Top Museums in Rio de Janeiro

Bring a water bottle, but make sure it's not glass. They have refill stations, which helped me stay hydrated without spending money on drinks inside.

Try to get your tickets online in advance to skip the lines – I did that and saved a ton of time!

Don't miss the rooftop viewing area! The sunset view over the bay is stunning and totally worth the visit.

If you can, visit on a weekday morning. It was way less crowded then, and I could enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed.

I recommend visiting on weekdays if possible. It's less crowded, so you can enjoy the displays without feeling rushed or jostled by other visitors.

If you're planning to explore the gardens, give yourself an extra hour. They’re beautiful but a bit underappreciated by most visitors, and it's a nice place to unwind.

Consider dressing in layers. The interior can get a bit chilly, especially in the afternoon, but you might be warm outside.

Don't miss the museum's cafe! The coffee was surprisingly good and reasonably priced; perfect for a quick recharge during your visit.

Grab a bite at the café inside before starting your tour. Their snacks are delicious and give you the energy you need to explore without getting too tired.

I suggest taking a guided tour if you can. I skipped it, thinking I’d explore on my own, but learned later that the guides had some awesome insights I missed out on.

Check out the museum's calendar for special exhibitions before your visit. There was a temporary exhibit that I adored, but I had no idea it was happening until I got there.

Try to visit on a weekday, especially in the morning around 10 AM. It was way less crowded and I had the galleries all to myself, which made the experience so much better.

My advice is to grab a coffee at the museum café before diving into the exhibits. Their pastries are delish and gives you a nice energy boost!

I think using the audio guide enhances the experience. I didn’t get one, and I felt like I missed a lot of cool details about the art!

If you love history don’t skip the little movie about the palace's past. It gives a nice overview and I think it sets the mood for the visit.

Check the museum’s schedule for free admission days – it’s a great way to save some cash and still enjoy the exhibits.

Take your time with the exhibits especially the Brazil's history section. I rushed through and missed some really interesting details!

Grab a map when you enter; some reviews suggest the layout can be confusing, and I totally agree. It helped me navigate way better!

If you're into photography, visit during the golden hour; the light in the vicinity is amazing for photos, especially at sunset.

my advice is to wear comfy shoes. the museum is bigger than it seems, and you'll do a fair bit of walking. i learned the hard way when my feet started to ache halfway through my visit.

I recommend going on a Wednesday! It's free entry on that day, so you can save some cash. Just be ready for larger crowds, so get there early, around 9 AM, to enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed.