8 Things To Do In Belem, Brazil

1. Stroll through the Ver-o-Peso market hall

The Ver-o-Peso market hall is a world-renowned market located on the Guajara Bay riverside in Belem. It has its history in the spot where tax collectors used to have their main post, but has since transformed into an open market where everything from food and beverage to crafts and trinkets are sold. The market is completely free to enter and is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Visitors have said it is a great spot for lunch and grabbing souvenirs, and it’s also the perfect place for tourists to see a variety of Brazilian cultures.

Mercado Ver-o-Peso

Address: Av. Blvd. Castilhos França, S/N - Comércio, Belém - PA, 66013-030, Brazil

2. Learn about Amazonian Biology at Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi

The Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi is a science museum, but it’s also Brazilian research institution. Because of the combination, the wonders you can learn there are limitless. The institution researches and catalogs biological diversity in the Amazon, and uses the museum as a means to educate the public on everything from botanical science, zoology, and more. Visitors to the museum are able to view more than 100,000 species of preserved vertebrates as well as more than 6,000 paleontological species. There are also nearly 100,000 pieces in the archeological and ethnographic collections that teach visitors about human history and science.

Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi

Address: Av. Gov Magalhães Barata, 376 - São Bráz, Belém - PA, 66040-170, Brazil

Website: Museu Paraense Emilio Goeldi (in Portugese)

3. Visit the park and zoo at Mangal das Garcas

The Mangal des Garcas is a place where you can spend the entire day marveling at the beautiful nature that the Amazon has to offer. The location includes both a zoo and an environmental park, where you can view species of flamingo, butterfly, heron, and many different trees and plants. The environmental park is situated on the banks of the Guama River, and encompasses an area of about 40,000 square meters (almost 10 acres). Visitors are encouraged to walk through the space and see all of the wildlife in their natural habitats. The center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and tours can be reserved ahead of time.

Mangal Das Garcas

Address: R. Carneiro da Rocha, s/n - Cidade Velha, Belém - PA, 66020-160, Brazil

Website: Mangal Das Garcas (in Portugese)

4. See history at Forte do Presepio

Forte do Presepio is a must-see for history buffs. It was built out of wood in the 1600s and later reinforced with stone and used for military surveillance and protection. It was never known for being a strong fort, but was mainly used for its location and view of the bay and the river. Nowadays, even though the fort isn’t used for military purposes, the view is a great spot for tourists or those seeking some quiet time. The fort is available for anyone to view, and it is free to enter.

Forte do Presepio

Address: Praça Dom Frei Caetano Brandão, s/n - Cidade Velha, Belém - PA, 66020-600, Brazil

Website: Forte do Presepio (in Portugese)

5. Spend your evening at Docks Station

Docks Station is the perfect spot for a night in Belem, whether you’re looking for a fun night of bar hopping or would rather opt for dinner and a casual stroll through the shops. The station was created from the restoration of the old Belem port, so it holds a great amount of history, and now offers a popular center for entertainment directly on the Guajara Bay shoreline. The urbanized space and warehouses hold a variety of restaurants, a beer hall, shops and kiosks, and an event space. Visiting the station will make for a beautiful night by the bay!

Docks Station

Address: Campina, Belém - State of Pará, 66010-020, Brazil

6. Surround yourself with the forest at the Amazon Zoobotanico Garden

Much of the allure of Brazil is the fascinating Amazon forest. Unfortunately, it’s hard to see the forest unless you’re in certain areas and have booked a day or two with a guide. Fortunately, the Amazon Zoobotanico Garden in Belem allows you to experience the Amazon rainforest directly in the middle of the city. The park has been preserved since the 19th century, and offers the opportunity to see a large diversity of plant and animal species in their natural habitats. The park is 15 acres (37 hectares), so you could easily spend a day viewing all that it has to offer.

Amazon Zoobotanico Garden

Address: Av. Alm. Barroso, 2305 - Marco, Belém - PA, 66093-034, Brazil

Website: Amazon Zoobotanico Garden (in Portugese)

7. Marvel at Our Lady of Grace Cathedral

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral is a historical cathedral in Belem that offers everyone a beautiful view of architecture from both the inside and outside. The current building is not the original, but it was completed in 1782. The architecture includes two twin towers and a bright white facade. It is home to the largest organ in Latin America, which was installed in 1882. The cathedral is an important part of the city, and even serves as the centerpiece of the Candle of Nazareth procession, which is the largest procession in the Western world. The cathedral is open daily from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Grace Cathedral

Address: Praca Frei Brandao, Belem, Pará, Brazil, BR

8. Visit the Park Residence

The Park Residence, or Residencia Park, has served as the official residence of the state governor since 1934. The park includes a number of attractions including an amphitheater and pavilion for different events. The entire estate is a great place to visit even if there aren’t any events going on simply because of the importance it holds and its cultural meaning within Belem. It is also a wonderful place for a stroll.

Park Residence

Address: Avenida Magalhães Barata, 830

Visit Belem to get a taste of Brazil

Belem is the perfect city to visit if you’ve never been to Brazil before. Because of it’s position as a former port city and array of cultural events, it provides a look into the different cultures that encompass Brazil. You’ll also get the amazing opportunity to walk in the Amazon rainforest, and see the unique architecture that Brazil has to offer.