Flamengo Park

Flamengo Park Overview

Flamengo Park is a huge expanse covering over 1 million square metes (11 million sq. feet) and overlooks the Guanabara Bay. The principal area traces the Av. Infante Dom Henrique (Avenue) and Praia do Flamengo (Beach) from Flamengo to the borders of Downtown.

It was originally designed by Burle Max, a famous landscape architect who arranged for the planting of thousands of trees and flowering bushes. Some lament that the original design has been destroyed with the advance of highway traffic. However, it remains very popular with residents and visitors as there are biking and walking trails, and multiple fields for football (soccer), tennis and other sports.

During the week, one can find people walking, jogging and exercising along the trails or just taking in the beautiful views. In the evenings, the parks remain very active with multiple football clubs enjoying spirited action. On Sundays, the traffic is lighter and some car lanes are opened to pedestrians.

Near the downtown section of the park, you can find the World War II Monument and the Museum of Modern Art. The Marina in Glória is also close by and worth a visit. On the South side of the park, you can find the Carmen Miranda Museum and the Republic Museum. The Republic Museum (formerly known as the Catete Palace) has a wonderful park for smaller children.