Things To Do
in São Luís
São Luís is the historic capital of Maranhão state on Brazil’s northeastern coast, known for its well-preserved Portuguese colonial center with colorful tiled facades. The city blends strong Afro-Brazilian traditions, vibrant music (notably reggae and forró), and rich culinary specialties rooted in seafood and indigenous ingredients. Positioned between bays, mangroves and nearby dunes, São Luís is a gateway to natural highlights like Alcântara and Lençóis Maranhenses.
The pace is tropical and lively—ideal for culture, street food and coastal day trips, though infrastructure can be rustic in places outside the city center.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Center of São Luís, where colonial architecture and vibrant azulejos (ceramic tiles) transport you back in time. Stroll along the cobblestone streets while stopping at the iconic Palácio dos Leões, the former governor's palace. Don’t forget to grab a fresh breakfast at a local café, enjoying tropical fruits and strong Brazilian coffee.
After lunch, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Museu Histórico e Artístico do Maranhão, which showcases the rich history of the region. Wander through the lively Praça Dom Pedro II, where street performers and local artisans display their crafts. Take a leisurely walk to the nearby Igreja da Sé, a beautiful church that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant that serves delicious Maranhão cuisine, such as 'tutu de feijão' and fresh seafood. Afterward, explore the vibrant nightlife at the local bars, where you can listen to live music and perhaps join in on some local dancing. End your day with a peaceful stroll along the waterfront, taking in the calming sounds of the ocean.
Head to the stunning Praia do Calhau to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach vibes. Spend the morning swimming in the warm waters or trying your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. Don't forget to indulge in some local coconut water from beach vendors to refresh yourself.
After a satisfying lunch at a beachfront restaurant, continue your beach day at Praia de São Marcos, known for its gentle waves. Here, you can relax on the sandy shore, go for a long walk, or engage in beach volleyball with locals. Take time to capture the breathtaking coastal views and perhaps spot some local wildlife.
As the day winds down, enjoy a seafood dinner at a restaurant overlooking the ocean, where you can watch the sunset while savoring freshly caught fish. After dinner, stroll along the beach, reveling in the sound of waves crashing against the shore. If you're feeling adventurous, look for local beach bonfires where you can mingle with locals and fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $30-50 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry / café snack | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (in-city) | $2-6 |
| 🚌Public bus fare | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich colonial architecture and UNESCO-listed historic center
- Vibrant local music scene (notably reggae and forró) and strong cultural identity
- Access to unique natural attractions—mangroves, nearby dunes and Lençóis Maranhenses
- Fresh seafood and distinctive regional cuisine
- Infrastructure and services can be basic outside tourist areas
- High humidity and a pronounced rainy season may disrupt plans
- Petty crime and theft risk in busy areas—requires vigilance
- Some natural attractions require long transfers or organized tours
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male/female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Sou alérgico(a) a frutos do mar" - I am allergic to shellfish/seafood
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in São Luís
Visit one of these nice places.
UNESCO-listed district with colonial buildings, colorful azulejo tiles, ornate balconies and atmospheric narrow streets—best for golden-hour portraits and architectural detail shots.
Long beaches with dunes, piers and fishermen—good for sunrise/sunset seascapes and candid shots of coastal life.
Urban lagoon with a tree-lined promenade and lively cafes; popular for sunset reflections and people-watching photos.
Across the bay, Alcântara offers colonial ruins, panoramic hilltop views over the bay and rustic streets—excellent for dramatic landscape and history-themed photography.
Mangrove channels around the bay provide birdlife, fishermen and textured landscapes for nature and wildlife photography—bring a zoom lens and expect humid conditions.
Food in São Luís
São Luís Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The signature dish of Maranhão: rice mixed with cuxá sauce (made from vinagreira/sorrel, toasted shrimp, sesame and spices), often served with fish or meat; try it at traditional restaurants in the Centro Histórico or near the waterfront.
Must-Try!
Fresh fried fish served with pirão (a thick fish-based gravy) and farofa; available at seaside restaurants and simple beachfront barracas.
