Top things to do in Fortaleza (Brazil)

Fortaleza: A Vibrant City Full of Culture and Beaches

Welcome to Fortaleza, a city located in the northeastern part of Brazil. Fortaleza is a vibrant city that offers a mix of culture, beaches, and natural beauty. Known as the "Land of Light," Fortaleza is a place where the sun shines all year round, and the people are always ready to welcome you with open arms. Here's a guide to the top attractions in Fortaleza that you can't miss.

Martyrs Square: Praça dos Mártires

The Martyrs Square is a historic landmark that honors the memory of the martyrs of the revolution that took place in Fortaleza in 1914. This square is a great place to start your tour of the city, as it offers a glimpse of the local history and culture. The square features a beautiful fountain, and there are plenty of benches where you can sit and soak in the atmosphere.

Beira Mar de Fortaleza

Beira Mar de Fortaleza is a long promenade that runs along the beach in Fortaleza. This is the perfect place to take a stroll, jog, or bike ride while enjoying the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Estátua Iracema do Mucuripe

The Estátua Iracema do Mucuripe is a beautiful statue that pays homage to the popular indigenous character Iracema, created by the Brazilian writer José de Alencar. The statue is located at the end of the Beira Mar promenade and is a great spot to take photos, especially during the sunset.

O Titanzinho

O Titanzinho is a beach located on the west side of Fortaleza. This beach is a hidden gem and is usually not crowded, making it the perfect spot to relax and soak in the sun. The beach is surrounded by dunes, and there are several restaurants and bars where you can grab a drink or a snack.

Complexo Cultural Estação das Artes

The Complexo Cultural Estação das Artes is an art and culture center located in the heart of Fortaleza. The center features several exhibition halls, a theater, and a library. The exhibitions feature a mix of contemporary and traditional art, and the theater hosts musical and theatrical performances throughout the year.

Fortaleza Secretary of Tourism

The Fortaleza Secretary of Tourism is the official tourism office in the city. This is the perfect place to get information about the best places to visit, things to do, and events in the city. The tourism office also offers guided tours, maps, and brochures to help you plan your trip.

Jardim Japonês

The Jardim Japonês is a small Japanese-inspired garden located on the Beira Mar promenade. The garden features traditional Japanese landscaping, water features, and architecture. This is a peaceful and intimate garden, perfect for taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Parque da Liberdade Fortaleza

The Parque da Liberdade Fortaleza is a small park located on the east side of Fortaleza. The park features palm-lined footpaths, gazebos, and play equipment, set around an ornamental lake. This is a great spot for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or a playdate with the kids.

Vila do Mar - Barra do Ceará

Vila do Mar is a fishing village located in the Barra do Ceará neighborhood. This is the perfect place to experience the local culture, as you can watch the fishermen bring in their catch of the day, and sample some of the freshest seafood dishes in the city.

Beira Mar: Praia de Iracema

Beira Mar: Praia de Iracema is one of the most popular beaches in Fortaleza. The beach is known for its vibrant nightlife, with several bars, restaurants, and nightclubs lining the promenade. During the day, the beach offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.

Aterro da Praia de Iracema

The Aterro da Praia de Iracema is a stretch of reclaimed land that features a long promenade and breakwater lining a sandy stretch of beach. The promenade is a popular spot for street food, sculptures, and bars, making it a great place to soak in the local culture while enjoying the sea views.

Espigão da Rui Barbosa

The Espigão da Rui Barbosa is a breakwater that separates the Praia de Iracema from the Mucuripe beach. The breakwater features several restaurants, bars, and street vendors, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal or a drink while watching the fishermen at work.

Pole Leisure Da Barra do Ceará

The Pole Leisure Da Barra do Ceará is a recreational center located in the Barra do Ceará neighborhood. The center offers several activities, including swimming, soccer, and gymnastics, making it a great spot for a fun day out with the family.

Guardian Iracema Statue

The Guardian Iracema Statue is an imposing statue that honors the legendary indigenous figure popularized by a 19th-century novel. The statue is located on the Beira Mar promenade and is a great spot to take photos and learn about the local culture.

Parque Bisão

The Parque Bisão is a public park located on the south side of Fortaleza. The park features several walking paths, lakes, and green spaces, making it a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

Future Beach

Future Beach is a beach located on the east side of Fortaleza. The beach is known for its calm waters and white sand, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Praia do Caça e Pesca

Praia do Caça e Pesca is a small beach located on the west side of Fortaleza. The beach is popular among fishermen, as it offers plenty of opportunities for fishing and crab hunting.

Fortress of Our Lady of the Assumption

The Fortress of Our Lady of the Assumption is a historic landmark located on the east side of Fortaleza. The fortress was built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks and is now open to visitors as a museum.

Praia da Barra do Ceará

Praia da Barra do Ceará is a beach located on the west side of Fortaleza. The beach is known for its natural beauty and calm waters, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Castelo Branco Mausoleum

The Castelo Branco Mausoleum is a unique mausoleum that appears to be floating and once held the remains of a former president. The mausoleum is located in the center of the city and is a great spot to learn about Brazilian history and architecture.

Ponte Metálica

The Ponte Metálica is a historic bridge that connects Fortaleza to the nearby city of Caucaia. The bridge is a great spot to take photos and enjoy stunning views of the ocean.

Praia do Serviluz

Praia do Serviluz is a small beach located on the east side of Fortaleza. The beach is known for its natural beauty and is a great spot for a quiet day out with the family.

Letreiro "Ceará"

The Letreiro "Ceará" is a giant sign located on the Beira Mar promenade. This is a great spot to take photos and show off your Brazilian pride.

Praça da Sé

Praça da Sé is a historic square located in the heart of Fortaleza. The square features a beautiful fountain and is surrounded by several historic buildings, making it a great spot to soak in the local history and culture.

Dunas da Sabiaguaba

Dunas da Sabiaguaba is a natural park located on the south side of Fortaleza. The park features several sand dunes, and there are several activities available, including sandboarding and horseback riding.

Fortaleza CE

Fortaleza CE is the historic center of Fortaleza. The neighborhood is known for its colonial architecture and is a great spot to learn about the city's history and culture.

Spigot Nautical

The Spigot Nautical is a recreational center located on the Beira Mar promenade. The center offers several water activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding, making it a great spot to cool off on a hot day.

Ecomuseu Natural do Mangue

The Ecomuseu Natural do Mangue is an ecological museum located on the east side of Fortaleza. The museum features several exhibits on the local flora and fauna and is a great spot to learn about the local environment.

The Coral

The Coral is a natural swimming pool located on the south side of Fortaleza. The pool is surrounded by coral reefs, and there are several activities available, including snorkeling and scuba diving.

Bienal Internacional do Livro - Fortaleza

The Bienal Internacional do Livro - Fortaleza is a book fair that takes place every two years in Fortaleza. The fair features several bookstores, publishers, and authors, making it a great spot to discover new books and authors.

Conclusion

Fortaleza is a city that offers a mix of culture, beaches, and natural beauty. Whether you're looking to soak in the local history and culture, relax on the beach, or explore the local environment, Fortaleza has something to offer. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the Land of Light.