The Top Things to See and Do in Fortaleza, Brazil

This giant market should be your one-stop souvenir shop – you’ll find every handicraft imaginable in one of the shops lining Mercado Central’s four stories. While the market has been in operation since 1809, it shifted focus from fresh produce when the government banned the sale of food in favor of textiles, woven baskets and other artisan goods in the 1900s. But don’t worry – you can grab a bite to eat here today.

Close to a million visitors pour into this resort each year – and with good reason. It’s the biggest water park in Latin America – home to four hotels and an abundance of flumes, pools and lazy rivers. Drop down the 135ft (41m) Insano, once lauded as the tallest water slide in the world, or unwind in the sauna. It’s a great way to entertain the kids (young and young at heart) for an afternoon.

The open-air Kina do Feijão Verde has been serving regional dishes, unique to northeastern Brazil, since 1999. Order up classics such as carne de sol (salted, sun-dried meat), baião de dois (black-eyed peas and rice) or panelada (cow stomach stew), then wash it down with one of the national beers on offer. Feeling fancy? Sip on one of the regional wines as a digestif, and top it off with a dessert, such as the delícia de abacaxi (pineapple delight).

With a name like Dragão do Mar (Dragon of the Sea), you’re sure to have a good time. This cultural center is a hive of activity, with a concert venue, a planetarium and two museums – the Museu de Arte Contemporânea and the Memorial da Cultura Cearense – to discover. Catch a movie at the cinema (most films are in Portuguese), or stop by for an evening beer at Órbita Bar – you can’t miss its colorfully painted exterior.

Fortaleza’s year-round warmer temperatures mean that ice cream is always in order. Our top pick for sorvete (ice cream) is 50 Sabores – although the shop usually has more than a hundred different flavors. There are now more than 10 branches of this frozen dessert store across the city. Check out the Brazilian fruit flavors and the liquor-infused caipirinha, or get a taste of the tapioca ice cream. Warning: the servings are huge, so stick with one scoop.

While Fortaleza is known for its top beaches, you shouldn’t overlook the Parque Ecológico do Cocó, one of the largest in South America, with 2,855 acres (1,155ha). The park was created in 1989 to raise awareness and preserve the local area, including an enormous mangrove swamp. Take a boat trip up the Rio Cocó to see for yourself how magical the mangroves are. Also, keep your eyes peeled for monkeys.

Nearly 40 years of back-breaking work led to the building of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza. Completed in December 1978, the neo-gothic-style cathedral is the third largest in the country. About 5,000 worshippers can fit inside, and it’s worth a look to explore the architecture and sheer magnitude of the church. Stop by at night to see the lights illuminate the stained-glass windows from the inside.

Fortaleza has plenty of beach-style bars. However, for an excellent beer selection, try out Moleskine Gastrobar, a foodie hotspot in the city. It’s as urban-hipster as you can get in a Brazilian beach town. The menu features a lot of grilled meats, though consider starting with its popular bobó de camarão (shrimp and manioc purée appetizer). Wash it down with an ice-cold beer or craft cocktail.