Fortaleza travel guide
Fortaleza Tourism | Fortaleza Guide
You're Going to Love Fortaleza
Fortaleza is the capital of Ceara state and one of Brazil's biggest cities, with a population of 2.5 million. It's a popular seaside resort for Brazilians and is now attracting more international visitors. It is also known as one of Brazil's best party towns and has a buzzing music scene, as well as a renowned comedy circuit.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Fortaleza
1. The Beaches
Fortaleza is famous for its urban beaches, Praia de Iracema and Praia Meireles, where you can enjoy swimming or simply lazing in the beachfront bars and people watching.
2. Watersports
The city is known for its surfing and also kite and windsurfing. There are frequent surfing competitions, as well as schooner cruises for the less energetic.
3. Architecture
Fortaleza has some lovely colonial architecture, with the best examples along the Praia de Iracema beachfront.
4. The Food
The city has some great restaurants, from beachfront shacks that will grill any food you bring, to great seafood and churrascaria meat restaurants. Head to Rua Fredrico for some of the best.
5. The Nightlife
On any day of the week you will find a venue hosting a forro music and dance party. The area around Dragão do Mar is particularly lively.
What to do in Fortaleza
1. Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura: Defining Art and Culture
At the heart of Brazil, on a vast 30,000 square meters of land, is the stylish and historic Centro Dragao do Mar de Arte e Culture. Visit the wide array of exhibition facilities including the theater, cinema, planetarium and library. Open your mind to various arts and cultures as well as urban leisure. Engage your mind by walking through the mind-blowing and unique architecture of structures like the dome of the planetarium.
2. Theatro José de Alencar: Walking Through Art
Visiting this magnificent theater at the center of Fortaleza, Ceara should be on your bucket list. The historic architecture, designed by Fausto Nilo and Delberg Ponce De Leon, contrasts with houses built at the beginning of the 20th century. Take a fulfilling walk through the 120-seat auditorium, the annex building and the Center for the Arts Scenic. These beautiful buildings are set upon approximately 2,000 square feet of perfectly landscaped grounds. Check out the extensive collection of other magnificent architecture that it hosts including the famous Teatro Morro do Ouro and Mestre Pedro Boca Rica.
3. Praia do Futuro: Immerse Yourself in Pure Luxury
This could be considered the ultimate 'beach of the future'. Swim and bathe in the waters of this unique beach that are free from corals and reefs next to the shore. Praia do Futuro is known to offer customers more than a typical beach experience. Indulge in excellent cuisine and sip on the finest wine in the barracks (what they call the lovely rustic restaurants). Everything is right there on the beach: you can not only enjoy your delectable dish but the cool breeze and lively ambiance as well. As if that's not enough, you can even catch a live performance of a band live on stage.
4. Square Martires: Nature at Its Best
Located next to the breathtaking sea, the Praca dos Martires (Martyrs' Square) is home to some of the most natural and serene attractions. Awaken your senses as you stroll along the 3rd Corridor of the Public Promenade which ushers you into the Centennial Baoba. Experience the beauty of nature which sets the mood for a calming ambiance. Take advantage of the well-serviced restaurants and cafés and savor tasty local cuisine.
5. Praia de Iracema: Ultimate Fictional Experience
This lovely beach is named after the novel character Iracema. Be prepared for nothing less than a fictional and magical experience. It boasts the State Public Library of Ceara, the Ceara Aquarium, the Caixa Cultural de Fortaleza, the reputable Joaquim Nabuco Foundation and more. Take photographs of the famous Statue of Iracema, which overlooks the beautiful blue sky. Stroll over the Pier of Iracema Beach, the Street of Tabajaras and other captivating streets nearby.
1. Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura: Defining Art and Culture
At the heart of Brazil, on a vast 30,000 square meters of land, is the stylish and historic Centro Dragao do Mar de Arte e Culture. Visit the wide array of exhibition facilities including the theater, cinema, planetarium and library. Open your mind to various arts and cultures as well as urban leisure. Engage your mind by walking through the mind-blowing and unique architecture of structures like the dome of the planetarium.
2. Theatro José de Alencar: Walking Through Art
Visiting this magnificent theater at the center of Fortaleza, Ceara should be on your bucket list. The historic architecture, designed by Fausto Nilo and Delberg Ponce De Leon, contrasts with houses built at the beginning of the 20th century. Take a fulfilling walk through the 120-seat auditorium, the annex building and the Center for the Arts Scenic. These beautiful buildings are set upon approximately 2,000 square feet of perfectly landscaped grounds. Check out the extensive collection of other magnificent architecture that it hosts including the famous Teatro Morro do Ouro and Mestre Pedro Boca Rica.
