17 Best Cities to Visit in Brazil, it is a vast country that occupies a significant portion of South America and boasts a diverse population. During carnival season, the sound of samba fills the streets of its cities, while football enthusiasts cheer their teams on in the nation’s stadiums. The country’s best cities offer a plethora of attractions, from stunning beaches to a rich cultural heritage, that will leave visitors amazed and captivated.
Santos is one of the 17 Best Cities to Visit in Brazil
© Dos Santos / Dreamstime
Santos, boasting the largest and most significant seaport in South America, is not only renowned for its maritime importance but also for its picturesque beaches. These sandy shores are adorned with white apartment buildings that offer stunning views of the ocean. Strolling along the waterfront, one can explore the vast beachfront garden, a delightful experience. Additionally, the nearby old streets, once inhabited by the influential coffee traders who negotiated its price, are worth exploring.
Santos is a favored destination among Paulistas, offering a charming historic center. For a magnificent panoramic view of the city, visitors can opt for a ride on the funicular that ascends to the top of Monte Serrat.
Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto, a charming colonial town nestled in the lower slopes of the Serra do Espinhaco mountains, boasts a picturesque historic center that attracts a large number of tourists. Its popularity is easily understood once you witness its beauty firsthand.
The name “Ouro Preto” translates to “black gold,” a reference to the city’s significant role in Brazil’s gold rush. Despite its small size, it was once the capital of the state. Exploring the cobblestone streets of the old town feels like a journey back in time, and the presence of old churches perched on the hilltops only enhances the scenic allure of the place.
Campo Grande
© Vinicius Bacarin / Dreamstime
The prosperity of this rural town is primarily attributed to its thriving cattle and farming industries. The city’s distinctive nickname, “the brunette city,” is a result of the rich brown soil upon which it stands. Being a significant stop along the trade route connecting Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Southern Brazil, Campo Grande has acquired a cosmopolitan ambiance owing to the diverse population that has settled here. Boasting a sizable student community, the town exudes a vibrant atmosphere, offering an abundance of bars and restaurants for an enjoyable night out.
Belem
© Alessio Moiola / Dreamstime
Belem is the ideal city to explore in the Amazon region, surpassing Manaus in terms of aesthetics. Its colonial center, remarkable architecture, and delectable cuisine make it a must-visit destination. Located on the outskirts of Guajara Bay, near the Amazon’s mouth, visitors can embark on coastal excursions and navigate the Amazon River.
Fortaleza
Fortaleza, situated on the northeastern coast of Brazil, is a bustling city that offers an abundance of pristine beaches to discover. Being one of Brazil’s largest cities, it boasts a vibrant nightlife, attracting numerous tourists who come here to revel and indulge in the coastal beauty.
Fortaleza is widely recognized across the country as the birthplace of forro music and the esteemed author Jose de Alencar. Although it may not have an extensive list of traditional tourist attractions, the allure of its beaches and lively ambiance compensates for that.
Manaus
© Sansonovski / Dreamstime
Situated in the heart of the rainforest, Manaus serves as the ultimate choice for thrill-seekers eager to delve into the depths of the Amazon. Despite the city’s unattractive appearance, the allure of the rainforest’s breathtaking marvels beckons from its close proximity, urging you to embark on an expedition into its untamed wilderness.
Although Manaus boasts a considerable size, there are a few notable attractions that warrant a visit, including the awe-inspiring Opera House and the captivating Meeting of the Waters, where the distinct hues of the Amazon River converge.
Curitiba
Curitiba is a prime example of how effective urban planning can transform a city into a lush, verdant oasis. Despite lacking in stunning tourist attractions, it still offers a pleasant environment to explore, with the botanical gardens being a standout feature. However, the city center is marred by graffiti and homelessness remains a significant issue.
Recife
© Marcio Silva / Dreamstime
Located next to the shoreline, the second-largest city in northeastern Brazil offers an enjoyable and lively experience for visitors. The city boasts a captivating cultural scene, and the nightlife is undeniably worth exploring, with a wide array of excellent restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from. While the uninspiring modern skyscrapers may not be visually appealing, the historic center in Olinda compensates for them with its rich heritage. Make sure to plan your visit during the fantastic carnival season, where you can immerse yourself in the incredible atmosphere and take a refreshing break on the stunning beaches whenever needed.
Brasilia
© Dabldy / Dreamstime
The inauguration of the capital took place in 1960, and this meticulously planned city was envisioned as the epitome of modern Brazil. The city center exudes a sense of futurism, boasting contemporary architecture and a well-organized grid pattern resembling an airplane.
Venturing beyond the city center, one will discover expansive green areas and serene parks. It is truly an extraordinary destination to visit, considering it was constructed from scratch within a remarkably brief timeframe. While numerous individuals come to marvel at its architectural marvels, the lively nightlife and thriving cultural scene are undoubtedly deserving of exploration.
Foz do Iguacu
Foz do Iguacu, a rather unremarkable city, is home to the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s natural wonders. Situated on the border with Argentina, it is highly recommended to witness the falls from both sides. The sheer power and beauty of the cascades are truly captivating.
On the Brazilian side, you can enjoy panoramic views of the immense waterfalls, while the Argentine side offers delightful trails that lead you above them. Foz do Iguacu, named after the river it is situated on, serves as a convenient base for exploring the falls and other nearby natural attractions before continuing your journey to Argentina.
Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, is home to more than twenty million people in its metropolitan area. Despite its size, the city offers an exhilarating experience for those who wish to explore it. Sao Paulo is a bustling hub of activity, boasting a wide range of world-class attractions that visitors will surely enjoy.
From high-class restaurants to a vibrant nightlife scene, and an endless array of bars, Sao Paulo has it all. Additionally, the city is rich in cultural sites, with over seventy museums and a variety of theaters. Whatever you’re looking for, Sao Paulo has it covered.
While it may be a smog-filled concrete jungle, Sao Paulo is surrounded by mountains and rainforests, providing both locals and tourists with an escape from the fast-paced city life. As a cosmopolitan city, Sao Paulo’s diversity and thriving cultural scene make it a fascinating place to explore.
Salvador
Salvador is undeniably a captivating city, boasting a stunning Old Town that proudly exhibits a delightful range of colonial architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. Its Afro-Brazilian heritage and thriving arts scene add to its allure, making it an exhilarating and vibrant destination, especially during carnival.
Situated on the vast All Saints Bay, the city’s location further enhances its charm. Although the Old Town, with its charming cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and intriguing museums, takes center stage in Salvador, the atmosphere permeating the entire city is contagious. Its distinctive culture has left an indelible mark on Brazilian society throughout the country.
Florianopolis
Florianopolis, the capital of Santa Catarina state, is a unique city that is divided into two parts – one on the mainland and the other on an island. This city is renowned for its stunning beaches, making it a popular destination for tourists visiting Brazil. Florianopolis offers a relaxed atmosphere and a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to all interests.
Despite some recent development projects that have affected the seafront, Florianopolis has managed to maintain its charm. The city boasts several noteworthy landmarks, including the cathedral and old market. With a total of forty-two beaches to choose from, visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, paragliding, and hiking activities. It’s time to start exploring this beautiful city!
Rio de Janeiro
The Marvelous City, renowned as one of the most stunning urban destinations worldwide, is truly awe-inspiring. With the renowned Copacabana beach gracefully curving alongside the shores of Guanabara Bay, and the majestic Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer reaching towards the sky, this location is undeniably a picturesque paradise.
Adding to this magnificent landscape is the sun-drenched Ipanema beach, along with the lush forest-covered mountains and vibrant favelas that scatter throughout Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second largest city. A bustling metropolis, the ideal time to visit is during its renowned carnival, when Rio transforms into the global party hub.
However, truth be told, you can never go wrong with a visit to Rio de Janeiro; the rhythmic beats of samba resonate through its core, and its captivating landmarks are always a pleasure to explore. Be sure to make your way to the Maracana stadium to witness a football match – the atmosphere is always electric, and it’s an experience worth having even if you’re not a fan of the beautiful game.
Belo Horizonte
© Frederico Cardoso / Dreamstime
This city, known as the capital of Minas Gerais state, derives its name from the picturesque view it offers of the nearby Serra do Espinhaco mountains. Belo Horizonte, characterized by a mix of towering skyscrapers and favelas, boasts tree-lined streets and parks that surprisingly enhance its appeal for visitors. However, it must be acknowledged that the city lacks significant tourist attractions.
Being a major urban center, Belo Horizonte is home to several museums and cultural sites worth exploring, along with remarkable architectural wonders. Many travelers choose to make a stop here while en route to Ouro Preto and Tiradentes.
Natal
© Danflcreativo / Dreamstime
Natal is a top destination for Brazilian vacationers seeking the perfect combination of sea, sun, and sand. Although it may not offer much else, it is a serene location to visit, with several stunning beaches to explore. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly Ponta Negra, which boasts a massive sand dune. Additionally, the only noteworthy attraction is the historic Forte dos Reis Magos, which dates back to 1598. As the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal serves as a gateway for many visitors to discover other captivating destinations in the state.
Niteroi
© Dabldy / Dreamstime
Niteroi, located just across the bay from Rio, is often overlooked by tourists. While locals humorously claim that the best aspect of Niteroi is the breathtaking view of Rio, there are several delightful attractions that make it a worthwhile destination.
Embarking on the ferry ride to Niteroi is a liberating experience in itself. Once there, you will be captivated by the remarkable saucer-shaped museum designed by Oscar Niemeyer, which is truly awe-inspiring, despite its limited interior offerings. Additionally, the nearby Itacoatiara beach is renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. For an unparalleled panoramic view of Rio, be sure to visit Parque da Cidade.
