Visit the Historical and Cultural Downtown
Check local COVID-19 restrictions before booking
Experience hosted by Péricles
3 hours
Up to 4 people
Hosted in English, Portuguese
What you'll do
Visit the main sights of downtown Rio de Janeiro learning more about the city's history, local culture and social issues. Your guide, in addition to specialized knowledge, has lived in the city since birth and follows recent processes of urban transformation caused by major events and changes in government.
The tour will have a local perspective of the current controversies in the main tourist capital of Brazil. After all, is Rio the wonderful city as it's known? From the aesthetic point of view, there is no doubt. But what can we say about the functioning of social relations, what are their impacts on the urban organization of the Center?
We will leave the Arches of Lapa towards the Selarón Staircase. After, head to Cinelandia where you can see the Municipal Theater. We will pass by Largo da Carioca and walk along Rio Branco Avenue. In Praça XV, we will visit the CCBB and then the Candelaria Church. Through the Olympic Boulevard, we will arrive at Praça Mauá to see the Pedra do Sal and finish at Valongo Pier.
During the walking, we will come across diferent buildings, squares and sculptures that are true icons of Rio's architecture, but also with bars, irregular occupations, street arts and corners that keep in a story untold by books. So, each tour is a unique experience in which the city constantly changes.
Other things to note
Although the ride is completely flat terrain, it is important that the person is well prepared, as walking can be tiring on hot days. Besides, depending on the day of the reservation, some buildings can only be seen from the outside due to the possibility of being closed.
The tour will have a local perspective of the current controversies in the main tourist capital of Brazil. After all, is Rio the wonderful city as it's known? From the aesthetic point of view, there is no doubt. But what can we say about the functioning of social relations, what are their impacts on the urban organization of the Center?
We will leave the Arches of Lapa towards the Selarón Staircase. After, head to Cinelandia where you can see the Municipal Theater. We will pass by Largo da Carioca and walk along Rio Branco Avenue. In Praça XV, we will visit the CCBB and then the Candelaria Church. Through the Olympic Boulevard, we will arrive at Praça Mauá to see the Pedra do Sal and finish at Valongo Pier.
During the walking, we will come across diferent buildings, squares and sculptures that are true icons of Rio's architecture, but also with bars, irregular occupations, street arts and corners that keep in a story untold by books. So, each tour is a unique experience in which the city constantly changes.
Other things to note
Although the ride is completely flat terrain, it is important that the person is well prepared, as walking can be tiring on hot days. Besides, depending on the day of the reservation, some buildings can only be seen from the outside due to the possibility of being closed.
Visit the main sights of downtown Rio de Janeiro learning more about the city's history, local culture and social issues. Your guide, in addition to specialized knowledge, has lived in the city since birth and follows recent processes of urban transformation caused by major events and changes in government.
The tour will have a local perspective of the current controversies in the main tourist capital of Brazil. After all, is Rio the wonderf…
The tour will have a local perspective of the current controversies in the main tourist capital of Brazil. After all, is Rio the wonderf…
Péricles's commitment to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines—including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
From $15
/ person
Book for a private group
- 39 Reviews
- Identity verified
Hey, guys!
My name is Péricles, I was born and raised in the downtown of Rio de Janeiro, in Praça Mauá, and currently live in Lapa. I have a degree in History (UFRRJ), another one in Music (UFRJ) and a postgraduate degree in Arts (IFRJ) from nationally renowned federal institutions. In addition, I am very interested in the popular culture of Brazil and I like talking about the different realities of my city from a sociocultural perspective. I love sharing my local knowledge with people from other places who bring their respective life experiences with them. I believe those meetings are a great opportunity to meet new people and always promote very enriching situations for everyone.
Oh! I am a lover of coffee, food of any kind, travel and of course that cold beer like all good carioca. lol
My name is Péricles, I was born and raised in the downtown of Rio de Janeiro, in Praça Mauá, and currently live in Lapa. I have a degree in History (UFRRJ), another one in Music (UFRJ) and a postgraduate degree in Arts (IFRJ) from nationally renowned federal institutions. In addition, I am very interested in the popular culture of Brazil and I like talking about the different realities of my city from a sociocultural perspective. I love sharing my local knowledge with people from other places who bring their respective life experiences with them. I believe those meetings are a great opportunity to meet new people and always promote very enriching situations for everyone.
