Petrópolis Day Trip from Rio: Imperial Museum, Brewery & Lunch

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/8

Duration8h–10h

GroupUp to 30

LanguagesEN · PT +1

PickupAt your hotel

Imperial palaces, brewery tastings and Petrópolis charm on a day trip from Rio

You’ll step into Brazil’s imperial history with a local guide in Petrópolis: walk palace halls where emperors lived, taste fresh beer at Bohemia Brewery, wander lively shopping streets and enjoy a hearty buffet lunch with locals. Expect cool mountain air and small surprises — this day trip from Rio is more than just sightseeing.

8h–10h

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day tour of Petrópolis

Pass sanitary barrier and temperature check
Visit Imperial Museum collection
Explore large six-floor building and dome
See French neo-Gothic style mausoleum
Visit Crystal Palace exhibitions
Shop at chocolate factory store
Tour Santos Dumont House Museum
Walk Rua Teresa fashion hub
Optional visit to Bohemia Brewery

The Experience

“Dom Pedro II loved this view — he’d come here to escape the heat,” our guide Ana said, waving her hand toward the pale pink palace peeking through the trees. I could see why. The air in Petrópolis felt cooler than Rio, almost sweet with that morning rain smell. We’d barely left the van when an older man in a flat cap nodded at us and pointed out where to get the best pão de queijo. I still think about that cheese bread, honestly.

The Imperial Museum was quieter than I expected — just the sound of shoes on old wood and Ana’s stories about emperors and family drama. She showed us Dom Pedro II’s crown behind glass, all gold and impossible to imagine on someone’s head. There was this faint scent of polish and old paper in the rooms, like time itself had settled into the floorboards. Afterward we wandered outside; my friend tried to count all the statues but gave up after ten.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at a brewery tour, but Bohemia’s guides were hilarious — they teased us for sipping too slowly (“Cariocas drink faster!”). The tasting room smelled like toasted grain and hops, which reminded me of my grandfather’s kitchen for some reason. Walking along Rua Teresa later was a blur of color: shopkeepers calling out deals, teenagers posing for selfies under bright awnings, me trying (and failing) not to buy another scarf.

Lunch was at a buffet place Ana recommended — not fancy but packed with locals and loud with conversation. The feijoada was rich and smoky; I probably ate more than I should have before we strolled toward the Crystal Palace, its ironwork shining even under gray skies. By then my feet hurt but I didn’t really care — there was something about watching families laugh together in front of those glass walls that made it feel like you could belong here if you stayed long enough.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Rio de Janeiro by air-conditioned vehicle, entry to the Imperial Museum with stories from an accredited guide, plenty of time exploring palaces and museums around Petrópolis, a generous buffet lunch (drinks and desserts not included), plus optional stops for local chocolate or beer before heading back in the evening.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Pepe Rio Tours