Things to do in  Northeast Brazil

Top 15 attractions in Northeast Brazil

Salvador Mercado Modelo

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Salvador’s oldest and largest market, the Mercado Modelo is housed in the reconstructed 19th-century Customs House, looking out over the harbor. Behind its lemon-yellow facade, around 200 stalls tempt shoppers with local arts, handicrafts, and souvenirs.More

Our Lady of Mount Serrat Fort (Forte de Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat)

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Our Lady of Mount Serrat Fort, located in Salvador, Brazil, is a 16th-century fortification that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich past. Overlooking the Bay of All Saints, it stands as a testament to Salvador's colonial history and offers impressive panoramic views of the surrounding area.More

Pelourinho

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With its jumble of colonial buildings, cobblestone lanes, and pastel-painted façades, Pelourinho (aka Pelo) is Salvador da Bahia’s oldest and most colorful neighborhood. Despite a dark past—Pelourinho was the location of Brazil’s first slave market—the historic district is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important cultural center.More

Ricardo Brennand Institute (Instituto Ricardo Brennand)

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With its castle-like façade and sprawling complex of museums, galleries and gardens, the Ricardo Brennand Institute has fast become one of Recife’s most important cultural attractions. Inaugurated in 2002, the cultural center is the brainchild of its namesake, collector Ricardo Brennand, and is renowned for its fascinating collection of historic artifacts, including a large section devoted to Brazil’s Dutch settlers.Highlights of the museum include the world’s largest collection of armory, dating from the 14th to the 19th century; a sizable collection of paintings by Dutch artist Frans Post; an array ofexquisite antique furniture; and a selection of rare Dutch coins.More

Frades Island (Ilha dos Frades)

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Warm waves and slow tides make the star-shaped Frades Island (Ilha dos Frades) one of Salvador de Bahia’s most popular destinations. Enjoy beaches that boast white sand and turquoise water, or hike to remote waterfalls and hilltops that offer panoramic views of the bay.More

Lacerda Elevator (Elevador Lacerda)

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The beautifully restored art deco Lacerda Elevator (Elevador Lacerda links Salvador’s Comercio and Cidade Alta neighborhoods, traveling 236 feet (72 meters in under 30 seconds. The ride has become a highlight in Salvador da Bahia, offering an easy means of transportation paired with stellar views from its apex.More

Natal Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Natal)

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The Natal Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Natal) boasts a modern trapezoidal shape and unusual use of windows and light. It's the antithesis to traditional cathedral design and an architectural landmark in Natal’s historic center. Three interlocking crosses sit outside its entrance, welcoming worshippers and visitors.More

Sao Francisco Church and Convent (Igreja e Convento de Sao Francisco)

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In addition to showcasing the colonial baroque style, the 17th-century São Francisco Church and Convent in Salvador, Brazil, holds immense cultural significance among locals. While relatively plain on the outside, the building's spectacular interior is adorned with intricate woodwork, gilded altars, and iconic azulejo tile panels.More

Tororo Dike (Dique do Tororó)

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Salvador’s picturesque Dique do Tororo is a popular escape for locals and visitors alike. This artificial lake is surrounded by lush greenery, sculptures of orixas (African deities), and Arena Fonte Nova stadium. Open to the public 365 days a year, the Dique do Tororo is a pleasant place to take a stroll, jog, or picnic.More

Canoa Quebrada

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Surrounded by pink sand dunes, sandstone cliffs, and a winding river, Canoa Quebrada is a laid-back beach town blessed with a stunning natural environment. While the town has grown with the times, it hasn’t lost that mystical feel that earned its reputation as a ‘hippie town’ in the 1970s.More

Fort of the Magi (Forte dos Reis Magos)

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The star-shaped Fort of the Magi predates the founding of Natal by nearly two years. The Portuguese began building the fort on January 6, 1598, the same day they celebrated Epiphany, hence the name and shape of the structure. Its strategic location was ideal for international defense.More

Pitangui Lagoon (Lagoa de Pitangui)

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This large pool of fresh water is a spot to refresh from the sun, wind, sand, and adventure of Brazil's Natal beaches. Though nearly 16 feet (5 meters) deep at its center, it's shallow at the edges, making it a popular spot for swimmers. Its clear waters also make it a favorite spot to kayak, paddleboard, and fish.More

Barra Lighthouse

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Perched on a grassy peninsula at the western edge of Barra Beach, the Barra Lighthouse (Farol da Barra) has been guarding the rocky shores of All Saints Bay (Todos os Santos) since 1698—making it the oldest lighthouse in the Americas. One of Salvador’s most photographed landmarks, it’s also a historic site and museum.More

Morro Branco

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Morro Branco’s seaside cliffs appear strikingly red from a distance, but up close you can see they have a number of pink, cream, and beige hues that together form their distinctive overall color. These eroded sand cliffs, known as the Labyrinth, have served as a filming location in several productions.More

Via Costeira (Senador Dinarte Mariz Avenue)

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Via Costeira, also known as Senador Dinarte Mariz Avenue, is a significant beachfront walkway and paved road that extends from Ponta Negra beach in Natal. It's one of the city's most important avenues, with two lanes in each direction and no traffic lights. It winds along the coastline and is popular with visitors for its beach views.More
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All about Northeast Brazil

Local Currency
Brazilian Real (R$)
Time Zone
BRT (UTC -3)
Country Code
+55
Language(s)
Portuguese
Attractions
62
Tours
615
EN
2269244a-9ad7-434b-bb85-b200a9a88894
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Frequently Asked Questions
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