This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Sao Luis packs a UNESCO-listed colonial centre, a long strip of urban beaches and two of Brazil’s most striking day trips: the colonial town of Alcantara and the dune lagoons of Lencois Maranhenses. This guide lists each attraction with location, hours and ticket prices, and the neighborhoods guide explains where everything sits. For the big picture, start with the Sao Luis city guide.
Things to Do in Sao Luis: Historic Centre (Reviver)
Walk the UNESCO-listed historic centre
The historic centre, called Reviver or Praia Grande, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997 and holds about 3,500 colonial buildings, many faced with blue and white Portuguese azulejo tiles. Start on Rua Portugal and Rua do Trapiche, the two most photographed streets. The area is free to walk and is most comfortable in the morning before the midday heat. Wear closed shoes; the cobblestones are uneven and slippery after rain.
Palacio dos Leoes
The 18th-century governor’s palace on Avenida Pedro II has been the seat of the Maranhao state government since the 1600s. Free guided tours run Tuesday to Sunday, typically in Portuguese with some English, and last about 40 minutes. Inside you see period furniture, chandeliers and the terrace view over Sao Marcos Bay. Arrive early; group sizes are capped and the palace closes on Mondays.
Casa do Maranhao
This free cultural centre occupies the former customs house on Rua do Trapiche and holds a permanent exhibition on Bumba Meu Boi, the Maranhao bull festival, with costumes, drums and the different regional styles explained. It is open Tuesday to Sunday and is a good rainy-day stop that takes about an hour. During June and July it is the best primer on the events and festivals guide season.
Cafua das Merces (Museu do Negro)
Housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings on Rua Jacinto Maia, this small museum documents the slave trade and Afro-Brazilian culture in Maranhao. Entry costs around R$5 and it is open weekdays. The building itself, a former slave holding house, dates from the colonial period and is worth the visit for the history and the small collection of artefacts.
Teatro Arthur Azevedo
This theatre on Rua do Sol, opened in 1817, is the second oldest in Brazil and one of the finest neoclassical buildings in the city. It still stages plays, concerts and dance performances. Guided visits run on weekdays when there is no show; check the box office for the schedule. Even a quick look at the facade and lobby is worthwhile while walking the historic centre.
Things to Do in Sao Luis: Beaches and Outdoor Spots
Praia do Calhau
Calhau is the main city beach, a wide strip of sand along Avenida Litoranea lined with barracas (beach bars) serving grilled fish, shrimp and cold beer. The water is calm and swimmable, though strong tides and occasional currents mean you should watch for warning flags. It gets busy on weekends; weekdays are quieter. Bars typically open from mid-morning to late afternoon. Check the weather by month guide before picking your beach days.
Praia de Sao Marcos
Sao Marcos beach runs south from Ponta d’Areia and is a quieter alternative to Calhau, with fewer bars and more open sand. It is a good spot for a walk or a swim early in the day. Parking is easier here than at Calhau on weekends.
Lagoa da Jansen
This saltwater lagoon near Ponta d’Areia has a walking and cycling path around its edge and is the city’s main sunset spot. Restaurants and bars cluster on the eastern shore. Come around 5:30 to 6:00 pm for the sunset; the loop walk takes about 40 minutes and the area is well lit after dark. This area has good hotels, listed in the where to stay guide.
Things to Do in Sao Luis: Day Trips and Excursions
Alcantara (ferry day trip)
The colonial town of Alcantara sits across Sao Marcos Bay, reachable by catamaran ferry from the Cais da Praia Grande in about 1 hour. Ferries run several times a day and cost roughly R$30 to R$40 each way. The town has ruined 18th-century mansions, a main square with a ruined church and views back to Sao Luis. It is a full half-day trip; buy the return ticket on arrival to confirm times, as schedules change with the tides. The travel tips guide has ferry times and costs.
Lencois Maranhenses (2 to 3 day excursion)
The white sand dunes and rain-fed lagoons of Lencois Maranhenses National Park are about 4 hours from Sao Luis by road via the town of Barreirinhas. The lagoons are fullest from June to September. Most visitors book a transfer or tour from Sao Luis, then take 4×4 tours into the park from Barreirinhas or the village of Atins. A realistic trip is 2 to 3 days, and the best time to visit guide explains the exact months when the lagoons are at their peak.
