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ES Rio de Janeiro Itineraries
Discover the “wonderful city” in three days!
- Enjoy ten amazing and free tours
- Take five delightful tours with tickets for up to R$ 30.00 (Brazilian Reais) each
- Experience all this within 20 minutes of Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro, in Lapa, within a radius of up to 5 km from the hotel
The region of Lapa, Santa Isabel and the centre of Rio de Janeiro are good places to visit at any time of the year. Besides the well-known Rio bohemia, with almost 500 years of life, these neighbourhoods concentrate big houses and buildings from the time of the Empire and are true open-air museums.
Their proximity and easy accessibility favour many tours. There are several public transportation options such as bus, train and underground. The Santos Dumont airport and the Novo Rio bus station are also close by and both have LRT (Light Rail Transit) stations, the most practical and comfortable way of visiting the region’s tourist attractions.
Day one
Lapa and Santa Teresa
- 8:00 am
Have breakfast at the wonderful Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro.
- 8:30 am
Selarón Steps (10-minute walk from the hotel – 750m). The well-known colourful staircase has over 250 steps and is one of the most famous landmarks of Rio de Janeiro. It brings together different tiles brought from various parts of Brazil and the world, and it has even been the backdrop for clips of internationally famous bands and singers. To take good pictures you must arrive early. As the hours go by, it usually gets quite busy with people and tourists.
Go along R. Riachuelo towards Rua dos Inválidos, turn right on R. Evaristo da Veiga, then left on R. Joaquim Silva and right on R. Manoel Carneiro. The Selarón Steps are located at number 120.
- 9:00 am
Lapa Arches. The Lapa Arches, one of Rio’s iconic sights. A pleasant stroll that can (and should) be done on foot. You can take beautiful photos there, as it is one of the most emblematic places in the city. There are street craft stalls and several options of snacks and drinks at affordable prices. It is 450 meters away from the Selarón Steps and you can walk there via Rua Teotônio Regadas (6 min).
- 9:30 am
São Sebastião Metropolitan Cathedral. Very close to the Lapa Arches (6 min.), there is a beautiful and interesting pyramid-shaped Catholic Cathedral that opened in 1979.
- 10:00 am
Ride on the Santa Teresa cable cars. Next to Lapa is Santa Teresa, a very charming neighbourhood, with elegant old mansions, many slopes, great restaurants and several nice places to enjoy incredible views of the city.
The tour connects the Centre to Santa Teresa, passing through the Lapa Arches. The starting station is on Rua Lélio Gama, near the Carioca metro station. Departures take place at average intervals of 15 to 20 minutes. The tour costs R$20.00 Brazilian Reais. The round-trip amount is paid on departure.
The cable cars have become a popular tourist attraction and are also the best way to get to know the district. To board one of them, just head to the Carioca Station (City Centre). Also, 6 minutes walking from the Cathedral (600m) you can get to the station where you buy the ticket and the tour begins, just go through Av. República do Chile and R. Lélio Gama.
- 11:00 am
Ruins Park. A park with an art gallery around the ruins of a mansion, as well as open-air concerts and a café. A Cultural Centre which operates in a different and beautiful building, has free entrance, temporary art exhibitions, theatre, and a café with a great view of the Rio Centre and South Side. It is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 9 am to 4 pm. Just get off at Largo do Curvelo, on the cable car route.
- 12:00 pm
We suggest a delicious lunch in Santa Teresa. Going down the Largo dos Guimarães, there are many options of bars and restaurants, besides being a strategic stop for photos, or to enjoy cultural events and old period buildings.
- 2:00 pm
– Cine Santa Teresa (also located in Largo dos Guimarães). This is one of the few street cinemas that still exist in Rio. It works in an old, preserved building and, unlike the large movie theatres, it is a small but charming and very pleasant venue. Tickets cost R$ 24.00, but on Mondays everyone pays R$ 12.00 only.
http://cinecasal.com.br/cinema/cine-santa-teresa/
Back to the hotel, it is at night that Lapa awakens its bohemianism. And here’s a tip for those who like to sing and have fun with friends. The Show Bar is a bar with karaoke that charges only R$ 10.00 for you to sing all night – one song at a time, in line. There are also snacks and various drink options. It is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 pm to 2 am; Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 pm to 4 am; and Sundays from 8 pm to 2 am. Address: Av. Mem de Sá, 103.
Lapa is the neighbourhood that concentrates most bars and attractions in the city. So, don’t worry, you will surely find an option that suits you. Here, restaurants and bars are cheaper and most attractions are free.
Day two
Olympic Boulevard
and plenty of history
- 8:00 am
Breakfast at the Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro palace.
- 9:00 am
Conheça o Centro do Rio de Janeiro, confortavelmente, com o VLT. Ele passa em frente a alguns dos principais pontos turísticos, como o Boulevard Olímpico, Theatro Municipal e o Palácio do Itamaraty. É necessário adquirir e recarregar um bilhete único do Rio diretamente nas estações. Pode-se pagar com débito ou dinheiro. O valor do bilhete é de R$ 3,80 reais. A estação mais próxima do Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro é a estação Cinelândia.
