Built in 1612, this Brazilian coastal city has white-sand beaches, colonial mansions, and skyscrapers. The first capital of Brazil led social changes, including early slavery abolition.
São Luís, the capital of Brazil's Maranhão state, occupies an island where blue-and-white azulejo tiles decorate colonial Portuguese buildings along cobblestone streets. In the UNESCO-listed historic center, you'll walk past the grand Palácio dos Leões and the 17th-century Convento das Mercês. At night, locals dance to reggae music in bars around Rua Portugal, while restaurants serve steaming plates of peixada maranhense fish stew. The city also serves as a starting point for trips to the white sand dunes and blue lagoons of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Exploring the Historic Center
Over 3,000 buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries line the streets of São Luís's historic center, forming Latin America's largest collection of Portuguese colonial architecture. You'll walk through narrow streets past mansions with tall windows and wrought-iron balconies. Blue-and-white azulejo tiles cover many walls, helping to cool the buildings in the tropical heat. Inside the Palácio dos Leões, you can see French porcelain and period furniture. The Convento das Mercês, dating from 1654, now hosts art exhibitions and cultural events.
São Luís's Reggae Scene
Reggae music became part of São Luís's identity in the 1980s, leading to the creation of the world's second reggae museum outside Jamaica. The museum documents how the music style shaped local culture. In bars throughout the historic center, especially along Rua Portugal, you can watch locals dance "agarradinho" - combining reggae rhythms with Brazilian dance steps.
Getting Around
The metropolitan area has 184 bus routes with over 3,000 buses. To reach the historic center from the airport, take the Socorrão 2/Rodoviária bus. The 403 Calhau/Litorânea line connects to all urban beaches. You'll find taxis and ride-sharing services throughout the city.
Local Food and Markets
In São Luís's restaurants, you'll find arroz de cuxá (rice with dried shrimp and local herbs) and peixada maranhense (fish stew with vegetables). The Mercado Central sells fresh fish, local produce, and spices. At the Feira da Praia Grande, vendors sell handmade crafts and regional ingredients.
Weather and When to Visit
Temperatures in São Luís stay between 30-32°C (86-90°F) year-round. From July to December, dry weather makes it easier to explore the city on foot. Heavy rains fall from January to June, with up to 410mm of monthly rainfall. Morning hours have milder temperatures for walking tours.
Day Trips to Lençóis Maranhenses
You can reach Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in a few hours from São Luís. The park contains vast white sand dunes with freshwater lagoons between them. Local tour companies run day trips and longer excursions to the park. Visit between July and September when the lagoons are full and the weather is dry.
Safety Considerations
Stay alert when exploring São Luís, particularly in the historic center after sunset. Keep valuables secure and use official taxis or ride-sharing services at night. The beaches near Lagoa da Jansen and Ponta d'Areia are generally safe during daytime.