Oh! I am a lover of coffee, food of any kind, travel and of course that cold beer like all good carioca. lol
Hey, guys!
My name is Péricles, I was born and raised in the downtown of Rio de Janeiro, in Praça Mauá, and currently live in Lapa. I have a degree in History (UFRRJ), another one in Music (UFRJ) and a postgraduate degree in Arts (IFRJ) from nationally renowned federal institutions. In addition, I am very interested in the popular culture of Brazil and I like talking about the different realities of my city from a sociocultural perspective. I love sharing my local knowledge with peopl…
My name is Péricles, I was born and raised in the downtown of Rio de Janeiro, in Praça Mauá, and currently live in Lapa. I have a degree in History (UFRRJ), another one in Music (UFRJ) and a postgraduate degree in Arts (IFRJ) from nationally renowned federal institutions. In addition, I am very interested in the popular culture of Brazil and I like talking about the different realities of my city from a sociocultural perspective. I love sharing my local knowledge with peopl…
Where you'll be
Lapa Arches; Selarón Staircase; Cinelandia; Municipal Theater; Largo da Carioca; Rio Branco Avenue; Praça XV; CCBB; Candelaria Church; Olympic Boulevard; Praça Mauá; Pedra do Sal; Valongo Pier.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 39 reviews.
Pericles is very knowledgeable about the city’s rich history and architecture. As a local from downtown Rio, he is very familiar with the area. The experience covers the entire downtown area so you will see many important building and streets. Pericles is very friendly and helpful. I’d strongly recommend this experience for anyone interested!
Pericles is very knowledgeable about the city’s rich history and architecture. As a local from downtown Rio, he is very familiar with the area. The experience covers the entire dow…
Péricles is passionate about his neighborhood as is a superb storyteller. He transported me from the 17th century port of Rio to the modern metropolis that is is today , touching upon everything from slave ships, to Imperial Brazil, to religious establishments, and government public works projects. Tourists often dedicate their visits to other parts of Rio, but this walkthrough of historic Rio puts everything into perspective. I'm really glad I did this tour. Obrigado Péricles!
Péricles is passionate about his neighborhood as is a superb storyteller. He transported me from the 17th century port of Rio to the modern metropolis that is is today , touching u…
Foi uma das melhores experiências no Airbnb que eu tive!
Para começar, Pericles nasceu e cresceu no bairro por onde o recorrido ocorre, por isso, tem um conhecimento incrível sobre o lugar. Além disso, estudou a história!
Segundo, dedica muita paixão e energia para o que ele explica, e eu senti inmediatamente que está fazendo algo que ele ama.
Terceiro, ele e flexível e pôde pular alguns lugares que eu já tinha conhecido, enquanto ele improvisou me levando para um bairro pertinho que não estava no roteiro.
Quarto, não é o típico “guia turístico” que tem pressa de terminar o tour sim ou sim antes de X hora. No meu caso, o tour se estendeu um pouquinho porque eu ficava tempo demais em algum lugar que adorava, e ele é gentil e paciente demais me explicando tudo o que eu interessava saber.
Recomendo que todos conheçam Lapa e o Centro com ele.
Obrigado Pericles!
Foi uma das melhores experiências no Airbnb que eu tive!
Para começar, Pericles nasceu e cresceu no bairro por onde o recorrido ocorre, por isso, tem um conhecimento incrível sobr…
Vale muito a pena mesmo até pra quem é do Rio ... Incrível como Péricles sabe com exatidão toda história o que perguntar ele responde até coisas fora do roteiro ... Fora que é um ser humano cheio de luz carismático ... Super indico mesmo superou muito minhas expectativas ...
Vale muito a pena mesmo até pra quem é do Rio ... Incrível como Péricles sabe com exatidão toda história o que perguntar ele responde até coisas fora do roteiro ... Fora que é um s…
Choose from available dates
Book for a private group
10 available
1 / 2
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 4 guests ages 15 and up can attend.
What to bring
hat or cap
light and comfortable clothes and shoes
light and comfortable clothes and shoes