Rio Historic Center & Selarón Steps Free Tour, Rio de Janeiro

Great city tour - I joined the English group and our guide Lorena was fantastic, sharing lots of interesting information...

Ulrika

If you've just arrived in the Cidade Maravilhosa, this free tour of Rio de Janeiro is the perfect way to start exploring the historic center and the iconic Escadaria Selarón.

Details

Duration

3 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Portuguese.

Included

English–speaking guide
Admission to the Confeitaria Colombo
Admission to the chapel of the church

Not included

Tips
Public transport tickets: 4.30BRL

When to book

You can book up to 4 hours in advance if there are any seats left. Book now and guarantee your spot.

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

No, not suitable for people with reduced mobility or pushchairs/strollers

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

If you are not able to attend the tour, please cancel your reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.

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Meeting point

Theatro Municipal of Río de Janeiro

Where does the activity end?

Praça XV de Novembro

Reviews of our customers

9.1

Exceptional 1,352 Travelers·70 reviews

September 14, 2025
Ulrika
London, United Kingdom
Great city tour - I joined the English group and our guide Lorena was fantastic, sharing lots of interesting information about Rio's history. I was ca...
Traveling solo
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March 7, 2023
Marie-christin
Austria
Our rio historic Center Tour with Raffael was the best choice to explore the city center. We learned so many interesting things about the area and th...
As a couple
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March 13, 2021
Richard
Den Haag, Netherlands
I did the tour with a colleague from work. Our guide was Lola. Lola is very knowledgeable (history, buildings, trivia). Her English is excellent. She ...
With friends
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October 29, 2025
Jackie
United Kingdom
I found the tour very informative and saw some beautiful places. The guide Rafael was very good and spoke perfect English.
As a couple
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August 21, 2025
Ivan
Bogotá, Colombia
Fernanda was an excellent tour guide. She's knowledgeable and she waited for everyone while touring each spot.
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December 28, 2024
Valerie Jorge Vázquez
United States
Lola had good energy, knowledge and kindness as a tour guide. She knows how to make people feel welcomed on her country.
With friends
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November 9, 2024
Maureen
Winter Park, United States
Gabrielle did a great job
With friends
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September 9, 2024
Nicole
Kelowna, Canada
Even though the tour was only in Spanish, due to a guides ilness, it was interesting for us zenglish speakers.
As a couple
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November 24, 2023
Alexa
Mexico
Lola was AMAZING! We had a great time and she was incredibly nice. The tour is super complete and very well explained, I highly recommend this.
As a couple
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October 28, 2023
Anonymous
Armenia
A great guide
Traveling solo
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If you've just arrived in the Cidade Maravilhosa, this free tour of Rio de Janeiro is the perfect way to start exploring the historic center and the iconic Escadaria Selarón.

Tour Details

At the scheduled time, we'll meet in front of the main entrance of the impressive Municipal Theater to kick off this free tour of Rio de Janeiro. Ready to start uncovering the charms of the Cidade Maravilhosa?

After admiring the theater's façade and brushing up on the history of Cinelândia Square, we'll continue toward the Escadaria Selarón. This street art installation by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón has become one of the most photographed spots in Rio, thanks to its striking colored tiles.

Next, we'll walk along Avenida Rio Branco toward the Confeitaria Colombo. Why is it such a hit with tourists? We'll find out! The walk continues through other iconic spots in the area.

After 2.5 to 3 hours, the free tour will wrap up at Praça XV de Novembro.

Itinerary Order

Please note that, due to organizational reasons, the order of the itinerary described may change.

Group Size

This free tour doesn't admit groups of more than 6 people, even if they book the activity separately. If you're in a larger group, we recommend checking out our private tour of Rio de Janeiro.

Points of interest in Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer Tijuca National Park Pan de Azúcar Museum of Tomorrow

Types of activities in Rio de Janeiro

Guided tours in Rio de Janeiro Free Tours in Rio de Janeiro Boat Tours in Rio de Janeiro Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro City-to-city transportation Hikes in Rio de Janeiro Traditional Shows in Rio de Janeiro Food & Wine Tours in Rio de Janeiro Helictopter Tours in Rio de Janeiro

Other activities in Rio de Janeiro

Roxy Dinner Show Tickets The Municipal Theatre, the National Library and the Royal Portuguese Cabinet Tour Rio de Janeiro Sunrise Paddle Surf Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl Tijuca National Park Off-Roading Tour Hang Gliding in Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Surfing Lesson Rio de Janeiro Sightseeing Bus Sugarloaf Mountain Hiking & Climbing Adventure Footvolley at Copacabana Beach

If you've just arrived in the Cidade Maravilhosa, this free tour of Rio de Janeiro is the perfect way to start exploring the historic center and the iconic Escadaria Selarón.

Tour Details

Next, we'll walk along Avenida Rio Branco toward the Confeitaria Colombo. Why is it such a hit with tourists? We'll find out! The walk continues through other iconic spots in the area.

After 2.5 to 3 hours, the free tour will wrap up at Praça XV de Novembro.

Itinerary Order

Please note that, due to organizational reasons, the order of the itinerary described may change.

Rio Historic Center & Selarón Steps Free Tour