Para quem gosta de caminhar são apenas 16 minutos (1,2km) descendo pela rua do hotel (r. Riachuelo), rua dos Inválidos, mantenha-se à esquerda para a Av. Mem de Sá, Rua da Lapa e, passando pela Sala Cecília Meirelles, entra na rua do Passeio, onde se tem o Parque do Passeio no caminho. É um parque do século XVIII, com trilhas e árvores. A Estação Cinelândia fica após o parque, cerca de 300 metros, com acesso pela Av. Rio Branco, à esquerda.
- 9:30 am
The Olympic Boulevard is a promenade on the shores of Guanabara Bay. One of the highlights of the complex is the Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã). It is a thought-provoking place about our future. Access is limited to 200 people per hour. Tickets have suggested values of R$ 30.00 reais (full price for adults) and R$ 15.00 (half price for seniors, students and children). The purchase is made exclusively online here.
- 11:30 am
The Rio Art Museum usually hosts works by renowned artists such as Aleijadinho, Tarsila do Amaral, Guignard and Pancetti. The full entrance ticket is R$ 20.00. The purchase is made exclusively online here.
- 1 pm
Delight yourself with the various options of restaurants and hamburger houses, both in the Centre and in the Wharf area.
- 3 pm
Historical Afternoon
Rio’s Centre is a great historical attraction in itself. Its charming alleys, such as Rua do Rosário, Rua do Ouvidor and Rua Quitanda, are cobblestone streets with classic row homes that still bear details of the old Rio.
3:00 pm – Valongo Wharf. An archaeological site that was rediscovered during the Porto Maravilha project construction work in 2011. It had been landfilled in 1911 for the implementation of the Praça do Commercio square, after the 1843 remodelling when it was called the “Empress Wharf”. Its real origin was in 1811, the year it was built for the landing and trade of enslaved Africans. It has been a World Heritage Site since 2017. It is located near the Olympic Boulevard (you can walk there). On the second Saturday of July, the washing of the Valongo Wharf takes place, a celebration of the ancestry of Afro-Brazilians and an act of respect. Nearby there are some places you can also visit such as:
– Hanging Garden of Valongo (with beautiful views of the city). The Hanging Garden of Valongo is a historic garden designed by landscape architect Luis Rey and built in 1906.
– Pequena África (“Little Africa”) Cultural Centre. A venue that seeks to expand its activities in the rescue and preservation of Afro-Brazilian culture in the region.
– Casa da Tia Ciata Cultural Space. Hilária Batista de Almeida, known as Tia Ciata (“Aunt Ciata”), was one of the most influential figures of black culture in Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century. The Casa da Tia Ciata (meaning “House of Aunt Ciata”) is the headquarters of the Organization of Remnants of Tia Ciata (ORTC) and a cultural space to keep alive the memory of the samba Matriarch. The venue’s main attraction is a permanent exhibition about the samba veteran.
– José Bonifácio Municipal Cultural Centre. The century-old palace was founded in 1876 by King Pedro II and was home to the first public school in Latin America. When it was deactivated in 1977, it gave way to the Gamboa Municipal Popular Library. After being restored, the building reopened as the José Bonifácio Cultural Centre, with the aim of preserving Afro-Brazilian culture in the country. Address of the Wharf: Av. Barão de Tefé – Saúde.
Day 3
Culture and history together
- 8:00 am
Breakfast at the hotel Vila Galé Rio de janeiro.
- 9:00 am
Municipal Theatre. A 17-minute walk from the hotel (1.3 km) via R. Riachuelo and R. Evaristo da Veiga. It is impossible not to look at its golden, super shiny, gold leaf-covered sign. The Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro is a crown jewel, literally. It was built in 1909 and it is one of the most important theatres in the country. Since its inauguration, it has undergone four major renovations: in 1934, 1975, 1996 and 2008. The first one increased the venue’s capacity to 2,205 seats. Currently, it holds 2,252 seats. In 1975, restoration and modernisation work were carried out. In 1996, construction began on the Annex building with rehearsal rooms for the Choir, Symphonic Orchestra and Ballet. The renovation, which started in 2008 and was completed in 2010, focused on restoring and modernising the facilities.
The Municipal Theatre usually hosts important ballet companies, artists, opera academies and orchestras, so, if possible, try to buy a ticket to check some of these performances.
But, in case you don’t have any show or play in your agenda, you can get a guided tour ticket, which costs around R$ 20.00 (it can only be bought at the local box office), so you can learn about its history (inside, the building is equally interesting), and see its magnificent stage up close!
Check the schedule on its official website: http://theatromunicipal.rj.gov.br/
Address of the Theatre: Praça Floriano, S/N – Centro
- 10:30 am
Teles Arch. 12 minutes away from the Municipal Theatre (900 m), via Av. Rio Branco and R. Sete de Setembro. Built in the 18th century, the Teles Arch is an architectural landmark in the city’s history, surrounded by constructions from the same period. This is a great place to take excellent photos and have fun, as there are several bars and restaurants with live music, cold beer and good snacks.
