Top Things to Do in Belem

About the City

Welcome to the enigmatic Belem, a city nestled at the mouth of the Amazon River, where the rhythm of samba and the scent of açaí bowls blend seamlessly with the tropical air. This bustling metropolis offers a kaleidoscopic fusion of culture and nature, drawing in both the wide-eyed tourist and the intrepid explorer. Dive into the pulsating Ver-o-Peso market, a sensory overload where hawkers peddle exotic fruits and crafts under a cacophony of local chatter. But beware, this colorful chaos can be equally overwhelming as pickpockets mingle with the crowds. Belem is a paradoxical blend of greenery and concrete, with parks like Mangal das Garças offering a verdant escape, amid the backdrop of relentless urban sprawl and traffic that can suffocate both streets and patience. The climate? Let's just say it oscillates between 'freshly showered' and 'soaked through a rainforest downpour,' with humidity as your constant companion. Yet, as the sun sets over the Amazon, staining the sky in hues of fire, the city's electric nightlife comes alive, tempting even the exhausted visitor to dance the night away. In Belem, every day is an episode of 'survival of the fittest,' or perhaps just a test of one's capacity to embrace the unexpected thrills of a city thriving on contradictions. Embrace the madness, the beauty, and the occasional bout of 'why did I wear these shoes' as you traverse the patchwork of Belem's streets.

Things to Do in Belem

Bolinho de Piracuí Bliss

Food & Drink

Get ready to wrap your chops around a sensational street snack, Bolinho de Piracuí! These deep-fried delights are like little golden nuggets of yum, made from piracuí (a type of fish flour) and someti...

Mangrove Meander

Outdoors

Ever tried to hug a tree in a mangrove forest? It's like trying to cuddle a wet noodle, but way more fun. Embark on the Mangrove Meander, a can't-miss ecotour where you get down and muddy with nature....

Art Stroll in Belem

The Unexpected

Turn on that artsy charm and dive into Belem's vibrant art scene. Walk through galleries and open-air exhibits where the colors pop like bubblegum. Discover local talents and maybe grab a piece that s...

Craft Mingle at the Mercado

The Unexpected

Meander through the maze-like Mercado de São Brás, where you can chat up artisans and pocket unique, handcrafted souvenirs. It's a friendly haggle hustle – a ballet of banter and barter!

Sorveteria Cairu Pilgrimage

The Unexpected

Embark on a yummy quest to the legendary Sorveteria Cairu. Their ice-cream is the stuff of local lore – a combo of pure magic and exotic fruits. You'll wanna lick these treats slower than a lazy sloth...

Tug at a Tucunaré

The Unexpected

Reel in the fun with a bit of fishing for Tucunaré, the peacock bass. It's like playing tug-of-war with a scaly underwater athlete. Best part? You might just hook yourself a delicious dinner!

Canoeing the Combu

Outdoors

Paddle your heart out around Ilha do Combu, where the waters are so clear, you'd swear it's the work of Photoshop. Glide past folksy floating docks and give a friendly 'Oi' to the riverside dwellers. ...

SUP Under the Bridge

Outdoors

Chuck on your sunnies and Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) beneath the bridges of Belém. While paddling, bask in the cool river breeze and wave at the boats chugging by as you get that sneaky core workout w...

Island Hopping Odyssey

Outdoors

Be an island-hopping hotshot and explore Belem's river-island scene. It's a choose-your-own-adventure, waterborne style! From sunbathing on secluded beaches to trading smiles with the local ribeirinho...

Urban Jungle Jog

Outdoors

Lace up those sneakers and go for a run in the most unexpected of urban jungles, the Bosque Rodrigues Alves. It's like a slice of the Amazon decided to move to the city for an edgy lifestyle makeover....

Biscoito de Castanha-do-Pará Break

Food & Drink

Take a crunchy trip down snack lane with Biscoito de Castanha-do-Pará! These biscuits are like a hug from grandma if she were a tree nut, bursting with the buttery goodness of Brazil nuts. They're a B...

Botanical Bliss at Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi

Sights

Get lost in the lush greenery of Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. It's like a botanical bash and a zoological jam session all in one, with plants that play leafy tunes and animals singing the sounds of t...

Hang Out with History at Forte do Presépio

Sights

Step onto the grounds of Forte do Presépio and let the timeworn stones narrate tales of ages past. This fort practically whispers the secrets of when the city started. Climb atop for spectacular views...

Fortress of Fun: Castelo de Belém

Sights

Step into a slice of history at Castelo de Belém, your go-to spot for a blast from the past. This star-shaped fortress isn't just a looker, it's a storyteller, guarding the tales of Belém's yesteryear...

Chocolatey Chomp at Museu do Cacau

Sights

Indulge in a decadent dive into the world of chocolate at Museu do Cacau. Sample the sweet life as you unravel the journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bar, with oh-so-satisfying tastings to boot. It'...

Jungle Jam at Utinga State Park

Sights

Trek into the wild at Utinga State Park, a slice of the Amazon just a hop, skip, and a jump from town. Get ready to hike, bike, or kayak through a network of trails and waterways where the soundtrack ...

Fish Fiesta: Filhote Fest

Food & Drink

Hook yourself a slice of the mighty Filhote fish, grilled to flaky perfection, and served with a side of vibrant açaí berry sauce. It's a flavor fling with every forkful, where the smoky char meets th...

Carimbó Cookie Conquest

Food & Drink

March to the beat of the Carimbó drum and indulge in a Belém's sweet secret - the Carimbó cookie! This sugary sensation is a blast of buttery goodness that crumbles just right. It's the kind of treat ...

Cachaça Chronicle

Food & Drink

Embark on a spirited adventure and sip your way through the local cachaça, Brazil's famous sugarcane liquor. Whether you like it straight up or in a caipirinha cocktail, each glass tells the story of ...

Street Fair Flair

The Unexpected

Get groovy and blend in with the locals at a Belem street fair. It's like a block party but with more pastels and pulsating rhythms. Sway to the music, feast on street food, and just let the city's vi...