Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

Fortaleza travel guide

Fortaleza Tourism | Fortaleza Guide

You're Going to Love Fortaleza

Fortaleza is the capital of Ceara state and one of Brazil's biggest cities, with a population of 2.5 million. It's a popular seaside resort for Brazilians and is now attracting more international visitors. It is also known as one of Brazil's best party towns and has a buzzing music scene, as well as a renowned comedy circuit.

Article

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Fortaleza

1. The Beaches

Fortaleza is famous for its urban beaches, Praia de Iracema and Praia Meireles, where you can enjoy swimming or simply lazing in the beachfront bars and people watching.

2. Watersports

The city is known for its surfing and also kite and windsurfing. There are frequent surfing competitions, as well as schooner cruises for the less energetic.

3. Architecture

Fortaleza has some lovely colonial architecture, with the best examples along the Praia de Iracema beachfront.

4. The Food

The city has some great restaurants, from beachfront shacks that will grill any food you bring, to great seafood and churrascaria meat restaurants. Head to Rua Fredrico for some of the best.

5. The Nightlife

On any day of the week you will find a venue hosting a forro music and dance party. The area around Dragão do Mar is particularly lively.

1. The Beaches

Fortaleza is famous for its urban beaches, Praia de Iracema and Praia Meireles, where you can enjoy swimming or simply lazing in the beachfront bars and people watching.

2. Watersports

The city is known for its surfing and also kite and windsurfing. There are frequent surfing competitions, as well as schooner cruises for the less energetic.

3. Architecture

Fortaleza has some lovely colonial architecture, with the best examples along the Praia de Iracema beachfront.

4. The Food

The city has some great restaurants, from beachfront shacks that will grill any food you bring, to great seafood and churrascaria meat restaurants. Head to Rua Fredrico for some of the best.

5. The Nightlife

On any day of the week you will find a venue hosting a forro music and dance party. The area around Dragão do Mar is particularly lively.

What to do in Fortaleza

1. Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura: Defining Art and Culture

At the heart of Brazil, on a vast 30,000 square meters of land, is the stylish and historic Centro Dragao do Mar de Arte e Culture. Visit the wide array of exhibition facilities including the theater, cinema, planetarium and library. Open your mind to various arts and cultures as well as urban leisure. Engage your mind by walking through the mind-blowing and unique architecture of structures like the dome of the planetarium.

2. Theatro José de Alencar: Walking Through Art

Visiting this magnificent theater at the center of Fortaleza, Ceara should be on your bucket list. The historic architecture, designed by Fausto Nilo and Delberg Ponce De Leon, contrasts with houses built at the beginning of the 20th century. Take a fulfilling walk through the 120-seat auditorium, the annex building and the Center for the Arts Scenic. These beautiful buildings are set upon approximately 2,000 square feet of perfectly landscaped grounds. Check out the extensive collection of other magnificent architecture that it hosts including the famous Teatro Morro do Ouro and Mestre Pedro Boca Rica.

3. Praia do Futuro: Immerse Yourself in Pure Luxury

This could be considered the ultimate 'beach of the future'. Swim and bathe in the waters of this unique beach that are free from corals and reefs next to the shore. Praia do Futuro is known to offer customers more than a typical beach experience. Indulge in excellent cuisine and sip on the finest wine in the barracks (what they call the lovely rustic restaurants). Everything is right there on the beach: you can not only enjoy your delectable dish but the cool breeze and lively ambiance as well. As if that's not enough, you can even catch a live performance of a band live on stage.

4. Square Martires: Nature at Its Best

Located next to the breathtaking sea, the Praca dos Martires (Martyrs' Square) is home to some of the most natural and serene attractions. Awaken your senses as you stroll along the 3rd Corridor of the Public Promenade which ushers you into the Centennial Baoba. Experience the beauty of nature which sets the mood for a calming ambiance. Take advantage of the well-serviced restaurants and cafés and savor tasty local cuisine.

5. Praia de Iracema: Ultimate Fictional Experience

This lovely beach is named after the novel character Iracema. Be prepared for nothing less than a fictional and magical experience. It boasts the State Public Library of Ceara, the Ceara Aquarium, the Caixa Cultural de Fortaleza, the reputable Joaquim Nabuco Foundation and more. Take photographs of the famous Statue of Iracema, which overlooks the beautiful blue sky. Stroll over the Pier of Iracema Beach, the Street of Tabajaras and other captivating streets nearby.

1. Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura: Defining Art and Culture

At the heart of Brazil, on a vast 30,000 square meters of land, is the stylish and historic Centro Dragao do Mar de Arte e Culture. Visit the wide array of exhibition facilities including the theater, cinema, planetarium and library. Open your mind to various arts and cultures as well as urban leisure. Engage your mind by walking through the mind-blowing and unique architecture of structures like the dome of the planetarium.

2. Theatro José de Alencar: Walking Through Art

Visiting this magnificent theater at the center of Fortaleza, Ceara should be on your bucket list. The historic architecture, designed by Fausto Nilo and Delberg Ponce De Leon, contrasts with houses built at the beginning of the 20th century. Take a fulfilling walk through the 120-seat auditorium, the annex building and the Center for the Arts Scenic. These beautiful buildings are set upon approximately 2,000 square feet of perfectly landscaped grounds. Check out the extensive collection of other magnificent architecture that it hosts including the famous Teatro Morro do Ouro and Mestre Pedro Boca Rica.

3. Praia do Futuro: Immerse Yourself in Pure Luxury

This could be considered the ultimate 'beach of the future'. Swim and bathe in the waters of this unique beach that are free from corals and reefs next to the shore. Praia do Futuro is known to offer customers more than a typical beach experience. Indulge in excellent cuisine and sip on the finest wine in the barracks (what they call the lovely rustic restaurants). Everything is right there on the beach: you can not only enjoy your delectable dish but the cool breeze and lively ambiance as well. As if that's not enough, you can even catch a live performance of a band live on stage.

4. Square Martires: Nature at Its Best

Located next to the breathtaking sea, the Praca dos Martires (Martyrs' Square) is home to some of the most natural and serene attractions. Awaken your senses as you stroll along the 3rd Corridor of the Public Promenade which ushers you into the Centennial Baoba. Experience the beauty of nature which sets the mood for a calming ambiance. Take advantage of the well-serviced restaurants and cafés and savor tasty local cuisine.

5. Praia de Iracema: Ultimate Fictional Experience

This lovely beach is named after the novel character Iracema. Be prepared for nothing less than a fictional and magical experience. It boasts the State Public Library of Ceara, the Ceara Aquarium, the Caixa Cultural de Fortaleza, the reputable Joaquim Nabuco Foundation and more. Take photographs of the famous Statue of Iracema, which overlooks the beautiful blue sky. Stroll over the Pier of Iracema Beach, the Street of Tabajaras and other captivating streets nearby.

1. Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura: Defining Art and Culture

At the heart of Brazil, on a vast 30,000 square meters of land, is the stylish and historic Centro Dragao do Mar de Arte e Culture. Visit the wide array of exhibition facilities including the theater, cinema, planetarium and library. Open your mind to various arts and cultures as well as urban leisure. Engage your mind by walking through the mind-blowing and unique architecture of structures like the dome of the planetarium.

2. Theatro José de Alencar: Walking Through Art

Visiting this magnificent theater at the center of Fortaleza, Ceara should be on your bucket list. The historic architecture, designed by Fausto Nilo and Delberg Ponce De Leon, contrasts with houses built at the beginning of the 20th century. Take a fulfilling walk through the 120-seat auditorium, the annex building and the Center for the Arts Scenic. These beautiful buildings are set upon approximately 2,000 square feet of perfectly landscaped grounds. Check out the extensive collection of other magnificent architecture that it hosts including the famous Teatro Morro do Ouro and Mestre Pedro Boca Rica.

3. Praia do Futuro: Immerse Yourself in Pure Luxury

This could be considered the ultimate 'beach of the future'. Swim and bathe in the waters of this unique beach that are free from corals and reefs next to the shore. Praia do Futuro is known to offer customers more than a typical beach experience. Indulge in excellent cuisine and sip on the finest wine in the barracks (what they call the lovely rustic restaurants). Everything is right there on the beach: you can not only enjoy your delectable dish but the cool breeze and lively ambiance as well. As if that's not enough, you can even catch a live performance of a band live on stage.

4. Square Martires: Nature at Its Best

Located next to the breathtaking sea, the Praca dos Martires (Martyrs' Square) is home to some of the most natural and serene attractions. Awaken your senses as you stroll along the 3rd Corridor of the Public Promenade which ushers you into the Centennial Baoba. Experience the beauty of nature which sets the mood for a calming ambiance. Take advantage of the well-serviced restaurants and cafés and savor tasty local cuisine.

