Wonderful, huge, vibrant Brazil is a world in one country with amazing natural assets, beautiful beaches, and a fantastic cultural landscape. Most of the population lives in cities, and there are many to choose from, but some are easier and more accessible than others.
We’ve picked out a few of our favorite Brazilian cities and explained why they should be on your list to live in or visit.
1. Rio de Janeiro
One of the world’s most famous cities lives up to the hype. Surrounded by several beautiful beaches and framed by two famous mountains, the Cidade Maravilhosa (City of Marvels) deserves its nickname. The views from the top of Corcovado mountain at the foot of Christ the Redeemer are incredible, taking in the whole of Rio’s south zone.
The obvious attraction at sea level is the beach, as much a part of this crazy city as the monuments, stone mountains, and famous streets. Not only are Rio’s beaches famous, but they are also a great place to get to know the people and the vibe of the city.
You have Ipanema and Copacabana, of course, but wander off the beaten track to find others like São Conrado Beach and Leme. The hill-backed Prainha is a hit, tucked away in a nature reserve, while Grumari Beach seems to go on forever.
The Sunday bohemian flea market at Ipanema Beach is a great place to stroll and browse after your beach fix – you can also try some local specialties there. For culture, head to the National Museum of Fine Arts, a great gallery with some amazing works, or go to the historic Municipal Theatre next door.
The National Museum of History is another good institution that gives an overview of pre-Hispanic Brazil. The highlight of Rio’s busy calendar of events has to be the world-famous Carnaval, with its super popular, spectacular parades, dancing, blocos (street parties), and general mayhem.
It’s the party to end all parties in a hotsport that knows how to let its hair down. New Year’s Eve is another great time to be in the Cidade Maravilhosa, partying on the beaches until sunrise.
2. São Paulo
The largest city in the Southern Hemisphere, with a population of over 20 million, may be huge, but it’s also underrated. Yes, the metropolis is a mind-boggling sprawl, but many of the big draws are in the relatively compact central city districts, so you don’t have to venture into the outer suburbs if you don’t want to.
Sampa, as it’s known to locals, has a multicultural population, a thriving cultural scene, great nightlife, and excellent shopping and dining options for a city of its size. For a totally hedonistic night out, head to Baixa Augusta, the district where the city goes wild.
There are bars, clubs, and restaurants with party people spilling out onto the street, and whatever your scene, you’ll find it here.
Liberdade neighborhood carries the largest Japanese population outside of Japan and is a must-visit on your São Paulo itinerary. Try top-quality sushi, shop in supermarkets stocked with Asian products, and experience the culture within a culture at Japan House.
São Paulo has a stacked bunch of brilliant museums and gallery spaces, including the MAM (Modern Art Museum), the MASP – a museum of the city’s art, the Afro-Brazilian museum, the Pinacoteca, and pop-up galleries at SESC, a non-profit organization providing cultural, educational, and recreational activities in São Paulo.
3. Florianopolis
A city divided between the Brazilian mainland and an island, Florianopolis is a place where the setting invites relaxation and exploration.
It’s on the coast in front of green hills, with the two parts linked by the impressive Hercilio Luz bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the country, and one of the city’s architectural gems, along with the Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio Cruz e Sousa.
Brazil Citizenship
The Santa Caterina History Museum is one of the island’s only museums; most people spend their time exploring the city in areas like the Praca XV de Novembro.
Many will spend most of their time relaxing and exploring the surrounding natural beauty, from hikes around Spider Mountain to surfing and chilling on beaches like Praia Mole, Praia do Campeche, Lagoinha da Leste, or Joaquina.
4. Salvador
The state capital of Bahia is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with an impossible-to-contain spirit, making exploring great fun. The old town, known as Pelourinho, is perched high on a cliff overlooking the Todos Santos Bay with the well-known Elevador Lacerda, a lift down to the harbor.
A stroll through the old town will reveal streets splashed with colorful colonial buildings and a church on every little plaza and street corner. Salvador’s streets are always alive with local life – flamboyantly dressed Afro-Brazilian senhoras in historical garms, capoeira or drumming through the streets, and regular cultural events will win you over.
This Brazilian city has the strongest connection to West Africa, and the Afro-Brazilian mix is as vibrant as it is captivating. One of the places where this African connection is most evident is at the bustling Mercado Modelo, down on the harbor front, reached by a city landmark – the Elevador Lacerda.
A stroll through the market reveals a vast array of African ingredients like Dende oil, and Bahian dishes sold from food stalls.
