National Theater & National Library Guided Tour, Admission & Transfer
Description
Let us discover the secrets behind two cultural institutions of Brazil: The National Theater and the National Library. Located in Downtown Rio, these two landmarks are known for their imponent building, impressive architecture and the striking sculptures and designs inside them. Tickets for the National Theater cannot be bought in advance, so they are subject to availability at the time of your visit. Tour guide, entrance to the National Theater and the National Library and roundtrip transfer included.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Inaugurated in 1909, the National Theater is one of the most important theaters in Brazil. The National Theater – or Theatro Municipal, as we call it in Portuguese - has drawn the attention of international artists and important names from Brazilian culture, including dancers, musicians, and opera singers. Since the 1930s, the Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro has maintained its artistic independence and is the only Brazilian institution to have its own choir, a symphony orchestra, and ballet company.
The biggest library in Latin America was founded in 1810 by D. João VI, the King of Portugal. The National Library – or Biblioteca Nacional, as we call it in Portuguese - has an archive of almost 9 million items with rare books, manuscripts, original letters written by Princess Isabel, the first newspapers printed in the country, and two copies of the precious Mainz Psalter Bible, printed in 1492. By law, a copy of every book published in Brazil must be held in the library. As the oldest cultural institution in the country, during your visit you see Brazil, quite literally, through the pages of history.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup is available from most hotels in the areas of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo and Downtown (Centro). Contact us back to adjust the pickup time. For Barra da Tijuca/ Recreio we provide pick-up for an additional rate per person.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchair accessible, but not for all areas.
- We do not operate this tour on Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and Carnival season.
- Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this tour.
- Special events at the National Theater and National Library may affect the tour. We contact you in advance to advise you.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers per Minivan.
- Minimum of 2 people are required for this activity to take place.
- Contact us to confirm the pickup time according to hotel location.
Reviews(7)
This attempted visit to the National Theatre in Rio offered by Rio Carioca Tours was a complete fiasco! I paid for two tickets three weeks in advance and received a confirming message two days before the tour--all good. Then, late the NIGHT BEFORE the tour, I get a text from Rio Carioca advising that they cannot provide the National Theatre tour and asking if I would like to replace it with something else. I said that I was not interested in that and objected strongly to this last minute change of plans. A few minutes later, they told me the tour was back on and that I would get the details of the meeting place from the tour guide the next day. After several phone calls the next day made by a friend who spoke Portuguese, arrangements were made on where and when to meet the guide for this tour. When the guide finally arrived, she advised that there were no tickets available for the National Theatre that day but that we would be seeing other things. When I protested that I had already paid in advance for this tour and had been assured that it would take place, the local guide advised that the National Theatre has a habit of randomly cancelling tours and/or refusing to sell tour tickets and that this had happened to her many times before. I told her that since she could not give me what I had paid for, I wanted a complete refund of my money. I was advised that this would be promptly taken care of, but when I checked my credit card account two days later, the original charge was still showing but not the refund.
They changed the tour. Would not have been able to hear tour in English. A car showed up to drive us. Seemed risky to get in car with who was supposed to be tour guide. More walking outside in rain for two older women with walking difficulties.
Don’t miss it! The National Library and the Municipal Theatre are both amazing! The Theatre is inspired by l’Opera Garnier de Paris. Both are lovely buildings from the early 1900, located on a square from the same era, it feels like you are in a Brazilian Paris! And the guide: she arrived at our hôtel 15-20 minutes ahead of meeting time and started right away to tell us about today’s tour what we would see and the history of Brasil, Rio and of the sites. She is fluent in French and English which was a plus!!! More over, she is passionate and she succeeds in transmitting her love for her country! Thank you Monica!
We really enjoyed the tour. The guide had a big knowledge about the library, theater and Rio in general. All my recommendations.
Punctuality, super attentive and helpful Guide. It is very worth visiting the library and Theatre. I think it's a great walk.
Olá! Que bom que gostou do seu passeio e da nossa guia! Nossa equipe é muito qualificada e nós trabalhamos duro para oferecer as melhores experiências aos nossos clientes. Esperamos recebê-la novamente no futuro para mais dias legais! Em nome da Equipe Rio Carioca Tour, muito obrigado por ter nos escolhido!
Enjoyed the information our guide had to share. She helped us to better understand Rio's history which enhanced our trip. The municipal theater is beautiful but the exhibits in the old library moved us the most.
Hello! We're very happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience! It's great to hear that you found the municipal theater beautiful and that the exhibitions in the old library were particularly exciting for you. Rio has a very rich history and this tour is worth every second! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We look forward to hosting you again for more insightful tours and memorable moments in Rio!
