Not all of Brazil’s cities are overrun with gun-toting, drug-smuggling, and would-be kidnapping criminals in frightening gangs. In fact, there are plenty of cities with low crime rates that are deemed safe for tourists, so don't discount the whole country because of media hype or sensationalised stories you may read.

Brazil's cities offer a fantastic foodie scene that showcases its multicultural heritage, enticing you to indulge in a diverse range of tastes, from street food to fine dining. Portuguese dishes such as bean or fish stew can be found in Rio, African delights like black-eyed pea fritters in Bahia and in the northwest where the iconic Amazon jungle lays the cuisine is all about native Indian cooking where you will beg for more 'moqueca’ (seafood stew) or ‘pato no tucupi’ which will have your taste buds doing a dance over the duck cooked in tucupi sauce. Brazil is a land of temptations for any foodaholic.

Brazil has a wine industry, despite being overshadowed by Argentina and Chile, for those who like to be on the adventurous side when sipping and slurping. The wine industry has happened in waves with immigrants arriving in the country. It began with the Portuguese, who first produced wine in 1551. The wine industry then got another layer of complexity with the influx of Italian immigrants in the 1870s. Having no grapes of its own, Brazil's viticulture has evolved into a distinct identity, with experts declaring that Brazil's wine is 'fresher and fruitier' than those found elsewhere in South America. The six official regions under picturesque vineyards include São Francisco, Serra da Mantiqueira, Santa Catarina, Serra Gaúcha, Serra do Sudeste, and Campanha Gaúcha. However, much of the grape growing occurs outside of these regions, particularly in southern Brazil.

Dazzling and Not Dangerous - Cities to Love in Brazil - The Wise Traveller - Pantanal

The world's natural wonders are on display in the Pantanal wetlands and the lush Amazon rainforest. The Pantanal, with its seasonal flooding, which transforms the landscape, is a unique ecosystem and the world's largest tropical wetland. A biodiversity hotspot, you can spy on jaguars, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, and plenty of other exotic critters to keep a camera clicking. While the Amazon Rainforest hides amidst its dense jungle, or playing in its river, an estimated 10% of all the species on earth—from magical pink river dolphins to sloths, and giant anacondas, as depicted in the cheesy 1997 horror movie 'Anaconda'. Another crowning glory of Brazil is its shoreline of golden sand, which includes 2,095 beaches and stretches for an incredible 7,242 km. Famous beaches for soaking up the sunshine include the clear waters of Praia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, the water sports mecca of Jericoacoara, Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, or, for something truly amazing, a river beach jutting up against the jungle, such as Alter do Chão in the Amazon.

As listed in a previous article, 'Where Not to Go in Brazil', the dubious or downright dangerous cities include towns such as Feira de Santana, Fortaleza, Manaus, Belém, Mossoró, Natal, Salvador, and Vitória da Conquista.

Even areas of Rio de Janeiro require careful consideration of personal safety and where to venture in the city, which is relatively safe for tourists. This vibrant town is a definite must-see for first-time visitors to Brazil, especially to gaze upon its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, which dominates Sugarloaf Mountain.

Florianópolis, known as the Magic Island, is a haven for sunbunnies as its beaches are some of the most beautiful in all of Brazil.

Paraty is a laid-back coastal town with picture-postcard-perfect cobblestone streets adorned with historical architecture and beaches to worship the sun god.

Recife is nicknamed the 'Venice of Brazil' as the town is a maze of bridges, canals, and islands. The air is thick with its rich history, showcased in brightly hued colonial buildings and cobblestone streets that have seen the passing footsteps of the Portuguese and Africans.

Dazzling and Not Dangerous - Cities to Love in Brazil - The Wise Traveller - Recife

Fernando de Noronha is a water wonderland of translucent Atlantic waters, volcanic islands, and pristine islets floating in a never-ending blue. Once a penal colony, the island sits 360 km off Cape Sao Roque. It's a playground for nature lovers, divers, snorkelers, and surfing enthusiasts.

Fortaleza is once again a beach lover's haven but with a dangerous edge if you wander outside of tourist areas. Boasting a dynamic nightlife, it’s perched on the northeastern coastline.

Ouro Preto is for the history buff or the lover of colonial architecture, as it's a historical gold mining town in the state of Minas Gerais. Awash with baroque architecture, steep winding stairways of cobblestones meander around a village of chapels, churches, and through plazas laden with fountains.

São Paulo has an edgy, cosmopolitan flavor, where you can visit stunning museums, dine at excellent restaurants, or linger long into the night at one of the many bars. A destination for those who enjoy being entertained.

There are other cities to explore, so long as you are cautious—it's a question of doing your homework and researching before booking that gorgeous hotel.


Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.