Olympic Boulevard (Orla Conde) Rio de Janeiro
A revitalized seafront promenade in Rio de Janeiro, featuring vibrant street art, museums, and cultural spaces along Guanabara Bay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Olympic Boulevard (Orla Conde) Rio de Janeiro
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A revitalized seafront promenade in Rio de Janeiro, featuring vibrant street art, museums, and cultural spaces along Guanabara Bay.
"A gorgeous sidewalk along the sea port, it's a good place to walk slowly enjoying the view. "
🚶♀️ Walk the Boulevard
Stroll along the 3.5km promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and street art.
🚆 Use the VLT
The Light Rail Transit is convenient for hopping between attractions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mural Etnias
Boulevard Olímpico
Kobra's massive, vibrant mural depicting indigenous faces from around the world. A true visual spectacle!
Museum of Tomorrow
Praça Mauá
An architectural marvel with interactive exhibits exploring sustainability and the future of our planet.
AquaRio
Boulevard Olímpico
South America's largest aquarium, offering an immersive underwater experience with diverse marine life.
Yup Star Ferris Wheel
Boulevard Olímpico
Enjoy panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and the city skyline from this giant observation wheel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the VLT
Safety First, Fun Always
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Boulevard
Stroll along the 3.5km promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and street art.
🚆 Use the VLT
The Light Rail Transit is convenient for hopping between attractions.
📸 Capture Mural Etnias
This massive mural is a must-see for photos!
💡 Visit Museums
Explore MAR, Museum of Tomorrow, and others along the route.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Boulevard
Stroll along the 3.5km promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and street art.
🚆 Use the VLT
The Light Rail Transit is convenient for hopping between attractions.
📸 Capture Mural Etnias
This massive mural is a must-see for photos!
💡 Visit Museums
Explore MAR, Museum of Tomorrow, and others along the route.
💰 Consider a RioCard
For easy VLT and public transport access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Olympic Boulevard for its stunning revitalization, vibrant atmosphere, and impressive attractions like the Mural Etnias and Museum of Tomorrow. It's seen as a great place for a leisurely walk with beautiful bay views and cultural immersion. Some note that while generally safe, standard city precautions are advised.
"A gorgeous sidewalk along the sea port, it takes from Mauá Square to National Historical Museum.
It's a good place to walk slowly enjoyng the view.
Art Museum of Rio (MAR), Tomorrow Museum, Bank of Brasil Cultural Centre (CCBB), France-Brazil House, Correios Cultural Centre, Navy Museum, Imperial Place, National Historical Museum, and historical buildings and churches are on this way as well as restaurants, bars and all kind of stores."
Elisa Colepicolo
"Linda"
Carla Bonfin de Carvalho
"A Orla Prefeito Luiz Paulo Conde, popularmente conhecida como "Orla Conde" ou "Boulevard Olímpico", é um calçadão situado na Zona Central da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, às margens da Baía de Guanabara.
Com cerca de 3,5 km de extensão e 287 mil m² de área, estende-se pelos bairros do Centro, Gamboa e Saúde. A orla foi gradualmente inaugurada entre 2015 e 2017, ocupando a área que antes ficava sob o Elevado da Perimetral, além de substituir parte da Avenida Rodrigues Alves. Sua abertura pôs fim a 252 anos de acesso restrito, em um trecho da orla, a militares do 1º Distrito Naval.
O passeio público, situado entre a Roda Gigante Yup Star (próxima ao Armazém 8 do Cais da Gamboa) e a Praça Mauá percorre diversos pontos culturais, quatro deles construídos justamente para fomentar a região como um pólo de entretenimento e turismo: o Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR), o AquaRio, o Mural Etnias e o Museu do Amanhã.
Diversas praças integram a orla, entre elas a Mauá e a Praça XV. Além de novos espaços culturais, a orla também ganhou infraestrutura para adaptar-se à missão de área turística, recebendo a instalação de 206 postes de iluminação de LED, a colocação de 153 bancos e o plantio de 463 árvores, além da instalação de trilhos elétricos para a alocação de quatro paradas do VLT Carioca: Utopia AquaRio, Parada dos Navios/Valongo, Parada dos Museus e Praça XV.
O nome da orla é uma homenagem a Luiz Paulo Conde, ex-prefeito da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e ex-vice-governador do estado do Rio de Janeiro. O prefeito do Rio de Janeiro na época do batismo, Eduardo Paes. escolheu o nome para o boulevard devido ao fato de Conde ser, para Paes, o grande inspirador das transformações urbanas que ocorreram durante os seus dois primeiros mandatos como prefeito carioca.
Em 2025, a Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro realizou chamamento público, e deu o pontapé inicial para a criação do empreendimento Mata Maravilha, que promete revolucionar a região do entorno, unindo as tecnologias mais avançadas em "green tech" para restaurar áreas tombadas e patrimônios culturais da região e criar templos da economia regenerativa, devolvendo assim à população um cenário de fauna e flora locais.
