Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí
Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí
A carnival parade avenue designed by Niemeyer, where samba schools compete each year. It is the main venue of Rio Carnival.
The Sambadrome was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and opened in 1984. It is about 700 meters long, its grandstands seat roughly 70,000 spectators, and a white arch marks the finish line. During Carnival, top-tier samba schools compete over two consecutive nights. Each school's thousands of dancers, floats and drummers pass through in about 70 minutes, making it one of the grandest parades in the world. Ticket prices vary widely, from general stands to private boxes, so it's best to buy in advance through official or authorized platforms. Outside Carnival, you can visit some areas or watch rehearsals. The nearest metro station is Praça Onze.
Opening hours
Open overnight during Carnival; limited hours otherwise
Nearby sights
- Santa Teresa
- Real Gabinete Português de Leitura
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro
- Arcos da Lapa (Carioca Aqueduct)
- Pedra do Sal
- Escadaria Selarón
- AquaRio
- Confeitaria Colombo