Deep Travel Guide to Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival – Local Insider Tips

Uncover the magic of Rio’s Carnival, a celebration of music, dance, and the spirit of Brazil. One Planet Journey’s Gabriela Costa, a Brazilian journalist, takes you behind the scenes to give you the deeper guide to the world’s biggest carnival. Where to get the best view of the parade, how to party with the locals at street festivals, which places to catch the rehearsals, and where to find the luxury balls? Gabriela reveals the insider tips to get the most out of your Rio Carnival experience, including which neighbourhoods to stay in, how to get tickets, what to eat, and how to get around.

The Rio Carnival calls for you

Get your most colourful costume ready, slip into your comfiest shoes to dance to the rhythm of the samba, and leave your worries at home. Oh, and don’t forget an ice-cold bottle of water. Temperatures will soar for sure! The Rio de Janeiro Carnival is a highlight of the year for fun-seeking travellers, and as a Brazilian journalist I’m giving you the inside view of everything you need to make the most of the world’s most famous celebration. Not only that, in this guide you can expect to find tips on how to deepen your experience, to celebrate the Rio Carnival in a more meaningful, local, and genuinely Brazilian style.

The title of the world’s biggest carnival makes perfect sense once you experience it in the Marvellous City, as Rio is affectionately called. The city’s pulse throbs as intensely as the beating drums of a samba school. Mesmerising melodies of samba-enredo put you into the mood for everything this festive occasion embodies: passion, joy, unity, music, dance, and heat.

At this event, you’ll savour the sweet, chilled flavour of sacolé, a quintessential Brazilian summer treat, while listening to tunes that will stick in your mind for weeks (from funk, axé, sertanejo, and pagode to, of course, samba). The uniquely Brazilian warm hospitality and infectious joy make the experience even more memorable.

Come Prepared for Carnival

In 2025, Carnival festivities takes place from February 28 to March 8). According to Viva Rio, a foundation promoting tourism in the city, they expect a surge in arrivals. The RIOgaleão airport projects a flow of 674,000 passengers between February 25 and March 10, a 22% increase from the same period in 2024. If you come by bus, Novo Rio Bus Terminal expects around half a million passengers, 250,000 of those being arrivals.

Without a doubt, the Rio Carnival qualifies as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I want to ensure your time in Rio flows as smoothly as a bossa nova tune. Therefore, you need to have a plan.

Are you a party animal or travelling with family? Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets? Rio offers options for every taste, making this deep travel experience truly unforgettable. Get colourful and dive in!

Samba School Parade

First the tingle of goosebumps, next a flutter in your stomach. You feel your heartbeat race, accompanied by an involuntary movement of your feet. The emotion is so powerful it may bring tears to your eyes or a wide smile of pure joy. That, my friends, is what it feels like to witness the samba school parade from the Marquês de Sapucaí avenue.

The samba schools present grand spectacles. Even if you haven’t been to Rio, I’m sure you envision elaborate floats, dazzling costumes, and choreographed dances. This is a chance to witness firsthand the passion and rigour that ends in an explosion of art and culture on the day of the parade.

For participants, samba schools are integral to the communities in which they were born and raised. The devotion to their schools rivals football fans’ loyalty to their teams.

How to Buy Tickets

Tickets for the Rio de Janeiro Sambadrome parades are available online through official websites, authorised resellers, or designated sales points in the city. Categories, with prices varying according to location and the parade night, include:

Grandstands – The most popular and affordable, offering a panoramic parade view.

Frisas (Front Boxes) – Closer to the runway for an immersive experience.

Camarotes (VIP Boxes) – Exclusive areas with premium services like open bar and buffet.

Allocated Seats – Located in specific sectors, with a balance between comfort and price.

Tickets for the Special Group parades, held on Carnival Sunday and Monday, sell out fast. Alternatively, the Série Ouro parades and the Champions’ Parade offer budget-friendly options.

Note: Avoid street sellers; buy through official websites or ask your hotel for assistance.

Tips for Enjoying Street Carnival

Not looking to spend too much? Prefer daytime festivities? No worries. To experience the carnival on the streets, you’ll find the famous street blocos, which guarantee a more immersive, and budget-friendly style for revellers that want to samba and get to know Brazilian culture in a deeper way.

Scattered across the city, these vibrant parties offer an informal and energetic experience. Each bloco has its own vibe, ensuring everyone finds their perfect match. Some of the most well-known, like Cordão da Bola Preta, draw thousands of partygoers to Rio’s streets.

Powered by a trio elétrico blasting the latest hits, the street blocs, or “bloquinhos”, encourage participants to get creative with their costumes. If flirting is on your agenda, this is your perfect choice! Don’t feel shy seeing many couples kissing. It’s all part of the carnival culture. But if that’s not your thing, no worries, say no, smile, and keep dancing.

Practicalities at Street Carnival

To make the most of the street party, remember to stay hydrated, wear light clothes, a hat and sunscreen. Since the festivities are outdoors, temperatures can soar!

For a refreshing break, besides water, enjoy a fruity sacolé, a caipirinha, or, of course, beer, sold by street vendors straight from coolers filled with ice. According to Visit Rio, only buy from sellers authorised by the Rio City Hall. They usually carry official credentials, ensuring a safer purchase of products and food.

Most vendors have card machines. However, it’s also a good idea to bring small amounts of cash for emergencies. Leave valuables at the hotel. 

As for your phone, as in any city with large crowds, stay vigilant against pickpockets. Opt for a small pouch worn inside your clothes to add an extra layer of security.

Vibrant and unmissable street parties of Rio’s Carnival

Monobloco

Sargento Pimenta

Banda de Ipanema

Bloco Areia

Cordão da Bola Preta (Avoid if you dislike big crowds)

Bloqueen

Bloco das Carmelitas

Find the full schedule of street parties on the official website.