Com o Mata Maravilha, a região do Porto Maravilha vai promover suas atividades dentro de seis “biomas”:
– Gastronomia, com restaurantes, feira e mercado orgânico, em conexão com pequenos produtores locais
– Moda, beleza e design, em colaboração com todos os talentos criativos cariocas, com ateliês, espaços de desfiles, entre outros
– Cultura e entretenimento, com um centro cultural, residências artísticas, galerias, estúdio de produção de conteúdo, sala imersiva digital, duas salas de concerto
– Longevidade, com templo de meditação e a maior sala de movimento da América Latina de frente ao mar
– Hospitalidade, com quatro hotéis e residências para 2,5 mil moradores
– Hub Aya, para promover negócios regenerativos"
Daniel Fernandes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Olympic Boulevard is by using the VLT (Light Rail Transit). Several lines stop near the attractions, including the 'Museu do Amanhã' and 'Praça XV' stations. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also readily available.
Yes, the VLT is the primary public transport option, with multiple stops along the boulevard. Buses also serve the surrounding areas.
It's a significant distance from popular tourist areas like Copacabana or Ipanema. It's recommended to use the VLT or a taxi/ride-share for convenience.
Parking can be challenging and expensive in the city center. Using the VLT or ride-sharing services is generally more practical.
Walking is ideal for exploring the boulevard's length. The VLT is also perfect for moving between key attractions like the Museum of Tomorrow and AquaRio.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Olympic Boulevard itself is a public promenade and is free to access. However, individual attractions like the Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio, and the Yup Star Ferris Wheel require separate tickets.
The boulevard is generally accessible 24/7, but individual museums and attractions have their own operating hours. It's best to check the specific hours for each venue you plan to visit.
Yes, the Mural Etnias is a free outdoor art installation. The public promenade itself is also free to enjoy.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets for popular attractions like the Museum of Tomorrow and AquaRio online in advance to save time and potentially secure your spot.
While not always advertised, sometimes package deals or city passes might include access to multiple attractions. It's worth checking with individual museums or tourism websites.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mural Etnias is a prime photo opportunity. The Museum of Tomorrow's unique architecture and the views from the Yup Star Ferris Wheel are also highly photogenic.
Late afternoon light can be beautiful, but the mural is impressive at any time. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds for unobstructed shots.
Photography policies vary by museum. Generally, non-flash photography is allowed in public areas, but check specific rules within each museum.
Yes, the boulevard offers views of Guanabara Bay, and while not a direct sunset view, the evening light can be quite dramatic, especially with the illuminated mural.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the Mural Etnias and the architecture. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general sightseeing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Praça Mauá and along the boulevard offers various dining options, from casual snack bars to restaurants. You can find food stalls selling local treats like tapioca and churros.
You'll find a mix of Brazilian cuisine, seafood, and international options. Snack bars offer quick bites like popcorn, churros, and tapioca.
Yes, street food vendors offer affordable snacks. Look for local 'lanchonetes' (snack bars) for more economical meal choices.
Generally, street food from busy stalls with good turnover is safe. However, always exercise caution and choose vendors that appear clean and popular.
Yes, you'll find cafes, especially near the museums and cultural centers, offering coffee and light refreshments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many of the museums, like the Museum of Tomorrow, have interactive exhibits that can engage younger visitors. The open promenade is perfect for kids to walk, run, and enjoy the sea air. Consider packing snacks and drinks, and utilize the VLT for easy transportation between attractions.
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
Don't miss the Museum of Tomorrow, an architectural masterpiece with thought-provoking exhibits on science and sustainability. The historical buildings along the boulevard also add to the rich cultural tapestry of the area.
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Cultural Hub
Key cultural institutions dotting the promenade include the Museum of Art of Rio (MAR), the Museum of Tomorrow, the AquaRio (South America's largest aquarium), and the impressive Mural Etnias by artist Kobra. These attractions offer a diverse range of experiences, from contemporary art and futuristic science to marine life and vibrant street art.
Beyond the major museums, the boulevard is lined with historical buildings, cultural centers like the Bank of Brasil Cultural Centre (CCBB) and the France-Brazil House, and offers beautiful views of Guanabara Bay. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, enjoying the sea breeze and soaking in the city's rich history and modern artistic expressions.
Navigating with the VLT
Using the VLT is straightforward. You'll need to purchase a rechargeable RioCard or a single-trip ticket from machines at the stations. It's advisable to get a RioCard if you plan on using public transport frequently during your visit, as it can be more cost-effective. The VLT offers a smooth and efficient way to travel between sights, avoiding traffic congestion.
Travelers often highlight the VLT as a practical and enjoyable way to explore the area. It provides a comfortable ride with good views of the urban landscape, allowing you to easily access the museums, the Ferris wheel, and other points of interest without the hassle of parking or navigating busy streets.
Safety and Best Practices
As with any major city, petty theft can occur. It's recommended to use secure bags, keep your phone in a front pocket or secure bag, and be mindful of who is around you. The presence of military police in some areas contributes to the security, but vigilance is always key.
For a more comfortable experience, consider visiting during the day when there are more people around. If you visit in the evening, stick to well-lit and populated areas. Many visitors find the boulevard to be a pleasant and safe place to explore, especially when taking sensible precautions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit