Experience in Belém, Brazil by Leonardo

What is it like to live in Belém? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Belém is a medium amazonian city with good green areas (city squares and river margins and freshwater sand beaches). The traffic is worse in rush hours (7-9am and 6-8pm). But you can go by bike for a lot of special ways in the main streets. Nearby islands have restaurants and transport every day.

What is the student lifestyle like in Belém?

You have access to library and internet facilities in the main universities (public or particular). You have a lot of options for seeking degree students and postgratuating as well. Biotechnology is a growing field in this city.

How much does it cost to live in Belém?

Groceries and other housing stuff are not too expensive and you have a lot of open fairs with meat, fish and vegetables in many parts of the city everyday.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Belém? Is there any advice you can give?

Universities do not provide accomodations. Belém has expensive rentals dependind on the place you want live. Places next to the universities are usually cheaper than next to commercial centers. But is always a better option to share a flat with some friends.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food has peculiar taste. A lot of amazonian herbs are used in the dishes. Usually fish or salty beef with açaí (local palm juice) is an excellent option.

What places would you recommend visiting in Belém?

Freshwater beaches (mosqueiro and cotijuba), nearby islands (combu e onça) and if you like nature you should go a little further and give a ride in Marajó island.

Is it good to eat out in Belém? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It depends of your taste and how much money you want to pay. Normally you have good foods with good prices in local open fairs (ver-o-peso is an option). Best restaurants are inside shoppings or nearby them (boulevard is a good option) but they are more expensive.

Is the nightlife good in Belém? Where is good to go?

It is a city that has latin music in her veins. So if you like hear or to dance salsa, samba, lambada, brega or a mix of all of it (locally called "guitarrada") its your place. You have good options next to commercial center (casa da noca,palafita, mormaço, etc.). Or you can go to night clubs with dance or country music (fronteira, etc) or to bucolic places next to the nature and have good reggae music (parque dos igarapés)

What advice would you give future students heading to Belém?

Belém is a good place to whom likes nature and hot climates. But be aware to not walk in public transport with much money or expensive items or jewels you have. Belém is good place but like almost every city in Brazil, we have many social diferrences that culminates in some criminal and robbery stuff. But don't worry, human affection and honesty are incrusted in this society.