Things to do in Manaus

Things to do in  Manaus

Concrete jungle > jungle

Manaus is often the jumping-off point for travelers en route to the Brazilian Amazon. But, don’t think of this city as only a pit stop. There are plenty of things to do in Manaus that warrant a stay, from visiting landmarks like the Amazonas Opera House to wandering through markets selling goods harvested from the river and the jungle. Also, be sure to check out the “Meeting of the Waters” at the edge of a city—a multicolored spectacle where the Rio Negro and the Solimões rivers run into the Amazon.

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Top 15 attractions in Manaus

#1

Meeting of Waters (Encontro das Aguas)

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The city of Manaus lies at the confluence of two great rivers, the Solimões and the Rio Negro. Due to the different colors of the two rivers, it's possible to see precisely where they meet, which is what makes the Meeting of Waters, or Encontro das Aguas, a checklist must-do for visitors to Manaus.More
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#2

Amazon River

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The mighty Amazon River and its enormous, thickly forested basin are the heart of South America and the guardian of 20 percent of the Earth's fresh water. Visitors from around the globe come to Iquitos to cruise the river's storied waters and catch a glimpse of diverse fauna both above and below the surface.More
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#3

Amazon Theatre (Teatro Amazonas)

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Much of Manaus’ wealth came from the rubber boom, during which it was the region's most-important port city. Manaus Opera House (Amazon Theatre) is a fine example of the Belle Epoque-style architecture that was popular during this epoque; the interior features some 200 Italian chandeliers and furnishings imported from Europe.More
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#4

Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market (Mercado Adolpho Lisboa)

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The image of the art-nouveau cast-iron Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market (Mercado Adolpho Lisboa) building is like a snapshot of the multiculturalism of Manaus as a whole. The building, inspired by Les Halles in Paris and constructed in 1882 during the Rubber Boom, is distinctly European, but when you step through the doors, there’s no mistaking you’re in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon.As the city’s main market perched on the banks of the Rio Negro, vendors here sell a bit of everything, and for the visiting tourist, it’s a great place to sample exotic fruits, learn about traditional Amazonian medicines or shop for souvenirs, like leather goods and índio handcrafted items.More
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#5

Port of Manaus (Porto Flutuante)

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Manaus, the largest urban area in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, is also the most important port in the state of Amazonas. The Port of Manaus is as far up the Amazon River as oceangoing cruises can get, and it serves as a gateway to adventures in the rainforest.More
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#6

Rio Negro Palace (Palácio Rio Negro)

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Built during the “Rubber Boom” of the early 1900s, the Rio Negro Palace began life as a grand mansion home, and became the seat of local governance, before becoming a local cultural center open to the public in 1997. Now it houses an art gallery and a museum, with performance spaces for local productions all under one ornate roof.More
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#7

Ponta Negra Beach (Praia de Ponta Negra)

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Ponta Negra Beach (Praia de Ponta Negra) on the Rio Negro is just over 8 miles (13 km) from downtown Manaus in a neighborhood known for its abundance of night clubs, bars, and restaurants. Visitors head to this popular beach destination not just to spend a day enjoying the sun and sand, but also to enjoy the area's famous nightlife.More
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#8

Manaus Botanical Gardens (MUSA - Museu da Amazonia)

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A lush enclave amid the vast Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, the Manaus Botanical Gardens (MUSA - Museu da Amazonia) offer you the chance to experience the wonders of the Amazon without straying too far from the city.More
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#9

Presidente Figueiredo Sanctuary Waterfall (Cachoeira Santuário)

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The Sanctuary Waterfall (Cachoeira do Santuário) in Presidente Figueiredo is a top spot for travelers looking for their ideal Amazonian swimming experience. Stationed along the Urubui River, some 62 miles (100 kilometers) north of Manaus, the falls rush over rugged, vine-covered rock formations into pools perfect for taking a quick dip in.More
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#10

Manaus Palace of Justice (Palácio de Justiça)

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Located on the main square of Manaus, the Palace of Justice (Palácio de Justiça) was built during the golden years of Brazil’s “rubber boom” in the late 19th century. The palace, with its grand architecture inspired by the French Second Empire and Neoclassicism, is a testament to just how wealthy the region was during its heyday.More
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#11

CIGS Zoo

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The CIGS Zoo is run by the Brazilian Army and serves as a safe haven for animals rescued from traffickers and hunters. The site houses a variety of animals that have been rescued (or displaced from their natural habitats due to development), including jaguars, monkeys, tapirs, sloths, and many species of birds and Amazonian fish.More
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#12

