The northern part of the center, near the bridge and Praça Nossa Senhora das Graças, is quite pleasant with well preserved colonial buildings.

By bus

A modern bus terminal lies on the southeastern outskirts of the city, where Rua Ceará Chaval and Avenida Deputado Pinheiro Machado intersect, about 5 km from the center. Most long distance buses are handled by Expresso Guanabara [1].

• To Tutóia (from where you can move on to Paulino Neves and Lençóis Maranhenses) by São Francisco or Continental. R$ 14, 4 hours bumpy ride. This bus stops by the company´s own bus station near the center, and waits there for half an hour before continuing.

There is also a flourishing market for "alternative" buses, at somewhat discounted prices, by the downtown end of Avenida Capitão Claro (a continuation of Avenida São Sebastião).

By air

Airport at the northern outskirts of the city. Freshly launched airline Litorânea[2] has turboprops flying to Fortaleza, São Luís and Teresina thrice weekly, and Camocim and Barreirinhas (Lençóis Maranhenses once a week. The chepest fares are from R$ 40 - 140, depending on destination.

By boat

There used to be a daily boat leaving for Tutóia on the western rim of the river delta. Now (August 2007) the only waterway alternative seems to be renting a motor launch at R$ 400 (up to 4 people). If you are on a budget, go by bus.

• Buses run from the bus station to the center via Avenida São Sebastião. Few buses after dark.
• Taxis don´t have meters, and are fairly expensive, but negotiable. Center to bus station should be about R$ 15.
• Mototaxis will take you anywhere in town for R$ 3-4, even with a large backpack.

Local handicraft specialties are made from a certain palm tree´s leaves.

• Flor de Liz, Avenida São Sebastião. Grilled meats and pizzas. Dishes for 2 at around R$ 25.  edit
• Sabor e Arte, (Right by the bridge). Pleasant environment, most of the art is for sale. Many dishes around R$ 25.  edit
• Biola, Praça Santo Antônio, Center. Wide selection of burgers and sandwiches.  edit

• The liveliest area is Beira Rio, 1 km north of the center, with several restaurants-come-bars.
• Diesel Club, (Right by the bridge). Weekends until late.  edit
• Pride Solutions. Gay  edit
• Trilhu´s. Bar on the outside, club further in Small draught beer R$ 2.  edit