North-East Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Joao Pessoa
Discover the serene beauty of JoĆ£o Pessoa, where white-sand beaches and a laid-back vibe lead you to the most eastern point in the Americas
JoĆ£o Pessoa, the capital of ParaĆba, is known for being one of the greenest cities in Brazil, with numerous parks, urban forests, and an eco-friendly atmosphere. The cityās location on Brazilās easternmost point makes it the first place in the Americas to see the sunrise. JoĆ£o Pessoa offers a mix of historic architecture, vibrant markets, and gorgeous beaches like TambaĆŗ and Cabo Branco.
Top 10 Things to See & Do in JoĆ£o Pessoa
Visit the Cabo Branco Lighthouse: Located on Ponta do Seixas, this is the easternmost point of the Americas. The lighthouse sits on a cliff 40 metres above sea level and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Watch the sunset at JacarĆ© Beach while listening to a live saxophone performance: A saxophonist performs Ravelās "Bolero" from a boat at sunset each day. Visitors watch from the riverbank at JacarĆ© Beach, a popular late afternoon destination with nearby shops and restaurants.
Stroll through the Botanical Garden Benjamim MaranhĆ£o: Also known as Mata do Buraquinho, it covers over 500 hectares and is one of the largest preserved urban forests in Brazil. Guided trails provide information on native flora and fauna.
Explore the craft markets at Feirinha de TambaĆŗ: This nightly market near TambaĆŗ Beach features local handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs and regional food items. It is one of the most visited artisan markets in the city.
Go dancing at the Saturday Sambadinho: This weekly event features live samba music and dancing. It takes place every Saturday afternoon in PraƧa Rio Branco.
Relax on TambaĆŗ Beach or take a tour of the southern beaches: TambaĆŗ Beach is a central urban beach known for its calm waters and proximity to shops and restaurants. Tours to the southern beaches such as Coqueirinho and Tambaba depart from TambaĆŗ and include stops for swimming, viewpoints and dune landscapes (tickets).
Take a sunset boat tour to Areia Vermelha: Areia Vermelha is a natural sandbank off the coast of JoĆ£o Pessoa that becomes visible at low tide. Tours depart by boat and allow visitors to walk on the sandbank, swim in the shallow waters, and eat food served on floating bars.
Visit Parque SĆ³lon de Lucena: This park surrounds a lagoon in the city centre and includes walking paths, gardens and monuments.
Visit the ParaĆba Museum at the SĆ£o Bento Monastery: Located in the cityās historic district, the museum displays religious art, historical documents and artefacts related to the history of the state of ParaĆba. The adjacent monastery dates from the 17th century.
Visit the Science Station (EstaĆ§Ć£o Cabo Branco): Designed by Ā Oscar Niemeyer, the building includes exhibition areas, an auditorium and a panoramic tower. It hosts science, technology and cultural events.
How long to spend in JoĆ£o Pessoa
Spend at least 3 days in Joao Pessoa to visit the Cabo Branco Lighthouse, botanic gardens, and see a variety of the city's beaches.
Where to stay in Joao Pessoa
In JoĆ£o Pessoa, the best areas to stay are along the coast, and include TambaĆŗ, Cabo Branco and ManaĆra. The neighbourhoods located along the beach and are generally considered safe for tourists, especially during the day. Other areas like Bessa also offer accommodation, but visitors should take standard precautions at night.
Find cheap accommodationĀ for your stay in Joao Pessoa.
Where is Joao Pessoa, Brazil
Closest airport
Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA)
Main bus terminal
RodoviĆ”ria de JoĆ£o Pessoa
Cabedelo
Main ports
How to get to Joao Pessoa
JoĆ£o Pessoa is well connected by domestic flights and buses. There are direct flights from major Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro, SĆ£o Paulo, Recife, and BrasĆlia. International visitors typically fly through SĆ£o Paulo or Rio de Janeiro before connecting to JoĆ£o Pessoa.
How to get to Joao Pessoa by Bus
See all bus connectionsĀ and find cheap ticketsĀ to Joao Pessoa
Long-distance buses connect JoĆ£o Pessoa to cities like:
How to get to Joao Pessoa from Recife
Several daily buses operate between Recife and JoĆ£o Pessoa, taking around 2+ hours (tickets & timetable).
How to get to Joao Pessoa from Natal
Several daily buses operate between Natal and JoĆ£o Pessoa, taking around 3+ hours (tickets & timetable).
How to get to Joao Pessoa from Pipa
The easiest way to travel between JoĆ£o Pessoa and Pipa is to take a BlaBla Car. There are numerous cars running throughout the day and night, and generally cost less than a bus ticket.
If you prefer to travel by bus, you will first need to travel by minivan to Goianinha. A minivan runs regularly to Goianinha, starting from nearby the supermarket Pai e Filho (map) and arriving at the front of the churchĀ called Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres. The van ride takes around 40+ minutes and costs R$5.5. Alternatively, it is possible to take an Uber or 99 to Goianinha from Pipa for around R$40.
From the church, walk 2 minutes down to the main highway and cross to the other side. Check if your ticket has specific pick-up instructions. Most busses stop along the side of the highway. The bus company Progresso runs a bus every 2 hours from Natal to Joao Pessoa that will stop to pick up passengers in GoianinhaĀ (tickets & timetable).
Top tours in Joao Pessoa
How to get around Joao Pessoa
JoĆ£o Pessoa has an bus system that connects most parts of the city, including the beaches and downtown area. The bus fare is R$4.50, and the main bus terminal is located in the city center. However, busses don't run on time according to the schedule and can be unreliable.
You can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber and 99, which are very affordable and widely available.
For short distances, consider renting a bike or taking a leisurely walk along the scenic coastal paths, especially between TambaĆŗ and Cabo Branco beaches.
Things to know before you go
Where to stay: TambaĆŗ Beach is a great area to stay, with several beachfront hotels offering excellent amenities and easy access to restaurants, bars, and the famous craft market. For a more eco-friendly experience, consider staying at an eco-resort near the Botanical Garden or Cabo Branco.
Local Cuisine: Ā JoĆ£o Pessoa offers delicious regional dishes with a northeastern twist. Be sure to try "carne de sol" (sun-dried beef), "macaxeira" (cassava), and fresh seafood dishes.
Sunset at JacarĆ© Beach:Ā A must-see in JoĆ£o Pessoa is the daily sunset ritual at JacarĆ© Beach. As the sun sets, a saxophonist serenades the crowd from a boat, creating an unforgettable atmosphere as day turns to night.
Eco-Friendly City:Ā JoĆ£o Pessoa is known for its dedication to preserving green spaces and maintaining its eco-friendly urban planning. Youāll find plenty of parks and nature reserves to explore.
Sun Protection: Joao Pessoa enjoys sunny weather year-round, so always use sunscreen, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Remember, JoĆ£o Pessoa is one of the sunniest cities in Brazil!
Language: Portuguese is the official language, and English not widely spoken. Itās helpful to know a few basic Portuguese phrases to navigate more easily.
Stay Safe:Ā JoĆ£o Pessoa is a generally safe city, but itās still advisable to take precautions. Stick to well-populated areas, especially at night, and avoid displaying valuables in public. The cityās beachfront areas, especially TambaĆŗ and Cabo Branco, are popular with tourists.
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