Along its 16-mile (26-kilometer) coastline, Fortaleza has dozens of white sand beaches. It is, but, far from a sleepy surf town. Catch a show at the Drago do Mar Center of Art and Culture, shop for souvenirs at the Mercado Central, or visit the neo-gothic Catedral Metropolitana in one of northeastern Brazil’s largest cities.
Despite its warm climate and tropical beaches, it is not as well-known as Salvador or Recife. Explore the beaches, go shopping at the market, and only leave with trying caught shrimp cooked in garlic oil. Check out these things to do in Fortaleza to make the most of your trip to Brazil.
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1. Mercado Central de Fortaleza
This massive market should be your one-stop souvenir shop; you’ll find every handicraft imaginable in one of the shops that line the four stories of Mercado Central. While the market has been open since 1809, it shifted its focus from fresh produce to textiles, woven baskets, and other artisan goods when the government prohibited the sale of food in the 1900s. But don’t worry, you can still eat here today.
2. Beach Park
Every year, a million people visit this resort, and for good reason. It’s Latin America’s largest water park, with four hotels and many flumes, pools, and lazy rivers. Drop down the 135ft (41m) Insano, once hailed as the world’s tallest water slide, or relax in the sauna. It’s a great way to keep the kids (young and old) entertained for an afternoon.
3. Kina do Feijão Verde
Since 1999, the open-air Kina do Feijo Verde has served regional dishes unique to northeastern Brazil. Order classics like carne de sol (salted, sun-dried meat), Baio de dois (black-eyed peas and rice), or panelada (cow stomach stew), and wash it down with one of the local beers. Are you feeling fancy? As a digestif, sip one of the regional wines and finish with a dessert, such as the delcia de abacaxi (pineapple delight).
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4. Dragão do Mar
You can’t go wrong with a name like Drago do Mar (Dragon of the Sea). This cultural centre is a buzzing hub of activity, with a concert hall, a planetarium, and two museums to explore - the Museu de Arte Contemporânea and the Memorial da Cultura Cearense. Catch a movie at the cinema (most films are in Portuguese), or stop by rbita Bar for an evening beer - you can’t miss its painted exterior.
5. 50 Sabores
Because of Fortaleza’s year-round warm weather, ice cream is always in order. 50 Sabores is our top pick for sorvete (ice cream), though the shop usually has more than a hundred different flavours. This frozen dessert shop now has more than ten locations throughout the city. Try the Brazilian fruit flavours and the caipirinha with liquor, or tapioca ice cream. Warning: the servings are massive, so limit yourself to one scoop.
6. Parque Ecológico do Cocó
While Fortaleza is well-known for its beaches, don’t overlook the Parque Ecológico do Cocó, one of South America’s largest at 2,855 acres (1,155ha). The park was in 1989 to raise awareness and preserve the surrounding area, which included a massive mangrove swamp. Take a boat trip up the Rio Cocó to experience the mangroves for yourself. Keep a look out for monkeys as well.
7. Catedral Metropolitana de Fortaleza
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza was after 40 years of backbreaking labour. The neo-gothic-style cathedral, completed in December 1978, is the country’s third largest. Inside, about 5,000 worshippers can fit, and it’s worth a visit to explore the architecture and sheer size of the church. Stop by at night to see the lights from the inside illuminate the stained-glass windows.
8. Moleskine Gastrobar
There are many beach-style bars in Fortaleza. But, for an excellent beer selection, visit Moleskine Gastrobar, a city foodie hotspot. It’s as urban hipster as a Brazilian beach town gets. The menu is heavy on grilled meats but starts with the popular bobó de Camaro (shrimp and manioc purée appetiser). It goes well with an ice-cold beer or craft cocktail.
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