Things to Do in Joao Pessoa

The most romantic experience awaits one and all at the Jacare Beach where a musician gets on a boat and plays the Saxophone as the sun sets on the horizon.

If you are travelling with a loved one, nothing gets better than the sun, the sand and the sax! If you are visiting during the day, the beach is perfect for sun-bathing, taking a swim and simply rejuvenating your core.

Lots of restaurants located nearby offer finger-licking good food to complete the day.

The Tambau Beach is the part of Joao Pessoa where most of the popular restaurants, hotels and hang-out places are located.

The beach itself is known for its picturesque sunsets while the day sees tourists and locals engaging in water sports, sun-bathing and swimming.

Highlights include:

• Boat trips along the shore
• Nudist Beach area

 If you are looking for the one beach that you simply must not miss when in the city, this is it!

The Cabo Branco Beach is loved for its Palm trees cover and a long stretch of sidewalk adjacent to the beach. The beach is considered a rather kid-safe beach with enough shade for children to play in when the sun gets harsh. In spite of the pleasant weather, do check the tidal forecast before visiting.

Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and you can easily find people who sell drinks and ice-cream at the beach. Facing the eastern side of the city, the sunsets are a highlight.

The beautiful white Lighthouse with three horizontal projections near its base is iconic to the city and is a popular place to visit. The lighthouse is located on a small cliff which overlooks the beautiful eastern coast of Joao Pessoa.

You can find people selling popcorn and ice-cream here. The place is located close to the Estacao Carbo Branco and is a good place if you want to take in the stunning view of the sea.

Located almost 2 kilometers off the coast of Tambau beach, the Picaozinho is a natural pool with shallow waters known for its stunning coral reefs. The place is perfect for spending half a day swimming with the fishes as you snorkel, or simply to take a swim amidst all the beauty.

Many boat tour operators arrange for a 4-hour trip here and if you are lucky you can get a good deal for groups.

The colorful fishes, beautiful corals and warm waters make for a memorable experience.

Designed by the famous Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, Estacao Cabo Branco is Joao Pessoa’s cultural center. The center gives platforms for all things science, arts and technology and is free of cost for the public.

When you visit the city, take some time out to truly see the present on-goings of Brazil’s progress in all spheres. The place also has an in-house gift shop to buy souvenirs.

If you are travelling with children, this one is a must-see!

The church was built in 1589 and still remains one of the oldest churches in Joao Pessoa. Presently the church is converted to a museum with old paintings on the roof and other artefacts which tell the story of the city’s rich history.

Take your time as you see the 16th century church with its beautiful paintings, spell binding architecture and an air of the time gone by.

A must if you love history and art!

Joao Pessoa is known as one of the oldest cities in Brazil and with so much history, the archaeological buildings here are a must-see for anyone who loves history and art.

Comprising of almost 700 buildings, you can be sure to get lost in the times of the gone era.

The highlights include:

• Ladeira de Sao Francisco- the oldest street in Joao Pessoa
• San Francisco Cultural Center – a church converted to a museum
• House of Gunpowder
• The Chapel of the Third Order of St. Francis having tiles which date back to 16th century
• Palace of Redemption built in 1586
• Pedro Americo Square
• The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel built in 1592

Loved for its shades of green and blue waters and serene air, the Bessa Beach is the ideal place if you want to simply relax and stretch out on the sand as you read your favorite book. The less crowded beach does offer a few water activities including stand-up paddling but mostly the place is a low profile without any hustle bustle.

A string of restaurants line the beach and offer local dishes including some fabulous sea-food varieties.

One of the biggest beaches in Paraiba, the Camboinha beach has 3 parts, one being the closest to Joao Pessoa. The whole beach is known for its warm, clear waters and its shades of blue-green which merge to form the most scenic sight in Brazil. The beach has some of the best sunset views in the state!

Banana rides are available but many prefer renting a chair and umbrella and swim in its serene waters.

The Ponta do Seixas Beach forms the easternmost point of America and is one of the most beautiful places to see the panoramic view of the state’s eastern coast.

The science museum near the entrance is known for its interesting exhibitions and is a must-visit if you are travelling with children. During weekends you can see many cultural activities arranged outside the museum.

The beach itself offers warm waters to take a dip in and soak in the sun.

The beach is located 12 kilometers from Joao Pessoa and is known for its beautiful strong ocean wind making it a perfect spot for surfing and kite-surfing.

A nearby surf school offers private as well as group surfing lessons. If you are not into surfing, you can relax on its sandy goodness and soak up the sun.

The nearby bar and restaurants offer drinks and a quick bite to visitors. 

The sunset view from the beach are also a local favorite. 

Opened in 1921, the Zoo in Joao Pessoa covers an area of 26.8 hectares and is home to over 580 species of animals and an additional number of species of plants.

The Zoo accommodates animals including Elephants, Lions, Deers, Sloths, Ocelot, Cotia and snakes among other beautiful creatures. The plants here include Ingazeiro, Rose Cassia, Yellow Ipe among other flora.

The highlights include:

• Prey Birds enclosure
• Elephants
• Lion Enclosure

If you are travelling with children, this one is a must see.

The garden is known for its beautiful plant species including orchid among other exotic flora. The tracks are well formed and easy to walk through. The occasional animals like sloths add a good experience during the trail walks and form the highlight of the garden.

The garden is more like a forest which is maintained by the local authorities- enough to make you think you are in the wild while still remaining safe. A must if you are nature lover.

A beautiful, usually uncrowded beach in Joaoa Pessoa, the Manaira Beach is ideal if you want to have the beach experience sans all the hustle-bustle of fellow visitors.

You can easily find a quiet place here to sun-bathe and swim. There are many eateries and restaurants which are located only a short walk from the beach.

The blue waters and the warm sun provide the perfect ambience to soak-in Brazil’s goodness.