Holiday in São Luís
City in Brazil — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇧🇷
Country
Brazil
Type
City
Best time to travel
July to December (dry season). For Lençóis Maranhenses June-September (lagoons at their fullest). Bumba-meu-boi in June.
Budget/day
45-90 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to São Luís (SLZ, approx. 14-18 h with a stopover in São Paulo or Lisbon). No visa required for Germans (90 days).
About São Luís
São Luís is the only Brazilian capital founded by the French (1612) and has a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town that is among the best-preserved colonial ensembles in the New World. The capital of the state of Maranhão is located on an island in the Atlantic and is known for its Portuguese tile art (Azulejos), Afro-Brazilian culture, and as a gateway to the surreal Lençóis Maranhenses. The historic center — the Centro Histórico — is a labyrinthine district with over 3,500 buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, whose facades are adorned with colorful Portuguese Azulejo tiles. Rua Portugal and Rua do Giz are the most photogenic streets with restored houses in pastel and blue. São Luís is the birthplace of Bumba-meu-boi — one of the most spectacular folk festivals in Brazil, which in June transforms the entire city into a frenzy of drum rhythms, colorful costumes, and nighttime processions. Reggae is also surprisingly present: São Luís is called the 'Jamaica of Brazil.' The Lençóis Maranhenses — just 250 km away — are one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth: endless white sand dunes interspersed with crystal-clear rainwater lagoons in shimmering turquoise.
Top 6 highlights in São Luís
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Centro Histórico (UNESCO)
3,500 colonial buildings with colorful Azulejo tile facades: one of the best-preserved ensembles in the New World.
Lençóis Maranhenses
Surreal white sand dunes with turquoise lagoons: one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth, 250 km away.
Bumba-meu-boi Festival
Brazil's most spectacular folk festival in June: drum rhythms, colorful costumes, and nighttime processions.
Azulejo Facades
Portuguese tile art on hundreds of house facades: São Luís has more Azulejos than any city outside Portugal.
Reggae Scene
São Luís is the 'Jamaica of Brazil': reggae bars, sound systems, and a vibrant roots culture.
Praia do Calhau
City beach with palm trees and kiosks: where locals celebrate the sunset with Açaí and beer.
Hotels in São Luís
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für São Luís
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for São Luís
Recommended travel time
July to December (dry season). For Lençóis Maranhenses June-September (lagoons at their fullest). Bumba-meu-boi in June.
Summer
26-33 °C, hot and humid with heavy rainfall during the rainy season (Jan-Jun)
Winter
26-32 °C, dry and sunny with less humidity
How much does a holiday in São Luís cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
20-40 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
45-90 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
100-250 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to São Luís
Compare thousands of package holidays to São Luís and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for São Luís
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
No visa — Germans are visa-free for up to 90 days. São Luís has an international airport with good domestic connections.
Lençóis — Day tours from Barreirinhas (250 km) with 4x4 and boat. Best to plan 2-3 days for the full experience.
Bumba-meu-boi — the festival in June/July is São Luís' highlight. Book hotels months in advance!
Reggae Night — Mondays at 'Chama Maré' and Thursdays at 'Bar do Nelson' for the most authentic reggae experience.
Centro Histórico — the old town is safe and photogenic during the day. Stay on well-lit main streets at night.
Food & drink in São Luís
These specialties you must try!
Ready for São Luís?
Plan your São Luís holiday now with our free tools.
