Belem Info and Miniguide

Buses run to every place within the city. You can take them from the main bus terminal and get to any part of the city. There are taxis that ply from every point. Taxi drivers are a friendly lot and they play by the rules. Even during peak hours, the drivers can take you through the old city lanes to your destination.

While walking or cycling can be a nice way to see more of the city, Belém is big and it would take a lot of time to explore it on foot. However, the older parts of the city have many lanes which are perfect for walking or cycling. Belém is both modern and traditional. The colonial connection is more than apparent. There are several old buildings mostly churches and offices which are very well maintained. The Forte do Castelo at the end of the shore line and Teatro da Paz provides a glimpse of the city’s past.

Boating tours on river Rio Guama are perhaps the best manner to see Belém’s natural beauty as the river winds its way through the city. Ilha do Mosqueiro is the closest beach from Belém and lies about 80 km away. Buses run at least every half hour from the bus station. You can also take a boat during weekends and high season.

Ilha de Marajó is one of the largest river islands. It can be reached from Belém by boat and ferry. Marajó has two different land forms. The land is mostly forest, but some of it has plains with grasslands and shrubs. The forest lands or terras baixas is flooded by Amazon during rains and only the water buffaloes venture to graze on them.

To the North of Belém lies the village of Icoaraci, twenty five kilometers away from the city. If you’ve heard of Marajoara pottery, then you know why this village has become world famous. You can buy some art and take it home with you as souvenirs.

Nobody leaves Belém without tasting its sea food and more importantly the awesome ice cream. Must try foods here are Tacaca, which is Shrimp soup served very hot. The pepper scent makes it even hotter. Maniçoba is another popular dish made from bacon with leaves of manihot (cassava) a spice that is intrinsic to this part of the world. Also try the Tucupi which is a duck stew that is mainly eaten with rice.

Belém’s famous ice creams can be found everywhere. These delicacies are loaded with fruits like Açaí - a kind of palm and Taperebá - a small berry like fruit. Pineapples and nuts are main exports of Belém and you will find these in abundance in this region. The best place to eat ice cream is Sorveteria Cairú, a local hotspot in Belém with several outlets in the city.

Belém is quite famous for its bars, restaurants and discos. At most places the liquor is cheap and the music is good. You can sample Latin American music and its contemporary genres while winding down with a glass of beer.

Africa Bar is popular among tourists and the rhythmic music will certainly keep your feet tapping. But the night does not end at Africa bar. Ventanas Do Amazonas and Billar Bar are other chic and happening places in Belém. So just take your pick and party!

Belém is a scenic city with a history that is enthralling. You will love the vivacity and energy that this city offers. It certainly is one of the best places in Brazil to sample tropical fruits and seafood and is also becoming a shopper’s paradise!