With its lattice of cobbled lanes, dotted with historic churches, colonial-era landmarks, and brightly painted buildings, the Upper City (Cidade Alta) is the historic core of Salvador da Bahia. Perched on an escarpment with views across the bay, it’s also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the popular Pelourinho district.
Considered Guaramiranga’s star attraction, Parque das Trilhas is a natural reserve set amid 282 acres (114 hectares) of Atlantic Forest. A network of hiking trails, a swimming lake, and activities that range from ziplining to kayaking make it one of Fortaleza’s most popular day trip destinations.
Located at the mouth of the Ipojuca River, Muro Alto Beach is named for the natural barrier reef—the muro alto (high wall)—that separates the beach from the ocean. With its white sands and calm, crystal-clear waters, it’s one of Porto de Galinhas’ most popular swimming beaches and a favorite among local families.
All roads in Pernambuco lead, quite literally, to Recife’s Marco Zero (Zero Milestone). The seafront Marco Zero Square, ringed by grand colonial buildings, was where the Portuguese founded the city back in 1537, with all roads in the state measured from this point. Today, a colorful compass design adorns the ground at the heart of the square, marking the spot.
Ceará Tourism Center used to be Fortaleza’s jailhouse, but where criminals once languished, there are now art displays and local crafts exhibited within the walls of this fortified building. There are stalls throughout where you can buy pieces and chat to the artists who made them. It's an ideal place to learn about local art.
Visit the home of the city of Fortaleza—the Museum of Ceara is housed within the former Legislative Assembly and represents Brazil’s culture and history in the region of Ceara. Here, you can learn about the indigenous cultures of the people of Brazil and the history of Portuguese colonization up until the city’s present day.
Dutch colonists built the historic fort of Nossa Senhora de Assuncao in the 17th century, but it was only kept by them for five years until it was captured and taken over by the Portuguese. It was then renamed after the patron saint of Fortaleza. Now an imposing example of Dutch architecture and a public museum, the fortress is dedicated to exhibits detailing the lives of local war heroes and notable persons.
A wonder of nature tucked into the city, Dunas Park (Parque das Dunas) is a lush and leafy place to explore or to simply relax among trees and plants native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Golden sand dunes stretch into clear ocean, and trails through the natural environment are ideal for trekking, and they attract active travelers.
Jacare Beach (Praia do Jacaré) translates to “Alligator Beach,” but names can be deceiving. There are no alligators here, nor much of a beach. But what draws travelers to this spot on the Paraíba River (Paraíba do Norte), north of João Pessoa, is its stunning sunsets, which are usually accompanied by the sounds of a saxophone player.
Baia Formosa (Beautiful Bay) is a quaint fishing village in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Norte state that boasts colorful architecture and excellent surfing. Discover the storybook views and healing waters of Coca Cola Lagoon (Lagoa da Coca-Cola), and travel to hidden beaches, lush Atlantic forests, and mangroves.
With its steep cobblestone lanes and brightly painted colonial buildings, the Historic Centre of the Town of Olinda (Centro Historico de Olinda) is one of Pernambuco’s most colorful neighborhoods. Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s the city’s cultural epicenter and home to many of its most notable landmarks.
Home to its own private beach and less than an hour from downtown Natal, Manoa Park is a one-stop-shop for family entertainment. From ziplining and beach volleyball to water slides and boat cruises, there’s something for all ages here.
With its simple cream and white façade and unassuming central dome, the Malakoff Tower (Torre Malakoff) isn’t Recife’s most striking landmark, but it’s nonetheless an important historical monument. Built in the 19th century as an astronomic observatory and arsenal storage for the military, it’s now been converted into an exhibition space and public observatory.
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, the Catedral da Sé is one of Olinda’s most visited attractions and an important landmark within the town's UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centre. Climb up to the cathedral square for an ocean view that spans Olinda and neighboring Recife, then peek inside the 16th-century cathedral.
Surrounded by sand dunes and lush greenery, Lagoa de Jacumã serves as both a scenic body of water and an adventure playground. Along with swimming in its clear waters, you can enjoy an aerial view of it as you soar over the surface on a zipline that ends with a plunge into the lagoon.
Ilha dos Aquarios is a venue with a difference; it’s an open-air nightclub and event space set on an island located between Porto Seguro and Arraial d'Ajuda. Ilha dos Aquarios is also home to five aquariums, which harbor sharks, stingrays, and 15 species of fish.
Just south of Salvador de Bahia, the rural villages and tranquil sandy beaches of Tinharé Island (Ilha de Tinharé) are an idyllic retreat from the city. Reachable only by boat, the small, car-free island is home to some of Bahia’s most beautiful beaches and spectacular snorkeling spots.
The beautifully restored art deco Lacerda Elevator (Elevador Lacerda links Salvador’s Comercio and Cidade Alta neighborhoods, traveling 236 feet (72 meters in under 30 seconds. The ride has become a highlight in Salvador da Bahia, offering an easy means of transportation paired with stellar views from its apex.
One of Recife’s most unique cultural attractions is found in an unexpected location. Housed in an 1850s former prison along the Capibaribe riverfront, the House of Culture (Casa da Cultura de Pernambuco) is a lively art and handicrafts market, where local artisans, musicians, and street food vendors gather to sell their goods and celebrate Recife’s rich cultural heritage.
In addition to showcasing the colonial baroque style, the 17th-century São Francisco Church and Convent in Salvador, Brazil, holds immense cultural significance among locals. While relatively plain on the outside, the building's spectacular interior is adorned with intricate woodwork, gilded altars, and iconic azulejo tile panels.
Salvador’s oldest and largest market, the Mercado Modelo is housed in the reconstructed 19th-century Customs House, looking out over the harbor. Behind its lemon-yellow facade, around 200 stalls tempt shoppers with local arts, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Salvador’s picturesque Dique do Tororo is a popular escape for locals and visitors alike. This artificial lake is surrounded by lush greenery, sculptures of orixas (African deities), and Arena Fonte Nova stadium. Open to the public 365 days a year, the Dique do Tororo is a pleasant place to take a stroll, jog, or picnic.
Perched on the stunning coast of Salvador, Forte de Santo Antonio da Barra is a historic sentinel overlooking the Atlantic. Home to the Nautical Museum of Bahia, the stories etched into the walls and cannons of this well-preserved fort make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a picturesque setting.
