The 14 things to do in São Luís

Are you going to Brazil? Don’t miss visiting São Luís, the capital of Maranhão, classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site!

In northeastern Brazil, the city of São Luís is famous for its colonial architecture. Founded by the French in 1612, the capital of Maranhão has indeed a magnificently preserved historic centre. But that’s not all! Its rich popular culture and beaches in the immediate vicinity make it a destination of choice during a stay at Nordeste Brazilian. To satisfy everyone's desires! Visiting São Luís is above all admiring its colonial buildings classified as the cultural heritage of humanity since 1997! ♪ casarões (large houses) and hand-painted tile facades deserve a detour. During your stay, you also enjoy the local atmosphere! Regional cuisine, reggae music, Bumba-meu-Boi dances... the meticing of its inhabitants has made wonders.

And if you don't know what to start, follow our guide of the 14 must-sees to visit in São Luís!

1. Spread in the historic centre of São Luís

Nestled between rivers Rio Anil and Rio Bacanga , the old city enjoys a beautifully preserved and restored architecture. The neighbourhood is considered one of the best witnesses of Portuguese colonization in South America. Visiting São Luís necessarily starts with a nice walk in the middle of the period buildings covered by azulejos , these colored tiles that adorn the facades. By strolling through the small streets, do not miss raising your head to admire the balconies and terraces of times!

Also stop in the churches and palaces that mark the course. Finish your day by taking a drink in the neighborhood to enjoy its festive and casual atmosphere!

2. Walking around Dom Pedro II Square

Among the unmissable places to visit in São Luís, you should not miss stopping at Dom Pedro II Square. It is surrounded by neoclassical style palaces, like the Palácio dos Leões or Palácio de La Lavardière , where the municipal council sits. Located at the mouth of the Rio Anil , the square also offers a beautiful view of the bay from its viewpoint.

3. Visit the Palácio dos Leões

Built by the French in the seventeenth century, this building has undergone numerous renovations following the wishes of the various colonial governments in power. The building we visit today was restored in 2003 and houses the headquarters of the Government of the State.

Des guided tours present furniture and antique objects. It is an ideal place to understand the formation of the cultural identity of the inhabitants of Maranhão. To make no mistake, the view of the bay is splendid from the palace.

4. Visit the Matriz da Sé

Matriz da Sé - or igreja da Se – is a cathedral built in 1629 by the Jesuits. She has experienced multiple restorations that have finally changed her style into neoclassical. Its main altar and its interior walls are covered with gold.

5. Attend a show at the Arthur Azevedo Theatre

Culture lovers, are you looking for what to do in São Luís? Take your ticket for a guided tour of the Arthur Azevedo Theatre. Built in 1817 in a neoclassical style, the theatre is the second oldest in Brazil.

Its interior is a true jewel of time, very well preserved. It can accommodate up to 750 people. By attending a show, you will also find that its acoustic is excellent.

Good to know: the theatre regularly offers performances of the Bumba-meu-Boi. This musical, choreographic and theatrical staging of a tragic myth of the sacrifice of an ox is festive, colourful and of vital importance in the region.

6. Preach on the beaches

How to visit São Luís without stopping on one of its pretty beaches? The city has a few, more famous for their lovely walks and restaurants than for the quality of the water.

• The closest to the old town is the praia da Ponta de AreiaNorth. Surrounded by skyscrapers, it is also the most urbanized!
• When you get away, you'll find her praia do Calhau. It is a beautiful white sand beach. It offers many bars and restaurants very pleasant. Its polluted waters are unfortunately not suitable for swimming.
• ♪ beaches Meio and São Marcos are also good spots for a lunch facing the sea.

7. Buy a souvenir from CEPRAMA

Don’t you plan to visit São Luís without leaving with a few souvenirs of local crafts? The CEPRAMA, or Centro de Produção de Artesanato do Maranhão , is an old textile factory dating from the nineteenth century. Today transformed into a covered craft market, there are beautiful handicrafts.

Admire the woven hammocks of São Bento, straw bags, wood jewelry, coconut or seeds. On other stands, lace, ceramics and pottery are the colored dolls of paper mâché. No doubt that you will find your happiness through the stalls of this covered market!

8. Make the Mercado das Tulhas

This popular market located between rua da estrela and rua Beco Catarina offers local products: alcohol, dried shrimp, cashew nuts, etc. Around the market, many shops sell local crafts.

You will find typical souvenirs to be brought back among embroidery, lace, hammocks or tablecloths made in the region.

