Rio de Janeiro Royal Palace (Paco Imperial) Tours

This former governor’s home was built in 1743 and later served as the residence of the famed Dom Joao. And while this famed Portuguese palace is renowned for its important place in both national and colonial history (the Freedom from Slavery Act was introduced on Paco Imperial’s steps), today it is better known for hosting concerts, movies and other cultural events.
Paco Imperial is registered as an architectural treasure by the National Artistic and Historical Heritage Institute. This designation has made it a destination for travelers looking to get in touch with both Brazilian history and experience the royal architecture typical of Rio. In addition to temporary art exhibits and musical performances, the palace is home to the Paulo Santos Library—a collection that includes rare books dating back to the 16th century and volumes on topics related to engineering, art and architecture.
Practical Info
Paco Imperial is located at Praca XV (Quinze) de Novembro 48 near the legislative building. It is open from noon until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Address: Praça Quinze de Novembro, 48 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 20010-010, Brazil
13 Tours and Activities to Experience Rio de Janeiro Royal Palace (Paco Imperial)
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Rio de Janeiro Half-Day Walking Tour
Walk through Old Rio on this afternoon sightseeing tour with a local guide. During this half-day outing, wind through the narrow lanes and baroque-style buildings while your guide fills you in on the history and legends of the area. Visit sites like the Metropolitan Cathedral, Carioca Square and the Imperial Palace. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included.
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From
$59.99
From
$59.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Historical Highlights of Rio de Janeiro
Delve deeper into the history of Rio de Janeiro during a a tour that focuses on the heritage of the Marvelous City. While you receive the undivided attention of a private guide, you’ll look past the beaches and bars in order to discover a different side of Rio.
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From
$32.44
From
$32.44
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Full-Day Custom Private Tour of Rio
Explore Rio de Janeiro on this all-day customizable private tour with a guide. Whether you want to see the city’s popular attractions or places off the beaten path, your guide will be able to recommend the best spots, as well as ways to beat the crowds. The itinerary is based on your interests and is completely flexible. The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Rio accommodations or from the cruise port or airport.
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From
$63.00
Price varies by group size
From
$63.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Rio Walking & Historical Tour
Visit Rio's highlights and landmarks on foot during a small-group sightseeing tour. Ride the subway downtown and follow your 'carioca' (Rio native) guide on a walk that includes Rio's most important historical and cultural sites. Visit National Museum of Fine Arts, Theatro Municipal, the Monastery Church of Santo Antônio, Ordem Terceira de São Francisco da Penitência and several other important landmarks.
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From
$34.50
From
$34.50
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Historical Rio Walking Tour
Walk through historical downtown Rio during this 4-hour tour with a local guide. Ride the subway downtown, like the 'cariocas', or Rio locals, do, then start your tour in Cinelandia Square. Visit important landmarks like the Opera House, the National Library, Tiradentes Palace and the Church of Our Lady of the Merchants. Listen as your guide shares information about the history, culture, art and architecture of the area while you walk. Enjoy personal attention and an intimate experience on this small-group tour.
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From
$29.50
From
$29.50
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Private Rio City Center Walking Tour
It is said that a city (and its culture) is better known in its streets than in its museums. And Rio is no exception! Each step in the hot asphalt will take us to Rio's immediate past: you will visit the most important cathedrals, palaces, and squares during the Colonial Era, learn anecdotes, myths and legends of emblematic characters of the street and you will see how the daily life of the Carioca people was in their time. Walk with us through the most emblematic places in the heart of Rio and let yourself be carried away by its charms.
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From
$43.25
From
$43.25

☀️ City Tour with E-Bike⚡️
⭐️ A fun and laid-back tour with electric bikes from Botafogo, crossing Flamengo Park on a route until to Rio Hystoric Center, Olympic Boulevard and Sea Port Zone.
On Route:
⇨ Flamengo Park
⇨ MAM (Modern Art Museum)
⇨ Cinelândia Square
⇨ Municipal Theater
⇨ National Library
⇨ Candelária Church
⇨ LAPA
⇨ SELARON Stairs
⇨ Metropolitan Cathedral
⇨ Olympic Boulevard (Olympic Pyre)
⇨ Tomorrow Museum
⇨ Ethnicities Mural (Port Zone)
⇨ AquaRio (Aquarium)
⇨RioStar (Ferris Wheel)
⭐️A way more sustainable and fun to meet the highlights of the city. Let's appreciate the nature, art, architecture, beautiful scenery and cross various historical and tourist spots of the city. It is an amazing route about 20km. Escape the traffic chaos , connect and feel the city close.
⚠️ The maximo equipment load is 100kg or 220lb.
The tour with e-Bikes is fun and the best way for who wants to explore the maximum of the city without need to walk for longer distances.
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From
$48.65
From
$48.65

Private Walking Tour in Rio
Our guides are specialized in History and Culture of Rio de Janeiro and will let you know the past of the former capital of the Portuguese, Brazilian and Republic Empire. It will be 3-4 hours walk through the Center, knowing several attractions! Curiosities, culture, photos and a lot of history, no doubt! We have a predefined script, but we can tailor it to your interest.
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From
$23.08
From
$23.08

Tour 3 ( 8 hours ) : Sugar Loaf , Lapa , Imperial Palace and Olympic Boulevard
I am born and raised in Rio and love my city . My background as a visual artist makes my tours more interesting
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From
$259.46
per group
From
$259.46
per group

Tour 8(4 hours )Tour Old Rio:Lapa ,Imperial Palace , Columbus Cafe , Opera House
I am born and raised in Rio and love my city . Besides that I have a background in Visual arts and can offer a great tour !
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From
$151.36
per group
From
$151.36
per group

Best of Rio Walking Tour - City Center, Olympic Boulevard and Museum of Tomorrow
Come with us to have very pleasant day in our most complete walking tour
Start the tour in morning meeting our tour guide to take the subway to go to downtown Rio de Janeiro, a rich in history area with buildings of great architectural appeal, the center of the former capital of the country is best absorbed in the details when you walk through it. Then after having lunch in one of the most traditional places, take the LRV (Light Rail Vehicle) in direction to the Olympic Boulevard, Sea Port area and visit the Museum of Tomorrow.
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From
$54.50
From
$54.50
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Olympic Boulevard, Museum of Tomorrow & Historical Rio
Delve deeper into the modern culture of Rio de Janeiro during a tour that reveals the hidden gems of downtown Rio. You’ll escape the crowds of Copacabana and focus instead on the relics of the Rio Olympics, which come in the form of the Olympic Boulevard, the Olympic Cauldron, and the Museum of Tomorrow. Plus, exploring on foot means you’ll get a more intimate glimpse into the area than you would in a coach or a car.
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From
$34.88
From
$34.88
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Historic Rio de Janeiro Walking Tour
Rio has not always been the cosmopolitan cultural hub and tourist destination it is today. In fact, when first settled some 500 years ago, it was an impenetrable verdant jungle. Learn how it got from A to B during thus fascinating walking tour outlining the city's unfolding. Stops at important cultural and architectural sites along the way will bring the saga to life as you come to appreciate how Brazil's past continues to shape its present and future.
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From
$40.55
From
$40.55
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