Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys
Exploring Rio's Historic Centre
Rio’s city centre blends architectural styles from different eras, where Portuguese colonial buildings and Renaissance influences stand beside modern skyscrapers. This walking tour, combined with public transport (metro and bus), offers an authentic experience of daily life in the city, much like a local resident—or "carioca." The tour begins at Cinelandia Square, home to landmarks such as the Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Town Hall, and the National Library. From there, you'll visit the striking São Sebastião Cathedral, followed by the ornate colonial churches of São Antônio and São Francisco da Penitência. A short break is taken at the Colombo patisserie, known for its art nouveau interiors and traditional treats. The route continues with a visit to the Royal Portuguese Reading Chamber, an architectural gem filled with wooden balconies and thousands of books. Next stops include the lively Uruguaiana market, Praça XV de Novembro, and the former Imperial Palace. You’ll also see the State of Rio Parliament and the historic Nossa Senhora do Carmo cathedral. The walk winds through the old passageway of Travessa do Comércio before ending at the grand church of Nossa Senhora da Candelária—an impressive landmark to close the day.