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Maracanã Stadium Tours

4.3(370)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction.

Aerial view of Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, surrounded by cityscape.
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You hear it before you see it, “Ôôôôôô, My Mengo!”

That rising chant, that electric hum rolling across 78 thousand beating hearts. Now imagine standing there, where Pelé scored his thousandth goal, where the crowd still trembles with samba and sweat. Welcome to Maracanã Stadium, the soul of Brazilian football.

Whether you’re here to trace history through its tunnels or to lose your voice in the roar of a live match, this is where sport turns into religion.

What to expect at Maracanã Stadium

Walk the same tunnel as legends

The concrete hums here. You hear “Mengo!” bounce off the walls as you step out where Pelé, Zico, Garrincha, Romário, Ronaldinho, Neymar and rivals from Di Stéfano to Messi have burst into the light.

Locker rooms that smell like match day

Jerseys from Brazil’s Série A clubs line the walls. Ice baths, massage tables, whiteboards with last-minute tweaks. You feel the ritual that happens before a clássico, when Flamengo or Fluminense tighten the laces and go quiet.

Pitch-side access that hits different

Sit in the dugout, study the technical area, see the blades of grass where Pelé hit his 1,000th in 1969 and where Neymar buried the 2016 Olympic winner. On event days, access may be restricted, but the aura stays.

Stands with a 360° roar

Climb into the rings of blue and yellow and look down on a bowl built for noise. Capacity is about 78,800 and when it fills, the sound rolls in waves. You understand why visiting keepers tap the crossbar twice.

A museum that tells the big stories

Memorabilia recalls Maracanazo 1950, the 2014 World Cup Final, and the Rio 2016 ceremonies and football finals. Expect shirts, balls, boots, and match ephemera that map Brazil’s love affair with the game.

Press room reality check

Take a photo at the dais where heroes explain misses and miracles. Picture Zico after a derby, or a manager breaking down a 4-4-2 that refused to bend. Under the lights, every word weighs more.

Maracanã Mais peek

When open, step into the premium seats and see how the VIPs watch the same chaos. On select days you can buy snacks and drinks inside. Same view, same chants, just a softer chair.

Guides who live and breathe it

On guided slots, your host will point out small details casual visitors miss. Why the drums start in the north. Where away fans are penned. Which corner flags see the most late winners.

A one-hour circuit that lingers

Most visits take 40 to 60 minutes. You will move quickly, but the sound of a thousand songs stays in your ears long after you exit Gate A. This is not a check-the-box stop. It is a feeling you carry out.

Things to know before booking your Maracanã Stadium tours and tickets

  • If you’re here just to see it, the standard entry ticket is perfect. You’ll walk through player tunnels, locker rooms, and the pitch, basically every spot Neymar, Pelé, and Zico have touched. It’s self-paced, so no guide, no rush, and you get full access to the museum and press areas.
  • Want stories from someone who’s actually met a few players? Go for the guided tour with behind the scene access! You’ll have a bilingual local leading you through every section, explaining the history behind the World Cup Finals, Copa America, and the infamous Maracanazo loss to Uruguay in 1950. The transport add-on means you won’t deal with Rio traffic or parking near Gate A; trust us, it’s worth it.
  • If you want to feel the goosebumps, book the live football match experience . This one’s for when Flamengo or Fluminense play at home. You get private round-trip transport, a pre-match bar stop for beers and local food, and seats so close you can see players warm up. It’s guided by actual local fans, so you’ll learn the chants before kickoff and fit right in.
  • Short on time? Combine Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and a Maracanã stop, it’s sightseeing and sports rolled into one. You won’t go inside the stadium, but you’ll get great photo ops and get to say, “Yep, I’ve seen where Pelé scored his 1000th.”
  • Want freedom to move around? The Hop-On Hop-Off Rio Samba Bus passes by Maracanã and lets you stop when you want, play it by ear, and ride to the next big Rio landmark at your own pace.

Which Maracanã Stadium tour should you book?

Ticket nameAccess toGuide / TransportMatch accessFoodWhy pick this

Stadium entry

Stands, locker rooms, press room, pitch, museum

❌ No guide / ❌ No transport

❌ No

❌ None

Best for solo travelers or families who just want to explore Maracanã at their own pace. You’ll walk the same tunnel as Pelé and Neymar, check out jerseys, trophies, and take photos on the field.

Guided tour: Behind the scenes

Everything from the entry ticket + memorabilia & museum

✅ Local bilingual guide

❌ No

❌ None

Perfect if you want real stories from a local who’s obsessed with football. Get context on Brazil’s World Cup moments and locker room access without worrying about getting around.

Football match + private transport

Stands (match seating only)

✅ Local fan guide / ✅ Private round-trip transfer

✅ Yes

✅ Pre-match bar stop, beer & snacks

The one to book if you want the real Maracanã experience. Watch Flamengo, Fluminense, or Vasco live, join pre-match fan zones, and learn local chants before kickoff.

Christ Redeemer + Maracanã

Christ Redeemer + exterior stop at Maracanã (no entry)

✅ Guide / ✅ Transport

❌ No

❌ None

Great for first-timers short on time. You’ll ride the Corcovado train, see Christ up close, and get a photo stop outside Maracanã.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Exterior stop at Maracanã + 30 Rio attractions

❌ No guide / ✅ Audio commentary

❌ No

❌ None

Great for independent travelers. You’ll pass Maracanã, hop off for photos, then ride to beaches, museums, and landmarks across Rio.

Plan your visit to Maracanã Stadium

  • Maracanã Stadium is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with last entry around 4pm.
  • The stadium is open every day from 9am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm.
  • On match days or event days, tours close at least 5 hours before kickoff.
  • Guided tours run every 30 minutes, usually from 9am to 4pm.
  • The museum and locker room areas may close temporarily during player training sessions or maintenance.
  • If you’re visiting independently, mornings between 9am and 11am are the quietest.

