The Top 5 Must-See Attractions in Belem, Brazil

While often overlooked by tourists in favor of the natural Amazonian wonders on offer inland, Belém is one of Brazil’s most cultural gem cities to visit. Here are the top 10 must-see attractions to add to your bucket list.

The northern Brazilian state of Para is home to a large portion of the Amazon rainforest as well as the imposing Amazon, Tapajós, Xingu and Tocantins rivers. Belém, the state capital, is a fascinating city. From the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th and 17th centuries through the rubber boom of the 19th and 20th centuries, the city tells the story of Brazil’s history. Today, there’s a lively mix of activities, markets, restaurants, museums and gardens to discover on your trip to Belém.

Mercado Ver-o-Peso

The late chef and food writer Anthony Bourdain often said that the first thing he did when visiting a new city was tour its municipal market. If you want to get a real feel for a city’s habits, culture and way of life, spend time around local market sellers, and discover their wares. At Belém’s Ver-o-Peso market, Bourdain’s maxim rings truer than ever. Located on the docks of Guajará bay, the Mercado Ver-o-Peso (originally called Haver-o-Peso, which translates to “have the weight”) dates back to 1625 and is considered to be the largest open-air market in Latin America.A vast complex made up of a fish market, butcher’s market, craft stalls, fruit and veg, exotic spices and herbs, and antiques, visitors can spend hours perusing the items on sale and will want to come back for more. Head there for lunch on the weekend and grab a seat at one of the countless food kiosks. For one of the best pieces of fried fish in town, visit Box da Lúcia and order the peixe, along with a delicious bowl of pulped açai berries and a cold bottle of Tijuca beer. Alternatively, for something tourists don’t often get to see, get down to the market in the wee hours of the morning and catch the boats coming ashore, filled to the brim with the fresh seafood, as well as freshly picked açai. Work starts very early at the Ver-o-Peso (some stalls are already set up before 4am), so don’t forget to set your alarm!

Teatro da Paz

Belém was one of the pivotal cities during Brazil’s rubber boom at the turn of the 19th century. At the time, the US and Europe were industrializing at a frantic pace, and rubber was a valued commodity in the manufacturing of cars and other machinery. And until the 1910s, rubber was only grown in the Amazon. Belém became the gateway to the Amazon for rubber-traders, and was one of the first Brazilian cities to be modernized. Rich European families flooded to Belém and transformed the city with ornate architecture, earning the city the nickname of the Paris of the Americas.The biggest symbol of Belém’s rubber wealth was the Theatro da Paz, a luxurious Neoclassical theater built in the 1870s. With its marble floors, dramatic frescoes and pristine chandeliers, walking around the Theatro da Paz today gives an indelible impression of what Belém was like back in its belle époque. The interior is very well-preserved, and visitors can see the golden-paved path leading directly from the entrance up to the Emperor’s Box, built specially for Pedro II of Brazil, who never once visited the theater. Guided tours are offered every weekday from 9am till 5pm, and from 9am till 12pm on weekends. Visits cost just R$6 (US $1.60), and entrance is free on Wednesdays. The theater still hosts performances, mainly operas and concerts, with tickets on sale at the box office.

Estacao das Docas

A refreshing counterpoint to the busy Mercado Ver-o-Peso is the beautiful Estação das Docas, a stylish and upmarket promenade. With bars, restaurants, ice-cream shops, boutique stores and live music, it is the entertainment hub of 21st-century Belém. Beautifully maintained and well lit, the docks are an ideal place to spend a late afternoon, watching the sun set over the bay while sipping excellent local craft beer at Amazon Beer, or sampling some of the best of northern Brazilian cuisine at Lá em Casa. The Estação das Docas is also the departure point for a number of boat tours around Guajará bay.

Mangal das Garcas

On one of Belém’s many gorgeous and sunny days, visit the stunning Mangal das Garças, a botanical garden and small zoo, located in the southwest of the city. Its lush green grounds are filled with exotic birds and massive iguanas (who love sunbathing by the lake). The park is free to enter, but if you pay an entrance fee of R$15 (US $3.68), you will also have access to the butterfly house, aviaries and the lighthouse. While you’re there, make the most of your trip and grab a late lunch at the nearby Mormaço Bar, a stilt house bar sitting over the water, serving excellent local food and drink.

Cirio de Nazare

If you’re lucky enough to visit Belém in October, you’ll witness the city’s incredible religious festival known as Cirio de Nazare, often referred to by locals as “the biggest party you’ve never heard about”. Cirio typically consists of a large procession from the old town out to the impressive Nazare Basilica, carrying a statue of Our Lady of Nazareth which was found near the church in the 1700s and was believed to have performed miracles. The entire city comes to a standstill with block parties and parades.