São Luís is a city in Northeastern Brazil. Things to do in Sao Luis Brazil include;
- Historic center of Sao Luis – UNESCO world heritage center
- Beaches of Sao Luis Island (Maranhao Island)
- Parque Botânico da Vale
- Igreja da Se Church
- Visual Arts Museum
- Maranhão History and Art Museum
- Ribeirao source
- Casa do Maranhao
- Benedito Leite Square
Hotels are good value and plentiful in São Luís. If you are staying in any hotel in the historic center then you are officially staying in a UNESCO world heritage hotel.
Historic center of Sao Luis – UNESCO world heritage center
Sao Luis is located on Sao Luis Island which is also known as Maranhao Island. It’s also the capital of the state of Maranhao. The historic center of Sao Luis is a UNESCO world heritage site and full of picturesque colonial buildings. Furthermore, most of the restaurants and bars are found inside the colonial buildings of the historic center. They are the typical bars and restaurants of Brazil which have tables on the street. As a result, they are perfect for people watching.
In the historic center you’ll find most of the points of interest of Sao Luís including the Igreja da Se Church, Ribeirao source, Casa do Maranhao, Benedito Leite Square as well as several museums. The new town of Sao Luis is very close to the historic center. In the new town you’ll find lots of shops, market stalls as well as fast food restaurants.
Beaches of Sao Luis Island (Maranhao Island)
There are several beaches on Maranhao island, all a short driving distance from Sao Luis. Beaches include Calhau, San Marcos, Aracagy as well as Espigao. Furthermore, Espigao has a pier which is a good location to watch the sunset.
Colonial Buildings
Sao Luis is a very easy going town, if it’s on your route I’d recommend staying overnight and taking some time to photograph the points of interest and colonial buildings. I took pictures at night and felt safe walking around even when the streets were deserted. There is one part of historic center which has a few bars and live music. It’s around this area you’ll see quite a few people drinking in the street. I had a drink in one of the bars which gives me bragging rights to having drank in a UNESCO world heritage bar!
How to get from Sao Luis to Belem
Overnight bus from Sao Luis to Belem, 13 hours, 121 Reais
The bus service from Sao Luis to Belem is very luxurious. It’s a 13 hour journey which will fly by as you’ll slept comfortably. In fact, I can only remember getting on the bus, going to sleep and waking up in Belem. The Transbrasiliana service is very good, as a result, I recommend you take this service wherever possible in Brazil. An interesting fact about Belem is that it’s the Portuguese word for Bethlehem.
Another great trip you made, James. So many places you have traveled lately and now Brazil. From your description São Luís sounds like a really nice place. Quite empty though during the night, at least from your photos 🙂
The bus trip sounds amazingly comfortable. 13 hours, to be honest sounds like really a tough job going by bus. But when its like in your case – entering, fall asleep and wake up the destination… what to say, couldn’t be better. Waiting already for your impressions from Belém!
I am amazed every time by your stories of overland travel. It just shows you how easy it can be done when you tell the tales of these epic trips. San Luis looks lovely
Wow! 13 hours by bus really sounds tedious but how amazing it is to fall asleep comfy and wake up once the destination arives. Sao Luis looks like an amazing place to visit. Sounds fab to stay in a UNESCO heritage hotel, too 🙂
When I think of Brazil, it think of bright colors and your photos have done a very good job of bringing those out. Sounds like a great trip. I have always enjoyed history and I have to say that I am jealous because I have never had a drink in an UNESCO bar!
I love visiting UNESCO world heritage sites. They are so fascinating and make great photographs. I’ve never heard of São Luís before but it seems pretty cool especially since you can say you’ve stayed at a a UNESCO heritage hotel.
I’ve actually never heard of Sao Luis before but it looks beautiful with all it’s old buildings. And how cool is it that you can say you’ve stayed at a UNESCO heritage hotel and had a drink from a UNESCO bar! Did you just stay there overnight for one night on your way to Belem?
I’ve been in Sao Luis a couple of months ago while traveling in Brazil. So many memories! 🙂 The bar with the tables on the street are a must, and usually there is also live music 🙂 But one must be aware when walking around, even during the day, as some streets of the city centre are totally unsafe.
Sao Luis sounds like a special spot. I really like the sound of the relaxed vibe and people socializing in the street. – so welcoming and fun! Staying at a UNESCO heritage site also sounds really cool!
Also, good to know that there are better places to check out the beach than Sao Luis Island.
Makes me want to go Sao Luis! Hope you can provide your complete itinerary and budget. Would love to visit this place myself someday!
I would love to visit Brazil! That bus you featured sure does look nice! I’d probably rest very well on a luxury bus like you did. The colonial buildings are beautiful, too. I love visiting historic builidings and sites.
I’ve been to Nord East Brazil for my honey moon, we went by road from Maceiô to Recife and from Recife to Natal round. I never visited the south or the far North. I’d love to vosot the Amazon river area once!
Such beautiful photos! I’m jealous of all your travels. I’ve only been out of the US two times so hopefully I’ll get to travel more in my lifetime.
My family and I visited Brazil during the 2017 Holidays. We said we would go back next year to visit more areas. The UNESCO site of São Luís looks stunning.
I was so jealous when a friend travelled to Brazil for the World Cup. São Luís seem like a beautiful place.
South America has been on my wish list for a long time now, especially Brazil! I bet it was divine! 🙂
I’d love to visit there one day, so many interesting things to see and do, not to mention the amazing food! Thanks for the info!
13 hours! Amazing! I What a nice experience! I wonder how it is in terms of budget and itinerary.
I always enjoy your blog posts. You have so many amazing adventures that you get to go on and you’re always showing these beautiful images. I wish I could enjoy traveling like this!
Just what I needed, thanks for including original pictures!