Is Fortaleza worth visiting?
Yes, you'll find numerous reasons to visit Fortaleza, and it's a city that everyone should see. We had an amazing time here.
Whether you're a on a weekend getaway, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific nightlife and great beaches.
Fortaleza is the capital city of the state of Ceará. It's a popular tourist destination with Brazilians, and it has a growing reputation with international tourists as well. The city has a long stretch of sandy beach that's lined with high rise buildings and bars. There's also a rich cultural scene and a big city energy.
Fortaleza, Brazil
7 Reasons to Visit Fortaleza
1. Nightlife
Like much of Brazil, the city has a vibrant nightlife scene. There are beachfront bars, live music venues, and many places where you can enjoy a good party. You'll find a high concentration of places around Praia de Iracema and the Casario.
2. Beaches
There are 5 kilometers of sandy beach in town and many visitors enjoy taking long walks. While there are technically four beaches in the area, they all kind of merge together and it can be difficult to tell one from the other. The most popular beach is Meireles, which has a boardwalk and is lined by high rise buildings.
3. Shopping
It's a large city with plenty of shopping malls and other local boutiques which are fun to explore.
4. Museums and Attractions
Dragão do Mar is the cultural center in town. There are shows and concerts that highlight the local culture. Also part of the complex are a planetarium and two museums - the Museu de Arte Contemporânea and the Memorial da Cultura Cearense. Also worth seeing the Metropolitan Cathedral of Fortaleza, which is the third largest cathedral in the country.
5. Food
The city has a number of great restaurants that range from Brazilian barbecue restaurants to international cuisine. Many dishes are heavy and use a lot of meat. Local favorites include paçoca and escondidinho de carne seca.
6. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Fortaleza might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Fortaleza here or see if Fortaleza is expensive here.
7. Authenticity
Fortaleza has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Fortaleza worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather in Fortaleza is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (82°F). But it can get as warm as 31°C (87°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Summer is the shoulder season for travel in Fortaleza, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, browse the museums, and enjoy the city's energy. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Fortaleza
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| February | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) |
| March | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
Is Fortaleza worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the high season for travel in Fortaleza, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
The weather in Fortaleza is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 27°C (80°F). But it can get as warm as 30°C (86°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums and discover the big city activities.
Autumn Weather in Fortaleza
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) |
| June | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
Is Fortaleza worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Fortaleza. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
The warm weather in winter is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (79°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (85°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the nightlife. Also, you can check out the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Fortaleza
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| August | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| September | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
Is Fortaleza worth visiting in the Spring?
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 28°C (82°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (87°F).
The low season for travel in Fortaleza is during the spring. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Fortaleza
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| November | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| December | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Fortaleza
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
Related
What is Fortaleza most famous for?
Fortaleza is most famous for its beaches, nightlife, and local culture. People visit this impressive city for its great nightlife, beaches, and shopping. It's also known for museums and attractions and food. It is often described as vibrant, cultural, and lively.
What is the most famous sight in Fortaleza?
The most popular sight in Fortaleza is Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Fortaleza on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture and other attractions here.
How touristy is Fortaleza? Is it a popular city to visit?
Fortaleza is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Tour to Mundau Beach: $70
- Tour to Cumbuco Beach: $26
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $11
- Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $21
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $21
- Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day. Quebrada Canoa Quebrada + Las Fuentes Beach + Morro Blanco: $35
- Full Day Tour to Cumbuco from Fortaleza: $35
- Historical and Cultural City Tour of Fortaleza: $26
How long should I spend in Fortaleza?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Fortaleza is two to three days. Since Fortaleza has activities such as nightlife, beaches, and shopping, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Fortaleza?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Fortaleza?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Fortaleza?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Brazil and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.
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