A Guide to Belem, the Gateway to Amazon: Best Things to Do & Travel Tips

Map of Attractions in Belem

10 Experiences I Think are Worth It in Belem

1. Explore Ver-o-Peso Market

One of the highlights of visiting Belém is exploring the famous Ver-o-Peso Market, one of the largest open-air markets in Latin America, located right along the Guajará Bay waterfront. Here, you will find all kinds of goods being sold, from souvenirs to Amazonian herbs and much more.

When you arrive here, you will find rows of fresh Amazonian fish, piles of exotic fruits you have probably never seen before, herbal medicine stalls, local spices, handmade crafts, and street vendors selling everything from açaí bowls to traditional snacks.

It is chaotic, loud, and often smells strongly of fish and river water, but it is also fun and full of life. All your senses will be engaged, so be prepared. While the market is generally safe during the day, it can feel overwhelming in certain areas, so make sure you keep an eye on your belongings, avoid flashing valuables, and you will be fine.

Ver-o-Peso Market is open from 5 AM to 6:30 PM every day except Sunday, and the place is best visited together with Presépio Fort and St. Alexander Church as they are all right next to each other.

Where to Stay in Belem?

Budget

Local Hostel e Suites Belem

$ | Dorm

See Availability

👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Ecopousada Miriti

$$ | Double Room

See Availability

High-End

Tivoli Maiorana Belém Pará Hotel

$$$ | Double Room

See Availability

View More Hotels

2. Visit Presépio Fort

Right near Ver-o-Peso Market, right across from the mouth of the river, you will find Forte do Presépio, also known as Forte do Castelo, a great place to check out while you are in the area. Built in 1616, this fort marks the founding point of the city and offers an important glimpse into the early colonial history of the Amazon region.

Sitting on the edge of Guajará Bay, the fort was originally constructed by the Portuguese to defend the region from foreign invasions. Today, it has been preserved and converted into a museum where you can walk along its old stone walls, explore small exhibitions, and learn about the origins of Belém.

What I enjoyed most was the view from the fort. From here, you get a beautiful panorama of the river, passing boats, and the surrounding cityscape. You can even see Ver-o-Peso Market from the fort's walls.

The site is relatively small, so you will not need much time here, but it is an easy and worthwhile stop, especially if you are already exploring the Cidade Velha area. I spent around 30 minutes walking through the exhibitions and another 30 minutes relaxing on one of the nearby benches, watching life along Guajará Bay go by.

Forte do Presépio is open from 9 AM to 2 PM Tuesday through Friday and from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekends. It is closed on Mondays, and admission is free. I definitely welcomed the change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Ver-o-Peso Market to the peaceful and quiet atmosphere of Forte do Presépio.

3. Check Out St. Alexander Church & Museum of Sacred Art

Located just a short walk from Forte do Presépio, St. Alexander Church and the Museum of Sacred Art are among the most beautiful pieces of historical architecture you can see here. It was built by the Jesuits in the 17th century in this beautiful whitewashed colonial architectural style, which to be honest, you don't get to see very often in the Amazon.

Attached to the church is the Museum of Sacred Art, which houses an impressive collection of religious sculptures, paintings, liturgical objects, and artifacts gathered from churches across Pará. I particularly enjoyed exploring the collection of religious paintings, many of which were surprisingly well preserved.

The church and museum are easy to combine with a visit to Forte do Presépio since they are located right next to each other. Expect to spend around 30 to 45 minutes here, depending on your pace. The church and museum are open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day except Mondays, and admission is free.

4. Stroll around Estação das Docas

If you are looking for a lively place to hang out in the afternoon to escape the heat, Estação das Docas is where you will want to go. Once a busy port warehouse complex, the area has been beautifully revitalized and transformed into a lively waterfront recreational area with tons of cool things to do.

