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Parque Solon de Lucena, the Lagoa
In the middle of the Centre, the Lagoa is the city's most traditional meeting point: a natural lake ringed by royal palms and a walking track, with the Centre's shops all around.
It is the best place in the capital to see the ipê trees: when they bloom, the park turns yellow, pink and white — and becomes the photo backdrop for half the city. Combine the visit with the Historic Centre, which begins a few blocks away.
The Botanical Garden and the Mata do Buraquinho
The Benjamim Maranhão Botanical Garden protects the Mata do Buraquinho, one of the largest remnants of Atlantic Forest in an urban area in Brazil. Inside, shady trails, nurseries and plenty of silence — hard to believe you are in a state capital.
The trails are short and flat, good to do with children. Go in the morning, bring insect repellent and check opening days and hours beforehand.
The Bica: Arruda Câmara Zoo-Botanical Park
In the Roger neighbourhood, near the Centre, the Bica combines a zoo and a park of native forest. It has Brazilian wildlife, trails, lakes and the old spring (bica) that gives the place its name. It is the classic family outing in João Pessoa.
The squares of the Historic Centre
Praça Antenor Navarro, with its restored colourful houses, is the heart of the old Centre and often hosts concerts and events. From there you can walk to Hotel Globo, where you can watch the sunset over the Sanhauá River.
Praça João Pessoa, in front of the Palácio da Redenção, and Praça Dom Adauto, between the Carmo churches, complete the circuit.
And on the seafront?
If you are staying in Manaíra, Tambaú or Cabo Branco, you have your own linear park: the seafront promenade, with a cycle path, kiosks and the shade of coconut palms. In the late afternoon, it is where the whole city goes for a walk.
At the southern end, the Estação Cabo Branco and the Lighthouse sit in an area of preserved forest on top of the cliff, with a lookout over the sea.