5. Praia de Iracema: Ultimate Fictional Experience

This lovely beach is named after the novel character Iracema. Be prepared for nothing less than a fictional and magical experience. It boasts the State Public Library of Ceara, the Ceara Aquarium, the Caixa Cultural de Fortaleza, the reputable Joaquim Nabuco Foundation and more. Take photographs of the famous Statue of Iracema, which overlooks the beautiful blue sky. Stroll over the Pier of Iracema Beach, the Street of Tabajaras and other captivating streets nearby.

Where to Eat in Fortaleza

Maciel Lanches on Av. Monsenhor Tabosa offers basic local dishes of rice, beans and meat from around R$4. Alfredo do Peixe by the fish market has some of the best seafood in town, with mains from R$20.

When to visit Fortaleza

Fortaleza in March
Estimated hotel price
$109
1 night at 3-star hotel
Fortaleza in March
Estimated hotel price
$109
1 night at 3-star hotel

Fortaleza is a year-round resort. The warm, dry months from July-November are especially good.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Fortaleza

Plane

Pinto Martins International Airport has direct flight from Europe and North America, as well as many domestic and South American cities. The number 404 urban bus will take you into the city for R$3.50, while a taxi will cost from R$32.

Train

Fortaleza has no passenger rail service to other Brazilian cities.

Car

Fortaleza is easily reached from the south via route 116 and from the west by route 222. Highway 402 runs from the north.

Bus

The city is well connected by bus from other major Brazilian cities. The fare from Natal is from R$35.

Plane

Pinto Martins International Airport has direct flight from Europe and North America, as well as many domestic and South American cities. The number 404 urban bus will take you into the city for R$3.50, while a taxi will cost from R$32.

Train

Fortaleza has no passenger rail service to other Brazilian cities.

Car

Fortaleza is easily reached from the south via route 116 and from the west by route 222. Highway 402 runs from the north.

Bus

The city is well connected by bus from other major Brazilian cities. The fare from Natal is from R$35.

Airports near Fortaleza

ARXAracati Dragao do Mar
FORFortaleza Pinto Martins

Airlines serving Fortaleza

KLM
Good (1,366 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,091 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,980 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,654 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,893 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,819 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,472 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,286 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,593 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,677 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,416 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,912 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (790 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,363 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,505 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,805 reviews)
Air Europa
Good (542 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (1,718 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,467 reviews)
Royal Air Maroc
Good (480 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Fortaleza

Beira Mar - is the main tourist area on the seafront. You will find lots of hotels, bars and cafes and a good nightlife.

Popular Neighborhoods in Fortaleza

Varjota - is another lively area and a good place to go for the city's best restaurants.

Dragão do Mar - is also good for bars and has some of the prettiest colonial architecture in the city.

Varjota - is another lively area and a good place to go for the city's best restaurants.
Dragão do Mar - is also good for bars and has some of the prettiest colonial architecture in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Fortaleza

Most booked hotels in Fortaleza

See all
Praiano Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
$154+
View
Gran Mareiro Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
$145+
View
Hotel Beira Mar
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, Excellent reviews)
$138+
View
Boreas Apart Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.5, Good reviews)
$51+
View
Hotel Litoral Fortaleza
3 stars
Good (7.2, Good reviews)
$41+
View

How to Get Around Fortaleza

Public Transportation

Fortaleza has an excellent bus network, with fares from R$2 and stops all across the city.

Taxi

There are more than 4,000 Taxis in the city and all are metered. They charge an initial fare of R$3.62 and then around R$2.70 per mile.

Car

Fortaleza has busy roads and driving in the city can be quite adventurous. Car rental will cost around R$60 per day.

Public Transportation

Fortaleza has an excellent bus network, with fares from R$2 and stops all across the city.

Taxi

There are more than 4,000 Taxis in the city and all are metered. They charge an initial fare of R$3.62 and then around R$2.70 per mile.

Car

Fortaleza has busy roads and driving in the city can be quite adventurous. Car rental will cost around R$60 per day.

Find car hire in Fortaleza

The Cost of Living in Fortaleza

Shopping Streets

Feirinha da Beira Mar hosts a daily market from 4pm until 10pm and is a good place to find local crafts and souvenirs. Mercado Central at the cathedral is another good market. Shopping Iguatemi is the largest mall in the city, with international fashion brands and a 24-hour supermarket.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk in Fortaleza is priced at R$3.92, while a dozen eggs will cost R$7.83.

Cheap meal
$9.54
A pair of jeans
$97.30
Single public transport ticket
$1.70
Cappuccino
$3.01

Fortaleza Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Fortaleza city guide for the best Fortaleza travel tips. To help you organise your Fortaleza trip ideas, this Fortaleza visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.