Estação das Docas is home to a collection of restaurants, cafés, bars, ice cream shops, and cultural spaces housed inside restored industrial buildings stretching along the edge of Guajará Bay. One thing I really love about the place is how they preserved much of the old port infrastructure, including the iconic yellow-colored cranes, and incorporated it into the modern waterfront promenade. It is such a joy to walk around the promenade especially at sunset.

This is also a great place to try some of Belém's famous cuisine with my favorite ice cream shop, Cairu, also located here. Cairu is a local franchise based in Belém, and they have a variety of ice cream flavors inspired by the exotic foods from the Amazon. My favorite flavor from them was Tapioca ice cream, so be sure to try it out while here.

The best time to visit is in the late afternoon when the heat begins to ease and the waterfront comes alive with locals and visitors hanging out by the bay. If you can, stick around for sunset as the views over Guajará Bay are absolutely breathtaking. Estação das Docas is open daily from 10 AM until midnight, so don't forget to come by here for sunset.

5. Visit The Sunday Market at Praça da República 💎 Hidden Gem

If you happen to be in Belém on a Sunday, be sure to stop by the Sunday Market at Praça da República. On regular days, Praça da República is one of the city's most iconic public squares, surrounded by stunning architecture. On Sunday, however, the square transforms into a lively market that brings together local artisans, food vendors, and residents you can enjoy.

The market stretches beneath the shade of large trees surrounding the square, which makes Belém's tropical heat a little more bearable. As you wander through the stalls, you will find everything from handmade crafts and locally designed clothing to artwork, jewelry, souvenirs, and regional food products.

I just happened to be here on a Sunday and stumbled upon the market by accident, which I am glad about because it makes the seemingly normal square so much more fun to visit. The market usually runs throughout Sunday morning and into the afternoon. I recommend arriving earlier in the day before the heat becomes too intense and before the busiest crowds arrive.

6. Admire the Beauty of Theatro da Paz

While you are at Praça da República, be sure to go and check out Theatro da Paz, a stunning 19th-century opera house located right at the center of the park. The structure features the beautiful neoclassical style with its elegant façade, and grand columns that stand out from all the modern buildings around the park.

To see the interior, you will have to join a guided tour, which I was not too keen on doing. However, if you do, I heard the ornate halls, crystal chandeliers, painted ceilings, and lavish decorations are quite a sight to behold. It really goes to show just how lucrative the rubber trade was during the city's boom years.

If you want to see the interior, guided tours are available and last around 45 minutes. Tours run hourly from 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 AM to 12 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets cost 10 BRL for adults and 5 BRL for eligible discounted admission, although guided tours are free on Wednesdays. Tickets can only be purchased at the theater box office, and it is recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour.

7. Hang Out Around Animals at Mangal das Garças 👍 Must Do

One of the coolest aspects of Belém is how close it is to the Amazon, and no place is more obvious of that fact than Mangal das Garças, a beautiful riverside nature park where you will find all kinds of exotic wildlife found throughout the Amazon region, all of which roam around freely, and you can hang out with them.

Located on the edge of Guajará Bay, the park is home to a variety of birds, butterflies, turtles, and other animals that can be observed as you wander through its well-maintained gardens and walking paths. It quickly became one of my favorite places to hang out in Belém and a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

One of the highlights of visiting is the large aviary, where you can get up close to colorful Amazonian birds in a spacious environment designed to resemble their natural habitat. There is also a butterfly house, observation areas overlooking the river, and plenty of shaded spots to sit and relax.

One of the most beautiful birds you will see here is the scarlet ibis, and there are plenty of them roaming around the small lake in the park. I've never seen one before, and its vivid red-colored feathers were absolutely incredible to see! It has got to be one of my favorite birds out there.

After spending days exploring markets and colonial architecture, it was nice to be surrounded by greenery and wildlife for a change. The park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM every day except Mondays, and while admission to the park is free, you will have to pay 9 BRL (~2 USD) for each attraction inside, such as the Aviary and the Lighthouse, if you wish to visit them. They are optional though, which is nice.

