About Fortaleza
Fortaleza is the state capital of Ceará, located in Northeastern Brazil. It is Brazil's fourth-largest city—Fortaleza surpassed Salvador in the 2024 census, with a population of slightly over 2.5 million—and 12th-largest among cities with the highest gross domestic product. It forms the core of the Fortaleza metropolitan area, which is home to almost 4 million people.
Places to visit in Fortaleza
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Praia de Iracema
BeachA central beach neighborhood with a promenade, bars and the old English Bridge pier. Walk the pier at sunset, and keep belongings close in crowded areas.
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Praia do Futuro
BeachThe city's most popular beach, lined with large beach clubs serving seafood and drinks. Swim near lifeguard stations, as waves and currents can be strong.
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Dragão do Mar Cultural Center
MuseumA modern arts complex with museums, a planetarium and cinemas in the old harbor area. Visit in the evening, when nearby bars and restaurants fill with locals.
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Fortaleza Cathedral
ReligiousA large Neo-Gothic cathedral in the city center with tall spires and stained glass. Combine it with a visit to the nearby central market, known for regional crafts.
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José de Alencar Theater
LandmarkAn ornate theater with a colorful Art Nouveau iron facade and a pleasant garden. Join a guided tour to see the beautifully restored interior and learn about the building's history.
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Beach Park
Entertainment · 12 mi from centreOne of Latin America's largest water parks, set on a beach south of the city. Arrive early, as lines for the most popular slides grow quickly by midday.
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Cumbuco
Beach · 15 mi from centreA beach village west of the city known for kitesurfing, sand dunes and dune buggy rides. Book buggy tours with a licensed operator to reach the nearby lagoons.
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Central Market
MarketA multi-story market selling hammocks, lace, cashews and other regional products. Compare prices across several stalls before buying, and bargain politely for larger purchases such as hammocks.
Things to do in Fortaleza by type
27 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 11 experiences 3 Beaches in 1 Day: Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Praia de Canoa Quebrada -
Gastronomy & nightlife 6 experiences A Magical Evening of Gastronomic Delights at Incantori Restaurant -
Transport & Rentals 3 experiences Return Airport Transfers with City Tour and Cumbuco Beach -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 3 experiences Discover Canoa Quebrada and Refúgio Dourado with Buggy - Full-Day Tour -
City tours 2 experiences City Tour of Fortaleza and Trip to Cumbuco Beach
- 3-6 hours 6
- Over 6 hours 4
- Families 7
- Couples 7
- Youth 7
- Families with kids 4
- Adult only 3
- Senior 3
- Small group 3
Top experiences in Fortaleza
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 27 available.
Cumbuco Beach Tour
From $16 per adult
Jericoacoara in 1 Day
From $54 per adult
3 Beaches in 1 Day: Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Praia de Canoa Quebrada
From $14 per adult
Lagoinha Beach Tour
From $14 per adult
Transfer to Beach Park
From $15 per adult
Trip to Lagoinha Beach with Buggy and Catamaran
From $51 per adult
Morro Branco
From $38 per adult
Fortaleza City Tour with a Visit to Cumbuco Beach - Full-Day Tour
From $25 per adult
Craft Beer Night at Turatti Brewery
From $15 per adult
Tour of Águas Belas and Barra Nova Beaches - buggy included
From $48 per adult
City Tour of Fortaleza and Trip to Cumbuco Beach
From $20 per adult
Italian Dinner at Geppos Restaurant - transfer included
From $66 per adult
Where to stay in Fortaleza
Popular hotels in Fortaleza, out of 205 properties you can book.
