The pole of tourism of Sao Luís encompasses the Capital, Sao Luis (World Heritage Monument), the Cities of Alcantara, Sao Jose de Ribamar, Paco do Lumiar and Raposa.

        In Sao Luís, the Centro Historico is the principal attraction with an ensemble of over 3,500 colonial buildings from the 17th and 8th Centuries, distributed throughout the neighborhoods of Praia Grande, Desterro, and Portinho, completely rehabilitated during the Roseana Sarney's administration. Sao Luís was founded by the French in 1612. It was later invaded by the Dutch and finally reclaimed by the Portuguese. The Centro Historico is a type of open-air museum filled with uncountable architectural elements and details, where streets covered in stones, corners, narrow side streets, balconies, inviting the visitor to wonder about the rich past of this one time rich, prestigious and promising Brazilian City. The project of rehabilitation by the State Government encouraged private investment in the area and resulted in the opening of stores, movie theaters, museums, bars, restaurants and hotels.