3 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
3hrs 30min flight from Rio de Janeiro
When to go
In June for the Bumba Meu Boi folklore festival
Minimum stay
One day
São Luís (Brazil)
©
flickr Lyssuel Calvet
Practical information about São Luís
Reviews of São Luís
The Northeast's folkloric reputation combined with some impressive, Portuguese colonial architecture contributed to São Luís being classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
My suggestion:
But if there's one town where you need to watch your back, it's here at São Luís. It's a hotbed of crime so don't go off the beaten track whilst you're here and carry as little as possible on you.
Summary:
São Luís do Maranhao is the only Brazlian city to be founded by the French, in 1612. Its name pays homage to KIng Louis Xlll of France. It then fell into Dutch hands and, finally, the Portuguese. The town is, therefore, culturally rich with the Portuguese influence being the most dominant, in particular the glazed tile-work that decorates the facades of its palaces. Streets worth exploring are the Ruas do Giz, das Estrelas, do Portugal and Mercado das Tulhas, where you'll find a range of local crafts. And for a great view of the bay, go to the Palais des Lions' terrace. I also found la Casa do Maranhao interesting, not least as it houses an exhibition on the Bumba-meu-Boi, the city's famous folklore festival.
I associate São Luís do Maranhao with a music that has reggae undertones as well as with Gurana Jesus soda and exotic fruits, such as cupuaçu and bacuri, either juiced or as ice creams.
But sadly, you do feel scared here and I didn't feel at ease, whether I was touring the sights in the city center or on the beaches, where at one point I witnessed an armed assault in broad daylight. Leaving the town and heading to the tranquility of Lençois Maranhenses was a welcome relief.
©
flickr Lyssuel Calvet
Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sao Luis is a city in the north of Brazil, on the waterfront and is located on the peninsula sharing the same name which will charm travellers seeking colonial architecture.
My suggestion:
It's better to come at the weekend to take advantage of the nightlife when bands perform in the bars because music is good in Sao Luis.
Summary:
I particularly enjoyed walking in the old centre of Sao Luis to admire the colonial architecture which reminded me a lot of Lisbon because of its tiled facades. I enjoyed losing myself in its paved roads which ascend and descend, surrounded by buildings with coloured walls. I was surprised to come across so few people during the day, it's very peaceful because the majority of economic activity takes place on the other side of the city, in the modern part of Sao Luis.
After the calm of the day, it all comes to life at night, especially at the weekend. I really liked this transition at dusk, on the balcony of my hotel, you start hearing bands in the surrounding bars. The lighting is magnificent giving the place a more romantic feel.
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Rose Nicolini
148 travellers' photos
