About this experience
The old joke that the most valuable thing in Niteroi is the best view of Rio de Janeiro now seems outdated. Once a sleepy neighborhood, today it is a half-million city with the highest quality of life in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Getting to know Niteroi, nearly devoid of favelas and adorned in the last two decades with the futuristic cycle of works by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer, will show you a different Brazil - dynamic and forward-looking.
What to expect
Rio-Niteroi Bridge
The journey will begin with a ride over the vast Guanabara Bay on the 13-kilometer bridge - one of the longest automobile bridges in the world. Along the way, you will learn about the history and features of its construction during the dictatorship years, see the Navy's ships and submarines base, the passenger and cargo terminals of the port of Rio, as well as the shipyards of Niteroi.
San Pedro Fish Market
Moving along the coast, we will make the first stop near the largest fish market in the Rio area. You will see an impressive variety of fresh fish and seafood laid out on ice, and oyster lovers can taste them here on the spot (only a dollar each).
Niemeyer's Architectural Cycle
On this tour, you will also get acquainted with the largest collection of works by the famous Brazilian modernist Oscar Niemeyer after the capital Brasilia. We will make two stops to closely inspect his works: at the People's Theater and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Niteroi - a unique architectural structure of its kind. Along the way along the bay, you will see bays, yacht clubs, catamaran stations where locals travel to the opposite shore, and of course, you will be constantly accompanied by stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Historic Fortress and Authentic Cuisine
Another stop on the route will be Santa Cruz da Barra Fortress. You will walk through the casemates and chambers of the largest fortress among the fortifications defending Rio from invaders. We will talk about French pirates and the modern Brazilian army, and then you will be able to take fantastic photos of Sugarloaf and Corcovado from an unusual angle. At the end of the tour, we will have lunch at a cozy fish restaurant in the fishing village of Jurujuba, where you will get to know typical dishes of Brazilian seafood cuisine.
Organizational details
- Excursions are not held on Mondays
- We will meet you near your hotel in Rio and take you back after the tour
- Additional expenses: entrance tickets to the museum and fortress (1.5-3 euros each) and lunch (about 20 euros per person)
