//
Capital city of Espírito Santo, Brazil
Photo: Erick Coser, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Vitória,also known as "Little Rio de Janeiro", is the small and cozy capital of Espírito Santo, is a city on the southeast coast of Brazil, famous for its beaches and culture, and for its proximity from many other tourist destinations in the state. Most of the city's neighborhoods are surrounded by parks and forests and many cultural events add an extra bliss to the city throughout the year. One might also consider staying in a hotel in Vitória while visiting nearby cities and regions of interest during the day like Vila Velha, Guarapari, Domingos Martins, or Serra, all of them with many attractions less than 2 hours away by car or bus. Vitória is also a perfect stop for travelers planning to go from the state of Rio de Janeiro or east of Minas Gerais by bus or car to beach destinations in the south of Bahia, like Prado, Caravelas and Abrolhos, or even Porto Seguro.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Vitória's cathedral, dates from 1551. Located downtown.
Near the cathedral, is Vitória's oldest religious building.
Colonial palace also from 16th century that now serves as a government building. Tours available and usually there are showcases of an art exhibit. A Jesuit priest is also buried on the grounds.
This is another notable church that used to be the city's metropolitan cathedral.
If you need a break, this park is nice and shady, but, it seems its golden years are a little past and probably isn't a must. In the northeast corner you'll find a physical science museum called the Escola da Ciência-Física with exhibits on topics like mechanics and optics, but it's kind of geared towards adolescents.
Botanical garden.
Carmelite (as opposed to Jesuit or Franciscan, who were already established) mission/convent built around 1682 with an original Baroque design that subsequently gave way to neo-gothic architecture after a 20th century renovation.
This one was an undertaking of the Franciscan order at the end of the 16th century, considered the oldest in southern Brazil, and dedicated to St. Francis.
It's not really safe to hang out here, but driving around this square you can see the aesthetically pleasing Carlos Gomes (performing arts) Theater which was modeled after the Scala Theater in Milan, Italy to the north and the almost equally impressive SESC Cultural Center Glory to the south along Av Jeronimo Monteiro. Or catch a performance at one of these for greater appreciation.
This basilica, kind of like a megastructure amongst the squalor, is a relatively recent addition, being constructed only in the 20th century, but the fact that you can access a viewpoint of surrounding Vitoria from the roof is quite a draw, in addition to the grandeur of the structure itself.
Scenic ocean view but not very safe or clean, unfortunately.
Onion Rock Park
Located in the Jardim da Penha neighborhood near the university, the centerpiece of this park is an unusual rock formation. A popular place for local couples to hang out.
Distinctive hilltop Franciscan convent dating from the 16th century (it's kind of like the premier area attraction).
A marine biology exhibit space focused on humpback whales that come to reproduce off the Capixaba coast from June to November. Marine biologists provide talks and during the whale season, boat tours are even available for R$300.
Dedicated to sea turtle conservation.
Museum about black and Afrocentric culture with art and handicrafts, displays and items for sale.
Art museum focused mostly on contemporary regional art work.
A one-room art gallery with rotating exhibits. Just a few steps to the east along Rua Pedro Palacios, on the south side you will find the Escadaria Maria Ortiz, an elaborate staircase, where locals repelled a Dutch attack in times past. But, lo, it is not safe to come here in the before or after business hours of the day.
A living museum that once was the Monjardim family ranch, belonging to a prosperous family with strong ties to Portuguese royalty. It portrays historical aspects of Vitoria.
Just a small gallery dedicated to the story of the fisherman, but, if you're here you can also enjoy a number of restaurants along the same street as well as watching ship traffic and the affairs of the day pass along the back bay from the Praça Dom João Batista.
Located in the central portion of the island, this is the biggest park of Vitória, preserving an important remaining area of the Atlantic Forest. Visitors can choose from many planned walks inside the forest and spot native animals such as snakes, small mammals, and many species of birds. The area's highlight is its 309m high mountain from which you can appreciate beautiful views from Vitória and nearby cities.
One of the more popular beachside parks that runs from the yacht club at Praia do Canto all the way down to Curva da Jurema near Shopping Vitória.
Little kiosks here to satisfy your post-swim/sun tan hunger pangs.
A long beach bordered by restaurants, hotels, and a boardwalk. But it can be rather dirty, not just the grounds and facilities, but also the water from sewage/mining runoff.
Méqui
The classical American Mc Donald's
Mahai is a Hawaiian-inspired restaurant and bar in Vitória that brings a tropical island vibe to the city. It is a top choice for travelers who love fresh food and a surf-style atmosphere.
Coco Bambu is a famous Brazilian restaurant chain known for its huge seafood dishes. It is a top choice for travelers because the food is high quality and the tropical decor feels very sophisticated.
Rua da Lama Gastronomic hub
Rua da Lama is a famous street in the city of Vitória known for its lively nightlife and diverse food options. It is a favorite spot for university students and locals who enjoy a casual atmosphere.
Av Nossa Senhora da Penha, 1993 - Santa Lucia. This place has a rather budget feel.
Ibis is a well known budget hotel in the heart of the Praia do Canto neighborhood. It is a reliable choice for travelers who want a central location with a fair price.
Ibis Vitória Camburi is a modern hotel located right across from Camburi Beach. It is a top choice for travelers who want to enjoy the ocean breeze and the long boardwalk of Vitória.
Comfort Suites is a popular hotel in the Praia do Canto neighborhood known for its great location and comfort. It is an excellent choice for business travelers and tourists who want to stay close to the beach and the city center.
This place looks like a sleek office building out of the Silicon Valley or something. You can sip on cocktails from the rooftop pool or take in views of the harbor from your room. Restaurant and breakfast available, as is a hot tub and fitness center.
This hotel looms over the skyline like an obelisk with its Sheraton seal at the top. You can feel pretty bourgeoisie staying here. This one also has a complimentary breakfast and rooftop pool, and what is cool is that the gym and a lot of the rooms have seaside views.
This is almost more like an attraction because you can watch pottery being made here by a guild of artisans. But there are also ceramics for sale such as a panela de barro, a traditionally-made clay pot used for cooking moqueca capixaba.
A fairly standard shopping mall near the Terceira Ponte. Around Christmas you can see all the Nordic adornments like Christmas trees and Santa even though it's probably 27 degrees outside.
By bus
Vitória's long-distance bus station is downtown, also with many bus lines serving it.
By train
By car
The two main roads are the BR-101, which runs south-north just inland of the coast, linking Vitória to Rio de Janeiro, to the south, and Salvador, to the north, and BR-262, that runs east-west,…
Vitoria has an extensive bus network. You cannot pay cash in the bus, instead you need a local "Cartão GV - Bilhete Único Metropolitano". If you've a CPF you might be able to get one in a pharmacy.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Vitória · International · VIX
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Vitória and Brazil.
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in February across snow festivals, world-famous carnivals, tropical island beaches, and polar night aurora displays.
6 min read
Travel tipsPlan your trip with our Rio Carnival 2027 guide. Compare Sambadrome tickets, street blocos, safety strategies, and neighborhood hotel recommendations.
8 min read
ItinerariesLearn how to plan a trip around major sports events in 2027, covering ticket deadlines, rooms, flights, and costs for the world's biggest tournaments.
7 min read
ItinerariesCaminhos do Imigrante (Immigrant Pathways) are tourist routes in Espírito Santo, in Southeastern Brazil. They were established to boost tourism in several cities of historical importance that were built mostly Italian,…
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.