Presidente Figueiredo

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Located about 79 miles (127 kilometers) north of Manaus in Brazil’s Amazonas state, the municipality of Presidente Figueiredo is centrally located to some of the country’s most scenic attractions, making it a popular hiking destination. Nicknamed the “Land of Waterfalls,” it claims more than 100 waterfalls, including Iracema Falls (Cachoeira da Iracema) and Araras Falls (Cachoeira das Araras), as well as grottoes and lagoons.More
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#13

Museu do Índio

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This museum run by a congregation of Salesian nuns boasts a nice collection of artifacts showcasing the history, heritage, and culture of the region’s indigenous populations. Items on display include pottery, weapons, tools, ritual masks, clothing, and musical instruments from the tribes of the upper Amazon.More
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#14

Indian Museum

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The Indian Museum in Manaus is a fascinating and comprehensive collection of artefacts and exhibits dedicated to the indigenous people of the Amazon. Run by an order of nuns known as the Salesian Sisters, the museum is committed to travelling to gather more information and, where possible, to speak with indigenous people and learn about their crafts and cultures.More
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#15

Church of San Sebastian (Igreja Sao Sebastiao)

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Along with the Teatro Amazonas in central Manaus, the rubber boom of the late 1800s also saw the construction of the Church of San Sebastian (Igreja Sao Sebastiao). The church was built in 1888, and although there are other more noteworthy cathedrals in Brazil, this one is certainly worth a visit.More
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Top activities in Manaus

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All about Manaus

When to visit

Because Manaus is located in the center of the Amazon Rainforest, the weather here is often rainy or muggy. You can avoid the worst of the rain, humidity, and heat by visiting during the dry season, between July and December. This time of year is more pleasant for hiking and also offers other benefits: low water levels also mean it’s easier to spot wildlife in the rivers, and there are more birds and fewer mosquitoes.

Getting around

Tackling the congested roads of this sprawling metropolis can be challenging for visitors. There is an extensive network of public buses, but they can be tricky for non-Portuguese speakers to navigate; taxis may be a safer bet. You can also opt for a more interesting way to get between the city’s attractions (or head into the rainforest): hopping on the area’s many ferries and river boats.

Traveler tips

The Teatro Amazonas is an architectural marvel and the heart of Manaus’ cultural life. If you want a closer look at this opera house, which was built at the height of the rubber trade, you can book a guided tour. You should also try a steaming bowl of tacacá, a potent soup, from one of the city’s many street vendors (tacacazeiras). This dish is made with tucupi, the acidic juice of the wild manioc root (which is poisonous when raw) and is served piping hot in a cuia gourd.

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People Also Ask

What is Manaus known for?

The Amazon’s largest city, Manaus is best known as the gateway to the world’s largest rainforest. Although it is typically considered a jumping-off point for Amazonian adventures, it has its own appeal with good beaches, interesting museums, and beautiful architecture such as the Opera House.

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Does Manaus have a beach?

Yes. Manaus has several good beaches. The most popular is Ponta Negra, which has a children’s playground, cycling paths, volleyball courts, and a large amphitheater for live performances. The white sand beach of Praia da Lua is also worth a visit, as is Praia do Tupe, which has calm, kid-friendly waters.

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What is a popular food in Manaus?

Fish is ubiquitous, but a bowl of tacacá (a local soup), is the signature dish of Manaus—buy one from one of the city’s many street vendors (tacacazeiras) in the late afternoon. Made with tucupi, the acidic juice of the wild manioc root, tacacá is traditionally served steaming hot in a cuia gourd.

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How long does it take to get from Manaus to the Amazon rainforest?

It depends how deep you want to go into the Amazon rainforest, but, you would need to book a boat trip of at least three days to get to see virgin forest and the wildlife for which the rainforest is famous. Boat tours from Manaus typically last three to seven days.

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Are there favelas in Manaus?

Yes. A large portion of Manaus' population live in favelas, clusters of precarious, informal dwellings that stretch from the downtown area down to the river. Due to potential personal safety issues, it is not recommended that visitors to Manaus venture alone into these areas.

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Is Manaus safe for tourists?

Yes. Manaus is generally safe to visit. However, like many Brazilian cities, it has a high crime rate. It's recommended that you stick to tourist areas and keep your wits about you. Like in any major city, avoid carrying lots of cash and to stick to well-lit, highly-trafficked areas after dark.

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