The city
Experiences
What to do
Travel back in time as you explore the fascinating history of São Luís since its foundation by the French expedition led by Daniel de La Touche in 1612.
In the heart of the Historic Center, designated as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) since 1997, you will witness a grand city where French, Dutch, Portuguese, African, and indigenous traditions intertwine harmoniously, ensuring a unique identity to this place with over 400 years of history, ready to be explored and experienced as your next travel destination.
São Luís awaits you with an irresistible invitation to unravel its fascinating stories, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, and explore its natural beauty.
To help you with that, we want to share information about access, transportation, weather, and exclusive tips that you’ll only find here. Click on “Learn More” and discover the comprehensive guide with useful information we’ve prepared to make your visit to this tourist destination even more amazing.
In São Luís, we strive not only to create unforgettable moments but also to ensure your safety.
Discover the available security contacts for visitors and travel with complete peace of mind. If needed, familiarize yourself with local security services ready to assist you. Click on “Learn More” to access emergency contacts.
Your safe and unforgettable journey starts here.
To ensure you make the most of your stay, São Luís offers the Tourist Assistance Center, the CAT, a specialized service designed to provide tourists with official information so they can enjoy São Luís to the fullest.
Discover the city’s charms with detailed maps, personalized itineraries, and exclusive tips on the best places to stay, as well as must-see activities and entertainment options. And best of all: it’s completely free!
Click “Learn More” and make sure every moment in São Luís is maximized. Your personalized guide for a memorable travel experience is just a click away!
Embark on a remarkable experience in the largest Urban Quilombo in Latin America with the Cultural Quilombo Tour. Monthly, on the last Sunday, this tour, promoted by the City of São Luís, takes visitors on a journey that reveals the rich Afro quilombola influences in the city’s formation.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the Center for Culture and Tourism of Quilombo Urbano, a dynamic space in the Liberdade neighborhood that values local culture. Click “Learn More” to secure your spot on this unique cultural journey and discover the African roots of São Luís.
Enjoy the adrenaline and connection with nature in São Luís, where extreme sports enthusiasts find a sea of warm waters, favorable winds, and many sunny days throughout the year.
Click on Learn More” and discover why this destination has been attracting an increasing number of visitors in search of its beaches for water sports.
Discover the secrets of Bumba Meu Boi in unique experiences behind the scenes of the biggest manifestation of popular culture in São Luís. Take part in free open rehearsals, witness the sacred ritual of baptism and discover the celebration of the ritual of the death of the ox, full of music and religion.
Click on “Learn More” and discover how to live this magical Bumba Meu Boi experience in São Luís!
In the heart of the Historic Center, the City Lookout, located on the 10th floor of the João Castelo Ribeiro Gonçalves Building, invites you to an unparalleled visual experience. Offering a 360° panoramic view of the Historic Center and the waterfront region. This tourist spot transforms every two weeks into a vibrant space with popular demonstrations, cultural performances, and photographic exhibitions.
Get ready to be enchanted by the unique panoramic view of São Luís do Maranhão. Click on “Learn More” and discover how to ensure this free experience in your travel itinerary.
The Island Route is an experience structured as a tourist itinerary that allows tourists to visit, through a city tour, the Historic Center of São Luís and four other cities located a few kilometers from the capital (Alcântara, Raposa , Paço do Lumiar and São José de Ribamar).
In Alcântara, visitors have the chance to explore churches, historical ruins and paradisiacal beaches. In Raposa, an exciting nautical tour takes visitors to the famous Maranhão beach on Carimã Beach. In São José de Ribamar, an exciting buggy ride provides a real adventure. And in Paço do Lumiar, tourists immerse themselves in the tradition of Bumba Meu Boi at Barracão da Maioba and enjoy adventures at the Valparaíso Adventure Park Water Park.
Click on “Learn More” and find out how to guarantee this experience in your travel itinerary.
On the beaches of São Luís, each grain of sand is an invitation to an irresistible experience that involves sun, nature, and a sea of warm waters. The city offers coastal landscapes that transform with the variations of the tides and provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and sports activities.
With tourist infrastructure available to visitors, the beaches feature bars, restaurants, kiosks, inns, and hotels, as well as services such as shared bike rentals and water sports schools. From seaside walks to invigorating swims and sports activities, the options are diverse.
Explore the charm of the Historic Center of São Luís, where the narrow streets reveal colonial mansions adorned with tiles, telling stories from over 400 years ago.
With more than five thousand buildings recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as World Heritage, this region enchants visitors with its fascinating itineraries. From the Museu da Gastronomia Maranhense to the Palácio dos Leões, from Mirante da Cidade to Rua do Giz, discover the historical richness in the various tourist attractions available for visitation.
Start your journey in the Praia Grande neighborhood, the heart of the Historic Center, where colonial mansions, squares and Mercado das Tulhas provide an immersion in the history, gastronomy and culture of São Luís. Don’t forget to explore icons such as Beco Catarina Mina and Rua Portugal, which have a vibrant nightlife in a space ready for you to create memories that will last forever.
With a Historic Center designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, the destination São Luís offers its visitors the experience of a true open-air museum, with architectural installations framing the history and culture of this Brazilian city.
Right next to you, you can check out the main historical properties and monuments of São Luís that help tell the story of colonization in Brazil.
The beaches of São Luís have warm waters all year round, irresistible for a sea bath! There are more than 30km of beautiful urban beaches with excellent infrastructure of bars and restaurants.
For the more adventurous, trails and sports like kite surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle, and surfing are a beautiful invitation! In addition, nautical excursions through the rivers and mangroves of the city are a separate attraction! Come dive in and fall in love with São Luís!
São Luís is a cultural melting pot, as it brings together traditions from African, indigenous, and European heritages in various expressions of popular culture such as reggae, tambor de crioula, bumba meu boi, traditional blocks, coco dance, cacuriá, Portuguese dance, and indigenous tribes. These cultural elements come to life during carnival, São João, and religious festivities.
