All free museums and attractions to visit in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) has a lot to offer for you culturally, even if you're on a budget, including free museums, free activities and free attractions. 24 museums and attractions in Rio de Janeiro can be visited without charge.

Are you looking for free things to do in Rio de Janeiro? These are the best places to visit:

  1. Royal Portuguese Reading Room1

    Royal Portuguese Reading Room

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, a library and lusophone cultural institution, is situated at Luís de Camões Street, number 30, in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city center.
  2. Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí2

    Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Sambodrome Marquês de Sapucaí, also known as Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí or simply 'sambodrome', is a significant location in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This avenue, surrounded by grandstands, is the venue for the parade of the best samba schools during the city's famous Carnival. It's a vibrant and lively place where the spirit of the Carnival comes alive, with samba schools showcasing their talent and creativity.
  3. Museum of Modern Art3

    Museum of Modern Art

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, also known as MAM, is recognized as one of the most significant cultural institutions in Brazil. Its reputation stems from its rich history, diverse collection, and its role in the Brazilian art scene.
  4. Imperial Palace4

    Imperial Palace

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Imperial Palace, also known as Paço Imperial, is a significant historical site located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This Baroque colonial building stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural prowess. It was built in the 18th century and has served as the residence for governors, viceroys, King Juan VI, and emperors. Today, it is a cultural center, attracting visitors from around the world with its aesthetic appeal and historical significance.
  5. Bank of Brasil Cultural Center5

    Bank of Brasil Cultural Center

     Rio de Janeiro
  6. National Museum of Fine Arts6

    National Museum of Fine Arts

     Rio de Janeiro
    The National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA) is a national art museum situated in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This museum is a significant cultural institution in Brazil and is renowned for its extensive collection of 19th-century paintings and sculptures.
  7. The Museum of the Indigenous Populations7

    The Museum of the Indigenous Populations

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museo del Indio, also known as the Museum of the Indian, is a public institution located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is the only official institution in the country that is dedicated exclusively to the indigenous peoples of Brazil. This museum serves as a cultural and scientific agency of the National Indian Foundation and aims to promote a careful and updated image of the indigenous cause, while erasing negative prejudices and stereotypes in Brazilian society about these communities.
  8. Carmen Miranda Museum8

    Carmen Miranda Museum

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Carmen Miranda Museum, situated in Eduardo Gomes Park, also known as Flamenco Park, is a tribute to the renowned singer and actress Carmen Miranda. The museum has been welcoming visitors since 1976, offering a unique insight into the life and career of this iconic figure.
  9. Museu Getúlio Vargas9

    Museu Getúlio Vargas

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Getúlio Vargas Museum, also known as the Getúlio Vargas House Museum, is a significant cultural site located in the city of São Borja in Rio Grande do Sul. The museum is dedicated to preserving the residence of former president Getúlio Vargas, offering visitors a unique insight into the life and times of one of Brazil's most influential political figures.
  10. Centro Cultural Correios (Rio de Janeiro)10

    Centro Cultural Correios (Rio de Janeiro)

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Centro Cultural Correios Rio de Janeiro is situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city center. The cultural center is surrounded by other significant cultural landmarks, providing a rich cultural experience in one area.
  11. Casa França-Brasil11

    Casa França-Brasil

     Rio de Janeiro
    Casa França-Brasil is a cultural center situated in the historic heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This historic property has been repurposed and now serves as a hub for cultural activities. It is a national cultural heritage site, recognized by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN).
  12. Federal Justice Cultural Center12

    Federal Justice Cultural Center

     Rio de Janeiro
    The former home of the federal court has been transformed into a cultural centre - check out their exhibitions and events.
  13. Museu Histórico da Cidade13

    Museu Histórico da Cidade

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museu Histórico da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro, also known as Museu da Cidade, is a museum located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was established in 1934 and is housed in a complex of several buildings, including two 19th-century structures dedicated to exhibitions. The museum complex is situated in the municipal natural park Parque da Cidade in the Gávea neighborhood.
  14. Naval Museum14

    Naval Museum

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Naval Museum is situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The museum is dedicated to preserving the naval history of Brazil, making it a significant cultural and historical site.
  15. Parque Lage15

    Parque Lage

     Rio de Janeiro
    Parque Lage, also known as El Parque Henrique Lage, is a public park situated in Rio de Janeiro. It is located at the foot of the Corcovado, on Jardín Botánico street. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the park while being in close proximity to the city's attractions.
  16. Museu Aeroespacial16

    Museu Aeroespacial

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museu Aeroespacial - MUSAL, located in Campo dos Afonsos, the birthplace of Brazilian aviation, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, is the largest and most important aviation museum in Brazil. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and development of aviation in Brazil.
  17. Earth Sciences Museum17

    Earth Sciences Museum

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Earth Sciences Museum, located at 404 Pasteur Avenue in the Urca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a renowned institution dedicated to the fields of geology and paleontology. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the fascinating world of earth sciences, with a vast collection of exhibits that span across various aspects of these disciplines.
  18. Caixa Cultural18

    Caixa Cultural

     Rio de Janeiro
  19. Solar Grandjean de Montigny19

    Solar Grandjean de Montigny

     Rio de Janeiro
  20. Museum of the State Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro20

    Museum of the State Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Civil Police Museum of Rio de Janeiro is a historical institution situated in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It offers a unique insight into the activities of the Civil Police throughout the history of Rio de Janeiro, dating back to the colonial era. The museum is housed in a French eclectic style building, constructed in 1910 by architect Heitor de Mello, adding an architectural charm to the historical significance of the museum.
  21. 21

    Museu do Meio Ambiente

     Rio de Janeiro
  22. 22

    Oi Futuro

     Rio de Janeiro
  23. 23

    Centro de Referência do Artesanato Brasileiro - Sebrae

     Rio de Janeiro
  24. 24

    Museu da Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

     Rio de Janeiro
    The Museu da Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro is a thematic museum dedicated to the first military and official police force established in Brazil. This museum provides a unique insight into the history and evolution of the police force in Brazil, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history, law enforcement, or military affairs.