Things To Do
in Belém
Belém is a river city in northern Brazil at the mouth of the Amazon, where vast waterways meet the Atlantic. It blends colonial architecture with bustling markets, mangrove-lined waterways, and a lively Afro-Indigenous Amazonian culture. The city’s heat, humidity, and rich culinary traditions shape a distinctive regional character felt in its streets, boats, and music.
Visitors can explore historic forts, sail along riverfronts, and sample iconic Amazonian dishes that define Pará’s identity.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the iconic Ver-o-Peso Market, where vibrant colors and local scents awaken your senses. Sample regional fruits and freshly caught fish while mingling with local vendors. The bustling atmosphere will set an energetic tone for your day in Belém.
Head to the historic Praça da República, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the Theatro da Paz and other colonial buildings. Grab lunch at a nearby café, sampling local dishes like tacacá or açaí. Take a leisurely stroll through the square, soaking in the lively ambiance and perhaps catching a local performance.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, savoring the flavors of the Amazon. Afterward, visit the Estação das Docas, a revitalized waterfront area filled with shops and bars. End your evening with a relaxing drink, listening to live music while overlooking the river.
Begin your day at the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, where you can explore the rich natural and cultural history of the Amazon region. Stroll through the lush botanical gardens and discover native flora and fauna. This immersive experience will deepen your understanding of the local environment.
After a hearty lunch, visit the Museu do Cerveja, where you can learn about the brewing history of the region and sample different local beers. The interactive exhibits provide a fun and engaging way to appreciate the culture of Belém. Make sure to take some time to relax in the museum’s beer garden.
Dine at a local eatery known for its seafood, where you can taste dishes like fish stew and shrimp. Following dinner, enjoy a night walk along the waterfront, where the lights of the city reflect on the river. Consider stopping for a nightcap at a bar featuring regional cocktails like caipirinhas made with Amazonian fruits.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍲Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $25-45 |
| 🚆One-way public transportation ticket | $0.80-1.60 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $50-120 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant Amazonian culture and welcoming people
- Delicious regional cuisine and fresh seafood
- Iconic riverfront scenery and markets
- Generally affordable for travelers
- High humidity and substantial rainfall
- Traffic can be congested in peak hours
- Some tourist infrastructure concentrates in the core areas
- Mosquito-borne disease risk—take precautions
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Desculpe" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Onde fica o Mercado Ver-o-Peso?" - Where is Ver-o-Peso Market?
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Você aceita cartão?" - Do you accept cards?
- "Água, por favor" - Water, please
- "Tchau" - Goodbye
- "Eu não falo português bem" - I don’t speak Portuguese well
Places to Visit in Belém
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant, bustling market with colorful stalls, boats, and the river as a dynamic backdrop—excellent for candid photography.
A waterfront complex with old timber warehouses, murals, and sweeping sunset views along the Guamá River.
Colonial-era architecture and tree-shaded avenues provide classic city photography opportunities.
Historic square featuring traditional buildings and activity-filled streets ideal for street photography.
Food in Belém
Belém Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hot tucupi-based broth with jambu leaves and dried shrimp, served in a small bowl—a quintessential Belém street treat.
Must-Try!
Duck cooked in tucupi sauce, typically served with cassava flour and a bright, sour-savory profile.
Slow-cooked meat with manioc leaves and cassava flour, a traditional Pará dish often enjoyed for special occasions.
Frozen açai pulp thickened with fruit toppings, a refreshing staple found in markets and cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market complex where you can taste tacacá, fresh fish, and regional fruits while observing daily life along the river.
A local market area known for produce, regional snacks, and inexpensive eats—great for a quick breakfast or lunch.
Casual spots offering tacacá, tapioca, açaí bowls, and other quick Amazonian bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite Portuguese greetings (Olá, Bom dia) are appreciated; address people as Senhor/Senhora in formal settings and use a friendly, patient tone in conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Belém
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit-down restaurants, a 10–15% tip is customary if service isn’t included; at markets and casual stalls tips are optional and modest if you wish to reward good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants; cash is handy for markets and street stalls. Pix and other mobile payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically drier and more comfortable for outdoor exploring (roughly June–August); still hot and very humid, so stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Expect heavy showers and high humidity (roughly December–May); plan for indoor activities or bring a compact rain jacket and quick-dry gear.
Belém at Night
Hiking in Belém
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Urban rainforest with accessible trails and a chance to see local flora and birds.
Short island hikes and riverside paths reachable by boat from Belém.
Airports
How to reach Belém by plane.
Main international airport serving Belém; taxis and rideshares connect to the city center. Easy access for arrivals and departures with connections to major Brazilian cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Belém’s population reflects Afro-Brazilian, Indigenous, and European influences, with a strong riverine and coastal culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region’s most popular sport, widely followed in stadiums and local games, with casual play on many streets and fields.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Belém.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Amazonian cuisine features plenty of vegetable-friendly options; look for stroganoff-style mushroom dishes, manioc-based sides, fresh fruit, and rice with beans. Communicate clearly with vendors about avoiding meat-based sauces or tucupi, if avoiding animal products.