Belém, the state capital of Pará, is a fascinating blend of old and new, making it one of the most intriguing Brazilian cities to explore. Located in the heart of the Amazon region, this modern city offers a unique cultural experience, with its rich history and vibrant present.
Belém’s rich history is complemented by its culinary delights, especially the renowned Ver-o-Peso market, offering an authentic taste of Amazonian flavors.
There are so many things to do in Belem Brazil. We will take you through each of them and if you want to find out more about the city read our guide to Belem.
As you walk through the city center, you’ll encounter beautiful colonial buildings that tell the stories of the historical figures who shaped the city’s identity, giving Belém its unique charm.
A stroll through Belém reveals the best pieces of its colonial architecture, especially around the City Hall, where the past seamlessly meets the present. While Belém is known for its proximity to the Amazon, it’s also a gateway to beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing after exploring the city’s historic streets.
Whether you’re here to experience the local culture or simply admire the architectural beauty, the city of Belém has something to offer all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season when the weather is more favorable for sightseeing.
As one of the most important cities in the Amazon region, Belém stands out for its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its colonial buildings, vibrant markets, and stunning beaches nearby, Belém is a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of the Amazon or the history of the city, Belém is a destination that will captivate you from the moment you arrive.
Things to do in Belem Brazil: Praça da República
The Republic of Brazil was proclaimed in 1889, and it inspired the construction of monuments, such as the one erected in the square of Belém.
In 1890, the foundation stone for this national monument was laid, symbolizing both a tribute to the new regime and the state’s adherence to it. In 1891, the Pará government launched a public contest, inviting international artists to submit their designs.
The winning proposal came from Italian sculptor Michele San Sebastiano. Though some modifications were made before completion, the most notable change was replacing the olive branch in the hand of the Republic with a sword.
The project began in 1892 and was completed five years later. Standing 66 feet (20 meters) tall, the monument is crafted from Carrara marble and bronze, featuring a set of sculptures arranged on four steps, a four-sided pedestal, and a Doric column. At the top of the column is the figure of Marianne, holding revolutionary symbols that represent the Republic.
Plaques honoring important figures such as Floriano Peixoto, José Bonifácio, Tiradentes, and Benjamin Constant were added during the second term of Mayor Abelardo Conduru.
The first attempt to urbanize the square dates back to colonial times, in 1801, when Arthur Índio do Brasil, the intendant of Belém, paved the avenues, created walkways, added fountains and benches, and installed gardens along the promenades.
Later, in 1897, Mayor Antônio Lemos completely transformed the square’s appearance, even replacing the street paving with cobblestones.
During Virgínio Mendonça’s government, two pavilions were built, with the larger now housing the Waldemar Henrique Theater, and the smaller serving as the Art School of the Federal University of Pará.
This historical site, with its late 1800s architecture and deep ties to Brazil’s republican era, is a fascinating place to visit.
Whether you come in the late afternoon to catch the light reflecting off the bronze sculptures or stroll through the gardens, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the rich history of this fascinating city.
Mercado Ver-o-Peso or Mercado Municipal
Inaugurated in 1625 at the old Porto do Pirí, the original “Casa de Haver o Peso” started as a simple customs post for weighing goods and collecting taxes.
Over time, it grew into the vast open-air market we know today, with the architectural and landscape ensemble being recognized by Iphan in 1977.
During the 18th century, Belém became the largest trading hub in the region, serving as a central marketplace for products extracted from the Amazon rainforest and supplying both local and international markets.
It was also the main entry point for European goods coming into the Pará State, giving birth to what is now Belém’s Ver-o-Peso Market.
Throughout the years, the market has undergone several transformations, including a significant renovation during the Belle Époque period.
This cultural and cosmopolitan era, which spanned the late 19th century until World War I, brought about ambitious renovation projects, including the construction of the Iron Market (or Fish Market) and the Francisco Bolonha Market (or Meat Market).
The Iron Market began construction in 1899, designed by engineers Bento Miranda and Raymundo Vianna, who drew inspiration from European styles.
Its iron structure was imported from Europe, topped with Marseille-style tiles, and the art nouveau towers were adorned with zinc shingles from the Vieille-Montagne system. It was inaugurated in 1901, along with the Meat Market, and is now considered the largest open-air market in Latin America.
Ver-o-Peso spans an impressive 270,000 square feet (25,000 square meters) and includes a range of historic buildings. The protected complex covers the Boulevard Castilhos França, the Meat and Fish Markets, historic townhouses, the Praça do Relógio, Dom Pedro II Square, the dock area, the Açaí Market, and Ladeira do Castelo.
It’s an ideal place for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of traditional work practices, cultural exchanges, and commercial activity. The vibrant social atmosphere, mixed with the flavors and sounds of the market, makes it a great place to experience Pará State’s rich heritage.
As you explore Ver-o-Peso, you’ll find fresh fish from the Amazon, unique ingredients, and delicious treats like pastéis de nata from local stalls.
You can enjoy live music and stroll through the open-air market, where the aromas of Pará’s famous dishes and ice cream fill the air.
This is truly a fascinating city landmark, with its deep-rooted history and constant activity, perfect for a late afternoon visit while indulging in the best ice cream shops around.
Things to do in Belem Brazil: Island of Marajó
The Ilha de Marajó is located in the northern region of Pará State, in Northern Brazil, separated from the capital city of Belém to the southeast and the state of Amapá to the northwest by rivers and oceans.
