Top Things to Do in Fortaleza

About the City

Fortaleza, situated on the northeastern coast of Brazil, buzzes with vibrant culture and boasts a plethora of sun-soaked beaches that will infatuate any lover of sand and sea. The city is a patchwork of lively neighborhoods, each painting a unique stroke on its energetic canvas. Visitors are greeted by the iconic Iracema Statue, honoring the fictional indigenous heroine from a Brazilian classic novel, which stands sentinel by the glistening waters. Indulge in the fresh, succulent seafood, with the local 'caranguejo' (crab) being a must-try delicacy, and wash it down with a glass of 'caipirinha', the zesty national cocktail. By day, meander through the Mercado Central, a treasure trove where hundreds of stalls hawk everything from handcrafted goods to tropical fruits—a veritable feast for the senses. But it's not all sunshine; the city grapples with its share of urban woes. Traffic can test the patience of saints, and like many bustling metropolises, safety after dark is a consideration—street smarts are a must. And while the sun is generous, it can be ruthless too, reminding visitors to slather on the sunscreen or risk the sizzle. In all, Fortaleza is a city of contrasts, a place where pulsating nightlife dances hand in hand with laid-back beach serenity. It's a locale that can both excite and exhaust, but it never fails to leave an indelible mark on those who tread its colorful, sunbaked streets.

Things to Do in Fortaleza

Devour a Cocada

Food & Drink

Unleash your sweet tooth on cocada, a beloved Brazilian coconut sweet treat that's chewy, sugary, and utterly addictive. It's like a little piece of coconut heaven that melts in your mouth, leaving yo...

Bouldering on the Beach

Outdoors

Test your strength against some of Fortaleza's natural rock formations. Scramble, climb, and conquer those boulders by the beach. Psst...no rope required, but do watch out for crabs—they're the true r...

Fish Market Haggling School

The Unexpected

Tackle the art of bargaining at the bustling Mercado dos Peixes. Practice your Portuguese, charm the sellers, and snag the freshest catch of the day. May the best haggler win!

Retro Roller Skating Fun

The Unexpected

Strap on some skates and roll back in time! Glide around like you own the rink while tunes from the past set the perfect groovy mood. Don't stress if you're a newbie - it's all about the funky glide '...

Uncover the Magic of Cachaça

The Unexpected

Embark on a spirited journey through the world of Cachaça, Brazil's most beloved firewater! Zip down to a local distillery, learn the ins and outs from sugarcane to sip, and discover why this liquor's...

Botanical Sketch Crawl

The Unexpected

Channel your inner artist with a botanical sketch crawl at the Jardim Japonês. Bring your sketch pad and get ready to capture the zen vibe of the landscape! No Picasso skills needed, just an eye for t...

Hiking at Cocó Park

Outdoors

Strap on your best walking shoes and take a hike in Cocó Park, the 'green lung' of Fortaleza. This urban oasis invites you to discover a maze of trails, exotic bird songs, and maybe even a monkey or t...

Flavorsome Frisbee at the Park

Outdoors

Who says you can't play with your food? Unleash your inner child with a zesty round of frisbee—but with a local twist! Use a dried starfruit as your frisbee for a truly tropical game. Just don't forge...

Sunrise Yoga by the Sea

Outdoors

Rise and shine for an energizing flow with Mother Nature's soundtrack—waves! Stretch and bend to the early sun's glow; a beach yoga session works wonders for that mind-body-soul trifecta. Plus, salty ...

Kayak Exploration

Outdoors

Grab a paddle and hit the lagoon for a splashing good time! Bask in the sun as you gently kayak along, peeping at fish below and birds overhead. Whether you're an aqua-rookie or a paddle-pro, it's chi...

Indulge in Pão de Queijo

Food & Drink

Sink your teeth into pão de queijo, the bite-sized cheesy bread that's the ultimate street snack. It's warm, gooey, and perfect for poppin' on the go. Just follow the aroma of baked cheese and you'll ...

Dive Into History At The Dragão do Mar Center

Sights

Unleash your inner culture vulture and explore the mind-boggling universe of Ceará's history and art. Filled to the brim with intriguing exhibits, cozy movie theaters, and even a planetarium, this is ...

Treasure Hunt at the Central Market

Sights

Get ready to hunt for treasures in the labyrinthine Central Market! Navigate through aisles packed with colorful crafts, fragrant spices, and woven hammocks that scream 'lazy Sunday'. Haggle like a lo...

Dancing the Night Away at Pirata Bar

Sights

Unleash your inner party animal at Pirata Bar, where every Monday is a frenzy of forró, a local dance that'll have your hips shaking and your feet moving quicker than a cat on a hot tin roof! Dive int...

Paddleboard Paradise at Praia do Futuro

Sights

Touch the sky and ride the gentle waves at Praia do Futuro, where paddleboarding is a way of life. Glide atop the sparkling waters, find your balance, and pretend you're a Venetian gondolier – just wi...

Soak Up Culture at MAUC

Sights

Art lovers, unite! Immerse yourself in a world of contemporary flair and traditional brush strokes at the Museum of Art at the Federal University. It's like a candy store for your eyes, with masterpie...

Nibble on a Paçoca de Carne Seca

Food & Drink

Get your crunch on with paçoca de carne seca! This dish will take your palate on a wild adventure – it's a mash-up of dried beef, cassava flour, and onions, all pounded together into a flavor explosio...

Savor a Seafood Moqueca

Food & Drink

Dive into the colorful and fragrant world of moqueca, a traditional Brazilian seafood stew that'll make your taste buds dance samba! With a blend of fish, shrimp, and veggies simmered in coconut milk ...

Munch on a Tapioca

Food & Drink

You haven't truly experienced Fortaleza until you've munched on a Tapioca! Imagine a crepe, but with more swagger. It's a gluten-free galette made from cassava that you can stuff with just about anyth...

Botanical Bonanza at the José de Alencar House

The Unexpected

Gear up for a green thumb adventure through the lush botanical gardens of the José de Alencar House. Explore a botanical bonanza of exotic plants and flowers, sniff around the herb garden, and play hi...