Hotel Diogo
From $124 per night
Marbello Ariau Hotel
From $32 per night
Mareiro Afago Hotel
From $161 per night
Brasil Tropical
From $99 per night
Suites Beach Park Resorts
From $227 per night
Magna Praia Hotel
From $192 per night
Rede Andrade Coimbra
From $37 per night
D8 Hotel Express
From $66 per night
Hotel Aeroporto Star
From $46 per night
Isla Beach Hotel
From $41 per night
Zebra Boutique Hotel
From $99 per night
Meridional Fortaleza
From $53 per night
Best time to visit Fortaleza
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Fortaleza is September to November, when average daytime highs are around 87–88°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Fortaleza weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 89° 80° 51%
- Thu 22 Oct 88° 78° 79%
- Fri 23 Oct 89° 80° 62%
- Sat 24 Oct 88° 79° 29%
- Sun 25 Oct 88° 78° 20%
- Mon 26 Oct 89° 79° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Brazilian real (BRL)1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05
- Language
- Portuguese
- Calling code
- +55
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/FortalezaUTC−3
- Capital
- Brasília
Upcoming public holidays in Brazil
- All Souls' DayDia de Finados
- Republic Proclamation DayProclamação da República
- Black Awareness DayDia da Consciência Negra
- Christmas DayNatal
- New Year's DayConfraternização Universal
- Good FridaySexta-feira Santa
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Fortaleza
These are the airports closest to central Fortaleza. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- FOR Pinto Martins – Fortaleza International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Fortaleza
Most tourists will not go more than 5 blocks from the sea, except for the airport and bus station, and perhaps a shopping mall. The following main streets will take you from the city centre to the fish market, by way of Dragão do Mar and the beaches Iracema and Meireles, totalling some 6 km: Avenida Almirante Barroso, Av. Beira Mar (until Rua Ildefonso Albano, where it's cut off by an artificial beach -the aterro.), Av. Historiador Raimundo Girão, Av. Beira Mar (from Av. Rui Barbosa).
By subway
The Metrofor.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] network consists as of 2024 of three operational lines; the South line, the West line and the Parangaba - Mucuripe line.[dead link] . The latter is touching on tourist ground. More lines are in construction or planning. A single ticket costs R$3.60, for students half the price.
By bus
Like any major Brazilian city, Fortaleza can be done almost entirely by bus. Ticket price is R$ 4.50 (Sundays and a few holidays R$ 3.90), and if you get off at a terminal (there are nine such bus terminals in Fortaleza) you can change lines without paying again. But if you change buses somewhere else, you will need to buy a new ticket. Most lines run 7 days a week 05:00-23:00, give or take.
By taxi
All 4000-odd taxis in town run on the same meter system[dead link], except the special cabs at the airport. Start price is R$ 5,75, then R$ 2,85 per km on rate 1 and R$ 3,57/km on rate 2. The latter is charged every day from 20:00 to 06:00, Saturdays also from 13:00 to 20:00 and all Sunday, public holidays, and the whole month of December. Waiting is charged R$ 28 per hour.
Fortaleza travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Fortaleza?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Fortaleza is September to November, when average daytime highs are around 87–88°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.
What is the weather like in Fortaleza?
September is usually the warmest month in Fortaleza, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). June is the coolest, with average lows of 75°F (24°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 312 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Fortaleza?
Pinto Martins – Fortaleza International Airport (FOR) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Fortaleza.
What currency is used in Fortaleza?
Fortaleza uses the Brazilian real (BRL). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05.
What time zone is Fortaleza in?
Fortaleza uses the America/Fortaleza time zone (currently UTC−3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Fortaleza?
Most tourists will not go more than 5 blocks from the sea, except for the airport and bus station, and perhaps a shopping mall.
What are the best places to visit in Fortaleza?
Top sights in Fortaleza include Praia de Iracema, Praia do Futuro, Dragão do Mar Cultural Center and Fortaleza Cathedral. A central beach neighborhood with a promenade, bars and the old English Bridge pier. Walk the pier at sunset, and keep belongings close in crowded areas.
What are the top things to do in Fortaleza?
Popular experiences you can book in Fortaleza include Cumbuco Beach Tour, Jericoacoara in 1 Day and 3 Beaches in 1 Day: Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Praia de Canoa Quebrada. Destina Holidays offers 27 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Fortaleza?
The most popular types of experiences in Fortaleza are day trips & excursions (11), gastronomy & nightlife (6), transport & rentals (3) and outdoor activities & adventure (3). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Fortaleza?
Popular areas for hotels in Fortaleza include Fortaleza, Cumbuco and Beberibe. Well-reviewed options include Hotel Diogo and Marbello Ariau Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Fortaleza?
Destina Holidays currently lists 205 properties in and around Fortaleza, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
