Welcome to Belém!

As the world converges on Belém, Pará, for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30), delegates, press, and visitors have a unique opportunity. Beyond the critical discussions on climate action, you are stepping into Belém a gateway to the Amazon, and a city steeped in rich history, biodiversity, and a culinary scene unlike any other in Brazil.

This quick guide provides a deeper look at what makes Belém a must-see destination before or after your conference commitments.

Arrival & Access

• Val-de-Cans International Airport (BEL): Located about 12 km from the city center, the airport has seen significant upgrades in preparation for COP 30, with expected increases in both domestic and international flight capacity. Its architecture reflects some regional elements, offering a modern, yet local, first impression.

• Transportation from the Airport: For direct and reliable transit, Coopertaxi operates all official airport taxis and accepts major credit cards (Visa/MasterCard). Ride-sharing apps are also active, but be mindful of traffic, which can be heavy heading into the city center.

• Getting Around Town: Downtown Belém’s main historical attractions are wonderfully walkable. For longer distances, the city has a network of buses, though taxis and ride-shares remain the most convenient option for tourists covering multiple sites.

Must-See Landmarks

Belém’s identity is forged from its past as the capital of the powerful Amazon rubber trade. You will find stunning architecture and profound cultural sites:

• Mercado Ver-o-Peso: More than a market, this is the pulsating heart of Belém, officially established in 1625. It’s divided into specialized sections: the Mercado de Ferro (Iron Market) for dried goods, the Mercado de Carne (Meat Market), and the Mercado de Peixe (Fish Market). Don't miss the Feira do Açaí, where local communities bring their freshest harvests down the river. • Estação das Docas: A Tourism and Cultural complex and one of the favorite destinations in the city. It opened in 2000 and is made up of three major warehouses: Boulevard of the Arts, Gastronomy Boulevard and Boulevard of Fairs and Exhibitions. Don't miss it!

• Theatro da Paz: A magnificent jewel of 19th-century opulence, built during the height of the rubber boom. Take a guided tour to appreciate its imported materials—from Italian marble to French crystal—and imagine the grand performances hosted here.

• Complexo Feliz Lusitânia: The historical cradle of the city. This area includes the Forte do Presépio (a 17th-century fortress offering stunning bay views), the Casa das Onze Janelas (now a contemporary art center), and the Catedral Metropolitana de Belém (Sé).

• Mangal das Garças: A fantastic example of urban environmental recovery. This park is a microcosm of Amazonian ecosystems, featuring a butterfly garden (Reserva José Márcio Ayres), an aviary (Viveiro das Aningas), and the Farol de Belém (lighthouse) for great photo opportunities.

Local Cuisine

Belém is globally recognized as a top culinary destination. The food here is distinct, leveraging native Amazonian ingredients like tucupi, jambu, and açaí.

• Pato no Tucupi: This is the quintessential dish. A whole duck is slow-cooked in Tucupi (a yellowish liquid extracted from manioc root, which must be boiled for hours to be safe to eat) and served with Jambu, a local herb that leaves a delightful, slightly electric, mouth-numbing sensation.

• Tacacá: Often enjoyed as a late afternoon snack, this is a hot, savory, and tangy broth. It’s served in a gourd (cumbuca) and contains tucupi, dried shrimp, and jambu. Be prepared to drink the broth straight from the bowl!

• Açaí (The Savory Way): Forget the sweet, frozen version you know! Here, the Açaí Berry is ground into a thick, purplish, unsweetened cream and is typically eaten as a side dish alongside protein like fried fish (peixe frito) or shrimp.

• Maniçoba: For the adventurous! Dubbed "Paraense Feijoada," this dish uses processed cassava leaves (maniva) cooked for a minimum of seven days to eliminate toxicity, then combined with smoked and salted meats. It’s dense, complex, and incredibly rich.

Where to go: For elevated regional cuisine, look into restaurants like Remanso do Peixe or Manjar das Garças. For street food authenticity, head straight to the stalls around Ver-o-Peso or specialized tacacá vendors. If you love icecream, you are in for a treat at Sorveteria Cairu. Founded in 1919 and located at Estação das Docas, it's a real treasure in Belém.

Shopping

Bring home a piece of the Amazonian culture and ecosystem:

• Authentic Crafts at Ver-o-Peso: The periphery of the market offers a vast collection of handmade souvenirs, including items made from natural fibers, seeds, and sustainable wood.

• Marajoara Inspiration: Look for artisan pieces inspired by the ancient Marajoara culture—famous for their distinct pottery patterns. You can find jewelry, decorative plates, and small sculptures.

• Regional Products: Consider packing delicacies like high-quality Brazil Nuts (Castanha-do-Pará), various regional honeys, or specialized spices.

• Modern Retail: If you prefer air-conditioned browsing, Boulevard Shopping Belém and Shopping Pátio Belém offer a wide range of standard and brand-name stores.

Belém is ready to host the world with open arms, a rich history, and unparalleled flavors. We invite you to explore the city’s living culture—a beautiful counterpoint to the global focus on sustainability at COP 30.

All Photos by Fabio Dias Monteiro