Things to Do in Joao Pessoa

Old town area with 17th- and 18th-century colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and the baroque Igreja de São Francisco. The church complex and cloister cost a small fee, but walking the streets and squares is free.

🕐 Always open (church complex: Tue–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–12pm)

💡 Go early on a Saturday morning when the streets are quiet and the heat hasn't set in. Try a cup of water-based açai from a corner stand for R$5.

An evening handicraft market on the Tambaú beachfront, selling local woodwork, lace, ceramics, and foods like tapioca grills and grilled cheese on sticks. Live music most nights.

🕐 Daily 5pm–10pm (longer hours Dec–Jan)

💡 Buy directly from the stall makers for better prices—the lace from women in the back row is usually handmade and cheaper. Haggling is fine but polite. Prices drop 30% after 8pm when stalls are packing up.

The main city beach with soft sand, calm Atlantic waters, and a long promenade lined with barracas (beach kiosks). Good for swimming, walking, or just watching the fishing boats come in.

💡 Arrive before 9am to see local fishermen hauling nets on the sand. After 3pm, stick to the shaded areas near the kiosks—the sun is fierce.

A cultural centre designed by Oscar Niemeyer, shaped like a spaceship on the cliff edge at Cabo Branco. Houses temporary art exhibits, a small science museum, and a lookout with panoramic ocean views.

🕐 Tue–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm

💡 The building itself is the main draw—allow 30 minutes for the exhibits unless there's a show. Go on a clear weekday afternoon for the best light. Bus 513 from the centre drops you 200m away.

A 8-hectare urban forest and zoo with Atlantic rainforest trees, walking trails, and caged animals—most rescued from wildlife trafficking. Entry is R$2 (approx £0.35), making it one of Brazil's cheapest zoos.

🕐 Tue–Sun 8am–5pm

💡 Don't expect high animal welfare standards; it's more of a conservation education spot. Best for kids and birdwatching (you'll see toucans, macaws, and monkeys). Come before 10am to avoid the crowds and heat.