Must-see attractions in São Luís

  • Casa do Maranhão

    São Luís

    Set in the former customs house built right on the river mouth, this informative and colorful museum is dedicated to Maranhense culture and features a…

  • Casa do Nhôzinho

    São Luís

    At the eclectic and fascinating Casa do Nhôzinho, you can see a collection of ingenious fish traps, rooms featuring Maranhão indigenous artisanry, and…

  • Museo do Reggae Maranhão

    São Luís

    A small, bright museum covering the history of reggae music in Maranhão. In addition to displays dedicated to the local artists and promoters who bought…

  • Palácio dos Leões

    São Luís

    The Palácio dos Leões is the state governor’s palace, built in the 18th century on the site of the original French fort. It still houses state government…

  • Mercado das Tulhas

    São Luís

    This 19th-century market building now trades in an interesting variety of typical Maranhão crafts and foods, from dried prawns and Brazil nuts to an…

  • Centro Cultural Vale Maranhão

    São Luís

    This hip new cultural center in a stylishly renovated colonial mansion in the heart of the historical center features rotating exhibitions of high-quality…

  • Museu do Negro

    São Luís

    In this building that once housed a slave market (notice the absence of windows), the Museu do Negro exhibits relics of slavery, including a replica…

  • Teatro Arthur Acevedo

    São Luís

    São Luís's grand neoclassical theater was constructed in 1817 by two homesick Portuguese merchants who missed the dramatic spectacles of Lisbon. It's the…

  • Museu de Artes Visuais

    São Luís

    There’s a fine collection of old azulejos (decorative ceramic tiles), engravings, sculptures and paintings at the Visual Arts Museum, which has been…

  • Igreja da Sé

    São Luís

    São Luís' 17th-century cathedral looks along Av Dom Pedro II from its top end. Inside are ceiling frescoes decorated with babaçu (palm) motifs and a fine…

  • Palácio de la Ravardière

    São Luís

    The Palácio de la Ravardière dates back to 1689 and is now the Prefeitura (City Hall). A bust of São Luís’ French founder, Daniel de la Touche, stands…