Known as the largest river-sea island in the world, Marajó Island spans almost 19,300 square miles (50,000 km²), comparable in size to entire Brazilian northeastern states or even European countries like Belgium or Switzerland.
This vast archipelago consists of over 2,000 islands and islets, with four main ones. The largest, of course, is Marajó Island, while others such as Ilha Mexiana, Ilha Caviana, and Ilha Grande do Gurupá are also notable. With 12 municipalities just on Marajó, it’s clear this isn’t a small or isolated village. The island is home to more than 500,000 inhabitants, which showcases its immense size and development.
The broader region includes over 20 municipalities, forming the largest conservation unit on Brazil’s northern coast, the Apa Marajó. Given its diversity, it’s not accurate to reduce Marajó to a single cultural identity; instead, it offers a unique array of experiences to discover.
The municipalities of Soure and Salvaterra are the main must-see attractions for tourism, both connected by the Paracauari River.
Soure was colonized by the Portuguese, who named it after the Portuguese city of the same name, linked to the abundance of alligators (sauro) in the area. With its planned city layout, Soure’s streets are numbered, and from above, the city resembles a chessboard.
Praia da Barra Velha
Visitors to Praia da Barra Velha can soak up the sun on its peaceful beaches, take leisurely walks along the shore to enjoy the landscape, or even engage in water sports like swimming, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding in the calm river waters.
The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, making it a great place for nature enthusiasts to explore the local fauna and flora. Boat rides through the nearby creeks and mangroves offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, where you may spot a variety of birds such as herons, spoonbills, and even the majestic harpy eagle.
For those interested in local culture, Marajó Island is also a treasure trove of traditions, offering the chance to savor typical Pará cuisine and explore the famed Marajó pottery with its decorative ceramics.
Praia do Pesqueiro
The warm and calm waters of Praia do Pesqueiro are perfect for swimming, diving, and enjoying water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Visitors can also simply relax on the soft white sands, enjoying the sun and the pleasant weather of sunny days in Marajó.
The area around the beach is filled with native vegetation, offering opportunities for eco-friendly hikes and birdwatching. Tourists can explore trails that lead through dense forests, experiencing the rich biodiversity that makes Ilha de Marajó such a paradise for nature lovers.
Ilha do Amor
Surrounded by white sandy beaches and the calm waters of the Amazon and Paracauari Rivers, Ilha do Amor is a perfect hideaway for those seeking direct contact with nature.
Visitors to this island of Marajó can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from swimming in crystal-clear waters to taking boat rides to explore the nearby areas. Hiking through lush vegetation offers the chance to observe the island’s wildlife, including bird species like herons and spoonbills.
Beyond its natural beauty, Ilha do Amor also provides a rich cultural experience. Tourists can sample delicious Pará State cuisine, shop for local handmade crafts, and learn about the traditions and lifestyle of the island’s inhabitants, making it a truly memorable stop on any visit to Marajó Island.
Things to do in Belem Brazil: Bosque Rodrigues Alves
The Bosque Rodrigues Alves – Amazon Botanical Garden, or simply Bosque Rodrigues Alves, is an environmental preservation area located in the Marco neighborhood of Belém, the capital of Pará State.
Originally known as the Municipal Forest of Marco da Légua, it was envisioned by José Coelho da Gama e Abreu, the Baron of Marajó, and officially opened in 1883 during the reign of Emperor Dom Pedro II.
The botanical garden is home to over 300 species of flora and 58 species of fauna, welcoming an average of 20,000 visitors each month. In 2008, it was elevated to the status of Botanic Garden, joining the international network for natural and historical preservation, the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).
Covering 37 acres (15 hectares), this space retains much of the native ecosystem that existed before the city’s expansion in the 1950s. The majority of the area is lushly forested, with a smaller portion occupied by historical landmarks and paths for visitors.
The garden’s vegetation primarily consists of native plants, a preserved glimpse into the natural environment of the Amazon Rainforest in the late 1800s, with an impressive 94% of the greenery being native species and 6% exotic plants, including over 10,000 trees across more than 300 species.
The fauna within the Bosque is exclusively comprised of animals native to the Amazon. Some are kept in enclosures or semi-captivity, while others roam freely, with a total of around 430 animals.
Visitors can observe a variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects, as well as visit the bird aviary. The forest offers the opportunity to spot species such as macaws, capuchin monkeys, toucans, white-winged parakeets, tortoises, alligators, and parrots. Additionally, animals like agoutis, squirrel monkeys, and sloths can often be seen roaming freely.
A special attraction within the garden is the aquarium, which features a variety of Amazonian fish species, including the bengaline, angelfish, rosaceus, motoro stingray, and many others. The Bosque also runs programs aimed at wildlife management and environmental education, further emphasizing its role in conservation.
Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, the Bosque Rodrigues Alves has been a protected site at the state level since 1982.
Visitors can still admire original 19th-century structures, such as the monumental entrance gate, the municipal intendants monument, statues of legendary forest guardians Mapinguari and Curupira, a Chinese-style pavilion, a soapstone grotto, and several artificial lakes.
In 1985, an ambitious renovation project restored and relocated a 19th-century iron chalet to the Bosque, where it still stands as a testament to the region’s rich historical heritage.
This national treasure, housing both natural beauty and architectural relics, offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and nature, making it an ideal place to visit for those seeking a connection with the Amazon.
