At the Sambódromo there's no single "best sector" for everyone: it depends on how much you want to spend, whether you'd rather sit or stand, who you're going with and how you'll get back in the early hours. This guide explains each type of place, what Liesa published for 2027 and what to look at on the official map before you buy.
At a glance
- Special grandstands (sectors 2 to 11): stands without numbered seats, R$ 250 per night.
- Individual cadeiras (sector 12): numbered seats, R$ 250 per night.
- Frisas: boxes for six people next to the track, from R$ 1,835 to R$ 10,200 per night.
- Camarotes: private spaces with their own services; each sells separately.
- Popular grandstand (sectors 12 and 13): sale date not yet announced.
- Accessibility: sectors 2, 4, 6 and 8 on the even side, and the ground floor of 13.
How it's laid out
The Sambódromo is a straight track with stands on both sides: even sectors on one side and odd on the other, numbered along the route. The schools enter at one end and finish at the Praça da Apoteose. Before you buy, open the sector map on the official sales page ↗ and find your sector, because the experience changes depending on where you are.
Types of place
Special grandstands
These are the stands in sectors 2 to 11 (9 was not included in the 2027 sale), on the even and odd sides. There are no assigned seats within the sector, so arriving early gives you more options. In 2027 they cost R$ 250 per night, with a R$ 125 half price for the cases Brazilian law allows.
Individual cadeiras
They're in sector 12 and are numbered seats, at the same price as the special grandstands. Don't confuse them with the popular grandstand in the same sector, which is sold separately.
Frisas
These are boxes for six people at track level, the closest place to the performers. In 2027 they cost between R$ 1,835 and R$ 10,200 per night depending on location, are paid by PIX only, and there's one per CPF per night. Tickets are in the holder's name, with facial biometrics in the Quentro app and wristbands that all six members pick up together.
Camarotes
These are private spaces with food, drinks and services defined by each operator. For 2027, the Ticketmaster page lists, among others, Camarote Allegria, Aura, Lounge Carioca, Camisa 10, Folia Tropical, Mar, Nº1, Portela, Lounge Viradouro, Atmosfera, Rio, Explode Coração and Bateria Nota 10. Compare what each includes on its own page; they're not equivalent.
Popular grandstand
It occupies sectors 12 and 13. Liesa said its sale would be announced later.
How to choose for your situation
- First time, mid-range budget: special grandstand. Choose side and sector using the map and thinking about the way back (see below).
- You want a guaranteed spot: a numbered individual cadeira in sector 12.
- Group of six, higher budget: frisa, if you accept the biometrics and wristband pickup conditions.
- Comfort and included services: camarote, reading carefully what's included.
- Reduced mobility: according to Ticketmaster, the accessible sectors are 2, 4, 6 and 8 on the even side and the ground floor of 13. Confirm the companion's entry with the seller.
The side matters for getting back
The even sectors are close to Praça Onze metro station. For the odd ones, in 2026 MetrôRio pointed to Central do Brasil station. If you're staying in the Zona Sul, check how you'll get back before choosing: it's covered in detail in getting to the Sambódromo and back.
Frequently asked questions
Which sector has the best view?
There's no official answer. It varies with the section of the track and the height of the stand: look at the sector map before choosing.
Are there numbered seats in the grandstands?
Not in the special grandstands. The cadeiras in sector 12 are numbered.
Where do I buy?
Through the official channel Liesa names. Prices, limits and buying from abroad are covered in Rio Carnival 2027 tickets.
Sources: Ticketmaster: Rio Carnaval 2027 ↗, Liesa ↗ and MetrôRio ↗, checked on October 16, 2026.