Maracanã and São Januário: Tour Inside Rio de Janeiro's Historic Stadiums

You’ll get to know not just a stadium, but a symbol of world football.

Opened in 1950 for the World Cup, the Maracanã was once the largest stadium on the planet and has become the stage for unforgettable moments in the history of the sport. Pelé scored his thousandth goal in 1969, the whole world watched two World Cup finals (1950 and 2014), it was there that Brazil won its first gold medal in football in 2016, and it’s the home of Fluminense and Flamengo.

Great players like Garrincha, Zico, Romário, Ronaldo, Adriano, and Gabigol have played here. And the best part is getting to know the “Temple of Football” with a guide who is always in the stands cheering for his team; besides being a certified guide, I’m a passionate fan!

You’ll get to know not just a stadium, but a symbol of world football.

Opened in 1950 for the World Cup, the Maracanã was once the largest stadium on the planet and has become the stage for unforgettable moments in the history of the sport. Pelé scored his thousandth goal in 1969, the whole world watched two World Cup finals (1950 and 2014), it was there that Brazil won its first gold medal in football in 2016, and it’s the home of Fluminense and Flamengo.

Great players like Garrincha, Zico, Romário, Ronaldo, Adriano, and Gabigol have played here. And the best part is getting to know the “Temple of Football” with a guide who is always in the stands cheering for his team; besides being a certified guide, I’m a passionate fan!

The tour will take you through the locker rooms, the substitutes’ bench and stands, the mixed zone, a historical collection with historic jerseys from the Brazilian national team and clubs from Rio de Janeiro, and we will also see a walk of fame of the great stars in the history of Brazilian and world football!

The tour continues with a short walk outside the stadium, where you will see the statue of Bellini, captain of the Brazilian national team in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups, the Maracanãzinho (outside), and a stop at a traditional pre-game bar, Bode Cheiroso, where you will receive a cold draft beer!

The tour continues and concludes at São Januário Stadium, synonymous with resistance, identity, and showcasing the ROOTS of football.

Inaugurated in 1927, it was built through the efforts of Vasco da Gama’s own fans—a symbol of struggle and inclusion in Brazilian football.

The stadium exudes tradition. There, Vasco consolidated its history as one of the most popular clubs in Brazil. On the tour, we will see trophies of Vasco’s glory, behind-the-scenes areas such as the locker rooms and press area, and statues of idols Roberto Dinamite and Romário—who scored his thousandth goal in the stadium.