Address: Av. Presidente Castelo Branco, Portão A – Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The stadium sits right in the Maracanã neighborhood, close to Tijuca and the North Zone. It’s about 20 minutes from Copacabana and 25 minutes from Ipanema by car.

By metro:

  • Take Line 2 (Green) and get off at Maracanã Station, right next to the stadium.
  • From there, it’s a 2-minute walk to Gate A.
  • If you’re coming from Copacabana or Ipanema, change at Estácio Station to Line 2.

By bus:

  • Common routes include 238, 455, and 464, all stopping within walking distance of the main entrance.
  • Rio’s bus network can be crowded, so allow extra time if you’re traveling before a match.

By car or taxi:

  • Expect light traffic during weekdays and heavy jams before games.
  • Paid parking is available around Gate 10 and the Maracanã Mais Lounge, costing roughly R$35–R$45.
  • Uber and local taxis can drop you off right at Gate A.

By Hop-On Hop-Off Bus:

  • The Rio Samba Bus has a stop at Maracanã Stadium.
  • You can hop off, explore the grounds, then continue to Sugarloaf or Christ the Redeemer.
  • Maracanã is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators connecting all major levels.
  • Accessible bathrooms and dedicated seating areas are available in both tour and match sections.
  • Inform staff at the entrance if you need assistance, local guides are trained to help.
  • Restrooms: Clean and available across every level.
  • Souvenir shops: Official stores sell jerseys, footballs, and collector’s gear from Flamengo and Fluminense.
  • Food & drinks: Small cafés and vending stalls sell snacks and cold drinks. Full food service runs only during matches.
  • Wi-Fi: Spotty inside the stands; better near the museum and lounge.
  • Lockers: Available for small bags near the entrance, not for large luggage.

Pro tips for your Maracanã Stadium visit

  • Pick the north stand if you want chaos. That’s where Flamengo’s Torcida Jovem drums never stop. The south stand’s calmer, more family crowd, but the north is where legends are born.
  • Sit near the 50th row in Sector Leste. That’s the sweet spot, high enough for the full pitch view, low enough to catch players like Gabigol or Arrascaeta warming up right below you.
  • Skip perfume, bring citronella. The night matches draw mosquitoes under those blinding floodlights. Locals dab citronella oil behind their ears; you’ll thank me by halftime.
  • Arrive before sunset. The glow hitting the seats through the open arches? Unreal. That golden light on the grass before kick-off is pure Maracanã magic.
  • Chant “Meeeengoooo!” on beat three. Don’t go early, don’t go late, the locals will hear it. Feel the rhythm before you join in; the energy syncs like a heartbeat.
  • Carry small cash (R$10s and R$20s). Card readers fail when the crowd surges. Vendors sell mate gelado (iced tea) and grilled cheese, cash-only, fast hands.
  • Don’t leave right after full-time. Stay. Watch players circle the field, fans lighting flares, old men crying into flags. It’s a ritual.
  • Skip taxis after the match. Traffic’s a nightmare. Walk to São Cristóvão Station (12 min), safer, faster, and you’ll walk alongside singing fans.
  • For photos, stand near Gate A post-sunset. That’s the perfect frame: glowing Maracanã letters, Christ the Redeemer faint in the distance.
  • Avoid wearing green. Sounds silly, but it’s unlucky here, Fluminense’s rival color. You’ll stand out, and not in a good way.
  • Want player selfies? Stay near the press tunnel after matches, players like David Luiz and Pedro often wave fans over.
  • Come on a weekday morning tour. You’ll have locker rooms empty, meaning you can hear the echo of your steps, and sometimes, the cleaning staff hum old chants.
  • Bring a mini towel. The concrete seats hold heat. Locals spread towels before sitting, tiny comfort move, but veteran-level thinking.

Frequently asked questions about Maracanã Stadium tours and tickets

Do I need to buy Maracanã tickets in advance?

Yes, always. Big match days (especially when Flamengo plays) sell out days ahead. Even for tours, locals pre-book online to skip long morning lines at Gate 2.

What does the standard entry ticket include?

It gets you inside the main stands, locker rooms, press area, and pitch level. You can walk the players’ tunnel and visit the mini museum with jerseys and trophies from Pelé, Zico, Neymar, and Ronaldinho.

Can I watch a live football match here?

Absolutely. Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafogo, and Vasco da Gama all play home matches at Maracanã. Match tickets on Headout include private transfers and a local fan host so you won’t have to navigate post-game chaos alone.

How early should I arrive for a match?

At least 90 minutes before kickoff. Street vendors set up outside early, drummers start warming up, and you’ll want time to soak in the noise, snacks, and samba before finding your seat.

Are tours open on match days?

Tours close roughly five hours before kickoff and reopen the next morning. Always check your ticket email, it’ll mention closures if a match is scheduled.

Can I take photos or videos during the tour?

Yes, but skip big camera rigs or tripods unless you’ve got media permission. Phone cameras are fine, the staff might even offer to snap your photo at the pitch tunnel.

Is Maracanã Stadium wheelchair accessible?

Completely. There are ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms across all levels. The guided tour follows a barrier-free route from Gate A.

What’s the best seat for photos on match days?

Sector Leste, rows 40–55. That’s where the lighting hits the pitch perfectly during night games, the players’ silhouettes, the smoke, the chaos, everything.

Can kids join the tour?

Yes, it’s family-friendly. Kids under 5 enter free, and those under 10 often get discounted tickets. There’s even a “mini player” photo booth where children can pose like pros.