A versatile cassava starch pancake filled with sweet (coconut, condensed milk) or savory (cheese, shredded meat) options—great for breakfast or snacks at street stalls.
A pink, sweet soft drink invented in Maranhão and ubiquitous locally; try it chilled with street food or dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market with fish stalls, spices, local sweets and handicrafts; sample freshly grilled seafood, acarajé-style snacks and regional desserts while browsing stalls.
Street vendors along the waterfront and beaches sell tapiocas, fried shellfish, grilled skewers and fresh juices—ideal for casual, flavorful sampling.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Start interactions with a handshake or one-to-two cheek kisses among friends; a friendly 'bom dia' or 'boa tarde' goes a long way.
Show respect for Afro-Brazilian religious traditions (Candomblé, Tambor de Crioula) and local festivals—ask before photographing religious ceremonies or rituals.
Dress is generally casual and beach-oriented; however, cover up when entering churches and formal sites and remove hats during religious services.
Service can be slower than in major tourist hubs—be patient and polite; learning a few Portuguese phrases is appreciated and opens doors.
Safety
Tipping in São Luís
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants often add a 10% service charge (serviço) to the bill—if service charge is not included, leaving around 10% is customary; tipping small amounts to porters, guides and taxi drivers is appreciated but not mandatory.
Brazilian Real (BRL) is used; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and larger shops, but small vendors, markets and beach kiosks often prefer cash. ATMs are available in the city but carry some cash for remote trips and street food.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and typically drier than the main rainy months; temperatures often 28–33°C with strong sun—ideal for beach time but use sun protection and stay hydrated.
Peak rainfall and more cloud cover; expect heavy afternoon rain showers and occasional flooding in low-lying areas—good for lower tourist crowds and lush landscapes but some boat trips may be affected.
Less rain, more sunshine and comfortable temperatures (24–30°C); outdoor activities, boat trips to Alcântara and transfers to Lençóis Maranhenses are easier during this period.
São Luís at Night
Hiking in São Luís
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Sand dune hikes and lagoon treks near Barreirinhas provide unique walking experiences—expect soft sand, strong sun and dramatic landscapes; guided tours are recommended.
Short hikes around Alcântara lead to viewpoints overlooking the bay, colonial ruins and historic cemeteries—good for half-day exploration and photography.
A few hours’ drive from São Luís, this park offers waterfalls, mesas and marked trails for multi-day hiking—best for travelers seeking more rugged inland trekking and natural pools.
Airports
How to reach São Luís by plane.
The main airport serving São Luís with domestic connections and some regional international flights; located a short drive from the city center with taxis and shuttle options.
A small regional airport serving access to Lençóis Maranhenses (seasonal/limited flights); many travelers reach Barreirinhas by road from São Luís (4–5 hours) or via occasional regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A strong Afro-Brazilian presence shapes local culture, music, cuisine and religious traditions, with many families tracing roots to African and Afro-indigenous ancestry.
A large portion of residents identify as pardo (mixed), reflecting centuries of Indigenous, African and Portuguese intermingling—this diversity is visible in cultural expressions and daily life.
Smaller Indigenous and traditional communities exist in the state and surrounding regions, contributing to regional languages, crafts and food traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local clubs like Sampaio Corrêa and Moto Club have passionate followings and local matches are important social events.
Beach football and volleyball are common on the city’s coastal stretches; informal games take place daily at popular beaches.
Capoeira and traditional Afro-Brazilian dance forms and percussion are culturally significant and practiced in community events and gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting São Luís.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are fewer—look for tapioca with cheese or vegetable fillings, salads, rice and beans; ask chefs for dishes without shrimp stock. Larger restaurants in tourist areas are more likely to accommodate meat-free requests.
Vegan choices can be limited; carry snacks and ask for tapioca with plant-based fillings, fruit plates and simple rice-and-beans preparations without butter or fish broth. Communicate clearly in Portuguese for best results.
Seafood is central to local cuisine—if allergic, specify 'sou alérgico(a) a frutos do mar' and confirm no cross-contamination; bring medication and consider dining at places with clearer ingredient labeling.