The Beautiful City of Tiles: 4 Popular Souvenirs from São Luís
São Luís, located along the coast of northeastern Brazil, is a charming city known for its European-style atmosphere—a result of its history as a former French colony. The city is filled with tile-covered buildings, giving it a distinct and colorful look. Popular tourist spots include the Teatro Arthur Azevedo theater, the Palácio dos Leões, a beautiful white palace, and the Cathedral of Sé, known for its magnificent ceiling paintings.
If you’re visiting São Luís, you might be wondering—what souvenirs should you bring home? Here are some of the most well-known and recommended souvenirs from São Luís.
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The Beautiful City of Tiles: 4 Popular Souvenirs from São Luís
1. Tile-Based Products
When you think of São Luís, the first thing that comes to mind is its tile-covered architecture. It’s fascinating to see the contrast between the old colonial-style buildings and modern structures—even some traffic lights are decorated with tiles!
Local souvenir shops are filled with tile-themed goods. You can find decorative tiles like those used on buildings, wall hangings framed with wood, and tiles painted with phrases or scenic landscapes. Some shops even sell small wooden boxes with tile inlays, which make lovely trinket holders.
You’ll also find baskets with beautiful tile bases, great for holding fruits or utensils. Larger items include serving trays with tiled wooden frames or even tables with tiled tops, making them both practical and elegant keepsakes.
2. São Luís Goods
No souvenir shopping trip is complete without local-themed items! So, what can you find in São Luís?
One of the most common keepsakes is a flag printed with the word “São Luís” or illustrations of its famous landmarks. You can also find snow globes, badges, and decorative plates featuring the city’s European-style scenery. Hand-painted ceramic plates depicting São Luís’s tiled streets are especially popular and capture the spirit of the city perfectly.
Additionally, many shops sell light summer dresses in South American style, which make for both fashionable and practical souvenirs.
3. Figurines of Brazilian Women
One of the most eye-catching souvenirs in São Luís are the colorful figurines of Brazilian women. These figures are known for their bronze skin, long hair or hats, and vibrant dresses. Some depict Afro-Brazilian women wearing turbans and large earrings.
Each region produces its own variation of these figurines, and no two are exactly the same—each has a unique facial expression, height, body shape, and outfit design. Just looking at them is delightful! Placing one of these figurines in your home instantly brightens up the room, making it a wonderful souvenir from São Luís.
4. Golden Grass Accessories and Woven Baskets
The “Capim Dourado,” which means “golden grass” in Portuguese, is a naturally golden plant that grows in Brazil. In recent years, there has been a global movement toward eco-friendly and sustainable products, and handmade crafts made from golden grass are part of this trend—they’ve even gained popularity in Japan.
Accessories made from golden grass are among the most recommended souvenirs. The earrings, crafted by twisting and coiling the grass into circular patterns, have a gentle, natural look. You’ll also find woven baskets and bags made from organic fibers, often using materials sourced from the region’s rich natural environment.
◎ Summary
How did you like these souvenir ideas from São Luís? Beyond the items introduced above, there are plenty of other great local products—such as Brazilian coffee, Sonho de Bolsa chocolate, healthy açaí products, and macramé accessories made in traditional South American style.
You can also find hammocks and flip-flops, both of which are very popular among visitors. When shopping for souvenirs in São Luís, use this guide to help you pick out something truly special to bring home from this beautiful city of tiles.
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