important architectural masterpieces like the iconic National Library of Brazil.

Visit Cathedral of Saint Sebastian

The Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, also known as “Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro” is another important landmark in downtown Rio. This stunning cathedral is a stunning neo-Gothic work of architecture that was built between 1895 and 1976 in honor of the advent of the Republic (the time when Brazil declared itself as a sovereign state). This gorgeous structure houses one of the most revered shrines in Brazil which dates back from 1938. The main altar inside is dominated by a large fresco painting depicting the life of Saint Sebastian. For those looking for a little piece of history and culture in one of Rio de Janeiro’s attractions, this is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Explore Museum of Art

One of the must-visit spots when visiting Rio de Janeiro is definitely the Museum of Art (Museu de Arte). This mesmerizing building houses one of Brazil’s most impressive collections of national and international art ranging from Ancient Egypt to contemporary Carioca art. The museum features an impressive collection spanning 9000 years, including works by Picasso, Rembrandt, El Greco, Cezanne, Morandi and many more. The exhibitions are laid out in an easy to navigate chronological order making it easy to delve in and appreciate each work’s unique features. The museum also features a few permanent exhibits and interactive installations giving visitors a complete picture of Brazilian art across time.

Guanabara Bay

Guanabara Bay is one of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic sites. This beautiful body of water separates Rio from Niterói and is formed by a group of small islands that make up the Guanabara Archipelago. This gorgeous bay is surrounded by green hills which form an unforgettable landscape coupled with some picturesquely painted boats that can be seen from the shoreline. Guanabara Bay is also home to some interesting wildlife such as dolphins and whales which can be admired from its coastlines. During your 6-stop tour with lunch in Rio you will be able to enjoy spectacular panoramic views from its baize taking your breath away with nature’s beauty.

Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is an iconic district in Rio de Janeiro located right across Guanabara Bay. During your tour of Rio, make sure to include some time to explore this place since it holds many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Its cobblestoned streets are lined with colorful facades while vibrant street art adorns its walls captivating visitors from all over the globe. Santa Teresa is home to many upscale restaurants offering scrumptious Brazilian dishes as well as numerous cafés and bars for those looking for an evening toast. Plus this area contains some charming squares and parks like Príncipe Real Park and its 19th-century cottages adding even more quaintness to its vibe.

Arcos dos Lapa

The last stop of your 6-stop tour will be the iconic Arcos dos Lapa aqueduct located just a few minutes away from Santa Teresa in what used to be downtown Rio’s old aristocratic neighborhood. This grand structure was built in 1750 during Colonial times making it one of the oldest architectural monuments in Brazil. Arcos dos Lapa aqueduct is made up by 44 granite arcs stretching across 130 meters which seem to levitate above one of Rio’s oldest avenues. Standing beneath its archways makes for an unforgettable experience and this place can be quite crowded during peak hours so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.

Treat Yourself with a Delicious Brazilian Lunch

The tour ends on a delicious note with a mouth-watering Brazilian lunch where you will be able to sample some other traditional dishes like Churrasco (grilled meats), Feijoada (black bean stew), Coxinha (deep-fried chicken croquettes) as well as other lighter snacks depending on the type of tour you choose. Aftering indulging your palette head back home savoring the beautiful memories you made while roaming around Rio de Janeiro’s postcard attractions.

Book a Tour Now

If you are looking to explore all the highlights Rio has to offer without miss any crucial detail then book a 6-stop Highlights Tour with Lunch now! This convenient tour package takes out all the hassle related to organizing your own itinerary since planning ahead can be tricky due to traffic in the city. Plus it gives you access to expert guides who can help you make sense out of all the history while you take in all the sights all in one day! To book your 6-Stop Highlight Tour with Lunch in Rio visit GetYourGuide now!