São Luís

Travel Guide

A coastal road with parked cars and a beach in the background.
A historic building with two prominent towers and a clock.
A street with colorful buildings, blue doors, and a cobblestone road.
A fountain with water jets in a circular pool, surrounded by buildings and trees.
A wide sandy beach with gentle waves, lined with palm trees and beachfront buildings.

Where to stay in São Luís

Find the best São Luís areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about São Luís
Learn more about São Luís
A beach with high-rise buildings in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Ponta D'areia

If you're spending some time in Ponta D'areia, Ponta d'Areia Beach and Calhau Beach are top sights worth seeing.

A street with colorful umbrellas hanging overhead.

Ponta do Farol

Travelers like the beaches in Ponta do Farol, and Ponta d'Areia Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Turu

When in Turu, you can plan a visit to Rio Anil Shopping and Olho d'Agua Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

An ornate church interior with a central altar, statues, and intricate gold detailing.

Centro Historico

While visiting Centro Historico, you might make a stop by sights like São Luís Central Market and Maranhao History and Art Museum.

A coastal landscape with white sand dunes and clear blue waters.

Tirirical

While Tirirical might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Rio Anil Shopping and Centro de Promoção Artesanal do Maranhão (CEPRAMA).

Hotel Luzeiros São Luis

Hotel Luzeiros São Luis

4 out of 5
Rua João Pereira Damasceno, 02 São Luís MA
$108 nightly
The price is $113 total per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
$113 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in São Luís. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
"The hotel is not a 5 star hotel At best it is 3 stars. The rooms are very tired and dirty. There was liquid stains down the wall, sheets were stained, the veneer on the furniture was peeling off and the white grout on the floor was black. We did change from the first room as i saw what appeared to ..."

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2026

Hotel Luzeiros São Luis
Rede Andrade SLZ

Rede Andrade SLZ

3 out of 5
Av Colares Moreira Quadra 100 Lote 4 São Luís MA
$33 nightly
The price is $35 total per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
$35 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in São Luís. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Tropical Shopping and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,153 reviews)
"The place needs lots of renovations. It’s an old building. The bed had no cover, just the sheet. The towels were very thin and there were no hand towels, just one towel per guest. The TV is old and needs to be reset every time you use it. There is no restaurant available just the breakfast in the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2026

Rede Andrade SLZ
Rede Andrade Lagoa

Rede Andrade Lagoa

3 out of 5
AVENIDA CORONEL COLARES MOREIRA, QUADRA 101, N 01 Sao Luis MARANHÃO
$45 nightly
The price is $48 total per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
$48 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in São Luís. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Tropical Shopping and Mirante da Lagoa are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (15 reviews)
"Maravilhoso esse hotel, recomendo."

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2026

Rede Andrade Lagoa
See all 178 properties in São Luís
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel holandeses

Aparthotel holandeses

3 out of 5
Av. dos Holandeses, 3 São Luís MA
Stay at this aparthotel in São Luís. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Calhau Beach and Tropical Shopping are located ...
5/10 (6 reviews)
"Hospedagem muito boa tudo limpo maravilhoso pretendo volta mais vezes"

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2026

Aparthotel holandeses
Edifício Creta

Edifício Creta

3.5 out of 5
10 R. dos Ipês São Luís MA
Stay at this apartment in São Luís. Enjoy free WiFi, premium bedding, and minibars. Popular attractions Mirante da Lagoa and Tropical Shopping are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
"It was perfect for our short stay in SLZ"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2024

Edifício Creta
São Luís Apartment

São Luís Apartment

São Luís MA
Stay at this apartment in São Luís. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Rio Anil Shopping and Sacred Art Museum are located ...
São Luís Apartment
See all properties in São Luís
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular São Luís attractions

Ponta d'Areia Beach

7.4/10 (79 reviews)
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Ponta d'Areia Beach during your travels in São Luís?
See properties

Things to do

Valparaíso Acqua Park

Valparaiso Acqua Park Admission Ticket

$15
per adult
Valparaiso Acqua Park Admission Ticket
Walking Tour of São Luís do Maranhão

Walking Tour of São Luís do Maranhão

$117
per adult
Walking Tour of São Luís do Maranhão
Private Transportation between San Luis and Santo Amaro

Private Transportation between San Luis and Santo Amaro

$180
per traveler
Private Transportation between San Luis and Santo Amaro
See all activities in São Luís

Frequently asked questions

Is São Luís worth visiting?
São Luís is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, including Ponta d'Areia Beach and Olho d'Agua Beach. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse food scene featuring Italian and Latin American cuisine, alongside convenient public transport options with bus and train services.
When is the best time to visit São Luís?
São Luís is enjoyable year-round, with warm temperatures throughout. For fewer crowds and better value, consider visiting during the quieter months of May through August. This period offers a more relaxed experience while still enjoying the destination's consistent climate.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in São Luís?
The best neighborhoods to explore in São Luís depend on what you want to see:

  • Centro Historico is home to cultural attractions like the Centro de História Natural e Arqueologia do Maranhão, the House of Maranhao, and the Maranhao History and Art Museum.

What is São Luís known for?
São Luís is known for its beautiful Ponta d'Areia Beach and Olho d'Agua Beach. The city, which includes neighborhoods like Centro Historico, was named after Louis IX of France. Travelers can explore the São Luís Central Market and enjoy its Italian food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for São Luís?
A good itinerary length for São Luís is two to three days to explore highlights like Ponta d'Areia Beach, Olho d'Agua Beach, and the Centro Historico. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can also enjoy activities such as a Boat Tour On The Preguiças River, a Bike Tour, or visiting São Luís Central Market. See São Luís Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around São Luís?
São Luís offers travelers a blend of historic landmarks, local culture, and unique natural excursions.


How do I plan a trip to São Luís?
To plan your trip to São Luís, search for places to stay and book your flights and rental car in advance. Explore the Centro Historico and enjoy activities like a Bike Tour or a Boat Tour On The Preguiças River. For outdoor experiences such as Ponta d'Areia Beach, plan for early morning or late afternoon.
What cuisines can you find in São Luís?
In São Luís, travelers can enjoy South American cuisine, featuring dishes like empanadas, feijoada, and grilled meats. You'll also find Italian, Mexican, and Asian options, including Japanese and Chinese fare. Steakhouses and European choices like Mediterranean and French dishes are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in São Luís?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in São Luís by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to São Luís with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your São Luís trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in São Luís?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in São Luís can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my São Luís trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your São Luís trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my São Luís trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your São Luís trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to São Luís?
If it's your first trip to São Luís, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my São Luís hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your São Luís hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near São Luís

A white peacock in a garden with a wooden cart and a large wheel.

Paco do Lumiar

A large white statue of a man and a child holding hands, surrounded by a circular platform with a railing, under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

Sao Jose de Ribamar

A row of colorful buildings with palm trees in front.

São Luís Historical Center

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