Belém

Belém rests on the banks of the Guajará Bay, framed by a vast network of river islands and waterways at the mouth of the Amazon River estuary. As the capital of Pará, it serves as the vibrant historical, economic, and cultural gateway to Northern Brazil.

Founded in 1616 with the construction of the "Forte do Presépio" (today known as "Forte do Castelo"), Belém is a living tapestry of indigenous heritage, Portuguese colonial history, and Amazonian biodiversity. The city experienced an era of breathtaking opulence during the late 19th-century Rubber Boom, leaving behind grand Belle Époque architecture, iron markets, and leafy public squares that still define its charm. Furthermore, Belém is a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy, renowned worldwide for its unique flavors—such as açaí, pato no tucupi, and manioc flour—deeply rooted in indigenous traditions.

Every year, on the second Sunday of October, Belém hosts the Círio de Nazaré, one of the largest and most passionate Catholic processions in the world, drawing millions of pilgrims in a breathtaking display of faith and local culture.

Belém
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       394     31 23       438     31 23       506     31 23       466     32 23       324     32 23       206     33 23       156     33 23       129     33 23       120     33 23       136     33 23       151     33 23       284     33 23 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm Source: National Institute of Meteorology (INMET)
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       16     89 73       17     88 74       20     88 74       18     89 74       13     90 74       8.1     91 74       6.1     91 73       5.1     91 73       4.7     92 73       5.3     92 73       6     92 74       11     91 74 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Located just 1.4 degrees south of the equator in the eastern Amazon, Belém features a hot, humid tropical climate year-round. Average maximum temperatures hover around 32°C (90°F), while minimums stay near 23°C (73°F), with high humidity making it feel even warmer.

The city experiences two distinct periods:

• Rainy season (December to May): Rainfall is heavy, frequent, and can last for several hours throughout the day.
• Dry season (June to November): While still humid and sunny, rain typically comes in the form of brief, refreshing afternoon thunderstorms—often predictable around 15:00—lasting less than half an hour.

Given its equatorial sun and high humidity, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, stay well-hydrated, and always carry a sturdy umbrella to shield yourself from both intense sunshine and sudden downpours.

Belém is a lively and friendly city but it can look quite unappealing at first sight. There are a lot of modern high rises, but between them particularly in Cidade Velha and Campinas there are a vast number of well preserved colonial buildings, from the rubber boom and earlier. Many of the grander ones now house official bodies and there has been a drive to preserve them.

Belém has many attraction, here are some of the many attractions the city offers.

• Mercado Ver-o-Peso (See-the-Weight Market) - by the waterfront, the first and foremost tourist attraction of the whole Pará state. The old fish market, a large and lively traditional market, pre-built in England in the 19th century. Here you will find fish, fruit, vegetables, regional items and offers a good insight into traditional local culture.
• Estação das Docas (Revitalised docks with bars, shops, music etc. next to Ver O Peso)
• Complexo Feliz Lusitânia (Complex Happy Portugal)
• Casa das Onze Janelas (House of Eleven Windows)
• Mercado Ver-o-Rio (See-the-River), bars and a boating lake.
• Forte do Castelo The old fortress in the oldest part of town.
• Catedral da Se The oldest church in Belem.
• Praça Batista Campos (Batista Campos Square)
• Museu de Artes de Belém (Belém Arts Museum)
• Museu Emilio Goeldi (Emílio Goeldi Museum). The zoo.
• Praça da República (The Square of the republic). The main square with statues and the Teatro da Paz.
• Teatro da Paz (Theater of Peace), Praça da República. Tue-Fri 09:00-17:00, Sat 09:00-14:00. Rivals the Manaus opera house as a symbol of the rubber boom's riches; both form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Amazonia Theaters. Guided tours every hour on the hour last 30 minutes. R$4, Tuesdays free. 
• Bosque Rodrigues Alves (Botanical Garden Bosque Rodrigues Alves). A large section of the original forest (with some a lake, fish, animals and a cafe) perhaps a square kilometer in area, ten minutes by car from the city centre.
• Mangal das Garças - the region's vegetation, animals and food can be appreciated in this large park for tourists, just off the city centre.

Belém has a range of regional specialties. See Pará for the full menu.

• Regional ice creams: made with fruits like Açaí, Cupuaçú, Taperebá, Bacurí, Graviola, etc. Best ice cream maker is Sorveteria Cairú, several branches, including at Docas (Station of the docks).
• Tacacá: a delicious soup made with shrimp, tucupi (a broth made with wild cassava) and jambu (Acmella oleracea). It must be served extremely hot in a cuia and it can be served with pepper or not.

• Caldeirada paraense: is made with fish, shrimp, eggs, onion, potatoes, tomatoes, red pepper, tucupi and jambu. It must be served hot with rice and pirão.
• Maniçoba: is made with leaves of Manihot, salted pork, dried meat and some smoked ingredients, such as bacon.

• Pato no tucupi: is made with duck (pato), jambu and tucupi, the same liquid used to prepare Tacacá. People eat this food with rice and pepper.
• Vatapá
• Caruru

All these are in Campina:

• 1 Sesc - Restaurante do Comerciário, R. Sen. Manoel Barata, 160.  (updated May 2022)
• 2 Lanche do Sírio, Tv. 7 de Setembro, 312. Middle-Eastern (updated May 2022)
• 3 Restaurante Popular, R. Aristides Lobo, 290.  (updated May 2022)

The refurbished warehouses by the riverside, Estação das Docas (or simply Docas) offer a number of outside tables, and fairly expensive menus. Amazon beer has an in-house brewery and on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights offers an all you can drink and eat special for R$36.

• Botequin (3 km south from Praça da Republica). Live music and DJs, good on Wednesdays Entry R$10. 
• Açaí Biruta (by the bay, next to the cathedral). Mostly reggae, some rock. Beached boat built in, hammocks. Good on Sundays. Entry R$7 when live music. Big beer R$3. 
• Mormaço (by the Mangal).  

You should try the genuine beer from Pará, which is called CERPA and can be easily found.

Belém is now a large city, take care when walking after nightfall along Presidente Vargas and the back streets that lead off from it. Although no worse (and perhaps better) than other Brazilian cities there is still a lot of poverty so try not to have jewellery or cameras on show when walking around. The city is generally safe and friendly during daytime. Estacao das Docas is always a safe if rather touristy option. The Umarizal area has up market local bars and restaurants. Avenida Joao Paulo Segundo (previously called Avenida Premeiro de Dezembro) has some more "down to earth" and very local bars. Generally there is a lot of night life Thursday, Friday and Saturday ask for advice.