1. Book early! Carnaval doesn't wait.
Carnaval week is the busiest time of year in Rio. Hotels fill up months in advance, and prices rise sharply. We recommend staying in Zona Sul, the safe and beachy south zone.
Best neighbourhoods for first‑timers
- Copacabana - lively, beachy, easy to navigate
- Ipanema - stylish, safe, iconic
- Lapa - nightlife central
- Santa Teresa - artsy, charming, bohemian
Booking early is essential. Carnaval pricing can double compared to normal weeks.
2. Choose your Carnaval experience
Carnaval isn't one event. It's a whole menu of experiences including parties, parades, and performances.
Sambadrome Parade
The main event: samba schools competing with giant floats, feathers, fireworks, and thousands of dancers.
- Best for: culture lovers, photographers, first‑timers
- Cost: USD $100–$1,000+ depending on seat type
Blocos (Street Parties)
Free themed street parades across the city.
- Best for: dancers, social butterflies
- Cost: Free
- Street vendors, cash preferred Pix or cash (not recommended)
Carnaval Balls
Glamorous indoor parties, from the legendary Magic Ball at Copacabana Palace to the wild Scala Balls.
- Best for: dress‑up fans, nightlife lovers, romance seekers
- Cost: USD $50–$300+
3. Blocos: The heartbeat of Carnaval
If the Sambadrome is the show, the blocos are the soul. These street parties pop up all over Rio, from sunrise to well past sunset and they're completely free. Each bloco has its own personality: some are massive and wild, others tiny and quirky, some family‑friendly, some gloriously chaotic.
You don't need a ticket, a plan, or even rhythm. You just follow the music.
🎺 What to Expect at a Bloco
- Live bands or booming sound trucks
- Thousands of people dancing in the streets
- Costumes, glitter, feathers, and the occasional superhero
- Street vendors selling drinks, snacks, and ice‑cold beers
- A vibe that's equal parts joy, chaos, and pure Brazilian magic
Blocos happen everywhere - Copacabana, Ipanema, Lapa, Santa Teresa, Centro, and you can easily hop between them.
💸 How to pay at Blocos (PIX everywhere!)
One of the best things about blocos is how easy it is to buy things. Street vendors are incredibly organised and almost all of them accept Pix, Brazil's instant payment system. Learn more about how Pix works here.
You'll see signs everywhere:
- "Pix AQUI!"
- "ACEITAMOS Pix!"
- "Chave Pix!" - Pix Key (mobile number, tax ID, or email for payment)
- Or the Pix QR Code
It's fast, safe, and avoids the hassle of carrying cash in a crowd.
But what if you're a tourist?
Most international banks don't support Pix directly, which is why many travellers use apps like GringoWallet, that give them access to PIX without needing a Brazilian bank account.
GringoWallet lets foreigners make Pix payments easily. It's not something you have to use, but it's handy if you want to:
- buy drinks quickly
- avoid carrying cash
- split costs with new friends
- pay for snacks or street food without fumbling for coins
- save money on international transaction fees and vendor's transaction fees
It's simply one of those "traveller hacks" that makes Carnaval smoother.
Of course, credit cards are still accepted at many bars and food stalls, but on the street, Pix is king.
💸 4. Understand the costs (USD + EUR)
Before you book, understand what you're paying for. Carnaval costs vary wildly depending on what you choose and the experience you are looking for. Here's a realistic breakdown:
| Item | Approx Cost (USD) | Approx Cost (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel (Carnaval week) | $200–$1,000+ | €185–€925 | Prices surge during Carnaval |
| Luxury hotel package | $5,000+ | €4,625+ | Often 5 nights |
| Sambadrome ticket | $100–$1,000+ | €92–€925 | Depends on seat type |
| Carnaval Ball ticket | $50–$300+ | €46–€277 | Depends on venue |
| Food (per meal) | $10–$20 | €9–€18 | Street food cheaper |
| Uber/Taxi | $5–$20 | €4.50–€18.50 | Safer at night |
💳 5. How to pay for Carnaval (including tickets)
Payment methods vary slightly by seller, but the most common options are:
- Cash (BRL): Always accepted, but risky in crowds
- International cards: Most places accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex
- Pix is Brazil's instant cashless payment system
Many bars and food stalls now accept Pix, but for large events like Sambadrome tickets, you'll need either cash, a credit card, or an app like GringoWallet that gives you Pix access.
🎟️ 6. How to book Sambadrome tickets & Carnaval Balls
Booking Carnaval experiences can feel overwhelming the first time, but once you know where to go and how to pay, it becomes surprisingly simple.
🎭 How to Book Sambadrome Tickets
We found several reliable sellers:
- CarnavalTickets.com – global Carnaval travel provider with full FAQ and support
- Rio Carnaval.org – official information and ticketing support for Rio Carnaval
- Rio Carnaval ticket outlet by Bookers – sells all Sambadrome ticket types with clear instructions on digital vs physical tickets
✔️ Step-by-Step Booking
- Choose your parade night (Special Group = biggest shows)
- Pick your seat type (grandstand, allocated chair, frisa box, luxury suite)
- Add tickets to your cart
- Pay using an accepted method
- Receive your confirmation email
- Pick up your physical ticket in Rio (unless you purchased a digital ticket)
✔️ Ticket Types & Delivery
Some tickets are digital, delivered to your digital wallet, while others must be collected in person. Physical tickets come:
- in a plastic bag
- attached to a lanyard
- with a detachable stub collected at the gate.
If the stub is missing, entry may be denied.
✔️ Payment Methods
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
🎉 How to book Carnaval Balls
Carnaval balls including the famous Copa Ball at Copacabana Palace are sold through the:
✓ Step-by-Step Booking
- Choose your ball (Magic Ball, Scala Ball, Gay Ball, etc.)
- Select your ticket tier (standing, VIP, open bar, table)
- Enter your details
- Pay using an accepted method
- Receive your e‑ticket or pickup instructions
✓ Payment Methods
Same as Sambadrome:
- International credit cards
7. Pick your Carnaval personality
No two Carnaval experiences are the same. Here's how to choose yours:
Culture Lovers
- Sambadrome parades
- Santa Teresa blocos
- Beach blocos
- Traditional Brazilian music
Dance Addicts
- Blocos in Copacabana, Ipanema, Lapa
- Follow the drums
Romance (or Lust) Seekers
Carnaval is famously flirtatious. Kissing strangers is common and usually light‑hearted.
8. Final tips for a smooth Carnaval
- Drink water - Rio is hot!
- Keep your phone in a zip bag (it's the wettest time of year)
- Wear bright colours
- Use Uber/taxis at night
- Keep your ID handy for ticket pickup
Must-know Bloco tips for first‑timers
- Wear comfy shoes as you'll walk and dance for hours
- Bring a small crossbody bag or bum bag
- Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch
- Drink water between caipirinhas
- Follow the crowd when the bloco moves - it's part of the fun
- Don't bring anything you'd be sad to lose
Pay PIX now even without a Brazilian bank account.
