Tours/Rio de Janeiro/Historic Petrópolis From Rio: The Imperial City –Palaces, Architecture & Culture
Viator · Private tour

Historic Petrópolis From Rio: The Imperial City –Palaces, Architecture & Culture

4.9(32)Rio de Janeiro1 hour
VIATOR5.0(3)TRIPADVISOR4.9(29)

Description

Uncover the early stories that marked the imperial past history of Brazil and shaped its future visiting the charming historic city of Petrópolis. Petrópolis is known as the imperial city, where Brazilian heritage is proudly preserved in the historical palaces, architecture, culture, food and historical displays. It was founded in 1843 by the Emperor Dom Pedro II. It preserves historical past and the most modern touristic infrastructure, the city today receives visitors that crowd the quaint streets, museums, gardens, shops, restaurants, and exhibits. Accompanied by a guide, learn about the curious history of the Brazilian royal family that ruled Brazil for 67 years, and why Brazil practically the entire 19th century was the only monarchy in a Latin America. With a rich ethnic mix assimilated to its culture, Petrópolis also stands out with a unique gastronomy that combines flavors and recipes for all tastes. From funky bars to fine restaurants, and yet many breweries.

Tour Options

Historic Petrópolis From Rio: The Imperial City –Palaces, Architecture & Culture
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission not included30 min

"Quitandinha Palace" Visit Quitandinha Palace, a building built in 1944 to be the “Gambling Capital of Brazil”. Marble bathrooms, chandeliers with crystal pendants, a lighting system that would be enough to light up a city of 60,000 inhabitants and a lake is shaped like a map of Brazil. Its halls can accommodate up to 10,000 people simultaneously. It’s really worth the visit!

Admission included40 min

We will also enter the Imperial Museum to admire the relics which is preserves, taking us closer to the charismatic figure of Pedro II, who made this marvellous building his summer residence. Today, it is the most visited museum in Brazil. Visit its beautiful garden and interior, where objects of the royal family and several other historical pieces are located.

30 min

"Cathedral of São Pedro de Alcântara" One of the main sights of Petrópolis, the São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral enchants tourists from all over the world with its new-gothic French style, marble sculptures in Carrara, stained glass and the imperial mausoleum. Not to mention the interesting stories and some curiosities. The Imperial Mausoleum is one of the cathedral's great historical attractions. In the center there is a double sarcophagus with the remains of the Emperor D. Pedro II and Empress Tereza Cristina.

Admission included30 min

Visit the Santos Dumont's House. Known as the father of aviation for being the first to fly on board a motor plane, without the need for launch ramps. Alberto Santos Dumont is one of the main names in Brazilian history and his achievements are considered national pride. The house was designed by Santos Dumont for his summer residence in the city. The Santos Dumont's house preserves and disseminates the memory of the father of the Brazilian aviation, an engineering genius who revolutionized the world.

Admission included30 min

Crystal Palace The Crystal Palace is one of the most touristic spots in Petrópolis. The precast structure, in cast iron, was ordered in France by Conde D'Eu, Princess Isabel's husband, and took five years to be ready. It was set up in Petrópolis and opened in 1884 to house exhibitions of flowers, birds and agricultural products. Currently the space hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

Admission included50 min

Brewery Bohemia Whoever enters Brewery Bohemia, immediately falls in love with the universe of beer. The visit offers the most complete brewing experience in Latin America. The tour presents the history of beer, its production process and ingredients that lead visitors to unique sensory experiences with exclusive tastings. It’s certainly an unmissable attraction to take a complete tour at it with tastings.

40 min

It's worthwhile paying a visit to one of the largest open-air malls in Latin America. On Tereza st., there are more than 1200 stores with a lot of variety of products for all tastes and styles.

