Manaus Theatre, Market and Riverfront Sights

Manaus sights by area

The sights of Manaus cluster in three places: the old centre around the theatre, the riverfront with its market and port, and the edges of the city, where the forest museum and the beach promenade are found. Here they are by area.

Old centre

  • Teatro Amazonas. Inaugurated on 31 December 1896 and listed by UNESCO in July 2026 as Amazonia Theaters, the first cultural World Heritage listing in Brazil’s North region. The wider historic centre is not on the list. Guided visits run Tuesday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:00 and Sunday and holidays 09:00 to 13:00, with Monday uncertain. Tickets: R$20, or R$10 at half price. Free for Amazonas residents with ID, children to 10 and people with disabilities. Details at Portal Amazônia .
  • Praça São Sebastião. The square outside has wave-patterned paving that many people link to the Meeting of the Waters.
  • Palácio Rio Negro. Built in 1903 on Avenida Sete de Setembro for the rubber baron Waldemar Scholz, later the home of the state governor, and now a cultural centre. Free entry. Opening hours vary by source, so check before you go, and do not count on Sunday.

Riverfront

  • Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa. A market hall of 1883 built with iron from Europe and said to be modelled on Les Halles in Paris. Restoration took seven years and finished in October 2013. Free entry. One guide lists Monday to Saturday 06:00 to 18:00 and Sunday and holidays 06:00 to 12:00. Goods include fish, fruit, crafts and herbs.
  • Porto Flutuante. The floating port is a separate place beside the market, where riverboats leave for Santarém and Belém.

West

  • Praia da Ponta Negra. The riverside promenade and amphitheatre. In the low-water season, about August to November, the sand is wide. Treat it as a walking spot rather than a bathing beach.

East

  • MUSA, the Museu da Amazônia. At Avenida Margarita 6305, inside the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve. The tower is about 42 m. Open daily 08:30 to 17:00 except Wednesdays. Bookings by WhatsApp on (92) 99280-9059. Prices are posted on museudaamazonia.org.br , and residents receive a discount.

On the water

  • Meeting of the Waters. About 6 km of side-by-side black and sandy water, with different speed, temperature and density. It is seen from a boat.

Getting around

Carry cash for small purchases. Check the Porto de Manaus level if your plans include any boat, as low water from August to November lengthens transfers.

Join a tour

City tours that combine several of these stops are listed on Viator .

Read more: Guided visits and museums and Top activities .