If you are in João Pessoa and want to visit museums, a great place to go is the Paraibano Museum, which has exhibits on local history, art, and culture. Other museums in the area that you may enjoy visiting include the Cultural Center Sao Francisco, which has a collection of sacred art, and the Museu de Arte Contemporanea da Paraiba, which features contemporary art from Brazil and around the world.
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to try in João Pessoa, Brazil, according to locals are:
1. Tapioca - a savory or sweet crepe made with cassava flour and filled with cheese, meat, coconut, or various other ingredients.
2. Carne de sol - salted and sun-dried beef that is usually grilled or fried and served with sides such as rice, beans, and farofa (toasted cassava flour).
3. Acarajé - deep-fried balls made with mashed black-eyed peas and stuffed with shrimp, vatapá (a paste made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, peanuts, and spices), and caruru (a sauce made with okra, onions, garlic, and palm oil).
4. Bobó de camarão - a creamy stew made with cassava puree, coconut milk, and shrimp.
5. Moqueca de peixe - a fish stew cooked with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and dendê oil (palm oil).
6. Cartola - a dessert made with bananas, cheese, cinnamon, and sugar, and usually served with ice cream.
These are just a few examples of the delicious foods you can find in João Pessoa, and there are many other traditional dishes to try as well.
Sure, here are some fun activities that locals enjoy doing in João Pessoa:
1. Visit the beach: João Pessoa has beautiful beaches such as Tambau and Cabo Branco where you can relax, swim or participate in water sports.
2. Attend a cultural event: The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, and there are often music, dance, and theater performances happening around town.
3. Take a bike ride: João Pessoa has many biking trails and paths along the coast, which are great for exercise and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
4. Explore historic sites: The city has many historic sites, including churches, museums, and forts, such as Forte de Santa Catarina, which offer a glimpse into the city's past.
5. Try local cuisine: João Pessoa has a variety of delicious traditional dishes, including seafood stews, tapioca pancakes, and regional sweets like bolo de rolo.