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Sao Luis spreads across the island of the same name, with the colonial historic centre on the bay side and the beach districts running along the Atlantic coast to the north and east. This guide covers the five areas travellers actually use, with what each is for and roughly what hotels cost. The where to stay article has specific hotel picks for each zone. For the big picture, start with the Sao Luis city guide.
Sao Luis Neighborhoods: Historic Centre (Reviver)
The historic centre, also called Reviver or Praia Grande, sits on the bay between the Anil and Bacanga rivers and holds the UNESCO-listed colonial core. It is where you find Palacio dos Leoes, the cathedrals, the azulejo-lined streets and the cultural centres. It suits first-time visitors who want to walk to the main sights, and it is liveliest during the day. Budget pousadas and a handful of boutique colonial houses cost from about R$120 to R$350 a night. The area is quiet and less safe after dark, so most visitors move to the beach districts for the evening. Check the weather by month guide to dodge the rainiest weeks.
Sao Luis Neighborhoods: Ponta d’Areia
Ponta d’Areia is the upscale spit of land between Sao Marcos Bay and the Atlantic, next to Lagoa da Jansen. It has the city’s best concentration of restaurants, bars and the sunset path around the lagoon, plus the small Ponta do Farol beach. It suits couples and anyone who wants dining and nightlife within walking distance. Hotels here run the widest range, from about R$150 for a simple pousada to R$500 and up for the five-star Luzeiros. The best time to visit guide explains the seasons.
Sao Luis Neighborhoods: Sao Marcos
Sao Marcos is the beach district south of Ponta d’Areia, built around Praia de Sao Marcos and the Avenida dos Holandeses. It is quieter than Calhau and mixes mid-range hotels with residential towers. It suits families and travellers who want a calmer beach base with easy road access to both the centre and Calhau. Mid-range hotels here typically cost R$200 to R$400 a night. In June the festas juninas fill the streets, as the events and festivals guide describes.
Sao Luis Neighborhoods: Calhau
Calhau is the main beach strip, running along Avenida Litoranea with barracas, beachfront hotels and the liveliest weekend scene in the city. Praia do Calhau is the widest and most popular beach. The things to do guide lists the beach bars and other attractions. It suits groups and beach-focused travellers, though it is about 15 minutes by car or bus from the historic centre. Hotels span budget chains to beachfront mid-range properties, roughly R$150 to R$450 a night.
Sao Luis Neighborhoods: Renascenca and Sao Francisco
Renascenca and Sao Francisco, inland from Calhau, are where the city’s shopping malls and most supermarkets sit, including the Sao Luis Shopping and Tropical Shopping centres. They suit longer stays and anyone self-catering, and they are close to the Ibis and other chain hotels. Prices are the lowest in the city for comparable rooms, often R$120 to R$250 a night. For airport transfers and getting around, see the travel tips guide.
