São Luís do Maranhão

São Luís do Maranhão is a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty.

Known for its historic centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its vibrant cultural scene, São Luís is an unmissable destination in north-eastern Brazil.

To walk around São Luís do Maranhão is to move between the historical past with its beautiful churches, museums and monuments and the present.

São Luís, the capital of Maranhão, has many particularities: it is the only city in the country founded by the French, it has the largest collection of Portuguese tiles in Latin America and, despite belonging to the north-east, it is close to the Amazon.

In the Historic Centre of São Luís do Maranhão, the façades of the mansions, adorned with delicate tiles from the then Metropolis, take you back in time – it’s a shame, however, that the conservation of this world heritage site is disappointing.

But the ‘Island of Love’, as São Luís is known, also has its modern side, as the busy Avenida dos Holandeses and the bars of the charming Lagoa da Jansen remind us.

The influence of the Portuguese, Spanish, French and Dutch has helped to shape the Historic Centre of São Luís, making it the true guardian of a vast cultural heritage – part of its 4,000 buildings are recognised by Unesco as World Cultural Heritage.

The unnumbered streets can be quite a mystery to those not used to the city. But most of the hotels and restaurants are in the Ponta D’Areia, Renascença I and II and Calhau neighbourhoods, all interconnected by the long Avenida dos Holandeses, which makes access a little easier.

The Historic Centre, which can be reached by crossing the José Sarney Bridge, is home to most of the attractions

Main tourist attractions and activities in São Luís

1. Historic Centre

1. Rua do Giz
  • Description: One of the most famous streets in the historic centre, with colonial houses and cobblestones.
  • Activities: Walks, photography and visits to the craft shops.
2. Palace of the Lions
  • Description: Seat of the government of the state of Maranhão, with a beautiful view of the bay of São Marcos.
  • Activities: Guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the palace.
3. Sé Cathedral
  • Description: São Luís Cathedral, an imposing building with interesting architectural details.
  • Activities: Visiting and appreciating the religious architecture.
4. Historical and Artistic Museum of Maranhão
  • Description: Museum located in a colonial mansion that presents the history and culture of Maranhão.
  • Activities: Visiting the permanent and temporary exhibitions.

2. Culture and Traditions

1. Bumba Meu Boi
  • Description: One of Maranhão’s most important cultural manifestations, with dance, music and theatre performances.
  • Activities: Watching the performances, especially during the June festivities.
2. Tambor de Crioula
  • Description: A traditional Afro-Brazilian dance with drums and dancers dressed in colourful costumes.
  • Activities: Watch the performances and take part if possible.
3. June festivals
  • Description: São Luís has one of the liveliest June celebrations in Brazil, with bonfires, quadrilhas, typical food and cultural performances.
  • Activities: Participation in festivals and cultural events.

3. Natural beauty

1. Calhau Beach
  • Description: One of the most popular beaches in São Luís, with a good infrastructure of bars and restaurants.
  • Activities: Bathing in the sea, walking along the shore and sampling the local cuisine.
2. São Marcos beach
  • Description: Urban beach with rough waters, ideal for water sports.
  • Activities: Surfing, kitesurfing, walking and relaxing.
3. Araçagi Beach
  • Description: A more secluded beach, known for its tranquillity and natural beauty.
  • Activities: Sea bathing, picnics and family outings.

4. Gastronomy

1. Cuxá rice
  • Description: Typical dish made with rice, vinegar, dried shrimp, sesame and chilli pepper.
  • Activities: Gastronomic experience in local restaurants.
2. Prawn pie
  • Description: A traditional dish, much appreciated by locals and visitors alike.
  • Activities: Tasting in the town’s restaurants.
3. Guaraná Jesus
  • Description: Typical drink from Maranhão, famous for its pink colour and unique flavour.
  • Activities: Try it in local bars and cafeterias.

5. Other Activities

1. House of Maranhão
  • Description: A space dedicated to Maranhão culture, with exhibitions on bumba-meu-boi, tambor de crioula and other traditions.
  • Activities: Visiting and learning about Maranhão culture.
  • Activities: Visiting and learning about local culture.
2. Praia Grande Fair
  • Description: Craft and regional products fair, located in the historic centre.
  • Activities: Shopping for handicrafts, souvenirs and typical products.
3. Arthur Azevedo Theatre
  • Description: One of the oldest theatres in Brazil, with beautiful architecture and a varied programme.
  • Activities: Watch theatre plays, concerts and cultural performances.

6. Practical tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Between June and September, when the rains are less frequent and the June festivals are in full swing.
  • How to Get There: São Luís airport (Marechal Cunha Machado) receives flights from various parts of Brazil. The city is also accessible by road and sea transport.
  • Transport in the City: Taxis and transport apps are common. To explore the historic centre, walking is the best option due to the proximity of the attractions.
  • Accommodation: There are a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to guesthouses and hostels.

7. Final considerations

São Luís do Maranhão is a destination that offers a rich cultural and historical experience, complemented by beautiful natural landscapes and delicious gastronomy.

The city is a real treasure for lovers of history, culture and nature, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.