The 9 things to do in Manaus

Visit Manaus: what are the best things to see and do in the Brazilian city?

Manaus is an original city that will take you for an architectural journey between tradition and modernity. Founded by the Portuguese in 1669, Manaus is a city of more than 2 million inhabitants, located at the entrance of the mysterious and gigantic Amazon forest.

Before you fall in this incredible forest, don’t hesitate to spend a few days in Manaus. Visiting Manaus is going to discover a city in the prestigious past, stuck between the Rio Negro and the immensity of the Amazon. Visiting Manaus is also plunging into the history of rubber, this material that made the pride and wealth of the city and its entire region during the second part of the twentieth century. It was the growth of the automobile that led some of the city’s entrepreneurs to embark on the production and trade of the latex, made from a tree found everywhere in the Amazon forest: the hevea.

So what exactly do you see and do in Manaus? It’s gone for a walk through the city and its must-sees!

1. The theatre Amazonas

What do Maunaus do first? Visit the theatre Amazonas Of course! This building is probably the most famous Manaus monument. It was inaugurated on December 31, 1896 and was built using precious materials: bricks from the distant Europe, glass of France and marble of Italy.

It symbolizes the so-called "Beautiful Epoque" period, where the city flourished especially thanks to the extraction and trade of rubber. Today, theatre Amazonas is open to the visit and always hosts regular events such as theatre, opera or music performances.

2. The city center and its architecture

What else to do in Manaus? Well after discovering the joy of theatre Amazonas , go for a little walk in the historic center.

It is there that you will find the oldest buildings, made of a mix of rather original colors. Some are renovated, others leave in ruins. A surprising melting-pot to discover! Moreover, the city of Manaus is nicknamed “Paris des Tropiques”. Just that!

3. Adolfo Lisboa market

Located close to the theatre Amazonas and not far from the port, the municipal market of Manaus, also known as " Mercado Adolfo Lisboa » is a place to explore absolutely! The stalls open in the early morning, and there are many local products such as fish, fruit or cassava. The market is quite large, and its borders are quite vague.

The heart of the municipal market is undoubtedly the huge Eiffel-style hangar, built in the early twentieth century. A place not to be missed when you wonder what to do in Manaus.

4. The parks of the city

The climate of Manaus being a tropical climate, the temperature changes little and rarely descends below 25 degrees. Humidity is also important and becomes even overwhelming after a few hours walk in the city.

Visiting Manaus is also taking the time to rest in a park, in the shade of a large tree. The Brazilian city has two beautiful parks that will satisfy you: the Mindú municipal park and CIGS animal park .

The first is an ecologically-oriented park, consisting of a forest around which several activities are carried out: science, education and cultural events. The second is a natural park managed by the army, which includes 300 plant and animal species.

5. The "Water Meeting"

Manaus lies at the junction of two rivers (left Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes ) which when they meet form the Amazon, the longest river of the Earth (with the Nile).

This meeting is right in front of Manaus, and is done quickly from the port. One can observe the black of the Rio Negro meet the beige Rio Solimoes . The two rivers will evolve parallel for several kilometers, before merging and creating the Amazon.

A short excursion to the " water meeting allows to admire this curious but nevertheless very beautiful natural phenomenon.

6. The Bosque da Ciencia

Visit Manaus and its surroundings allows to discover the Bosque da Ciencia , which is both a scientific research place and at the same time a park of more than ten hectares open to the public.

It is a good introduction to the diversity of wildlife in the Amazon rainforest since it allows to observe many typical animals: fish, butterflies, spiders, turtles, and even Caymans.

7. The beaches

Who says Brazil, necessarily says beaches! Manaus does not escape the rule. You will find many beaches around the city, including the beach Ponta Negra located in the heart of the homonymous chic district.

The beaches Praia da Lua and Praia do Tupe are located in the middle of the lush vegetation of the Amazon forest!

8. The botanical garden

Visiting Manaus, it is also taking a full view by admiring the botanical garden City.

Also known as the garden Adolpho Ducke (in honor of a famous botanist), it is considered one of the world’s largest gardens with its 100 km2.

9. To see and do in Manaus and around

If a visit of a few days of the city of Manaus is appreciable, many tourists use Manaus as a base for their excursions in the Amazon forest. Indeed, Manaus is the starting point for many adventures in the South American jungle. There is something for all tastes: from the small agency that will offer you a one-day trip to Amazonia, to the stay of several days in the primary forest, with nights in hammock, discovery of indigenous villages, or hunting for piranhas!

If you want to learn more about rubber, don’t hesitate to go to Vila Paraiso (half day trip from Manaus) to discover the Museo do Seringal . You can visit the workshops where the rubber was collected and treated.

For the rest, Manaus and his region contain many other wonders to discover, including:

• The Palacio Rio Negro : former seat of the provincial government
• The Palacete Provincial : a police station converted to a museum of arts
• Mirage Park : a huge amusement park

How to get to Manaus?

• By plane

To reach and visit Manaus, flights are available from most major Brazilian cities. The flight can last between 1 and 3 hours by distance, and prices vary between 50 and 200 € according to your city of departure. For example, a flight between Boa Vista and Manaus will cost less 100 € , while a flight Sao Paulo to Manaus is around 120 € .

From Europe, flights are available from Paris but they often include a stopover (Sao Paulo if you travel with TAM Airlines, Rio de Janeiro if you fly with Air France, for example). Direct flights are available from Lisbon . The prices of these flights vary but still remain understood between 600 and 1000 € A/R .

If you want to fly, do not hesitate to check the flight comparison Ulysses which will help you travel at the best price.

• By boat

It is also possible to ship Manaus from Belem A little further north.

If the price is very attractive, the trip is quite long (about 5 days ) but allows you to discover beautiful landscapes as well as the city of Santarem , which is worth the detour. At the price level you will find routes from 60 € in hammock and 100 € in cabin.

Where to stay in Manaus?

Manaus is a big city and you will therefore have the embarrassment of choice to accommodate you. However, the most extensive accommodation offer is located near the port, which is close to the city centre while constituting the starting point of many excursions in the Amazon forest.

The chic neighborhood of Ponta Negra is also a good place to sleep, there are many hotels, certainly a little more expensive but more luxurious than elsewhere in the city.

For the most adventurous of you, many companies offer stays with accommodation in the heart of the Amazon forest. Guaranteed chills! You can use this Compare hotels to find the ideal accommodation in your budget. Moreover, you can consult our article on the best neighborhoods where to stay in Manaus !