Highlights

VAT, all taxes, handling charges, parking fees during stops, airport Greet & Meet service.
Professional licensed private tour guide.
Entrance fees for all attractions described in the program.
Any address pick-up and drop-off are included like hotels and airports.(Within the city of Rio)
Transport by fully-equipped vehicles.
Private driver for groups bigger than 4 people. Otherwise, the guide drives the vehicle themselves.

What's included

Included
VAT, all taxes, handling charges, parking fees during stops, airport Greet & Meet service.
Professional licensed private tour guide.
Entrance fees for all attractions described in the program.
Any address pick-up and drop-off are included like hotels and airports.(Within the city of Rio)
Transport by fully-equipped vehicles.
Private driver for groups bigger than 4 people. Otherwise, the guide drives the vehicle themselves.
Not included
Meals and drinks.
Tips. (optional)

Pickup Locations & Times

PICK-UP INFORMATION: • Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As it’s a private tour, you choose the best pick-up point that suits your needs as long as it's within the city of Rio. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS: • Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As it’s a private tour, you choose the best drop-off point that suits your needs as long as it's within the city of Rio. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - HOTEL PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS: • As soon as the tour guide arrives at your hotel, they get the front desk to call you in the room in case you are not at the lobby. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AIRPORTS / PORT ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS: • Once you have arrived at the airport or port there will be a member of our staff waiting for you at the arrivals area holding a clear sign with your name on it, they will then escort you to your waiting private transfer vehicle.

Traveller Ratings

4.9
32 reviews
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30
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2
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Important Information

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(32)

A
Aaron_L
December 30, 2025
Amazing day trip with lots to see.

My tour guide Bruno was simply amazing. The conversations regarding general knowledge of Petropolis, Rio.and Brazil, and recommendations on everything from hiking to dining were every bit worth the trip. Petropolis is a lovely, quaint city with an interesting history. One note, we skipped the brewery which apparently isn't very interesting, but instead took a drive and quick hike through Tijuca forest! Thank you for an amazing day trip!

L
lindadK3296GV
May 26, 2024
Petropolis Guide by Eva 24 May 2024

The Petrópolis tour was nothing what I thought it was going to be, Ms Eva was very knowledgeable spoked 3 languages, very informed step by steps. Know her history. I felt it was a little overate the Museum. The Crystal Palace was a joke, just a empty building. The Quintandinha Palace was should a long drive just to only see the outside from across the lake. Didn’t walk down Teresa Street, but did go inside the Mall. NeiGotic Cathedral was very nice. The Chocolate Factory was very nice. The Domonts house seem from distance. The lunch meal was amazing, drinks not inclue. Dessert not included. But it was nice, what make nice was Eva the guide.

Operator response

Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback! 🌟 We're glad to hear that Eva's knowledge and multilingual skills added value to your Petrópolis tour. 😊 We're sorry that some aspects of the tour did not meet your expectations, but we're pleased that you enjoyed the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, the Chocolate Factory, and the lunch meal. 🍽️ Your insights are valuable to us, and we'll use them to improve our tours. Thank you for highlighting Eva's excellent guidance! 🌎✨ We hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a better experience next time. 🚐🎉

4
449rebecao
May 12, 2024
Best tour!

I discovered incredible places! Guide Camila answers all questions, super patient, high spirits. It makes the trip light and enjoyable! An AMAZING professional and woman! I already want to go on more trips with her because she is super agile, smart, quick and intelligent. Driver guide Vagner, I have no words to describe his education and impeccable work! Excellent professionals and great human beings.

Operator response

Muito obrigada pelo seu feedback maravilhoso! 😊 Estamos muito felizes em saber que você teve uma experiência incrível com a Camila e o Vagner! 🌟 Eles realmente são profissionais excepcionais e seres humanos fantásticos. 🌍✨ Mal podemos esperar para te receber em mais passeios!

A
AnaPaulaPSalvador
July 26, 2023
Charming city!

We love the city, the mansions, the food, the Imperial Museum, a lot of history and historical architecture. I really want to come back!!