Address of the Arch: Praça Quinze de novembro, 34 A – Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
- 11:00 am
Imperial Palace. Only 120 metres from the Teles Arch, the Imperial Palace is a historical building, built in 1743, which has already been the residence of the Viceroys of Brazil, the seat of government of the Reign and the Empire, and the place where Princess Isabel signed the Áurea Law in 1888, abolishing slavery in Brazil.
In 1938, it was declared National Historical and Artistic Heritage and today it functions as a cultural centre, where there are incredible and free art exhibitions. Open from midday to 7 pm. Check the full schedule on its official website: http://amigosdopacoimperial.org.br/category/programacao/
Address of the Palace: Praça Quinze de novembro, 48 – Centro
- 11:30 am
Bank of Brazil Cultural Centre. With another five-minute walk, via R. Primeiro de Março, you arrive at the Bank of Brazil Cultural Centre, one of the must-see places among the many options of what to do in the Centre of Rio. Its very charming building, which was built in 1906, served as the headquarters of the Bank of Brazil in the past. Currently, it hosts free art exhibitions. Even though the entrance is free, prior booking is required here.
Address: R. Primeiro de Março, 66 – Centro
- 1:00 pm
Lunch at the Bank of Brazil Cultural Centre There are options both for those who want to have meals and for those who prefer snacks.
- 3:00 pm
Itamaraty Palace. Also less than 20 minutes away is the Itamaraty Palace, an 1851 building that is still well preserved and is part not only of the history of the neighbourhood, but also of Brazil. It was once the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can take a guided tour to learn about its history in detail. There is a lot of furniture, paintings, letters, maps, atlases and globes, art and sculptures everywhere. Admission is free, but the Palace only opens from Monday to Friday.
Address of the Palace: Av. Mal. Floriano, 196 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro
Where to stay in Rio de Janeiro:
Our own palace, Vila Galé Rio de Janeiro, has its doors open for you and your family. Imagine experiencing a beautiful journey back in time, exploring a work of architecture and admiring its period decoration, with all these entertainment options around and much more!
Book the weekend from R$ 585.00 Brazilian reais, for two people, with an incredible breakfast.
Other good tour options:
AquaRio: the largest marine aquarium in South America. When buying the ticket, the visitor chooses the day and time to enter the aquarium. The regular ticket is R$ 80.00. For residents or people born in the state of Rio de Janeiro, admission is cheaper: R$ 60.00.
It is open from Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm, with the last entrance to the circuit at 4 pm. Saturday, Sunday and holidays, from 9 am to 6 pm, with the last entrance to the circuit at 5 pm.
https://www.aquariomarinhodorio.com.br/
Rio Star: A 88-metre high Ferris wheel. The price of the ticket when purchased on the website is R$ 59. Half admission costs R$ 35 and is valid for children from 3 to 11 years old (up to 3 do not pay), youths from 12 to 21, students, Brazilians over 60 years old, people with disabilities and an accompanying person for each disabled person.
On weekdays, it is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, it is open from 10 am to 6 pm.
If it is your first time in Rio de Janeiro, make sure you also explore the classic tourist spots:
The Corcovado and the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Visitors who want to go up to the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is located on the Corcovado Hill in Tijuca National Park, can reach the monument on the “Trem do Corcovado” train, the Paineiras-Corcovado vans, driven by visitor drivers or on foot. Prices range from approximately R$ 3.00 (without transportation, just the ticket to access the statue, during low season) to R$ 90 (with transportation via train or van, with entrance ticket to the Christ statue, on weekends and holidays).
https://parquenacionaldatijuca.rio/como-visitar-o-corcovado/
Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) The Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car ride starts at the Praia Vermelha station, goes up to the Urca Hill and up to Sugar Loaf, which are connected by two cable car lines, offering breath-taking views at any time of the day. The best-selling ticket is R$ 114.00 and gives access to all four sections (on the same day):
- Section 1 – Praia Vermelha Beach / Urca Hill – Boarding at Station I
- Section 2 – Urca Hill / Sugarloaf Mountain – Boarding at Station III
- Section 3 – Sugarloaf Mountain / Urca Hill – Boarding at Station IV
- Section 4 – Urca Hill / Praia Vermelha Beach – Boarding at Station II
Botanical Garden The neighbourhood bears the same name as Rio de Janeiro’s Botanical Garden, where visitors stroll through the home of orchids, imperial palms and water lilies. Nearby, in the exuberant Lage Park, are the wooded trails that take you from the Corcovado Hill to the statue of Christ the Redeemer and the rainforest of the Tijuca National Park. The area also has chic bars and sophisticated restaurants, renowned for their cuisine. Visitors residing in Brazil: R$ 24.00. Visitors residing in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Area: R$ 15.00.
http://visit.rio/que_fazer/jardimbotanico/
Sources: Nômades Digitais, Guia da Semana, RioTur.