The Historic Center of São Luís do Maranhão lies on a promontory formed by the Anil and Bacanga rivers. It is an outstanding example of a Portuguese colonial city adapted to the climatic conditions of equatorial America, and at the same time an exceptional testament to Portuguese colonial civilization. São Luís thus offers two perspectives on its history: the adaptation of a colonial city to its climate and its significance within Portuguese colonial history.
History and traditions that continue
The historic setting is not the only way to view the center. Traditions, customs and ways of life associated with Brazilian cultural identity are still maintained there. Historical significance and contemporary cultural practice therefore exist side by side. If you would like to experience São Luís through its culture, you can explore these enduring traditions alongside its colonial history.
Reggae culture at the Museu do Reggae
The Museu do Reggae is located at Rua da Estrela 124 in the Praia Grande neighborhood and offers the public extensive material on reggae culture. Its five visitor areas each have a distinct focus: one honors notable reggae figures from Maranhão who have passed away. Four others are dedicated to São Luís’s traditional reggae clubs: Clube Pop Som, Clube Toque de Amor, Clube União do BF and Clube Espaço Aberto.
The collection also offers a tangible way to explore the history of reggae in Maranhão. It includes a guitar used during Tribo de Jah’s first performance. Together, the club areas and the collection offer different perspectives on the subject: the city’s long-established clubs and the development of reggae in Maranhão. Those interested in this culture will find a clearly defined focus for their stay here.
A recurring cultural event
Every 15 days, on Mondays, the Museu da Gastronomia Maranhense hosts a creative, interactive cultural event. Its recurring schedule makes it a possible part of your travel plans, but not a fixed feature of every visit. If the event is important to your stay, check in advance whether it is scheduled for your visit date.
Coast and other interests
São Luís is surrounded by beaches along 32 km of coastline. This means that, alongside its historical and cultural attractions, beaches are another travel focus to choose from. São Luís is also a destination for religious tourism. These different interests give you a basis for deciding which side of the city you want to shape your stay.
When looking for a hotel in São Luís, you can first consider whether you are most interested in the history of the Historic Center, reggae culture, religious tourism or the coast. This can help guide your choice of destination for your stay; the topics mentioned are no substitute for checking individual accommodations against your personal requirements.
Discover more destinations: Dom Pedro, Cariri, Açailândia, Bacabal, Mangunça, São José De Ribamar, Cururupu, Pinheiro.
See the regional travel overview: Maranhão.