Expect to spend at least an hour or two here if you want to take it slow. There is a café and a restaurant inside as well if you want to have lunch here. You can get here by Uber or on foot if you do not mind the heat. I walked here at midday, and it took about 30 minutes from Praça da República. By the time I arrived, I was sweating all over 😅. I'd say just take an Uber for convenience.

8. Spend the day relaxing in the jungle of Ilha do Combu ☀️ Great Day Trip

If you want to experience the Amazon without going deep into the rainforest, there is no easier place to do it than Ilha do Combu, a lush river island located just a short boat ride from Belém. Despite being only minutes away from the city, the island feels like a completely different world.

Covered in dense jungle and crisscrossed by narrow waterways, Ilha do Combu is home to small riverside communities, family-run restaurants, cacao farms, and plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy nature. There are no roads here, with boats serving as the primary form of transportation for both locals and visitors.

One of the most popular things to do on the island is visit Casa do Chocolate, a local chocolate farm where you can learn about the cacao-growing process and sample chocolate made from beans grown right on the island. There are also several restaurants with outdoor seating, swimming areas, and more for you to enjoy.

My favorite restaurant here is Restaurante Chalé da Ilha, located down the river deep in the quieter part of the jungle. It has a lovely and cozy setting surrounded by peaceful, lush green forest. Exactly what I was looking for!

The restaurant has several types of seating areas, swimming spots, and a ton of facilities that make it easy to spend the entire day here, swimming, enjoying local seafood dishes, and simply relaxing. That is exactly what I did, and it was awesome. I ordered the Mariscada Regional Refogada, a regional seafood dish, and it was delicious!

I highly recommend Restaurante Chalé da Ilha! The restaurant is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Thursday through Monday. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Keep in mind that each restaurant on the island has different opening days, so be sure to plan accordingly.

To get to Ilha do Combu, you will first have to go to Terminal Hidroviário Ruy Barata, the pier where the boat service to Ilha do Combu departs. You should be able to get there easily by Uber. Once you arrive, proceed to the ticket booth and purchase a round-trip boat ticket, which costs 24 BRL (around 5 USD), or 12 BRL (around 2.50 USD) each way.

The boats generally run daily between 9 AM and 8 PM at intervals of around 30 to 45 minutes. Once you board, the staff will ask where you want to go, so make sure you decide which restaurant you want to visit before getting on the boat. Depending on how far your destination is and how many stops the boat makes along the way, the journey can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.

To get back, simply wait at the pier by your restaurant, and a boat should come by every 30 to 45 minutes. I did not have to wait long before catching a boat back to Belém. Easy peasy! You can expect to spend around half a day here, although I recommend arriving in the late morning, having lunch at one of the riverside restaurants, and heading back in the late afternoon. It makes for a wonderfully relaxing day out.

Also, do not go for one of the restaurants facing the city. It kind of defeats the purpose of escaping to the island only to have the city skyline in view the whole time. I recommend choosing a restaurant farther down the river, where it feels like you are truly surrounded by the jungle rather than still being on the edge of the city.

9. Drop by Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth

One of the largest churches you will find in Belém is the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazareth, a magnificent church dedicated to the patron saint of the Amazon region and the focal point of the city's famous Círio de Nazaré festival.

It is said that the church was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and you can kind of see it in its impressive neoclassical design with towering columns, elegant domes, colorful stained-glass windows, and beautifully decorated interiors. The church looks absolutely massive outside and even more impressive inside, and is definitely worth seeing.

The church is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM. Since it is located a little farther from most of Belém's main attractions, I recommend getting there by Uber and combining your visit with the nearby Zoobotanical Park and other sights in the surrounding neighborhood.

10. See Rare Animals at Zoobotanical Park

If you want to see some of the Amazon's most fascinating wildlife without venturing deep into the rainforest, be sure to visit the Zoobotanical Park. This massive 5.4-hectare park is home to more than 600 animals and over 500 plant species native to the Amazon.

