São Luís, Brazil: travel guide
Azulejo-tiled colonial streets and the gateway to Lençóis Maranhenses
UNESCO World Heritage city famed for 18th-century Portuguese azulejo tile-decorated colonial architecture. Gateway to the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — white dunes interspersed with crystalline lagoons.
About São Luís
São Luís is the capital of Maranhão, set on an island on Brazil's northern coast. Its historic centre is famous for its colonial buildings, many of them faced with Portuguese azulejo tiles, and the quarter is recognised as a World Heritage site.
The Centro Histórico is best explored on foot, with churches, plazas and museums close together, and it comes alive in the evening with reggae and bumba-meu-boi traditions. Praia do Calhau is the city's main beach. São Luís is also the usual jumping-off point for Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, a landscape of white dunes and seasonal lagoons.
It suits culture seekers and travellers heading to the dunes. The lagoons are fullest in the months after the rains, roughly from June to September.
- Country
- Brazil
- Currency
- BRL
- Time zone
- America/Fortaleza
- Nearest airport
- SLZ
Last updated
Top places to visit in São Luís
Centro Histórico de São Luís
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
UNESCO World Heritage area — the largest collection of 18th-century Portuguese azulejo (tile-covered) buildings in the world. Best explored on foot through Rua Portugal and Rua do Giz.
Praia do Calhau
Beach · 4.3 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
São Luís's most popular urban beach — calm and wide, with Lagoa da Jansen behind and kiosks serving traditional food (caranguejo, baião de dois).
Things to do
- Lençóis Maranhenses Day Trip Nature · 12 h · from 350 per person
- Azulejo Tile Painting Workshop Cultural · 2 h · from 80 per person
Where to stay in São Luís
Hotels
- Hotel Portas da Amazônia 4-star · BRL 280 to BRL 680 per night
Where to eat
- Restaurante do Camarão northeastern-brazilian, seafood, maranhao · about BRL 70 per person
- Tia Maria - Comida Caseira maranhao, regional, home-cooking · about BRL 25 per person
Getting to São Luís
Airport: São Luís (Marechal Cunha Machado Intl) (SLZ)
Getting around
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Ride Hail
- Walking