3. Praia do Futuro: Immerse Yourself in Pure Luxury
This could be considered the ultimate 'beach of the future'. Swim and bathe in the waters of this unique beach that are free from corals and reefs next to the shore. Praia do Futuro is known to offer customers more than a typical beach experience. Indulge in excellent cuisine and sip on the finest wine in the barracks (what they call the lovely rustic restaurants). Everything is right there on the beach: you can not only enjoy your delectable dish but the cool breeze and lively ambiance as well. As if that's not enough, you can even catch a live performance of a band live on stage.
4. Square Martires: Nature at Its Best
Located next to the breathtaking sea, the Praca dos Martires (Martyrs' Square) is home to some of the most natural and serene attractions. Awaken your senses as you stroll along the 3rd Corridor of the Public Promenade which ushers you into the Centennial Baoba. Experience the beauty of nature which sets the mood for a calming ambiance. Take advantage of the well-serviced restaurants and cafés and savor tasty local cuisine.
5. Praia de Iracema: Ultimate Fictional Experience
This lovely beach is named after the novel character Iracema. Be prepared for nothing less than a fictional and magical experience. It boasts the State Public Library of Ceara, the Ceara Aquarium, the Caixa Cultural de Fortaleza, the reputable Joaquim Nabuco Foundation and more. Take photographs of the famous Statue of Iracema, which overlooks the beautiful blue sky. Stroll over the Pier of Iracema Beach, the Street of Tabajaras and other captivating streets nearby.
1. Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura: Defining Art and Culture
At the heart of Brazil, on a vast 30,000 square meters of land, is the stylish and historic Centro Dragao do Mar de Arte e Culture. Visit the wide array of exhibition facilities including the theater, cinema, planetarium and library. Open your mind to various arts and cultures as well as urban leisure. Engage your mind by walking through the mind-blowing and unique architecture of structures like the dome of the planetarium.
2. Theatro José de Alencar: Walking Through Art
Visiting this magnificent theater at the center of Fortaleza, Ceara should be on your bucket list. The historic architecture, designed by Fausto Nilo and Delberg Ponce De Leon, contrasts with houses built at the beginning of the 20th century. Take a fulfilling walk through the 120-seat auditorium, the annex building and the Center for the Arts Scenic. These beautiful buildings are set upon approximately 2,000 square feet of perfectly landscaped grounds. Check out the extensive collection of other magnificent architecture that it hosts including the famous Teatro Morro do Ouro and Mestre Pedro Boca Rica.
3. Praia do Futuro: Immerse Yourself in Pure Luxury
This could be considered the ultimate 'beach of the future'. Swim and bathe in the waters of this unique beach that are free from corals and reefs next to the shore. Praia do Futuro is known to offer customers more than a typical beach experience. Indulge in excellent cuisine and sip on the finest wine in the barracks (what they call the lovely rustic restaurants). Everything is right there on the beach: you can not only enjoy your delectable dish but the cool breeze and lively ambiance as well. As if that's not enough, you can even catch a live performance of a band live on stage.
Where to Eat in Fortaleza
Maciel Lanches on Av. Monsenhor Tabosa offers basic local dishes of rice, beans and meat from around R$4. Alfredo do Peixe by the fish market has some of the best seafood in town, with mains from R$20.
When to visit Fortaleza
Fortaleza is a year-round resort. The warm, dry months from July-November are especially good.
How to Get to Fortaleza
Plane
Pinto Martins International Airport has direct flight from Europe and North America, as well as many domestic and South American cities. The number 404 urban bus will take you into the city for R$3.50, while a taxi will cost from R$32.
Train
Fortaleza has no passenger rail service to other Brazilian cities.
Car
Fortaleza is easily reached from the south via route 116 and from the west by route 222. Highway 402 runs from the north.
Bus
The city is well connected by bus from other major Brazilian cities. The fare from Natal is from R$35.
Airports near Fortaleza
Airlines serving Fortaleza
Where to stay in Fortaleza
Beira Mar - is the main tourist area on the seafront. You will find lots of hotels, bars and cafes and a good nightlife.
Popular Neighborhoods in Fortaleza
Varjota - is another lively area and a good place to go for the city's best restaurants.
Dragão do Mar - is also good for bars and has some of the prettiest colonial architecture in the city.
Where to stay in popular areas of Fortaleza
Most booked hotels in Fortaleza
How to Get Around Fortaleza
Public Transportation
Fortaleza has an excellent bus network, with fares from R$2 and stops all across the city.
Taxi
There are more than 4,000 Taxis in the city and all are metered. They charge an initial fare of R$3.62 and then around R$2.70 per mile.
Car
Fortaleza has busy roads and driving in the city can be quite adventurous. Car rental will cost around R$60 per day.
The Cost of Living in Fortaleza
Shopping Streets
Feirinha da Beira Mar hosts a daily market from 4pm until 10pm and is a good place to find local crafts and souvenirs. Mercado Central at the cathedral is another good market. Shopping Iguatemi is the largest mall in the city, with international fashion brands and a 24-hour supermarket.
Groceries and Other
A quart of milk in Fortaleza is priced at R$3.92, while a dozen eggs will cost R$7.83.