population: 1.5 million
extension: 1,064.918 square kilometers
If you are in Belém, Brazil and interested in visiting museums, a great place to start would be the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, which is a natural history museum that showcases the biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest. Other museums in the area that may be of interest include the Museu de Arte Sacra do Pará, which features religious art and artifacts, and the Museu da UFPA, which has exhibits on various topics such as anthropology and archaeology.
If you're looking for similar types of museums nearby, you might also want to check out the Museu do Círio, which focuses on the history and significance of the annual Círio de Nazaré festival, and the Forte do Presépio, which is a historic fort turned museum that explores the city's colonial past.
Belém is known for its delicious and unique cuisine, influenced by the flavors of the Amazon rainforest and traditional Portuguese dishes. Here are some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people:
1. Tacacá - a soup made with tucupi (a sour broth made from manioc), jambu (an herb that causes a tingling sensation in the mouth), shrimp, and spices.
2. Pato no Tucupi - duck cooked in tucupi with jambu and rice.
3. Maniçoba - a stew made with manioc leaves, meats, and spices. It's usually served with rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and smoked sausage.
4. Caruru - a dish made with okra, dried shrimp, onion, garlic, palm oil, and other spices.
5. Açaí na tigela - a bowl of frozen acai berry pulp, topped with granola, banana, and other fruits.
6. Filhote à casaca - a grilled fish, usually filhote (catfish), served with a sauce made with tomato, onion, and peppers and accompanied by cassava chips.
7. Vatapá - a creamy seafood stew made with bread, coconut milk, peanuts, and dendê oil (palm oil).
These dishes can be found in many restaurants and food stands throughout Belém and are definitely worth trying if you're visiting the city!
Sure, here are some fun activities that local people enjoy in Belém, Brazil:
1. Visit the Ver-o-Peso Market: This is one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America and a popular spot for locals to buy fresh produce, seafood, handicrafts and souvenirs.
2. Take a walk in Mangal das Garças: This ecological park is located in the heart of the city and features beautiful gardens, a butterfly house, bird observatory, and a tower with panoramic views of the city.
3. Enjoy traditional cuisine: Belém is known for its delicious food, including dishes like tacacá, maniçoba, and pato no tucupi. You can try them out at local restaurants or food stalls.
4. Attend a cultural event: Belém has a vibrant cultural scene and hosts many festivals throughout the year, such as the Círio de Nazaré and Festival de Verão da UFMG.
5. Explore historic sites: Belém has a rich history and there are many historic sites to explore, including the Forte do Presépio, Basilica de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré, and the Casa das Onze Janelas.