Operator response

Agradecemos muito pela sua maravilhosa avaliação! 😊 Ficamos encantados em saber que vocês amaram a cidade, os casarões, a comida e o Museu Imperial. É verdade, a cidade é rica em história e arquitetura histórica, e estamos felizes por vocês terem apreciado tudo isso. 🏰🍲🏛️ Esperamos ansiosamente a oportunidade de recebê-los novamente para mais momentos incríveis, e será um prazer tê-los de volta em nossos passeios turísticos! 🌟🚌🌈

S
shiwi
August 30, 2022
Wonderful Experience

The visit to Petropolis should be considered an excellent option if you visit Rio de Janeiro. Our guide Bruno and driver Junior were attentive and very friendly. You can learn about part of Petropolis’ history and enjoy beautiful scenery. Nice weather and enjoy a good beer. It is really worth it and I would gladly visit this beautiful place again.

Operator response

Muchas gracias por sus amables palabras sobre su recorrido. Estamos muy contentos de que haya disfrutado el recorrido.😃 Una vez que puedas regresar a Brasil, asegúrate de hacérmelo saber! Me encantaría planificar su próxima gira para explorar otras partes de nuestra ciudad. Manténgase saludable y cuídese! Saludos cordiales, 🤝

M
malu62
August 11, 2022
It's worth it!

My 15-year-old son and I stayed 10 hours on a private tour to Petropolis. The Hanry guide was prepared and kind, the Junior driver efficient and responsible. We saw as many things as possible and were interesting a visit to the state of Rio and the visit of the imperial residence, the brewery and the residence of Dumont. Very recommended.

Operator response

Molte grazie per la tua recensione. Siamo molto felici di sapere che ti è piaciuto il tuo viaggio in Brasile! Se decidi di visitare di nuovo, faccelo sapere! 🤜 Ti auguro il meglio,

M
miguelsR472AY
August 7, 2022
City of the Emperor 2

It is a city worth knowing for the history of the Brazilian Imperial family and for all the immigration of German, Italian origin... We ate a lot of chocolate and we loved the Bohemian Brewery.

Operator response

Muito obrigado pela sua avaliação. Ficamos muito felizes em saber que gostou da sua viagem ao Brasil! Se você decidir visitar novamente, por favor nos avise! 🤜 Eu te desejo o melhor,

D
DanielF3086
July 30, 2022
Experience

Extraordinary tour of the iconic fluminense serrana city, stunning medieval architecture, in imperial historical properties with forests and hills with great extent of vegetation. Exquisite local gatronomy with high influence from German cuisine

Operator response

Muito obrigado pelo seu feedback positivo. É realmente um prazer levá-lo pelo Rio.😉 Tenha certeza de que estamos ansiosos para recebê-lo novamente em um futuro próximo. 😎 Conte sempre conosco! 👊

G
gilsonlloobbaattoo
July 30, 2022
Wonderful

Although it is from Rio de Janeiro , I didn't know Petrópolis very well , I was delighted with Tur, mainly by the knowledge , education , posture and sympathy of Guia Camila , thus indicating to my relatives and friends the mentioned Tur ...

Operator response

Antes de mais, muito obrigado pelo seu feedback e pelas suas preciosas palavras. É um grande prazer saber que você gostou do seu tempo e do passeio que organizamos para você na bela cidade de Petrópolis. Nossos guias e motorista também ficarão muito felizes em ouvir seus comentários e me certificarei de compartilhá-los pessoalmente com eles. 🥳

9
901mariaizabelv
February 17, 2022
An great historical tour

Mas a amazing tour, beautifull and historical city, and many details about de Royal family by Camila, ouro show and lovely guide

Operator response

We really appreciate your feedback. 😉 We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the imperial city of Petrópolis and it's historical palaces, architecture, culture, food and more. We hope you have memorable memories of your trip with Camila. 🤩 Thanks for trusting us! 🙂

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