Belém - Discovering Brazil

Travelling to Belém

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Belém, a pretty good destination in Brazil (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Belém and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Belém, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Brazil, here's everything to know about Belém for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Belém

Belém is a city located in the state of Pará, in the northern region of Brazil. It is known for its rich history, delicious cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene. Some of the most popular attractions in Belém include the Ver-o-Peso market, the Amazon riverfront, the Estação das Docas complex, and the Mangal das Garças park. Belém is also famous for traditional dishes like açaí, tacacá, and maniçoba, which are all made with ingredients from the Amazon rainforest. The city has a tropical climate, and the best time to visit is between the months of July and December.

What to visit in Belém

Sure, here are the top tourist attractions in Belém, Brazil: 1. Theatro da Paz: A beautiful theater built in the late 19th century with neoclassical architecture. It offers guided tours, and sometimes there are classical music performances.
2. Ver-o-Peso Market: The Amazon's largest open-air market, selling fresh fruits, fish, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It's located in the historic district with a great view of the Guajará Bay.
3. Estação das Docas: A former dockyard turned into a complex of restaurants, bars, shops, and art exhibitions. It's a great place to enjoy the sunset view over the river while sipping a drink.
4. Mangal das Garças: A scenic park and ecological sanctuary that hosts Amazonian fauna like monkeys, birds, and sloths. There's also a butterfly garden and a skywalk offering a panoramic view of the bay.
5. Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi: A natural history museum highlighting the Amazonian fauna, flora, and indigenous cultures. It's a research institution as well and has a botanical garden.
6. Basílica de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré: A Catholic basilica known for its annual religious festival called Círio de Nazaré, which attracts millions of pilgrims. The church has a rich history and beautiful architecture.
7. Parque Zoobotânico do Museu Goeldi: A zoo featuring Amazonian animals in a natural habitat, such as jaguars, macaws, and manatees. It's part of the Museu Goeldi and has a research center on biodiversity conservation.
These are just some of the many attractions that Belém has to offer. Enjoy your trip planning!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Brazil, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Belém.

When to go on holiday to Belém

Belém experiences a warm and humid equatorial climate with no discernible seasons. The average temperature throughout the year is around 27°C, and it rains pretty much all year-round, with heaviest rainfall between December and May.
If you prefer drier weather, try to plan your trip to Belém between June and October. Although there will still be some rain, these months are generally considered to be the driest.
However, it's worth bearing in mind that tourism does peak from July to August, which means higher prices and more crowds in popular tourist spots. So, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider traveling during the shoulder season (May-June or September-October), when the weather is still relatively dry, but the crowds are smaller.
Overall, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before planning your trip to Belém and be prepared for some rain regardless of the season.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Belém

There are several ways to get to Belém, Brazil: 1. Fly: Belém has an international airport, Val de Cans–Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport, which has flights from domestic and international destinations.
2. Bus: Belém is well-connected by bus routes from other cities in Brazil.
3. Car: You can drive to Belém from other cities in Brazil by taking the BR-316 or BR-010 highways.
4. Boat: Belém is located on the Amazon River, so you can also arrive by boat from other cities on the river.
Once in Belém, you can use taxis, buses, or rental cars to get around the city.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Belém, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Belém

Belém, located in the Brazilian state of Pará, has a rich culinary culture influenced by indigenous, African, and Portuguese traditions. Here are some typical foods of Belém: 1. Açaí - Acai is a purple berry found only in the Amazon region of Brazil. It is commonly consumed as a smoothie or a bowl with toppings such as granola, banana slices, and honey.
2. Pato no Tucupi - Pato no Tucupi is a traditional Brazilian dish made with duck cooked in tucupi, a yellow sauce made from cassava roots, and seasoned with jambu, a local herb that causes a numbing sensation in the mouth.
3. Tacacá - Tacacá is a soup made with shrimp, jambu leaves, tucupi, and other seasonings. It is often served with a side of crunchy cassava flour.
4. Caruru - Caruru is a dish made with okra, onion, pepper, and shrimp, served with rice and vatapá, a creamy paste made with bread, shrimp, coconut milk, and dendê oil.
5. Maniçoba - Maniçoba is a hearty stew made with beef, pork, smoked sausage, and manioc leaves, which are first boiled for several days to remove toxic substances.
6. Pão de Queijo - Pão de Queijo, or cheese bread, is a small, round bread made with cassava flour and cheese. It is crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
7. Tapioca - Tapioca is a flatbread made with tapioca flour and filled with cheese, coconut, or other ingredients.
8. Cupuaçu - Cupuaçu is a fruit native to the Amazon region with a tangy, sweet taste. It is commonly used in desserts, ice creams, and juices.
You can find general info about typical foods in Brazil here.

