Belém is the capital of Pará and the gateway to the Amazon, sitting on the Pará River about 100 km upriver from the Atlantic. The city is known as the Cidade das Mangueiras, the City of Mango Trees, and its older quarters keep tree-filled squares, churches and traditional blue tiles, while newer parts have modern buildings and skyscrapers. It has a tropical rainforest climate with no true dry season, so rain is possible in any month and the wetter stretch runs from December through May.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself relative to the sights and the transport hubs. The accommodation is concentrated in two main areas, both offering the full range of places to stay: the stretch on and around Avenida Presidente Vargas, on the edge of the commercial centre and close to many sights, and the area around the bus terminal and São Bráz. This guide covers those areas, what each suits, and how to think about budget, mid-range and splurge choices.
Best areas to stay in Belém
1. Avenida Presidente Vargas and the commercial centre edge
This is the most convenient base for sightseeing. The avenue runs along the very edge of the commercial centre and is close to many of the city's sights, including Praça da República and the Docas area. You will find the full range of accommodation here, from budget rooms to larger hotels.
It suits first-time visitors who want to walk to the main sights and be central. The trade-off is that the area is rather seedy, and its smaller alleys are not too safe at night, so choose your exact spot and your evening routes with that in mind.
2. Bus terminal and São Bráz
This area sits around the bus terminal and São Bráz, and is described as somewhat easier going than the Presidente Vargas stretch. It offers the same full range of accommodation as the centre, so you are not limited on comfort level.
It suits travellers arriving or leaving by coach, and anyone who prefers a calmer base over being on the doorstep of the sights. Expect to rely on the bus terminal and the surrounding streets for connections rather than walking everywhere.
3. Travessa Frutuoso Guimarães and the Docas area
Within the central area, this small cluster sits some three blocks inland from the Docas, with several places to stay within 50 metres of each other. It is a pocket of budget-oriented accommodation rather than a separate district, and it keeps you within reach of the waterfront and the market area.
It suits budget and backpacker travellers who want to be near the Docas and the centre without paying for a larger hotel. Because the cluster is compact, it is worth checking what is available on your dates before committing to the area.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: dorm beds and basic single and double rooms, some with shared bathrooms, in the central areas and around Travessa Frutuoso Guimarães. Expect simple furnishings, and in some older buildings little sound insulation between rooms.
- Mid-range: standard hotel rooms with private bathrooms, often on or near Avenida Presidente Vargas and Avenida Governador José Malcher, with restaurants and services on site.
- Splurge: the larger, more established hotels in the same central areas, with higher ceilings, more facilities and a location close to Praça da República and the main sights.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself on and around Avenida Presidente Vargas. It puts you on the edge of the commercial centre and close to many of the sights, which matters most when your time is short. Accept the trade-off: the area is rather seedy and its smaller alleys are not too safe at night, so pick your exact location and keep to the main streets after dark.
Frequently asked questions
How many main areas are there for accommodation in Belém?
There are two main areas, both featuring the full range of accommodation: on and around Avenida Presidente Vargas on the edge of the commercial centre, and the area around the bus terminal and São Bráz.
Is the Avenida Presidente Vargas area safe at night?
It is close to many sights but rather seedy, and its smaller alleys are not too safe at night. The bus terminal and São Bráz area is somewhat easier going.
When is the wetter season in Belém?
The wetter season spans from December through May, while the drier season covers the remaining six months. The city has no true dry season month, so rain is possible year-round.
How do I reach Belém?
Belém is served by Belém International Airport, which connects the city with the rest of Brazil and other cities in South America, North America and Europe. It also has a busy port and a bus and coach station.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.