Salvador’s festival calendar reaches its peak in the early part of the year, with the obvious highlight being Carnaval in late February or early March and two other important festivals in January, including the boat procession on New Year’s Day when figures of the patron saints of seafarers are brought up to the Boa Viagem church to be prayed to.
It’s an impressive procession of boats across the bay led by a historic ship carrying the statues. The festival of Lavagem do Bonfim takes place on the second Thursday of January, when a parade stretches 12 kilometers through the city to Bonfim church to clean and enhance the exterior, followed by three days of celebrations.
5. Manaus
Most people are surprised to learn there’s a big city deep in the Amazon region. Manaus is situated at the intersection of three rivers and was built on the wealth of the rubber trade. Despite being in a remote and hard-to-reach location, Manaus is quite a cultural hub, with a standout landmark—the Amazonas Opera House.
A grand Renaissance-style building that towers over the city center, the Amazonas Theatre and Opera House has been the heart of Manaus society since it was built with the best European materials, including French glass and Italian marble.
It’s home to the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra, which puts on regular events. The bi-annual Opera Festival occurs from March to May, and some of the concerts are free to attend. Other attractions in the city include the Mercado Municipal, an iron framed art nouveau masterpiece modelled on the Halles of Paris, piled high with exotic fresh produce that will tempt you to take out your wallet.
Across the waters from Manaus, the famous meeting of the waters is an 8-kilometer segment where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the faded, sandy waters of the Rio Solimões but don’t mix, making a dramatic contrast of colors flowing side by side.
6. Brasilia
This purpose-built city is full of forward-thinking design, and several of the most impressive sights are state buildings, from the towers of the National Congress to the Itamaraty Palace, home of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil.
The iconic cathedral and the Dom Bosco Sanctuary have become two of Brazil’s most famous religious landmarks. The Praca dos Tres Poderes is probably the most impressive setting in the city, lined with various monuments and important buildings. All this gives the city a rather retro feel despite its futuristic design.
The Banco do Brasil cultural center is the cultural heart of the city, with a varied program of events and two galleries for temporary exhibitions, while the Museu Nacional has the city’s top art exhibitions.
Zonal regulations mean most of the green spaces (and livelier nightlife areas) are outside the center, so stop by parks like the ‘National Park,’ Itiquira municipal park, and Paranoa Lake to reconnect with nature during your visit.
7. Recife
Recife is one of the northeast’s major tourist hubs, combining a beautiful coastline, a charming historic center, and a sprawling city. The city’s museums showcase modern art, the city’s history, and some of the state’s culture (at the Cais do Sertao).
In contrast, the coastline surrounding the city and to the south has some of the nicest beaches in Pernambuco, including Pina and Boa Viagem. Recife’s historic town, known as Recife Antigo, is situated on the island and is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods of any city in Brazil.
Like a bigger version of Salvador’s Pelourinho, it’s full of wide cobbled streets, colorful colonial architecture, and a multitude of bars and restaurants that have made it the city’s social center. Olinda, six miles from Recife, is another colonial gem.
Almost like a mini version of Recife Antigo combined with Ouro Preto’s whitewashed buildings, it has a system of convents, chapels, and Baroque churches scattered among the gardens and hillsides.
8. Paraty
Four hours drive from Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is a small town that has appeared on the tourism map due to its stunning natural setting and well-preserved colonial architecture.
It’s surrounded by jungle, hills, and tropical islets and fronted by bays and beaches, including Trindade and Paraty-Marim.
The town is a nature lover’s paradise, with the Fazenda Bananal nature reserve and the magnificent Mamangua Bay, which are two of the top sites. Water sports are also popular, with kayaking around nearby mangroves and tours of cachaca distilleries.
9. Balneário Camboriú
Balneário Camboriú, also known as the “Brazilian Dubai,” is one of the best cities in Brazil due to its stunning coastline, modern cityscape, and lively lifestyle. Located in Santa Catarina, it has some of the country’s most popular beaches, including Praia Central and Praia do Estaleirinho, which attract both tourists and locals looking to relax and adventure.
The city’s well-known cable car connects the beachfront with the Atlantic rainforest, with breathtaking views. This fusion of the cityscpare and nature draws both visitors and residents to the area.
Its Dubai comparison is further explain through its quality of life and infrastructure. It has luxurious high-rise buildings, fine dining, and a well-maintained public transportation system.
It has one of the highest Human Development Index (HDI) in Brazil due to its strong economy, healthcare, and safety compared to many other cities in the country. With a expanding real estate market and investment potential, it has become a hot spot for rich Brazilians and foreigners looking for a modern and scenic place to live.
10. Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, is one of Brazil’s top cities to visit or live in due to its culture, warmth, and economy. According to many Brazilians, it’s known for being surrounded by mountains with great views and boasting the best of Brazilian cuisine.
The combination of modern architecture and green spaces, like the iconic Pampulha Lagoon and Mangabeiras Park, gives residents a balanced urban life. The well-planned streets and lively neighborhoods make it an enjoyable city to explore.
Beyond its beauty, Belo Horizonte is a city of business, education, and innovation. It’s home to some of Brazil’s top universities, research centers, and technology hubs, making it a key player in the country’s growth.
It’s cheaper to visit and has a lower cost of living than São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, making it a great place for tourists and new residents, from professionals and students to families and retirees.
The city’s cultural and gastronomic scene is another plus. Belo Horizonte is famous for its food, especially its botecos (casual bars) and Minas Gerais cuisine, pão de queijo and feijoada. The city has many music, art, and festivals, like the Water Lantern Festival, which represents overpowering personal challenges and drawing strength from the shared experience of hope and renewal.
11. Curitiba
You may feel like you’re in Europe when visiting Curitiba. The city’s climate is almost the opposite of what most expect of Brazil, with it often being overcast and rainy with cooler temperatures. Nevertheless, its urban planning is top-tier, with the pioneering BRT, a rapid bus transit system introduced in 1974.
Green spaces are a priority, with well-kept parks like Jardim Botânico and Parque Tanguá where residents and visitors can escape urban life. The city’s clean streets, structured design, and commitment to environmental sustainability make it a destination for those who want a structured and eco-friendly city.
Curitiba’s cultural scene is another plus; the city has lively cultural events, including the famous Curitiba Theatre Festival, and is known for its European influences, especially in architecture and cuisine. Immigrant communities, especially those from Germany, Poland, and Italy, have shaped the local food scene, offering a diverse culinary experience.
12. Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto is a famous Brazilian city ingrained with colonial architecture and cultural significance. The city was founded over 300 years ago and was the center of the Brazilian gold rush. It quickly expanded and, at one point, became the most populated city in the New World.
While over 800 tons of gold were officially harvested, much more circulated illegally, with a lot ending up in the many churches of the city. The wealth that the city accumulated attracted many prominent Europeans, and the arts flourished.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is famous for its well-preserved baroque churches, cobblestone streets, and historical landmarks from the 18th century.
Attractions like the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Museum of Inconfidência show the city’s connection to Brazil’s colonial past and independence movement. Walking through Ouro Preto is like stepping back in time, making it a must-see for history and architecture fans.
Annual events, like the Winter Festival and traditional Holy Week celebrations, keep the city alive with music, theater, and artistic expression.
13. Morro de São Paulo
Located on Tinharé Island in Bahia, Morro de São Paulo is a car-free paradise with crystal-clear waters, soft sandy shores, and lush tropical landscapes. Its famous beaches, like Primeira Beach and Quarta Beach, offer a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Morro de São Paulo wasn’t always the popular tourist destination it is today. Beneath its tranquil beach town charm lies a surprisingly intense history. In 1535, the Portuguese founded their first colony on the island at the site of the present-day town.
For centuries, Morro de São Paulo played a crucial role in safeguarding the colonial capital of Salvador and its surrounding waters from Dutch, French, and pirate invasions. In recent years, the island has become lively and provides a warm atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Your trust, our priority
Have confidence in choosing the ideal city to live in Brazil with Brazil Visa Solutions. Drawing on the extensive experience of our highly qualified Brazil immigration lawyers, we offer expert guidance to help you decide where in Brazil you want to relocate to.
Get it touch with us to book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Top Things to Do in Brazil
What is the nicest city in Brazil?
Some of the nicest cities in Brazil include Ouro Preto, Morro de São Paulo, and Paraty due to the historical architecture and calm environments.
Where do most Americans live in Brazil?
Most American citizens living in Brazil settle in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis, and Brasilia.
Where do the rich live in Brazil?
Popular areas where rich people live in Brazil include Leblon in Rio de Janeiro, Jardins in São Paulo, Jurerê in Florianopolis, and Balneário Camboriú.
What is the most underrated city in Brazil?
Underrated Brazilian cities are Teresópolis in Rio de Janeiro, Gramado in Rio Grande do Sul, Bichinho in Minas Gerais, and Campos do Jordão in São Paulo.
Related Articles