Is Belém an expensive destination for tourists?

Belém, like many other cities in Brazil, has a wide range of prices for tourists. The cost of accommodation, food, and activities can vary depending on the season, the area you are staying in, and your personal preferences. However, in general, Belém is considered to be a moderately expensive city for tourists compared to other destinations in Brazil. Prices for accommodation, food, and activities are generally higher in touristy areas, and lower in less touristy areas. It is also worth noting that airfare costs can be a significant expense, as Belém is not always a major hub for international flights. Overall, it is recommended to do some research and budgeting before your trip to get a better idea of what to expect in terms of costs.

Where to find accomodation in Belém

The best areas to find accommodation in Belém, Brazil are: 1. Nazaré: This is a central neighborhood with plenty of good hotels and guest houses offering easy access to key tourist attractions like the Basilica of Our Lady of Nazareth and the Paraense Emilio Goeldi Museum.
2. Batista Campos: A bustling, modern neighborhood with a wide range of accommodation options. It is convenient for exploring attractions like Theatro da Paz and Estação das Docas.
3. Marco: This is located close to the airport and boasts a range of budget-friendly hotels and guest houses. It is known for its lively bars, restaurants and cafes.
4. Umarizal: A busy neighborhood with a mix of accommodation options and plenty of shopping and dining options. It is convenient for exploring popular attractions like Ver-o-Peso Market and the Museum of Art of Belém.
No matter where you choose to stay, make sure to book in advance especially during high season to secure the best deals and availability.
You can check hotel prices at Belém here:
Booking.com

Is Belém a safe destination for tourists?

Belém (Brazil) is generally considered safe for tourists, but it is important to take some precautions to ensure your safety. Some neighborhoods are more prone to crime than others, so it's a good idea to do some research beforehand and plan your itinerary accordingly. It is also recommended to use a taxi or a ride-hailing service rather than walking alone at night, especially in areas you are not familiar with. Additionally, it's important to keep your valuables such as passports, money and cameras safe and secure at all times. Overall, if you take basic safety precautions and stay aware of your surroundings, you should be able to have an enjoyable and safe trip to Belém.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Brazil here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Belém.

What type of travelers will enjoy Belém the most?

Belém, Brazil has something to offer for all types of travelers. Here are some details: 1. Couples: Couples can enjoy a romantic trip with a walk through the lush rainforest, a visit to the historic district of Cidade Velha, and explore the famous Ver-o-peso Market. They can also take a scenic boat ride on the Guajará River and try delicious local cuisines together.
2. Young people: For young people looking for fun, Belém has a lot of nightlife to offer. There are many bars, nightclubs, and music festivals throughout the year, especially during Carnaval. Additionally, you can enjoy a day in one of the stunning beaches of the region or have a adventurous trip on the Altamira region.
3. Families: Belém is a great place for families with children, they can visit the Mangal das Garças park, the zoo or the Museu Emílio Goeldi, which has an incredible collection of diverse flora and fauna.
Overall, Belém is a diverse and inclusive destination that can offer different experiences according to people's interests, budget, and style.

How to get around Belém

In Belém, Brazil, you can use several modes of transportation to move around the city. The most common transportation options in Belém are buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services. Public buses are a cheap and convenient option, with several routes connecting different parts of the city. Taxis are also widely available, and you can usually find them at designated taxi stands or hail them on the street. Ride-sharing services such as Uber and 99 are also becoming more popular in Belém. Additionally, if you are looking for a more unique experience, you can take a river taxi along the Amazon River or its tributaries.

What to see around Belém

Certainly! Here are some nice places you can visit in a day trip from Belém, Brazil: 1. Ilha de Marajó: This is the largest island in Brazil and is located in the Amazon River's mouth. You can take a boat from Belém to reach the island, which will take about 3-4 hours. Once you reach the island, you can explore beaches, mangrove forests, and different rivers and streams.
2. Mosqueiro: It is a beach island located about 70 km from Belém. You can reach the island by car or public transportation. Once you reach there, you can enjoy sandy beaches, water sports, and local seafood.
3. Carajás National Forest: It is a protected area with a diverse range of flora and fauna. You can see different species of wildlife, including macaws, monkeys, and jaguars here. The park also features Rivers, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
4. Castanhal: A small city that is known for its agriculture and handicrafts. It is only about an hour's drive from Belém, and you can visit the local markets to see local crafts and street food.
5. Salinópolis: Also, known as Salinas, it is a beach town located about 200 km from Belém. You can rent a car or take a bus to reach there. The beach town features several beaches and dunes and is famous for water sports and nightlife.
There are many other interesting places around Belém, but these are some of the best for day trips.
For every travel information about Brazil you can click here.

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