Things To Do
in Guimarães
Guimarães, Brazil is a small coastal town in Bahia that welcomes visitors with warm hospitality and a lively regional vibe. Its streets are lined with colorful buildings, market stalls, and friendly faces that reflect Afro-Brazilian influences. The town sits near the Atlantic, offering easy access to beaches, rivers, and lush landscapes.
Visitors can enjoy a relaxed pace, flavorful Bahian cuisine, and opportunities to explore both culture and nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Brazilian coffee and pão de queijo. After breakfast, take a guided walking tour of the historic center, marveling at the well-preserved colonial architecture and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don't forget to visit the iconic Castle of Guimarães, where you can learn about the city's pivotal role in Brazil's history.
After a morning filled with history, have lunch at a charming restaurant that serves regional dishes. Post-lunch, explore the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, where you can admire the impressive collection of art and artifacts. Stroll through the surrounding gardens, taking in the serene atmosphere and spectacular views of the city.
As evening falls, enjoy dinner at a popular local eatery that specializes in grilled meats and fresh seafood. Afterward, wander through the lively streets of the historic center, where you can experience the vibrant local nightlife. End your day with a refreshing caipirinha at a rooftop bar, soaking in the panoramic views of Guimarães.
Start your day with a visit to the Museu de Alberto Sampaio, where you can explore collections that showcase the region's cultural heritage. The museum's intricate displays of religious art and everyday life artifacts will give you insight into Guimarães' rich history. Take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship and stories behind each piece.
For lunch, visit a quaint café that serves local specialties, such as feijoada or moqueca. Afterward, head to the Museu de Comunicação, where you can learn about the evolution of communication in Brazil through engaging exhibits. This museum offers a unique perspective on how technology has shaped society, making it an enlightening experience.
As the sun sets, dine at a restaurant known for its contemporary takes on traditional Brazilian cuisine. The culinary experience is enhanced by live music performances that often accompany the meal, creating a festive atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll to the Praça de São Tiago to enjoy the lively ambiance and perhaps catch a local street performance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee/soft drink | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $40-90 |
| 🚌One-way local transport | $0.5-1 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming locals and affordable travel costs
- Delicious Bahian cuisine and rich cultural experiences
- Compact town with easy walkability and access to nature
- Limited large-scale nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Distances to major attractions may require car hire or longer drives
- Weather can be humid and rainy in the wet season
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Guimarães
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful facades, whitewashed walls, and cobblestone streets provide rich textures for photography, especially during early morning or late afternoon light.
Cliffside vantage points offer expansive Atlantic views and dramatic silhouettes at sunset.
Vibrant daily life along the riverfront yields candid street photography opportunities.
Architectural details and tower silhouettes create classic photography subjects.
Food in Guimarães
Guimarães Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Deep-fried black-eyed pea croquettes served with vatapá and caruru; a staple at street stalls and festive occasions.
Must-Try!
Coconut milk and dendê oil fish stew with peppers and onions; a Bahian classic available at coastal restaurants.
Shrimp cooked in a creamy cassava purée, often served with rice and fresh lime.
Creamy seafood or vegetarian dish made with bread, coconut milk, peanuts, and dendê oil.
Okra-based dish with dried shrimp and palm oil; commonly enjoyed with rice and beans.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling town market offering fresh seafood, tropical fruits, cassava flour, and ready-to-eat Bahian snacks.
Acarajé, salgadinhos, cocadas, and other Bahian street bites available around the town center.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake or a kiss on the cheek is common among friends; greet with a smile and say bom dia or boa tarde.
Portuguese is the local language; be polite, avoid confrontation, and ask permission when taking photos of people.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and remove hats in sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Guimarães
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common but not mandatory; 5-10% at restaurants if service is not included. Small tips for taxi rides and hotel staff are appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in larger establishments. PIX and other mobile payments are increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and humid with occasional heavy showers in the afternoon. Hydrate often, wear sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Warm weather with decreasing rainfall; ideal for outdoor exploring, markets, and short hikes.
Mild daytime temperatures with cooler nights; comfortable for city walks and scenic views.
Warm and lush with intermittent rain; great for outdoor activities and photography when skies are favorable.
Guimarães at Night
Hiking in Guimarães
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic hill walk near Lençóis with expansive views and natural pools.
Dramatic waterfall hike through plateau landscapes in Lençóis.
Hiking along mangroves and forested coastlines in southern Bahia.
Airports
How to reach Guimarães by plane.
Main international gateway for Bahia; accessible by road with taxis, shuttles, and buses to towns around Bahia.
Regional airport serving the coast; useful for beach-focused itineraries along the Bahia coast.
Moderate international regional airport; alternative gateway to Bahia’s southern region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Strong cultural influence reflected in music, food, and daily life.
Mix of residents from nearby rural areas and coastal fishing towns.
People commuting to nearby cities for work or study.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; watch local matches or join a pickup game.
Traditional Afro-Brazilian martial art often performed in public spaces and rodas.
Common on coastlines; join a game or watch seasonal tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guimarães.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Opt for moqueca de palmito, bobó de cogumelo, feijão verde, grilled vegetables, and rice-and-beans; request dendê oil on the side if needed.