São Luís
Brazil · Maranhão · 35 m
Description
São Luís is the capital of Maranhão and the only city in Brazil founded by the French. Located on an island along the Atlantic coast, it blends a rich colonial heritage with vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture and is considered the cultural heart of northeastern Brazil. The city is renowned for its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where elegant colonial buildings are adorned with colorful Portuguese azulejo tiles. São Luís is also the home of Bumba-meu-boi, a vibrant tradition of music, dance, and theater recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. As the main gateway to the spectacular dunes and lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and the historic colonial town of Alcântara, São Luís ranks among the most captivating destinations in northern Brazil.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: August – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Historic Center of São Luís (UNESCO)
- Lençóis Maranhenses National Park(Day trip)
- Palácio dos Leões
- Bumba Meu Boi Festival (June)
- Rua Portugal
- Cathedral of Sé
- Convento das Mercês
- Palácio La Ravardière
- Cafua das Mercês Museum
- Museum of Sacred Art
- Casa do Maranhão
- Casa de Nhozinho
- Mercado Central of São Luís
- Maranhão cuisine
- Praia de São Marcos
- Praia do Calhau
- Alcântara Historic Center(Day trip)
- Alcântara Ruins(Day trip)
- Espigão Costeiro
- Ribeirão Fountain
- Ceprama Craft Center
- Reggae nightlife
Getting there
- Airports:
- SLZ
- Train stations:
- São Luís
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry