João Pessoa

João Pessoa[1], the capital of Paraíba, is a city on the northeast coast of Brazil.

Culture and History

History

João Pessoa is one of the oldest cities in Brazil, dating back to 1585. From 1634 to 1654 it was controlled by the Dutch.

Orientation

The layout of the central city is very simple; at the center is the circular Lagoa (lagoon), which is more like a large pond with a shady park around it. Just to the west is Praça João Pessoa. The beaches are several kilometers to the east.

Travel to João_Pessoa, visa requirements

Flights to João_Pessoa, airtickets

João Pessoa has an airport located in a near small city named Bayeux. The airport is some 25km out of town and only served by taxis (regular price - Airport/Town = R$ 30,00/US$ 10,00).

Buses to João_Pessoa

João Pessoa's long-distance bus station is in the middle of the old city leaving and arriving to/from others capitals like São Paulo, Salvador, Natal and Fortaleza.

João_Pessoa attractions and sightseeing

• One of nicest churches in all of Brazil, the Igreja do São Francisco, built from 1589 to 1779, is on the north end of the city center. Its mixture of architectural styles is a fascinating reflection of the colonial empires at the time: the walls of the exterior courtyard, done in Portuguese azulejo tiling, are topped by curiously Chinese-looking lion statues (perhaps by way of Macau), while the church itself is a mixture of Portuguese, Dutch, and French styles and the Oriental dome shows influence from Goa. The ceiling features a 40 meter wide mural, and the interior is inhabited by lots of bats.
• The Ladeiro do Sao Francisco leads westward and downhill from the church, and affords a magnificent view of the Sanhaua River and surrounding lush tropical forest. Just down the hill is the Casa da Polvora, a small historical museum.
• Ponta do Seixas is the easternmost point in the Americas, at 34°47'38" west longitude and 7°09'28" south latitude. There is a monument to mark the spot, and it has a sweeping view of the Atlantic. Ponta do Seixas is south of Cabo Branco beach, and accessible by city bus.

City tours

• Cabo Branco beach is beautiful, calm, and often devoid of people.

Shopping, João_Pessoa souvenirs

Good restaurants and cheap meals

For a quick bite, there are several hamburger stands around the lagoon.

• Natural, Rua Rodrigues de Aquino 177. Good health food and a nice setting as well.
• Pontal do Cabo Bar & RestaurantThe visual best of the seafront of the Cabo Branco, live music and screen with nacional and international clips. Try the Delicious Shrimp. Cabo Branco Street, 4912. Tel: (55) (83) 3247-4336.

João_Pessoa nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

• Jacarés Bar a nice place near of Jacaré river when you can see and listen the Ravel's Bolero played with a sax. All weekends.

Hotels, youth hostels, lodging

Mid-range

• Hotel Aurora, Praça João Pessoa, 51 – Centro. Good central location and reasonably priced.

Stay safe

Get out

The world famous Tambaba naturism beach is 40 km to the south on Highway PB-008. The nearest town is Conde, about 6 km inland, plus another 6 km passing four other beaches to the north of Tambaba. It is a public beach and without any admission fee. Single men are not permitted on the main part of the beach -- they must be accompanied by a female, and all clothing (except sungalsses and sandals) is prohibited. Tambaba website (in Portuguese only).

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