How to See a Flamengo Game at the Maracanã

Posted 23/01/2025 | 23rd January, 2025
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Attending a Flemngo match at the iconic Maracanã Stadium is a must-do experience for football enthusiasts, and novices alike, visiting Rio de Janeiro.
Flamengo, one of Brazil’s most beloved and successful football clubs boats a passionate fanbase known for their unwavering support and electrifying match-day atmosphere. Trust me, you will spot someone sporting a Flamengo kit on almost every street in Rio.
The Maracanã, steeped in footballing history, provides a dramatic backdrop for these games, where chants, drums, and the vibrant energy of the crowd create a real spectacle!
Even for experienced travellers, navigating the logistics of tickets, transportation, and match-day etiquette can feel overwhelming.
This guide will walk you through the essentials, from securing tickets and arriving at the stadium safely to making the most of your experience. Here’s everything you need to know about how to see a Flamengo game at the Maracanã.

Option One: Take A Tour
If you’re a solo traveller or simply looking to make new friends, booking a tour might be the right option. You could use Viator or Get Your Guide, and, depending on the style of tour you book, these often include a stadium tour.
Alternatively, book through your hostel or hotel. These are often marginally cheaper than those mentioned above (but still substantially more than organising yourself). I found that almost all the hostel staff across Brazil spoke English, so you shouldn’t have any trouble organising this.
Option Two: Do it Alone!
I personally think this is the best option – it is also by far the cheapest way to see a Flamengo Game.
How to Purchase Tickets for the Maracanã
Purchasing tickets for a Flamengo Game at the Maracanã is not straightforward. Tickets can be bought online but you will need a Brazillian residence number to do so. And if you have one of those, I very much doubt you are reading this article.
The easiest way to purchase tickets would be through your hotel, hostel, or a local tour agency. However, please be warned that these are heavily marked up – I’m talking five or six times more than the price of the ticket. If you want to save time and simplify the process then of course. However, I do not think this option is worth it.
The final option (and the one we chose) is to visit the Museu Flamengo and buy tickets there. This is just a short Uber journey if you stay in the Ipanema/Leblon area. Head upstairs, and into the back of the shop, you will see a ticket desk.
Here, you can purchase your tickets using cash or a card. Helpfully, the staff speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish. They will give you an option of which section you wish to sit in, prices fluctuate a little based on your choice, but it’s still a very affordable evening out.

Getting to the Maracanã
Great news – getting to the Maracanã couldn’t be easier (or cheaper)!
Just hop on the metro and get off at the conveniently named Maracanã station. I recommend getting there at least 90 minutes before the game starts to grab drinks and snacks, find your seats, and soak in the atmosphere.
You don’t need to buy tickets for the metro. You can just tap on it with your bank card (as you would in London). However, we found these machines to be temperamental, so be sure to have a spare contactless card ready.
What to Expect at the Game
Incredible football, amazing people, and immaculate vibes.
I, in no way, consider myself a huge football fan. But even with my limited knowledge, an evening watching a match at Maracanã is completely worth it! In fact, I would confidently say that it is one of the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro.
At the game, we were surrounded by regulars, who made us feel welcome and excited. You can order drinks and snacks to your seat (and pay by both cash and card).
Expect constant singing, dancing, swearing, shirt spinning and not much resting! It’s a real spectacle and should not be missed from your Rio de Janeiro itinerary.

Getting Home from the Maracanã
This was the only part of my evening where I felt a little anxious and nervous. Over 60,000 people pour out of the stadium after every game, with the majority of them heading in one direction: for the metro.
Expect very, very large crowds and a little bit of pushing a shoving. The majority of people will be in great spirits though (especially if they have won). Just be sure to have your bank card ready to tap onto the machines as soon as you reach the front of the crowd.
It’s a slow process, but you will get your turn eventually.
The police filter the number of people moving through so once you’re through the barrier there is nothing to worry about – they only let a ‘reasonable’ number of people onto each carriage.
Taking an Uber from the Maracanã
Even with the chaos of the metro described above, I still would not recommend taking an Uber from the stadium back to your accommodation. The roads were completely gridlocked and it would have taken hours to get back to the centre.
Also, I wouldn’t reccomend hanging around by the road with your phone out. Although there is a large police presence, there are still instances of pick-pocketing.

Top Tips for Visiting the Maracanã
📸 You cannot take a camera into the stadium. We took a GoPro and that was not well received.
⏰ Arrive at least 90 minutes beforehand. This will allow you to find seats, buy drinks and snacks, and soak in the atmosphere.
💸Take multiple bank cards for the metro. The machines are very temperamental with foreign cards.
🏃🏽♀Walk at a brisk pace & keep up with the locals. You want to blend into the crowds as much as possible.
🎒Take a cross-body bag or satchel. This will help keep your belongings safe.
⚽ Enjoy! You’re here to have a great time and contribute to the atmosphere. Enjoy the game and celebrate with the locals. You will have a fabulous time!
Useful Links for Travelling Brazil:
🛌Booking.com / Hostelworld for the best-priced accommodation
🚌 BusBud for long-distance busses in advance
🌎 Viator / Get Your Guide for tours across Brazil
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