São Luís

Brazil

South America Travel Guide

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Exterior of Matriz Church ruins in the historic city of Alcantara.

©Ksenia Ragozina/Shutterstock

Overview

The World Heritage-listed historical center of São Luís is an enchanting neighborhood of steamy cobbled streets and pastel-colored colonial mansions, some restored, many crumbling. It’s a charming area with a unique atmosphere and one of the Northeast's best concentrations of museums, galleries and craft stores. Unfortunately, a general sketchiness pervades some of its streets after dark.

Must-see attractions

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