Here, you will get to see anacondas, jaguars, giant river otters, and rare marine life like the aggressive red-bellied piranhas inside the first aquarium established in the Amazon region.

Many of these animals are native to the region and can be difficult to spot in the wild, and even though some of the enclosures could use a little more space for the animals to roam, it is still a good start, with the place feeling more like a park than a zoo.

The park is quite large, and you can expect to spend at least an hour or two here, especially if you want to see the jaguars. They can be a little shy and sleepy, so you might have to wait a while for them to come out. The paths around the park are well-shaded, though, so you should be fine visiting during the middle of the day.

The park is open from 9 AM to 3 PM Wednesday through Sunday and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so be sure to plan accordingly. Admission costs just 3 BRL (0.60 USD) per person, which is incredibly cheap! If you have a few hours to kill in Belém and want to see jaguars, anacondas, and other Amazonian wildlife, be sure to check out the Zoobotanical Park.

What to Eat & Drink in Belem

1. Eat Amazonian Food at Amazônia na Cuia

If there is one restaurant I would recommend to anyone visiting Belém, it would be Amazônia na Cuia. This local restaurant specializes in traditional Amazonian cuisine and is one of the best places in the city to try regional dishes and ingredients that you are unlikely to find elsewhere in Brazil.

The menu features many of the flavors that make Amazonian cuisine so unique, including freshwater fish, manioc-based dishes, jambu, tucupi, and a variety of fruits native to the rainforest. For many of you, this may be your first introduction to ingredients that have been part of local diets for centuries, so prepare to be surprised, especially by jambu!

When I was here, I ordered a rice bowl with Pato no Tucupi, which was recommended to me by my Brazilian friend whose parents are from Belém, and it was delicious! They also serve the real açaí, which is nothing like the sweet, almost ice cream-like version you find elsewhere. Here in Belém, they enjoy açaí the traditional way: savory and without all the added sugar. They even use it as a sauce for savory dishes like fish fingers! This is as authentic as it gets!

The restaurant is open from 11 AM to 4 PM and again from 6 PM to 11 PM every day. The prices lean toward the more expensive side, but you definitely get what you pay for. If you want to try a variety of amazing local dishes in Belém, this is the place to be!

2. Try cupuaçu Ice Cream at Cairu

Cairu is a local ice cream franchise based in Belem, and it is famous for its extensive selection of Amazonian flavors, including cupuaçu, bacuri, açaí, taperebá, and many others. You gotta try some of the exotic flavors while you are in Belem.

One of my favorite flavors is tapioca, which sounds a little strange at first, but trust me, it is awesome. The ice cream is incredibly creamy, and the little chewy bits of tapioca give it a texture unlike anything I have tried before. I also tried cupuaçu, which was good, but my heart belongs to the tapioca flavor. It is awesome!

If you are looking for a nice dessert to try in Belém, make sure you stop by Cairu and sample some of its exotic flavors. If you are visiting Estação das Docas, you will find several Cairu shops spread throughout the warehouse complex. They are usually open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM. It is a little on the pricey side, but it is not every day you get to try tapioca ice cream, so go for it!

When to Visit Belem?

The best time to visit Belém is during the drier season between June and November, when rainfall is generally lower, humidity is slightly more manageable, and you will have a better chance of enjoying the city's outdoor attractions, markets, waterfront areas, and river excursions without getting caught in frequent downpours.

That said, Belém sits on the edge of the Amazon rainforest, so you should expect hot, humid weather year-round regardless of when you visit. Even during the drier months, short tropical showers are still common, so it is always a good idea to carry a light rain jacket or umbrella.

If you are interested in experiencing one of Brazil's most important cultural events, consider visiting in October during the Círio de Nazaré, a massive religious festival that attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists from across the country. It's going to be lively and crowded, but accommodation prices will also rise significantly, and hotels often book out months in advance.

