Where to stay in São Luís – A guide to the capital of Maranhao
São Luís is the capital of the State of Maranhao and is located in the northeast of Brazil.
This city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is known as the “City of Tiles” for its mosaics that clearly show the traces of the Portuguese colonization.
In addition, you can enjoy its beaches since Sao Luis has 32kms of coastline.
In São Luís, you can visit museums such as the Cafuá das Mercês, the Museum of Sacred Art, the Convent of Las Mercedes, the Museum of Visual Arts, the Arthur Azevedo Theater, the Solar São Luís, and the Palace of the Lions.
Due to its geographical position, this city experiences a lot of heat during the summer and winters with frequent rain, so it is convenient to visit it between July and December, the dry season, with high temperatures and fresh winds.
São Luís is reached through the Marechal Cunha Machado Airport, located about 13km from the City Center, with connections to the main cities of Brazil and from abroad. You can also arrive by car on the BR-135 route.
The Ponta do Farol, on the edge of the beach, stands out among the best areas to stay in São Luís for being a charming place, as well as for having accommodations for all types of travelers. (See accommodation in Ponta Do Farol).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in in São Luís, Brazil
The best areas to stay in São Luís, Brazil
1. Our favorite area: Ponta do Farol
Ponta do Farol is a neighborhood known for being on the edge of the sea and having many natural attractions.
Ponta do Farol stands out for its wide gastronomic offer that includes pizzerias, typical restaurants, fast food chains, and coffee shops, making it the best area to stay in São Luís for foodies.
Ponta do Farol is also well known for being located in the buchinho of the city, near large neighborhoods such as Renacimiento that are full of shopping centers and stores.
The nightlife stands out in Ponta do Farol, as it has clubs, bars and many venues where you can enjoy live music.
Ponta do Farol is the best area to stay in San Luis, Brazil, for its different options of 5-star hotels, guest houses, and apartments at varied costs.
Why is this a recommended area to stay São Luis, Brazil:
- Natural attractions
- Great nightlife
- Luxury hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Infinity Hotels American Flat
Infinity Hotels American Flat is located in São Luís, a 3-minute walk from Praia do Calhau Beach. It offers air-conditioned rooms and a pool with bar service. Wi-Fi connection and parking are free.
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Budget
Silva Hospedagem
Silva Hospedagem offers air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen satellite TV in the Ponta do Farol neighborhood of São Luís. The property is about 5 km from the historic center, 3.4 km from the tropical shops and 5 km from the Palace.
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Luxury
Rio Poty Hotel by Tarrafas
This hotel is located opposite Ponta d’Areia Beach and features a restaurant and an outdoor pool. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and WiFi. There is free parking.
2. Historic Center
The Historic Center of São Luís is the main attraction of the city for its Portuguese architecture facades carved in tiles and temperature-insulating mosaics.
The more than 3,500 buildings in the Historic Center give the visitor the feeling of time traveling, which makes it the most visited area for tourists interested in knowing the history of the city.
To tour the Historic Center, it is better to do it on foot, but you have to keep in mind that you should avoid the area at night, especially the narrow and poorly lit streets since it can be dangerous.
Pizzerias, bars, restaurants, and theaters make this one of the best areas to stay in São Luís, as well as its hotels, hostels, and shopping centers.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in São Luis, BR:
- Heart of the city
- Historical monuments
- Pedestrian-friendly
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
HOTEL POUSADA COLONIAL
HOTEL POUSADA COLONIAL offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms in São Luís, 500 meters from the historic center and 200 meters from the Museum of Cafua das Merces – Museu do Negro.
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Budget
Pousada dos Sonhos
The historic center and the Museum of Sacred Art are 300 meters from Pousada dos Sonhos (Adults Only). The nearest airport is Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport, located 10 km from Pousada dos Sonhos.
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Luxury
Grand São Luis Hotel
The 4-star Grand São Luis is located in the town center, a 5-minute walk from attractions such as the famous Arthur Azevedo Theater, the Mercês convent and the Sé church.
3. Ponta D’Areia
Ponta D’Areia is a beach located 4 kilometers from the Historic Center of São Luís, and very close to the Janse lagoon.
The area has restaurants, bars, and nightlife options. In addition, it is close to supermarkets, beach, and trails to enjoy the sunset.
Ponta D’Areia is the most modern and urban place in São Luis, with restaurants and reggae bars around the beach.
Ponta D’Areia houses an important hotel area with access by parallel avenues (Olho d’Água, Praia do Meio and Araçagi), which is why it is among the best to stay in São Luís.
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