Things to do in Santarém
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Museu de Santarém
Housed in a large yellow waterfront mansion, the Museu de Santarém is also known as the Centro Cultural João Fona, after the Pará artist who painted the frescoes on its interior walls. The building dates from 1867 and has been a jail, city hall and courthouse. In addition to several paintings and documents related to the city’s founding, the museum features a small but excellent collection of stone pieces and pottery, including burial urns and ceremonial figurines, from the Tapajoara culture that flourished locally more than 6000 years ago.
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Museu Dica Frazão
Nonagenarian Dona Dica Frazão (b 1920) is the creator, namesake, tour guide and main advocate of the Museu Dica Frazão. Slight and cheerful, Dona Dica has spent more than 50 years making women’s clothing and fabrics from natural fibers, including grasses and wood pulp. Pieces on display include reproductions of a dress made for a Belgian queen, a tablecloth for Pope John Paul II and costumes for the Boi-Bumbá festival at Parintins.
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Waterfront Promenade
The Nova Orla Fluvial promenade follows Av Tapajós over a mile from the Museu de Santarém almost as far as the Docas do Para. A nice stroll starts from Praça Matriz heading west, passing colorful boats before ending in the shadow of the massive Cargill facility, a symbol of Brazil's burgeoning soy trade. There is little shade, so bring a hat.
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Delicias Caseiras
Budget travelers rejoice: for just R$6, you can pile as much grub on your plate as humanly and physically possible. Alas, some of the specialty items are doled out by hairnetted ladies behind the warming trays, but portions are still generous and they often include some less-common options like tongue and chicken patties. Air-con is intermittent.
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Sabor Caseiro
With a new name and new look, this popular per-kilo joint has gone from downtrodden to upscale, but remains good value. Ample and tasty options are served in gleaming stainless-steel service, while the sturdy wooden tables and chairs and blasting air-conditioners make Sabor Caseiro a comfy place to linger.
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Mais Sabor
Occupying a raised pier perched over the water, this popular open-air restaurant opposite Praça do Pescador has nice breezes and views of both rivers – the regular one and the one made up of joggers, families and teenage couples flowing down the wide promenade. The menu has mostly pizza and pasta.
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Igreja Matriz
Facing Praça da Matriz, the city's pretty blue-painted church dates from 1761. Its predecessor church, made of palm fronds in 1661, was Santarém's first building.
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Restaurante O Mascote
The lunch buffet is tasty and good value. Fish plates are the specialty at night – try the tucunaré ao molho de camarão (peacock bass in shrimp sauce).
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Restaurante O Mascotinho
On a terrace overlooking the river, this large open-air restaurant is a great low-key place to enjoy a beer, burger, pizza or sandwich.
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Sacy Caseiro
Well-prepared self-service spread, including fresh-grilled meats, and a clean, air-conditioned dining area.
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