I had always wanted to visit Latin America, and in November, I finally got the chance to make it happen. Brazil was my first destination in this part of the world. I spent 10 days exploring the country, experiencing its culture, trying local food and enjoying its beautiful beaches. During my trip, I visited Fortaleza and São Paulo — two very different cities that offered a glimpse into Brazil’s diversity.

Originally, I had planned to visit Rio de Janeiro, as I really wanted to see the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and explore the city. However, after checking the weather forecast, I decided to change my flights. Rio was expected to be very cloudy, and since I was travelling in November and wanted to enjoy some sunshine and beach time, I chose Fortaleza instead. I also decided to spend a few days in São Paulo to experience a completely different side of Brazil.

I spent 10 days in the country, and these two cities gave me two very different impressions of Brazil.

Fortaleza: A Beach Lover’s Paradise

So, what about Fortaleza city? It’s one of the most popular beach destinations in northeastern Brazil and the capital of Ceará state. Located on the Atlantic coast, the city has a long coastline and warm weather. You’ll find plenty of hotels right on the beachfront, large resorts and restaurants along the waterfront. It’s a popular choice for anyone looking for a beach holiday in Brazil.

The beachfront areas, especially around Meireles and Avenida Beira-Mar, have a very developed tourist infrastructure. You’ll find hotels overlooking the ocean, restaurants, cafés, beach promenades and evening markets. It’s a lively area, particularly in the evenings, when people come out to walk, eat and shop.

I spent quite a lot of time exploring the beaches, enjoying the ocean and simply making the most of the weather. November was a really good time for my trip: the temperatures were warm, the climate felt comfortable, and I could enjoy being outdoors.

Places worth visiting in and around Fortaleza:

• Praia do Futuro — one of the best-known beaches in the city. It’s famous for its large beach restaurants and facilities where you can spend several hours by the ocean, enjoy seafood and relax.
• Avenida Beira-Mar and Meireles — a great area for an evening walk along the waterfront. There are restaurants, hotels and a popular handicraft market where you can find souvenirs and local products.
• Praia de Iracema — known for its lively atmosphere, bars and cultural spots. The Ponte dos Ingleses is a popular place to enjoy the sunset.
• Mercado Central — worth visiting if you want to see local handicrafts, traditional products and get a feel for the region.
• Dragão do Mar Cultural Center — a cultural complex with museums, exhibitions, a planetarium and other cultural activities.

If you have more time, I’d also recommend exploring beaches outside the city. Cumbuco is known for its dunes, lagoons and buggy rides, while Canoa Quebrada is famous for its dramatic colourful cliffs and beautiful coastline. These are great options if you want to see more of Ceará beyond Fortaleza itself.

During my stay, I also visited an evening market, tried different Brazilian dishes and explored various parts of the city. Brazilian food was one of the highlights of the trip — everything I tried was delicious, and I especially enjoyed discovering the local flavours.

São Paulo: Brazil’s business and cultural capital

After Fortaleza, I travelled to São Paulo, and the contrast was quite impressive.

São Paulo is Brazil’s largest city and one of the most important business and financial centres in Latin America. It’s a huge metropolis, full of skyscrapers, offices, traffic, restaurants, shopping areas and cultural spaces. The atmosphere is much more urban and fast-paced than in Fortaleza.

But São Paulo isn’t just about business. It has a very diverse food scene, impressive architecture, museums, parks and neighbourhoods with completely different characters.

Places to Visit in São Paulo

Some places I’d recommend adding to your itinerary:

• Avenida Paulista — one of the city’s most iconic avenues, surrounded by skyscrapers, museums, shops and cultural centres. It’s a great place to start exploring São Paulo.
• MASP (São Paulo Museum of Art) — one of the city’s best-known museums, especially recognisable for its striking modern architecture.
• Ibirapuera Park — a huge green space in the middle of the city. It’s perfect for taking a break from the busy streets, walking or simply enjoying some nature.
• Mercado Municipal — a traditional food market where you can discover local products and Brazilian specialities.
• Liberdade — a neighbourhood known for its strong Japanese and wider Asian cultural influence, with restaurants, shops and street markets.
• Beco do Batman in Vila Madalena — a colourful area filled with street art and graffiti, ideal for a walk and some photos.

One of the places I personally visited was a restaurant with a huge old tree growing right through the space. It was such an unusual detail and made the restaurant memorable. I don’t remember its name, but the atmosphere and the way nature was integrated into the interior really stood out to me.

São Paulo is also a great destination if you enjoy food. The city is known for its international cuisine, traditional Brazilian restaurants, cafés and a very diverse restaurant scene.

Brazil: beautiful contrasts and things to keep in mind

One thing that stood out to me during the trip was the contrast between different parts of the country and even different neighbourhoods within the same city.

Brazil has beautiful beaches, modern buildings, luxury hotels and lively tourist areas, but it also has poorer neighbourhoods and visible social inequality. During some of my drives in Fortaleza, I passed through less affluent areas, which gave me a different perspective on the city beyond its tourist image.

It’s also important to be mindful of safety. The risk of theft and robbery can be higher in certain areas, so it’s sensible to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive phones or jewellery and be careful about where you walk, especially after dark. In some tourist areas, street vendors can also be quite persistent, so don’t feel pressured to buy anything.

I wouldn’t say these things should stop anyone from visiting Brazil. I just think it’s better to travel informed, use common sense and take local advice seriously.

Where to Stay in Brazil: Hotels I Stayed At

During my 10-day trip to Brazil, I stayed in two different cities: Fortaleza and São Paulo. Here are the hotels I chose for my stay, along with some details about their location and my personal experience.

My advice: choose your hotel based on what kind of trip you’re planning. If you want sun, sea and relaxed days, stay right on the beachfront in Fortaleza, where you can walk along the promenade every evening. If you’re visiting São Paulo, pick a hotel in a safe, central area close to Avenida Paulista, so restaurants, shops and sights are within easy reach.

I’ve written a separate article with my recommendations on the hotels, what I liked about each one and which I’d choose again.

 

Would I return to Brazil?

Absolutely, Ten days were enough to get a first impression of Brazil, but the country is so big and diverse that there is still so much more to explore.

I definitely plan to return one day, this time to visit Rio de Janeiro. I’d love to spend New Year’s Eve there, celebrating right by the ocean and watching the famous fireworks over Copacabana Beach. Visiting the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue is also on my list. If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, I’d definitely recommend including Rio de Janeiro in your itinerary!

For now, I’m taking home wonderful memories of Fortaleza’s beautiful beaches, the vibrant energy of São Paulo, delicious Brazilian food and, most importantly, a first glimpse into the diversity of this incredible country.

Brazil was a great part of my Latin America travels, and I hope it won’t be my last visit.

If you’re still deciding where to go for a warm-weather getaway, I’d also recommend checking out my travel experience in Thailand. It’s another amazing destination with beautiful beaches, tropical landscapes, delicious food and plenty of places to explore. You can read more about my trip to Thailand in my separate travel guide!