What comes to mind when you think of Fortaleza? Some say it's one of the most dangerous cities in South America—and not without reason. But there's so much more to Fortaleza than the headlines. I've traveled to Brazil twice and visited Fortaleza several times on day trips from Cumbuco (the full blog post is here). I created this guide to help you out to plan the most perfect one day in Fortaleza.

When I think of Fortaleza (especially the touristy area - Beira Mar), it actually reminds me a little of Miami. I like to call it the "Miami of South America"—with its turquoise ocean, long sandy beaches, towering hotels, sleek skyscrapers, and rows of lush palm trees. It feels like a more down-to-earth version of Miami, but with a vibrant and authentic South American vibe.

Fortaleza has plenty to offer, especially if you stick to the tourist-friendly areas. Whether you're coming for a quick day trip or planning to stay for a few days, there’s something for everyone. In this travel guide, I’ll share my favorite things to do in Fortaleza, along with the best spots to eat, drink, and shop.

How to get to fortaleza?

By Plane

Fortaleza is served by Fortaleza International Airport (FOR), which is located just a short drive from the city center. If you're flying from the U.S., there's a direct flight from Miami (MIA) with LATAM Airlines, which makes getting here surprisingly easy. For travelers coming from other parts of North America, Europe, or elsewhere, you'll most likely connect through one of Brazil’s major hubs—São Paulo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG).

By Car

If you're planing on visiting Fortaleza from nearby beach towns like Cumbuco or Porto das Dunas for a one-day trip, getting there is easy. You can take a taxi, use Uber, or rent a car for more flexibility. The drive usually takes 30–60 minutes. From farther spots like Jericoacoara, it’s about 5–6 hours by car, so consider an overnight stay if you're coming from that far.

The best hotels in Fortaleza

I recommend spending one or two days in Fortaleza to explore the city. If you’re looking for a more laid-back, vacation vibe, consider staying in nearby beach towns like Cumbuco or Taíba. Fortaleza is great for a quick visit—just enough time to enjoy the beaches, local markets, and a taste of the city’s energy before heading to a more relaxing coastal escape.

If you’re wondering what’s the best neighborhood to stay in Fortaleza, it’s Meireles, near Avenida Beira Mar. It’s a vibrant, lively and upscale area with modern hotels and restuarants. The area is considered safe and is ideal for tourists seeking a lively atmosphere with easy access to the beach and city amenities.

>> More hotels in Fortaleza here

Best things to do in Fortaleza

GO TO Praia do Meireles

Praia de Meireles is one of Fortaleza’s most popular and accessible urban beaches, perfect for a relaxed day by the ocean. Located right along Avenida Beira Mar, this beach is lined with palm trees, upscale hotels, beachside restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for more quiet and beautiful beaches, I recommend going to Cumbuco, they have the best beaches near Fortaleza!

Watch sunset near Avenida Beira Mar

My favorite spot to watch the sunset in Fortaleza is Espigão do Náutico, a peaceful pier that stretches out into the ocean and offers stunning views of the sun dipping behind the city skyline. There are also a few other scenic piers along Avenida Beira Mar. Just take a stroll down the waterfront promenade, and you’ll find plenty of beautiful spots to catch golden hour and soak in the coastal vibe.

Explore Beira Mar by night

Fortaleza truly comes alive after sunset. As the temperatures drop, the city starts to buzz—locals and visitors alike begin to emerge from their homes and hotels. We usually started exploring around sunset and noticed how the streets, especially near the beach, gradually filled with people, music, and energy. It’s the perfect time to soak in the vibrant nightlife and enjoy the cooler evening breeze.

Drink coco gelado

A cold, fresh coconut is a must-try in Brazil, especially in Fortaleza! You’ll find coconut stands all over the place, especially along the beaches and Avenida Beira Mar. They usually cost around 5 to 10 Brazilian reales. I’m obsessed with them! We buy them at every corner.

visit the Feirinha da Beira Mar

Feirinha da Beira Mar is a lively nightly beachfront market in the Meireles neighborhood, where you can shop for souvenirs, hammocks, local crafts, and traditional snacks like castanha de caju (cashew nuts). I always stock up on nuts here—the prices are great, and it’s one of the best places to score good deals on local goodies.

have dinner in illa mare restaurant

Illa Mare is my favorite upscale restaurant in Fortaleza, located right on Avenida Beira Mar. It feels like a jungle oasis with a modern twist—lush greenery, stylish decor, and a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe in the heart of the city. The food is incredible, the cocktails are creative, and the desserts are absolutely worth saving room for.

Date night at Illa Mare Restaurant in Fortaleza

Have dinner in a brazilian steakhouse

No trip to Fortaleza is complete without visiting a traditional Brazilian steakhouse! I’ve tried two during my stay and highly recommend both. It’s a unique dining experience, similar to a buffet, where waiters continuously bring around a wide variety of grilled meats to your table (it’s called rodizio, which means “rotation”). Alongside the endless cuts of beef, pork, and chicken, you’ll also find sushi, seafood, and an impressive buffet with salads, sides, and local dishes.

My two favorite Brazilian steakhouses in Fortaleza:

Nativas Grill & Churrascaria (website here)

It’s a true Brazilian churrascaria experience—an endless parade of perfectly grilled meats served tableside by attentive waiters. From juicy picanha to tender lamb and flavorful sausages, every cut is cooked to perfection. Alongside the meats, there’s an impressive buffet loaded with fresh salads, sushi, hot dishes, and classic Brazilian sides. The rodizio experience costs around $20-25 per person.

JP Steak House (website here)

JP Steak House is perfectly located right on Avenida Beira Mar, in the heart of Fortaleza. They offer a delicious selection of grilled meats served rodízio-style, along with a well-curated buffet. While the buffet is slightly smaller than what you’ll find at Nativas Grill, it’s still excellent—with a solid variety of salads, sides, and hot dishes to complement your meal. The rodizio experience costs around $20 per person, the drinks are extra.

one day trip to cumbuco

Cumbuco is a small beach village with a laid-back, kitesurfing vibe, located just a 40-minute drive from Fortaleza.We stayed there for about two weeks, and it was absolutely amazing! If you're planning a trip to Fortaleza, I highly recommend spending at least a few nights in Cumbuco. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy the beach, and even take kitesurfing lessons if you're feeling adventurous. Ready to plan your visit? Check out my Ultimate Travel Guide from Cumbuco.

Visit the Fish Market (Mercado dos Peixes)

The fish market in Fortaleza, known as Mercado dos Peixes, is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Located right by the beach in the Mucuripe area, this open-air market offers the freshest catch of the day—shrimp, lobster, snapper, octopus, and more. What makes it special is that you can buy your seafood directly from the fishermen, then take it to one of the nearby stalls where they’ll grill it for you on the spot. Pair it with a cold beer and ocean views, and you’ve got an authentic, delicious local experience you won’t forget.

My favorite polaroids from Fortaleza, I love them!

Whether you're browsing local markets or sipping cocktails along Avenida Beira Mar, Fortaleza is a perfect Brazilian destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the vibrant culture, charming restaurants, and delicious cuisine. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to pin it on Pinterest or check out more of my blog posts from Brazil!

>> The Ultimate Travel Guide to Cumbuco