Things To Do
in Belém
Belém, located in the northern region of Brazil, is the capital and largest city of the state of Pará, lying at the mouth of the Amazon River. It's known for its rich colonial architecture, vibrant marketplaces, and as the gateway to the Amazon rainforest, making it a crucial hub for eco-tourism and research in biodiversity.
The city also celebrates the Círio de Nazaré, one of the world's largest Catholic processions, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists annually.
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Desculpe" - Sorry
- "Tudo bem?" - Are you okay?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $80
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Ver-o-Peso market, where you can experience the vibrant local culture. Don't miss tasting regional delicacies and fresh fruits.
Head to the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi to learn about the natural history and indigenous cultures of the Amazon. Enjoy a peaceful stroll in the surrounding botanical garden.
Finish the day with a sunset walk along the waterfront at Praça do Comércio. Dine at a local seafood restaurant to savor the flavors of the Pará cuisine.
Kick off with a visit to the beautiful Bosque Rodrigues Alves, a botanical garden showcasing the Amazon's flora. Enjoy the fresh air as you wander the trails.
Visit the historic Theater da Paz, an architectural gem from the rubber boom, and take a guided tour. Learn about its significance and enjoy the intricate designs.
Relax at the Estação das Docas, a renovated dock area with shops and restaurants. Enjoy dinner while overlooking the Guamá River.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a diverse mix of indigenous, colonial, and modern influences.
- Delicious cuisine, notable for dishes like tacacá and açaí.
- Access to the Amazon rainforest and unique biodiversity.
- Vibrant festivals and events, such as the Círio de Nazaré.
- Warm climate suitable for outdoor activities and exploration year-round.
- High humidity and rainfall can be uncomfortable for some visitors.
- Issues with urban infrastructure and transportation.
- Higher crime rates in certain areas may pose safety concerns.
- Limited healthcare facilities compared to larger Brazilian cities.
- Economic difficulties and poverty in some regions may affect tourism.
Best Activities in Belém
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore a beautiful park with gardens, birds, and a butterfly house, and enjoy the scenic views of the Amazon River and the city of Belém.
Visit the famous open-air market to experience the local culture, taste exotic fruits, and shop for handicrafts, spices, and seafood.
Spend a day at the beach, take a boat tour, or try local seafood dishes in this picturesque island located near Belém.
Tours
Uncover the best of Belém with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Belém
Visit one of these nice places.
The waterfront area along Guajará Bay offers stunning views of the river, historic buildings, and beautiful sunsets, providing great photo opportunities.
This ecological park features a treetop walkway and an observation deck that provides panoramic views of the city and the Amazon River, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
The historic fort, located at the edge of Guajará Bay, offers breathtaking views of the river and the city skyline, ideal for capturing memorable photos.
Food in Belém
Belém Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Try the traditional Amazonian açaí bowl topped with granola and fresh fruits at Tacacá da Tia
Must-Try!
Don't miss the duck cooked in tucupi, a delicious local sauce made from manioc, at Lá em Casa
Savor the slow-cooked manioc leaf stew with pork at Remanso do Bosque
Unique Experiences
Get to know Belém better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore Ver-o-Peso Market for a wide selection of Amazonian fruits, spices, and street food vendors offering delicacies like tacacá and grilled tambaqui fish
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Belém, it is common to greet people with a kiss on the cheek, even when meeting for the first time. This is a sign of warmth and friendliness.
It is important to be mindful of personal space when interacting with people in Belém. While the greeting may involve a kiss on the cheek, it is polite to maintain a comfortable distance during conversations.
Belém is a culturally diverse city, so it is important to show respect for different customs, traditions, and beliefs. Embracing diversity and showing interest in learning about the local culture is highly valued.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Belém with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Belém
Ensure a smooth experience
In Belém, Brazil, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. It is customary to leave a small tip of around 5-10% at restaurants if a service charge is not included. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also common, though not obligatory.
Cash is widely used in Belém, especially for small transactions and in markets. However, credit and debit cards are accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and stores in more touristy areas. It's advisable to carry some cash for convenience, especially when visiting local establishments or markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Belém.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The dry season in Belém, Brazil is the best time to visit, with lower humidity and less rainfall. This is the perfect time to explore the city's outdoor attractions and enjoy festivals and events.
The wet season in Belém, Brazil brings heavy rainfall and high humidity. Travelers can expect lush green landscapes, but outdoor activities may be limited due to the frequent rain showers.
Belém at Night
Hiking in Belém
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning national park located in the mountains nearby, offering a variety of trails with breathtaking views, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.
A trail that leads to a historic site with panoramic views of Belém and the surrounding areas, perfect for hiking enthusiasts and history buffs.
A beautiful park featuring several hiking trails, picturesque lakes, and opportunities for bird watching and enjoying nature.
An ecological reserve offering guided hikes through lush Amazon rainforest where visitors can experience rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
A scenic trail that leads to a beautiful green lake, ideal for a relaxing day hike surrounded by nature and tranquility.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Belém through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Belém by plane.
The main airport serving Belém, Brazil, it offers both domestic and international flights.
Located in Salvador, approximately 1,200 km from Belém, this airport serves a wide range of international destinations.
Located in Rio de Janeiro, about 2,600 km from Belém, it's one of the largest airports in Brazil with numerous international flights.
Located in Brasília, approximately 2,000 km from Belém, it is a significant hub for both domestic and international flights.
Located in São Paulo, about 3,000 km from Belém, it’s the busiest airport in Brazil with extensive international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Individuals who identify as white or of European descent.
Individuals who identify as a combination of different racial backgrounds, commonly referred to as 'Pardo' in Brazil.
Individuals who identify as black or of African descent.
Individuals who identify as Indigenous or belonging to the original peoples of Brazil.
Individuals who identify as Asian, including those of Japanese, Chinese, and other Asian heritages.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Belém, with numerous clubs and a passionate fan base. Matches are held regularly, and it plays a significant role in the local culture.
Widely played and followed in Belém, with local leagues and schools promoting the sport. The city has produced several talented players who have made it to higher leagues.
A popular team sport in Belém, played both indoors and on the beaches. Local tournaments and schools often have volleyball events, encouraging youth participation.
A variant of football played on a smaller field and mainly indoors, futsal is extremely popular, with many clubs and frequent competitions in Belém.
Increasingly popular in schools and clubs throughout Belém, handball is embraced by many local athletes and often features in local sport events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Belém.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While many traditional dishes feature meat or fish, several restaurants in Belém offer delicious vegetarian and vegan options, such as plant-based tacacá and açaí bowls. Consider visiting Empório VEG for a dedicated vegetarian experience.
Travelers with gluten restrictions can enjoy dishes like fresh fruit salads, grilled fish, and tapioca-based snacks found in various food markets and restaurants throughout Belém. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly to ensure a safe dining experience.