From Graffiti to History: Exploring Rio’s Street Art and Culture

5.0
(1 reviews)

3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Explore Rio’s dynamic mix of street art, history, and culture in a journey that blends graffiti with the city’s most iconic landmarks. This tour goes beyond murals, connecting travelers to the stories that shaped Rio’s identity — from its Belle Époque splendor to its Afro-Brazilian heritage.

Embark on a 3-hour walking experience that begins in front of the Municipal Theater at Cinelândia, where Belle Époque architecture and cultural treasures set the stage. Continue to the world-famous Selarón Steps, a vibrant mosaic masterpiece by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón.

From there, admire Eduardo Kobra’s monumental “Etnias” mural, once the world’s largest by a single artist. The tour then leads into Pequena África and Bafo da Prainha, areas filled with Afro-Brazilian history.

The journey concludes at Praça Mauá, a lively waterfront square home to the Museum of Tomorrow and the Rio Art Museum (MAR). Guests may choose to stay exploring or count on the guide’s help to return to their hotel.

What's Included

VAT, all taxes and handling charges.
Professional bilingual private tour guide.
Tips. (optional)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro

Meeting Instructions – Rio de Janeiro (Municipal Theater) • Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour starts. • Meeting point: In front of the main entrance of Municipal Theater, Cinelândia. • Closest subway station: Cinelândia (Metro lines 1 and 2).

End point

The tour will finish at Praça Mauá where we will explore a little bit. If you prefer to return to your hotel, the guide will assist you in arranging an Uber or guide you to the nearest subway station.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro

    Meet the guide in front of the Municipal Theater, one of Rio’s most iconic Belle Époque landmarks. The surrounding Cinelândia square is filled with historic theaters and cultural buildings that showcase the city’s golden age.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Cinelandia

    Discover the “Brazilian Broadway” of the early 20th century, once home to glamorous theaters, cafés, and cinemas. This stop introduces the cultural life and architecture that shaped Rio’s bohemian identity.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Escadaria Selaron

    Walk to the world-famous Selarón Steps, a colorful mosaic staircase created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. Each tile tells part of Rio’s multicultural story, making it one of the city’s most photographed attractions.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Kobra "Etnias" Mural

    Continue to the port area to admire Eduardo Kobra’s monumental mural “Etnias,” created for the 2016 Olympic Games. At over 190 meters long, it portrays the faces of five indigenous people from different continents, symbolizing unity and diversity.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Explore Pequena África, a neighborhood rich in Afro-Brazilian heritage. Stop at Bafo da Prainha square, a lively area that preserves the cultural and bohemian spirit of Rio’s African roots.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Maua Square

    The tour finishes around Praça Mauá, home to the Museum of Tomorrow and the Rio Art Museum (MAR). Guests may choose to stay and visit the museums or, if preferred, the guide will assist with directions for Uber or the subway to return to the hotel.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Gregtur Turismo

Tags

Half-day Tours
Architecture Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Street Art Tour
Small Group
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

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