Belém
Table of Contents: Culture and History / Travel to Belém, visa requirements / Get around / Belém attractions and sightseeing / City tours / Good restaurants and cheap meals / Belém nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs. / Hotels, youth hostels, lodging / Stay healthy / Stay safe / Get out More from Pará (Brazil): Belém |
Belém, located near the mouth of the Amazon River in northern Brazil, is the capital and largest city of the state of Pará.
Culture and History
Belém is on the banks of the Bay of Guajará, which is formed by a set of islands and river mouths on the estuary of the Amazon river. Its river port helps putting into motion the Northern region of Brazil.
The city was established in 1616, after the construction of "Forte do Presépio", today "Forte Castelo", at the banks the Pará river. Belém is, in a way, a synthesis of the culture and the history of Pará and the Amazon.
Travel to Belém, visa requirements
It is possible to travel by air-conditioned coach to Belém from most major points in Brazil. However, due to its relative isolation, travel times can be quite lengthy - especially from the south. Flying is the most practical alternative. There are two regular international flights linking Belém to Cayenne in the French Guiana and Miami in USA; however there are many direct domestic flights linking Belém to Brasilia, Fortaleza, Manaus, Rio de Janeiro and Macapá.
Get around
A good, cheap bus system serves most of the city, but it can be confusing at first. Be sure to ask the driver before getting on to make sure it's going to your destination. There is a direct bus to and from the airport that passes through most of the major tourist areas. Leaving the terminal turn left and walk past the end of the airport to the roundabout. The bus stop there will take you directly into town.
Belém attractions and sightseeing
- Mangal das Garças - the region's vegetation, animals and food can be appreciated in this large park just off the city centre
- Estação das Docas (Docks' Station)- Belém's docks were thoroughly renovated to house restaurants, bars and cultural facilities, becoming one of the city's most popular leisure choices
- Mercado Ver-o-Peso (Ver-o-Peso Market)- a large and lively traditional market set in a respectable historic building, trades regional items and offers a good taste of the local culture.
- Praça Batista Campos (Batista Campos Square)
- Museu de Artes de Belém (Belém Arts Museum)
- Museu Emílio Goeldi (Emílio Goeldi Museu)
- Praça da República
- Forte do Castelo
City tours
Many of the city's highlights can be taken in with a walk down the shoreline, starting with the docks and continuing to the old fort. Numerous old churches along the way are worth a look, and the bustling market life is not to be missed.
Good restaurants and cheap meals
- Açaí: soup-like dessert made from the Açaí fruit.
- Maniçoba: stew with pork and meat in a gravy made from manioc leaves (looks strange but tastes delicious).
- Pato no Tucupí: duck with jambú (vegetable) cooked in tucupí.
- Tacacá: soup with tucupí, dried shrimps and jambú.
- Regional Ice Creams: made with fruits like Açaí, Cupuaçú, Taperebá, Bacurí, etc. Best ice cream maker is Sorveteria Cairú.
Belém nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.
Hotels, youth hostels, lodging
Hotel Amazonia - Rua O de Almeida, 548-Centro. (91) 3222-8456 Located just off Parque de Republica. A nice enough place, nothing special but good location and a very friendly owner. Dorms 10 R, Singles 18 R, Doubles 26 R. hotelamazonia@globo.com
Stay healthy
Stay safe
Get out
- Mosqueiro Island - 80 Km from Belém, is famous for its river beaches with sea-like waves and rubber-era constructions.
More from Pará (Brazil): Belém |
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