São Luís is a city of two moods: a colonial Old Town of tiled facades and steep lanes on its own small peninsula, and a modern beachfront strip along the Atlantic. For a visitor, that split is the single most useful thing to know before you book.
Most of what you have come to see sits in the historic centre, so most visitors base themselves there and walk to the sights. If you would rather wake up near the sand, the beach districts are a short ride away. This guide covers which areas to choose between, and what each one is like to stay in.
Best areas to stay in São Luís
1. Old Town (Centro Histórico)
This is the colonial heart of the city and where most visitors choose to stay, because it puts the historic streets, mansions and churches within walking distance. You will find the widest spread of places here, from simple dorm beds and family rooms to restored mansions with air conditioning and in-house restaurants.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to be on foot among the sights. Note that some streets in the historic centre can be noisy at night, so if you are sensitive to sound, ask for a room away from the street side.
2. Calhau
Calhau is the beach option, with pousadas, beach bars and a handful of restaurants along the shore. It is the area to pick if you would rather have the sea at your door and are happy to travel to the historic centre rather than stay in it.
Be aware that Calhau has no budget options, so it is a choice for travellers with more to spend. It is also a fair distance from the Old Town, which matters if the colonial sights are your priority.
3. Ponta D'areia
Ponta D'areia sits near the Lagoa de Jansen and the Baía de São Marcos, and is home to high-rise accommodation with views over the water and lagoon. It suits travellers who prefer a modern hotel setting with breakfast included and easy access to the beach side of the city.
As with Calhau, you are trading proximity to the historic centre for a more contemporary base, so plan on taking transport when you want to explore the Old Town.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dorm beds, simple singles and doubles, and family rooms, mostly in the Old Town. Expect shared bathrooms and basic rooms in some cases, and kitchens or breakfast included at others.
- Mid-range: comfortable rooms with air conditioning, internet access and breakfast, including restored mansions in the historic centre and beachfront places with restaurants.
- Splurge: high-rise hotels with pools, gyms, spas and beach access, concentrated in the beach districts rather than the Old Town.
Best area for a first visit
Stay in the Old Town. It is where most visitors choose to stay precisely because the historic centre is what you came to see, and it lets you walk to it rather than commute. It also gives you the broadest choice of accommodation at every level, from budget to mid-range.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in the Old Town or at the beach?
The Old Town puts you among the historic sights and is the usual choice for most visitors. The beach districts, such as Calhau, suit travellers who would rather be by the sea and do not mind being further from the colonial centre.
Are there budget places to stay in the Old Town?
Yes. The Old Town has dorm beds, singles, doubles and family rooms, including at least one youth hostel, along with simple pousadas.
Is Calhau a good option for budget travellers?
No. Calhau has no budget options, so it is better suited to travellers with a mid-range or higher budget.
Will noise be a problem in the historic centre?
It can be. Some rooms facing the street in the Old Town are noisy, particularly at night, so ask for a room away from the street if quiet matters to you.
Compare live prices for the area you have chosen with the booking tools on this page.