9. Visit Cafua das Mercês

A former slave market in the 19th century, the Cafua das Mercês served at the time of reception center for slaves. It was renovated in 1975, preserving the original features of the construction. The place presents a collection of African art and objects from the Afro-Brazilian cult in Maranhão. In the rooms Museu Do Negro , thus we observe pieces used by the slaves during ceremonies, but also instruments of torture.

Note: the place was still closed for restoration in 2019. It's better to make sure it's reopened before you go there.

10. Visit the Centro de culture populaire Domingos Vieira Filho

Do you like to discover the festivals and traditions of the regions you visit? Among the most important things to do in São Luís, do not miss this museum dedicated to local culture! Located in a mansion of the 19th century, its three floors offer exhibitions on:

• The Carnival
• The festival Divino Espírito Santo
• Bumba Meu Boi traditional party, which makes the city famous.

Presentations are also available on Afro-Brazilian sects, such as the Umbanda and the drum mine. The tambor of crioula and other local dances are also discussed.

11. Discover the Historical and Artistic Museum of Maranhão

This typical 19th century colonial house is visited with a guide (available in Portuguese or English). You will enjoy furniture from Europe and Brazil: furniture, porcelain, kitchen, lounges. By returning the interior of a 19th century bourgeois house, this historic museum highlights the refinement of the Brazilian elites of the time.

To visit São Luís, you can continue by the Museum of Sacred Art mitoyen, where exhibits are exhibited from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

12. Make the Museum of Reggae

São Luís is recognized as the capital of the reggae in Brazil. The Museum of Reggae is a must if you are a fan of style or simply curious. Did you know that São Luís claims to be the only city we dance the reggae as a couple? Every Wednesday night, a free dance floor will allow you to practice!

Many reggae boxes and bars will extend the pleasure throughout the city.

13. Admire a sunset at Espigão Costeiro

La Pointe du littoral Ponta d’Areia – or Espigão Costeiro – is the place all indicated to admire the sunset. In front of the beach of Ponta da Areia, you will face the sea. If you have chosen to visit São Luís with family, it is a perfect place to rest. Throughout the walk, children's games, relaxation areas and snacks allow for fun.

To enjoy the best spot for sunset, the trick is to arrive before 4 p.m. . Indeed, parking and the best point of observation are quickly crowded over the weekend.

14. Take a trip on the Lençóis Maranhenses

A 4 heures de route de Sao Luís is one of the most beautiful places in Brazil: the Lençóis Maranhenses (Lençóis Maranhenses) sheets of Maranhão ). These white sand dunes sprinkled with clear water lagoons invite you to adventure and total change!

On your trip you will reach the lagoons on a 4×4 board. The way to get there is unforgettable! You must absolutely admire the lagoa Azul one of the largest lagoons in the park. Also watch lagoa das Gaivotas, lagoa Bonita and lagoa Verde and Tropical with an emerald green colour.

Tours from Sao Luis usually take place on a minimum of 2 days with a night in Barreirinhas. The second day was devoted to a boat trip along the Rio Preguiças. It will be an opportunity for you to admire nature in all its splendour: mangroves and palm trees with loss of sight! In addition, during this cruise, you will have the opportunity to climb to the top of the Preguiças light to admire a sumptuous panorama of the surroundings.

How to get to São Luís?

From France and the major European capitals

• Many flights land Rio de Janeiro or São Paulothe economic capital of Brazil. From there, the easiest one is to take another flight to São Luís.
• Since Rio: You'll have to count about 3h30 flight. Marechal Cunha Machado Airport is located southeast of the city, about 15 km from the city centre.
• From the airport: by taxi, count $30R (5€) to reach the historic centre of São Luís. Bus lines also make the airport-road route. They are however random and unsafe for the traveler, stay on your guards.

From another city in Brazil

You can choose between the bus or the plane. We recommend the mode of air transport, safer, less long and often at the same price! To compare the different prices of flights, the best is to go to a comparison such as Ulysses . If you opt for the bus, try first and foremost to avoid night trips

Where to stay in São Luís?

Undeniably, the best place to stay to visit São Luís is Historic Centre . Most of the museums and monuments are there, just like most bars, restaurants and hotels. You will find the largest choice of accommodation near the Praça João Lisboa . Interesting alternatives exist near the beaches and in the new town of São Luís. Du petit Airbnb Typical at the large resort hotel, the price range is extended. The best is to compare prices to your dates of stay on a Compare hotels online to make your choice.