Maracana Stadium (Estádio do Maracanã)
Avenida Presidente Castelo Branco, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil, 20271-130
The gigantic Maracanã Stadium (Estádio do Maracanã) is one of the most iconic soccer temples in South America, built to open the 1950 World Cup. The site holds the record for the largest attendance at a World Cup Final thanks to the 199,854 paying spectators who crammed into the stadium in 1950, and it also hosted the FIFA World Cup Final again in 2014 and the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. Officially known as Mário Filho Stadium, but called Maracanã after the small river that runs alongside it, the arena is now a historical site dedicated to its former use as a world-class arena and event venue.
The basics
Many half- and full-day Rio de Janeiro city tours include Maracanã as a drive-by feature or photo op. Maracana Stadium (Estádio do Maracana) tours let you take a look inside the stadium. And while the stadium no longer offers the intense football experience native to Brazil, the sports museum inside the stadium is home to exhibits featuring photographs, championship cups, and Pelé's famous No. 10 jersey. The legendary player scored his 1,000th goal on this hallowed field.
Things to know before you go
Soccer buffs should book a VIP behind-the-scenes Maracanã stadium tour to visit the field, locker rooms, and bench areas.
The venue is wheelchair-accessible.
The stadium museum is open daily and charges a small admission fee; you don't usually need to buy Maracana Stadium (Estádio do Maracana) tickets.
How to get there
The metro will take you to Estácio Maracanã, from where it is only a short walk to the stadium. Take Line 2 (Green Line), which stops at Maracanã Station. If you’re on Line 1, you can transfer to Line 2 at the Central Station (Estação Central do Brasil).
When to get there
Aside from rare events, access to the stadium is via official scheduled tours. The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro in general is during the spring and summer months from December through April; if you’re there for the raucous carnival celebrations, expect huge crowds and non-stop parties.
Music at Maracanã
The stadium has hosted an array of concerts throughout the years, including performances by Tina Turner, Frank Sinatra, Madonna, and Paul McCartney.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!