Manaus celebrates its 357th birthday this Saturday (the 24th), and this date offers an opportunity to rediscover the places that constitute the history of the capital of the Amazonas state over the weekend. For those who wish to spend the day in the Historic Center of Manaus, there are numerous options combining historical walks, regional cuisine, local handicraft production, and active outdoor recreation without requiring long trips.
Visitors can try traditional dishes, purchase city souvenirs, and observe the Negro River. The route compiled by g1 includes four tourist attractions and an additional landmark that can be adapted according to the day and each visitor's preferences.
San Sebastian Square / Amazon Theatre
San Sebastian Square and the Amazon Theatre are among the most famous tourist attractions in Manaus. This square, one of Manaus's calling cards, combines historical architecture, green areas, and spaces for walking, relaxing, or taking photos. The square is located around the Amazon Theatre—a traditional opera house that is a symbol of the golden period of the rubber economy and a UNESCO World Heritage site starting in July 2026.
In addition to viewing the exterior of the square, visitors can learn about the theatre's cultural program and consider attending a performance or participating in a tour. The schedule is available on the Instagram of the State Department of Culture and Creative Economy (SEC-AM), and tickets, when available, can be purchased through the ShopIngressos platform or at the theatre box office.
Furthermore, restaurants and cafes offering local regional dishes are located near the square. Among them are Tambaqui de Banda and Caxiri Manaus, which serve lunch and dinner, as well as Roseiral, which offers lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea. Barbarella Ice Cream is another option for relaxation and dessert before continuing the route.
Adolfo Lisboa Municipal Market
The Adolfo Lisboa Municipal Market is Manaus's traditional historic trading center. Opened in 1883, this market is one of the most iconic spots in the Center and an essential stop for those wishing to explore the products, gastronomy, and part of Manaus's trade history.
A visit to the market can begin with a regional breakfast or lunch, where options for fish, roasted meat, sweets, and other typical dishes are available. Adolfo Lisboa also features stalls with handicrafts, accessories, T-shirts, and souvenirs related to regional culture.
Among the most well-known restaurants operating inside the market are Coreto, which is both a regional cafe and a fish shop; Taberna do Chef Procópio, offering breakfast and lunch; and Delícias da Dilza, serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. Operating hours are from Monday to Saturday from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Sundays from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Lucia Almeida Viewpoint and Manaus 355 Pier
The Lucia Almeida Viewpoint, although relatively new, has become a must-stop for walking through downtown Manaus. Opened in 2024, it is one of the main options for observing the Negro River and getting acquainted with the cultural spaces in the waterfront area. This tourist complex includes recreation areas, a craft fair, and various cultural exhibitions periodically set up on the viewpoint's second floor.
During this same visit, one can visit the Manaus 355 Pier, which is connected to the main structure of the viewpoint. The pier serves as a boarding and disembarking point for river excursions, including waterfront strolls, visiting the Water Meeting, observing pink dolphins, visiting pirarucu farms, and walking through flooded forests to observe regional flora such as Victoria-regia and Samauma, one of the largest trees in the Amazon.
The Manaus 355 Pier, connected to the viewpoint, is a starting point for various journeys on the Negro River. Another option is to cross from the pier to the Selva Amazônica Cafeteria, which operates in a floating structure. This restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Since routes, schedules, and prices vary, it is important to check the available options on-site before boarding.
Eduardo Ribeiro Craft Fair
The Eduardo Ribeiro Fair is a traditional event in downtown Manaus. For those visiting the center on Sundays, this fair is an alternative for starting or ending the morning. The fair, coordinated by the Association of Municipal Fair of Handicrafts, Manual Labor, and Amazonian Products exhibitors on Eduardo Ribeiro Avenue, operates on Sundays from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Eduardo Ribeiro Avenue and extends to 24 de Maio Street.
Among the many stalls, one can find bio-jewelry, ceramics, wood products, accessories, clothing, personalized T-shirts, hats, bags, shoes, plants, and other souvenirs from Manaus. Many of these items are produced by indigenous peoples and local artisans.
In some editions, the fair includes antiquarians with books, CDs, and records for lovers of finding used and collectible items. Additionally, the space is equipped with stalls offering regional breakfast.
Bonus: Closed Section of Getulio Vargas Avenue
The closed section of Getulio Vargas Avenue operates every Sunday morning. Just a few meters from the Eduardo Ribeiro Fair is the Closed Section of Getulio Vargas Avenue, which is also available on Sundays from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM. During the event, one of the avenues sections, between Ramos Ferreira Street and 7 de Setembro Avenue, in the direction from the neighborhood to the center, is closed to traffic and designated for outdoor events.
The program is focused on family leisure and offers activities for all age groups. Options include rhythm lessons, capoeira, circus performances, sponge football, inflatable attractions, and social areas. The space is also open for running, walking, and cycling, with a bicycle rental point. Special events, such as drone festivals, are held in some editions.
