See the best Free Tours of Sao Luis offered by local tour guides
Things to Do in Sao Luis
After your free tour in Sao Luis, there’s plenty more to explore. Dive deeper into local history at the Museu Historico e Artistico do Maranhao, housed in a 19th-century mansion. Browse the handicraft stalls of the Casa do Maranhao, where you can pick up ceramics, lacework, and regional delicacies. Food lovers should try the state’s signature dish, arroz de cuxa, made with rice, dried shrimp, and local greens, paired with fresh tropical juices. For a taste of local nightlife, check out live music bars in the Praia Grande area or enjoy an open-air concert in one of the city squares. If you’re craving nature, Sao Luis is also the gateway to the breathtaking Lencois Maranhenses National Park, making it the perfect base for both cultural discovery and outdoor adventure.
Cobbled streets, magnificent houses and a lot of history make up a few stops on this free tour of São Luís, the capital of the state of São Luís do Maranhão.
Best Free Walking Tours in Sao Luis
Step into a city where history, music, and tropical vibes blend seamlessly with the best free walking tours in Sao Luis. Capital of Maranhao and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Brazilian gem boasts one of the largest collections of preserved Portuguese colonial architecture in Latin America. A free tour in Sao Luis takes you through cobblestone streets lined with colorful tile-clad facades, bustling markets, and lively cultural spots. From the grand Palacio dos Leoes to the atmospheric Praia Grande district, every corner whispers a piece of the city’s past. Whether you’re into history, music, or street photography, a Sao Luis city tour will show you why this city is known as the “Island of Love.” And for a magical twist, a night tour in Sao Luis reveals its vibrant music scene, from reggae rhythms to traditional tambor de crioula performances.
Sao Luis Walking Tours Highlights
A free walking tour in Sao Luis often begins in the historic center, where your guide will lead you through charming colonial plazas like the Praca Benedito Leite and Praca Goncalves Dias. You’ll pass by the impressive Palacio dos Leoes, seat of the state government, and the beautiful Catedral da Se, with its baroque interior and coastal views. Walking through the Rua Portugal, lined with 18th- and 19th-century mansions, you’ll learn about the city’s role in Portuguese trade routes and its African and indigenous influences. Many free tours in Sao Luis also highlight the local culture—expect stories about Carnival, reggae culture, and the Bumba Meu Boi festival, a UNESCO-recognized tradition full of music, dance, and colorful costumes.
