Brazil is not considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From the cool mountains of Serra do Mar to its heavenly beaches to the fascinating diversity of the Brazilian highlands, it truly feels like a living work of art. Brazil’s most stunning cities are as multifaceted as its legendary landscape, offering amazing experiences to get to know Brazil’s living history, architecture, art, science, food (oh, the food!), nature, and so much more. Flying to Brazil from Virginia can be a simple arrangement and will open up travelers to wonderful options of what to see in Brazil.
10 São Paulo
One of the largest cities in the world and the most populous city in the southern hemisphere, São Paulo is the melting pot of Brazil, a place where immigrants and expatriates come together. Filled with history, culture, art and amazing cuisine, São Paulo is the destination that showcases Brazil’s urban beauty like no other. Whether strolling through Ibirapuera Park, getting a cultural fix at the MASP Museum, the Latin American Memorial, exploring the city’s historic center or sampling typical São Paulo food at the municipal market, São Paulo will keep travelers busy and entertained.
9 João Pessoa, Paraíba
One of the most fascinating cities in the country, João Pessoa is the perfect marriage of sublime nature and rich history. João Pessoa is the third oldest city in Brazil, founded in 1585, and was named the second greenest city in the world by the United Nations in Eco-92. João Pessoa has 24 km of quiet, picturesque beaches, natural pools and numerous parks – including the Benjamin Maranhão Botanical Garden, one of the most important Atlantic Forest Reserves in the world. Art and history lovers will get their due in João Pessoa: a collection of historical monuments dominate the city, with highlights being the São Francisco Cultural Center, the largest and most complete Baroque complex in the country, and Cape Station White, the futurism of Oscar Niemeyer. cultural center – which also happens to be a perfect spot to watch the sun set over Brazil’s Sun Gate.
8 Florianopolis, Santa Catarina
A sister city to Roanoke in Virginia, Florianópolis is an island closely connected to the coast of Santa Catarina, a dynamic city known as a “magic island”. Forest trails, sand dunes and archaeological sites of the colonial period mix with the lively modern center of the capital of Santa Catarina, where shopping, promenades and nightlife pulsate with excitement. For beach lovers, Floripa has 100 different beaches to suit all tastes, from crowded spots to untouched natural paradises. Florianópolis is also a popular place for outdoor sports, the perfect place for sandboarding, trekking, hiking, canoeing, swimming and especially surfing.
7 Rio de Janeiro
There is little that hasn’t been said (or sung) about Rio de Janeiro, the top travel destination not only in Brazil, but in the Southern Hemisphere as a whole. Rio has a long history and is a center for arts, culture, research and technology. Visiting iconic landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer, the Copacabana promenade and Sugarloaf are a must for any first-time visitor; The Tijuca National Park, the National Library, the multitude of museums and the charming bohemian neighborhood of Lapa are just some of the other amazing things to see in the Wonderful City.
6 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
Surrounded by the green mountains of Serra do Curral, Belo Horizonte is a capital known for its small-town charm. A stroll around the iconic Praça da Liberdade is a must, as is getting to know the architectural marvel that is Niemeyer’s Pampulha Complex and Museum. BH is also a great base for day trips to Minas Gerais, such as the Inhotim Institute in neighboring Brumadinho, the largest open-air contemporary art museum in the world. The food is also not to be missed: no trip to BH is complete without a tour of the city’s bars and restaurants, getting to know the original pão de queijo and the best bar food in the country.
5 Belém, Para
Belém is something of a hidden gem among Brazilian destinations, often overlooked by the neighboring island of Marajó or the Amazon Rainforest. But this 400-year-old city has a fascinating combination of modern and historical attractions, framed by stunningly beautiful scenery. The historical center and the old town where the beautiful historical monuments of the region come together; Ver-o-Peso Market offers local flavors you won’t find anywhere else; Mangal das Garças Park is the perfect Amazon garden and Dock Station is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset by the sea. Belém also has some of the most exotic cuisines that can’t be found anywhere else: Belém açaí with fried fish, tacacá bowls and Cairo’s famous ice cream are must-try in this exciting city.
4 Manaus, Amazonas
Gateway to the Amazon, Manaus is a charming and bustling city where art, culture and unique food sit alongside the Amazon’s delightful natural beauty. Most Amazon rainforest tours start in Manaus, so it’s very easy to go backpacking or canoeing; see the meeting of the Black and Solimões rivers and after returning to the city, visit the exciting museums in Manaus and the beautiful opera performances at the Amazonas Theater and the beautiful historic center.
3 Recife Pernambuco
Colorful and exciting Recife is Brazil’s oldest state capital. It is home to the famous Olinda-Recife carnival, where the rhythm of samba gives way to frevo, forro, manguebeat and maracatu. Head down to Boa Viagem beach to relax by the sea, or cruise through downtown Recife to enjoy the colorful architecture, home to historic buildings, churches and art houses – art lovers will definitely want to visit the impressive Francisco Brennand Institute and garden sculptures.
2 Sao Luis Maranhão
São Luís, the capital of Maranhão, is known for its amazing historic quarters, with around 4,000 structures dating back to the 1500s and 1600s, influenced by the French, Dutch and Portuguese presence. Museums, shops and restaurants abound in the historic and modern centers and on the stormy beaches where travelers can enjoy staples such as carne de sol and caranguejada by the sea. Day trips from São Luís to see the colonial ruins of Alcântara and the Lençóis Maranhenses sand dunes can make for amazing experiences.
1 Salvador, Bahia
Considered the epicenter of Afro-Brazilian culture in the country, Salvador is one of the oldest cities in all of America and one of the first planned cities in the world, dating back to 1549. Salvador is known for its food delicious – it’s practically a requirement to try acarajé and vatapá when you’re in Bahia – for its historic centers and having the biggest carnival in the world. Explore century-old landmarks like the Farol da Barra lighthouse, stroll through the Modelo Market to find artisans, and head down to the Pelourinho for historical sights and colorful architecture. Highlights include the Afro-Brazilian Museum and Bahia’s famous São João do Bonfim Basilica, a stunning 18th-century Brazilian Rococo church where travelers can also tie a ribbon and make a wish.
