Fortaleza is the capital of the state of Ceará, in Northeast Brazil, and is known for its beautiful beaches, dunes, cliffs, lagoons, historic monuments and tourist attractions. If you’re planning a trip there, check out some tips to make the most of your stay:
What to do in Fortaleza
Get to know the beaches: Fortaleza is famous for its beaches, such as Praia do Futuro, Praia de Iracema and Praia do Meireles. Each has its own characteristics and activities, so try to visit several for a complete experience.
Visit the Central Market: The Central Market is a perfect place to try local cuisine and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. Plus, it’s a great place to interact with locals and learn more about Fortaleza’s culture.
Visit the historical monuments: Fortaleza has several historical monuments, such as the Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, the Metropolitan Cathedral (Neogothic style from 1938 – 1978), the Dragão do Mar Center and the Mausoleum Castello Branco. These sites offer an interesting look into the city’s history and are great for photographs.
Try the local cuisine: Fortaleza’s cuisine is a mix of African, indigenous and Portuguese influences, and is known for its seafood-based dishes. Try the famous “crab” or the “baião de dois”, take the opportunity to try other local specialties as well.
Tips on Unmissable Tours
Take boat trips: Fortaleza has an extensive coastline and beautiful islands, so a great way to explore the region is through boat trips. There are options for all tastes, from short trips around the city to multi-day expeditions through the Parnaíba Delta.
Visit the theme parks: If you travel with children or simply enjoy theme parks, Fortaleza offers some interesting options, such as Beach Park, the largest water park in Latin America, and Zoo da City, with more than 3,000 animals.
Enjoy the night: Fortaleza has a busy nightlife, with many bars and clubs to choose from. If you like to dance, try forró, a very popular rhythm in the Northeast of Brazil. Another option is to visit one of the many live music shows that take place in the city.
Shopping: Fortaleza has several malls and stores for all tastes and budgets. In addition, there are many handicraft options and typical products to take as a souvenir of your trip.
Enjoy the outdoor activities: Fortaleza has many options for those who enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling and water sports. Try taking a walk along Praia do Futuro or renting a stand-up paddle to explore the nearby islands.
Where to stay in Fortaleza
Fortaleza is a city with a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget inns. Always as a good tip, we suggest the website booking.com to speed up your searches. Some popular options include:
- Seara Praia Hotel: a 4-star hotel located on Meireles beach, on Avenida Beira Mar, with comfortable rooms and amenities such as a pool and gym.
- Othon Palace Fortaleza: a luxury hotel with a pool, spa and ocean views, located on Avenida Beira Mar.
- Pousada Recanto das Férias: a family-run inn located in a quiet neighborhood, with comfortable rooms and a swimming pool.
It is worth remembering that Fortaleza is a city with a hot and humid climate for most of the year. So it’s important to look for a place with air conditioning or other cooling amenities. It’s also a good idea to check the location of the place you choose to make sure it’s close to the tourist attractions and restaurants you want to visit.
Conclusion
Make plans in advance as Fortaleza is a city that is very popular with tourists. So it’s important to plan ahead to secure your accommodation and the activities you want to do. In addition, it is important to remember to inform yourself about travel recommendations and to follow the recommended safety measures to avoid contagion by COVID-19.
I hope these tips help you plan your trip to Fortaleza and that you make the most of your stay in the city. Have a nice trip!