Sao Luis

Introduction

You will find São Luís situated on São Luís Island within the Baía de São Marcos. This coastal location sits at a point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the estuary formed by the Pindaré, Mearim, and Itapecuru rivers.

Before you go

Prepare to immerse yourself in a culture defined by a unique fusion of Portuguese, indigenous Brazilian, and African influences. You can experience this heritage through the local version of the Bumba meu boi festival or by exploring the city's reputation as the "Brazilian Jamaica" due to its popularity with Caribbean reggae music. When you explore the Historical Center, you will find yourself among cobblestone streets and buildings adorned with beautiful azulejo tile walls.

To ensure a smooth trip, keep these practical considerations in mind:

• Avoid roaming the empty streets of the Historical Center at night to stay safe.
• Refrain from displaying expensive possessions, such as smartphones or professional cameras, to avoid trouble.
• Focus your exploration on two main areas: the cultural heart and shopping hub of the Historical Center near the Anil river, or the modern neighborhoods around Lagoa da Jansen for upscale shopping and nightlife.

Getting there

You can reach the city by plane at Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport, located a short distance from the center. From the terminal, you can take a bus that travels toward the city center or choose to walk along the main exit toward a nearby gas station to catch a different bus heading straight toward the Old Town. Taxis are also available from the luggage area with fixed prices for trips to the local beaches and the historic district.

If you prefer to travel by land, the bus station is located near the airport. From there, specific routes can take you directly to the waterfront of the Old Town. For those traveling by rail, a train station operates several times a week to reach various destinations in the region.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using a network of buses. To make the most of your travel, you can use bus interchange stations or a smartcard to facilitate transfers between lines. A main bus interchange is located west of the Historical Center where several routes are useful for your itinerary: one line provides access to São Luís Shopping, while another travels along all the beaches. You can also utilize local transit apps to help plan your journeys.

Taxis are a popular option for getting around, particularly after sunset. Alternatively, you can use rideshare platforms to travel between locations such as the airport and the historical center during the early morning hours.

Where to stay

You can find a wide variety of accommodations within the Old Town, which is the preferred area for most visitors. For those who prefer to stay near the coast, the Calhau neighborhood offers several pousadas, beach bars, and restaurants.

Depending on your preference for atmosphere and location, you can choose from various styles of lodging:

• Stay in the heart of the colonial part of the city at a rustic and authentic establishment.
• Choose a restored mansion on one of the most picturesque streets of the historic center to enjoy rooms with air conditioning and a restaurant serving local favorites.
• Select a high-rise hotel in Ponta D'areia for views of both Lagoa de Jansen and Baia de Sao Marcos.
• Opt for a stay in Calhau where you can enjoy beach access and inviting green grounds.
• Find basic rooms or bright, clean spaces with high ceilings within the Old Town area.

Food & drink

Savor the regional flavors of Maranhão by sampling local specialties such as Peixada (fish), shrimp pie, and Arroz de cuxá, a traditional rice dish prepared with herbs. If you are exploring the Old Town, you can find authentic Italian-style pizza or various lunch options ranging from set meals to à la carte selections.

Refresh your palate with Jesus, a local version of guaraná that is pink and notably sweeter than other varieties. You can find many small bars in the Old Town, though these areas are quieter on Sundays as the activity moves toward the beaches. For a different atmosphere, head to the coastal areas near Lagoa da Jansen or the beach of Calhau. These locations offer diverse experiences ranging from open-air spots and reggae venues by the boat terminal to large venues featuring forró music and lively outdoor scenes.

What to see and do

Explore the Historic Center to witness a wealth of Portuguese architecture adapted for the tropical climate, notably through the use of insulating azulejo tiles. You can wander past the Palácio dos Leões and visit the Teatro Arthur Azevedo, which features a modern interior despite its age. The area is rich with cultural sites, including the Museu Histórico e Artístico do Maranhão, the Museu de Arte Sacra, and the Solar São Luís, recognized as one of the largest azulejo-clad buildings in Brazil. Other notable landmarks include the Gothic-style Remédios Church on Praça Gonçalves Dias, the Convento das Mercês, and the Museu do Reggae Maranhão.

Experience the local lifestyle along the urban beaches, where you can observe significant tidal variations that dramatically change the shoreline. Visit Ponta d'Areia to see a pier extending into the bay or head to Calhau for calmer waters and more infrastructure. For those seeking different coastal scenery, Praia Araçagy offers surf views under palapas, while Praia de Carima features sand dunes. Beyond the coast, you can visit the Parque Botânico da Vale or explore the city's cultural traditions, such as the Bumba-meu-boi folklore performances held in June.

• Historic Center
• Palácio dos Leões
• Teatro Arthur Azevedo
• Solar São Luís
• Museu de Arte Sacra
• Remédios Church
• Ponta d'Areia
• Calhau
• Praia Araçagy
• Bumba-meu-boi

Three days in Sao Luis

Day one, you can begin your stay in the Historical Center to experience the local culture. You can explore the area and take in the atmosphere of the Old Town.

Day two, you can travel toward the coast to see the Atlantic Ocean or visit the nearby areas of Calhau and Lagoa.

Day three, you can spend your final day exploring more of São Luís Island before preparing for your departure from the Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport.