Tours and Tickets to Experience Sambadrome (Sambadrome Marques de Sapucaí)

There are plenty of ways to experience Sambadrome (Sambadrome Marques de Sapucaí). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Full Day: Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf, City Tour & Barbecue Lunch

• Rio's Full Day: Selarón Steps, Christ & Sugarloaf – Tickets & Lunch Included

• Full Day in Rio: Christ by Train, Sugarloaf, Selarón & Barbecue

• Christ the Redeemer & Sugarloaf: Rio City Tour with Lunch

• Christ the Redeemer, Selaron, Cathedral, Maracana, Sambadrome Half-Day Tour

Ticket prices for the Sambadrome vary depending on the type of seats you buy. The most expensive tickets for the Rio Carnival 2026 are the Camarotes, which come with first-class service, relaxation lounges, and the best views—these cost upwards of US$600 per person. Grandstand tickets cost from US$50 to US$150, while numbered, allocated seats tend to cost more.

There is a range of different seating options at the Sambadrome; which one you think is best depends on whether you want aerial views of the parade or prefer to be closer to the action. Grandstands 2, 4, 6, and 8 are considered the best value for money.

Yes, you can visit the Sambadrome when there is no event or parade. Some experiences take you behind the scenes to see samba schools preparing for Rio's world-famous carnival. Others help you navigate the Sambadrome Museum, which traces the history of carnival and samba through artifacts and costumes.

There's no official dress code for the Sambadrome, but cariocas (Rio locals) tend to dress to impress for carnival. The weather in February and March will be hot and humid, so wear light layers and don't forget to bring a cushion or blanket to sit on, as the Sambadrome seats aren't the most comfortable.

The Sambadrome is just a 10-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the famous Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón), one of Rio’s most iconic photo spots. It’s also close to the futuristic Rio de Janeiro Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de São Sebastião) and the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Theater (Theatro Municipal).