The port district was redeveloped for the 2016 Olympic Games and is now one of Rio's easiest outings: flat, largely pedestrian and linked by the VLT. In one day you can combine a science museum, a giant mural, a World Heritage site and the aquarium. This guide sets out the route and tells you which days each place is closed.
At a glance
- Getting around: on foot and by VLT. Line 1 stops at Parada dos Museus, Parada dos Navios – Valongo and Utopia – AquaRio, according to the VLT map ↗.
- VLT fare: R$ 5.00, with the Jaé card or a QR code from the Jaé app, according to the user guide ↗.
- Watch out for Wednesdays: Museu do Amanhã is closed that day.
- AquaRio: open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
- Pace: one museum in the morning and the aquarium in the afternoon is plenty for a day.
Morning: Praça Mauá and Museu do Amanhã
Start at Praça Mauá. Museu do Amanhã ↗, the science museum designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, is open Thursday to Tuesday from 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:00. Tickets cost R$ 40 (half price R$ 20) and are sold with a set entry time; on the 10th of every month they cost R$ 10.
The Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) is on the same square. We couldn't confirm whether it's open: its official website showed no visitor information when we checked. If you're interested, verify before going.
Midday: Olympic Boulevard and the Etnias mural
From Praça Mauá, walk along the Olympic Boulevard, the promenade by the bay. That's where Eduardo Kobra's Etnias mural is: according to Panrotas ↗, it covers about 3,000 m² and in 2016 received a Guinness certificate as the world's largest graffiti. It's a good spot for a break and for lunch in the area.
Afternoon: Cais do Valongo and AquaRio
- Cais do Valongo: the former wharf where thousands of enslaved Africans were landed, rediscovered during the port works. According to Riotur ↗, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017 and is at Av. Barão de Tefé, 91. It's a site of memory: visit it with respect. The nearest VLT stop is Parada dos Navios – Valongo.
- AquaRio: the marine aquarium is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00. Arrive with time to see it without rushing. The VLT stop is Utopia – AquaRio.
Getting back
VLT Line 1 links the port district with the Centro (Carioca and Cinelândia, where you can change to the metro) and with Santos Dumont Airport, and runs daily from 5:00 to 23:00. If you're staying in Zona Sul, change to the metro or book a car. More details in how to get around Rio.
If you arrive by cruise ship
Cruise ships dock at Pier Mauá, right next door. We have a plan built around the all-aboard time in cruise stopover in Rio.
Frequently asked questions
Which day is best?
Thursday to Tuesday, so Museu do Amanhã is open. AquaRio opens every day.
Is it a good plan with kids?
Yes: the aquarium and the museum are two of the family plans we recommend most. See Rio with kids.
What if I want more museums?
You'll find an overview by area in the museum guide and free options in the Centro in free things to do in Rio.
Sources: VLT Carioca: maps ↗ and user guide ↗, Museu do Amanhã ↗, Riotur: Cais do Valongo ↗, Panrotas ↗ and AquaRio ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.