Belém
The Pará state capital is one of the oldest in Brazil, a charming and beautiful destination that offers lots of attractions.
Besides beaches and forests, Belém has historic heritage as well as modern tourist attractions, all of it carrying the intensity of Pará smells, flavors, habits, sounds, and the friendliness of its people.
As you walk around the city, you will come across one of the main local attractions, called Estação das Docas (Wharf Station). This cultural tourist complex has a little of everything: local cuisine, culture, fashion, and handicrafts. One of the local shows you can watch there is a group of dancers perform the carimbó, a typical dance of Indigenous origin and African influence.
Another attraction that visitors must experience is the Ver-o-Peso Market, considered the largest open-air market in Latin America. It is a cultural tourist spot in the city where visitors can find local fruit, indigenous and marajoara (from the island of Marajó) handicrafts, local fish, and much more. The Market is the ideal place to try most of the delicacies of Pará cuisine, including açaí berries, a typical Amazonian fruit, crab claws, a delicious local snack, and tacacá, a type of soup made with tapioca starch, jambu leaves, and dried shrimp.
Estação das Docas (Wharf Station), one of Belém’s icons
One of the greatest cultural and historical references in the state is the Feliz Lusitânia Complex. Besides museums, palaces, and mansions, the complex contains beautiful period buildings where it is possible to experience the influence that the Portuguese had in the city of Belém. It also contains several other attractions, one of which is the Sé Cathedral, inaugurated in 1771. Every second Sunday in October, the cathedral is the starting point for one of the biggest religious processions in Brazil: the Círio de Nazaré. In Cidade Velha (the old town), you can also visit Mangal das Garças Park, which is home to hundreds of aquatic birds, such as herons and tuiuiús, and visit the viewpoint overlooking the Guamá River.
Since Belém is in the Amazon region, a good option for those seeking adventure are the trails through the forest, and the boat rides. Some local islands have incredible beaches, such as Mosqueiro and Alter do Chão beaches, which are located in Santarém. The beaches, formed by rivers, on the Atlantic coast, and in igarapés (streams of water coming from a bigger river, usually enclosed by heavy tropical forest), are ideal for those who want to enjoy the sun in Pará. Boat trips are great for those who want to visit other beaches or islands in the region, such as Marajó, an island that has incredible natural beauty.
Belém is, without a doubt, one of the many Brazilian destinations that will please all types of tourists.
By plane
+55 (91) 3210-6000
The International Airport of Belém receives domestic flights from most Brazilian capitals, as well as international flights.
By bus
+55 (91) 3266-2625
The Belém Bus Terminal operates intercity and interstate lines.
By boat
+55 (91) 3182-9136
The city has an excellent river transport structure. The Port of Belém is interconnected with other destinations in northern Brazil, such as Manaus, Santarém, and Macapá.
By Bus
There are several bus lines serving the city. If you want to find out more about bus routes and timetables, please visit the ViaLoc website.
Personal Vehicles or Rentals
A good way to get around the city and to visit nearby destinations is to rent a car.
By Boat
Some tourism agencies offer boat rides in which visitors will experience the Amazon Forest, the city’s river shore, some riverside communities, and nearby islands. The most traditional boat tours depart from Estação das Docas (Wharf Station).
Taxis and Ridesharing Companies
One of the options to get around the city comfortably is to use local taxis and ridesharing companies.
Useful Numbers
Pará Tourism Department:
+55 (91) 3110-5000
Tourist Police:
+ 55 (91) 3212-0883
+55 (91) 98123-1178
Military Police: 190
Paramedics: 192
Fire Department: 193
Power Voltage
110V
Local Weather
Belém has warm weather all year round, but it also gets lots of rainfall. The wettest months are February, March, and April. The best period to visit the city is between the months of August and November, when there is less rain.