The rainiest period generally runs from December to May, with March and April often seeing the heaviest rainfall. I was here in January, and each day was a mix of sun and short bursts of rain, with high humidity throughout the day.

I was still able to go out and do things every day, but I did get caught in heavy rain a couple of times for about two hours, which flooded the streets. On my last day, I even had to wade through knee-deep water to get back to my hotel 😅, so keep that in mind if you plan to visit during the rainy season.

How to Get to Belem?

By Plane: The easiest way to get to Belem is by flying into Val de Cans International Airport (BEL), which is well connected to major cities across Brazil. Most travelers will find direct or one-stop flights from hubs like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and more.

If you are coming from farther abroad, you will almost always need to connect through one of these major Brazilian cities before continuing on to Belém. São Paulo is typically the most common entry point, with frequent flights operated daily. For finding flights, I recommend browsing through Skyscanner or Expedia for the best fare.

Once you arrive at the airport, getting into the city is straightforward. Uber is readily available outside the terminal, and the ride to the city center usually takes around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. It is generally affordable and the most convenient option for most travelers.

By Bus: There are also long-distance bus connections to Belém from other cities in northern Brazil, but due to the distances involved and travel times, flying is by far the most practical option for most visitors. If you want to book buses, you can do so here.

How to get Around Belem?

On Foot: Some areas, particularly around Cidade Velha and Campina, can be explored on foot. However, distances between attractions can be quite spread out, and the heat and humidity can make walking tiring during the middle of the day. I recommend walking early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is more comfortable.

I walked between the 2 neighborhoods every day when I was here, and although it was long, it was a lovely walk with many attractions in between to keep me occupied. Just avoid walking between neighborhoods at night, and you are golden.

By Uber: Uber is the easiest, safest, and most reliable way to get around Belém. It is widely available, affordable, and generally safer and more convenient than public transport for most travelers. I used it frequently during my stay and never had any issues getting rides.

By Boat: Since Belém sits at the mouth of the Amazon River, boats are also an important part of local transport. You can take river trips to nearby islands such as Ilha do Combu or simply enjoy boat excursions along the waterways for a different perspective of the city.

By Bus: Public buses do exist and cover most parts of the city, but they can be confusing for first-time visitors, especially if you don't speak Portuguese. Unless you are traveling on a very tight budget or staying for a longer period, Uber is usually the more practical option.

How Many Days to Spend in Belem?

For most travelers, I would recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Belém. This gives you enough time to explore the main highlights of the city without rushing, while also allowing you to experience its incredible food scene and go on an island excursion. Here's an example of a 3 day itinerary in Belem:

• Day 1: Explore the attractions around the city.
• Day 2: Spend the day exploring Ilha do Combu.
• Day 3: Visit the rest of Belem, try local cuisine, and relax.

Is it safe in Belem?

Like many large cities in Brazil, Belém has a mix of safer and less safe areas, and your experience will largely depend on where you go and how you move around the city. In general, tourist areas such as Estação das Docas, Ver-o-Peso Market during the day, and the historic center are commonly visited and feel reasonably comfortable when you stay aware of your surroundings.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing or phone snatching can occur, especially in crowded places or after dark, so it is best to keep valuables out of sight and avoid using your phone openly in busy streets. I personally had no issues during my stay, but I was always mindful when walking around.

At night, I would recommend using Uber rather than walking long distances, even for relatively short trips. It is affordable, widely available, and significantly more convenient than navigating unfamiliar streets after dark.

I was once warned by a local when I visited the Sunday market at Praça da República in the morning, while I had my camera hanging around my neck taking photos. Despite the crowds at the market, there were a few homeless people and intoxicated individuals roaming around as well. When a local warns you, it is usually worth taking it seriously.

Overall, Belém is safe enough to visit as a traveler if you use basic common sense: stick to busier areas, avoid flashing valuables, and rely on rideshare apps in the evening.