Travelling with kids?

Children have a great time at Rio’s Carnival too! Many children’s street parties allow little ones to have a blast while parents socialise in a welcoming and safe environment with music tailored for the kids parade.

To find schedules, you can download the “Blocos do Rio 2025” app from Google Play or Apple Store.

Beyond the street blocks and the Sambadrome parades, don’t neglect the many other must-see attractions. For example, parades at Intendente Magalhães and on Avenida Chile, concerts at Terreirão do Samba, and popular balls scattered across the city, including the Cinelândia Ball.

“Rio is not just about Carnival or beaches! Museums, historic centre strolls, craft fairs, and the city’s gastronomy with special dishes and the traditional caipirinha, offer fantastic alternatives,” says Riotur, Rio’s official tourism company.

Samba School Rehearsals

Want to experience Rio’s Carnival like a local? Then I suggest the rehearsals as a more intimate insight into the preparations for the parades. Go behind-the-scenes of the samba schools and get pumped up by the energetic atmosphere.

Feeling the energy of the drums and watching the passistas samba right next to you is an incredible and unforgettable experience.

Where to Watch Rehearsals

Acadêmicos do Salgueiro: Offers the Salgueiro Experience, a programme that includes cultural workshops, percussion and samba classes, as well as access to official rehearsals at the venue. Events on Saturdays from 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm at Rua Silva Teles, 104, Andaraí.

Mangueira: Saturdays at 10 pm at Rua Visconde de Niterói, 1,072. See street rehearsals on Thursdays and Sundays.

Beija-Flor de Nilópolis: Thursdays at 9 pm at Rua Pracinha Wallace Paes Leme, 1,025, Nilópolis.

Some schools offer tourist packages, including transport and entry, or a smoother experience.

Luxury Balls

If escaping the crowds and heat for a private party sounds appealing, Rio de Janeiro offers plenty of exclusive events. The city hosts sophisticated celebrations that embrace Brazilian culture while providing a more intimate experience.

Visit Rio highlights several sought-after Carnival events featuring top artists. Among the most notable are Auê Festival, Balbúrdia, Baile do Momo, Carnarildy, Carnaval das Artes, Better Days, Esbórnia, Arca de Noé, and Majestique.

Luxury hotel parties are also worth considering. According to Visit Rio, many hotels host their own celebrations, offering feijoadas, live shows, and more.

Where to Stay 

Carnival and New Year’s Eve bring Rio de Janeiro’s busiest crowds. Planning your accommodation wisely ensures a smooth trip.

For the ultimate experience, I’d stay near the beaches in Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana, or Leme. That way, you can always go for a quick swim in the ocean after a long day of celebrations.

Top Neighbourhoods for the Rio Carnival

I have chosen the listed options, considering convenience, safety, and access to the main festivities:

Ipanema & Leblon – Best for comfort and beach proximity
These upscale neighbourhoods pack a punch. Beautiful beaches, lively street parties, and excellent food options. You have many attractions within walking distance, while the metro whisks you to downtown and the Sambadrome in no-time.

Copacabana & Leme – Best for a classic Rio experience
Aside from the iconic beach, Copacabana has the full spectrum of accommodation, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Well-connected by metro and bus, it also hosts several blocos. At its quieter end, Leme provides a more relaxed stay while keeping the festivities within reach.

Botafogo – Best for a local experience
Less touristy than Copacabana, but still central, Botafogo offers great bars and restaurants. Its transport links make travelling to the beaches, downtown, and Sambadrome easy.

Flamengo & Glória – Best for budget travellers
More affordable yet close to the action, these neighbourhoods provide metro access to the Sambadrome and beaches.

How to Get Around

Rio de Janeiro gives you plenty of transport options to get to samba rehearsals and street festivities.

Metro – A safe, practical style of travel. Many samba schools are situated near the metro stations. Mangueira’s venue is right by the Maracanã Station, while Salgueiro is near São Francisco Xavier Station.

Taxi & Ride-Hailing Apps – You can use Uber and 99 that operate throughout the city. I’d recommend using them as a convenient alternative, especially at night.

Private Transport – If you want a hassle-free experience, some tour operators offer packages that include transportation to and from rehearsals.

Taste Carioca Delights

“Try a refreshing caipirinha, a crunchy Biscoito Globo, and, of course, the classic feijoada,” suggests Visit Brasil, the official Brazilian tourism agency.

Carioca refers to residents of Rio de Janeiro and their culture. Engage in it and make the most of your Carnival by eating your way through Rio’s rich cuisine. I recommend the savoury bar snack Coxinha, a chicken-filled pastry with catupiry cheese, and the hearty feijoadas (Brazilian black bean stew). Eat them in locally run establishments.

Brazilian fruits add another layer of colour and aroma, bringing a natural sweetness to your celebration. Authenticity doesn’t get better than this.

A Deeper Rio Carnival Experience

Rio Carnival is more than dazzling parades. I encourage you to join street parties in the different neighbourhoods for a deeper experience. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in Brazil’s diverse culture and traditions. Choose between exclusive luxury balls at stunning hotels to local bloco celebrations, whatever fits your style, curiosity, and budget. To get more Brazilian, indulge in authentic cuisine to add another layer to this unforgettable festivity. And when you feel wiped out, hit the beach for some tranquillity.

Let the rhythm of the samba guide you all the way to Rio. With the extraordinary Carnival, stunning beaches, and a mouthwatering cuisine, what more can you ask for? See you soon during Rio’s ultimate party!

Have you been to the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro? How did you find the experience? Let us know in the comment section. Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.