Is Fortaleza safe? Our personal experience after 2 weeks in Brazil

"Don't go to Fortaleza, Brazil!" they told us. It literally terrified me, but we decided that staying two weeks in Fortaleza, Brazil, before flying back to Europe was the optimal budget/experience balance we could achieve.

I remember how terrified we were as we stepped out of the plane. Even the thought of taking an Uber from the airport in plain daylight was terrifying.

But after a few days and a bit more contact with locals, our perspective changed. So I made this video for all tourists and foreigners looking to travel to Fortaleza, Brazil.

We only stayed in the tourist areas and took Uber to/from the airport and to go shopping a couple of times. I hope this helps.

[jscheurichIV]

Spent 3 years living in fortaleza. Never had any bad experiences, and people are super friendly. People often will walk across the street just to talk to you and ask how your day is.

[BrazilGe]

Fortaleza has a bad reputation. I've spent months there and never experienced, or even seen, a crime. The tourist zones are very safe and friendly. Don't let the fear mongering keep you from experiencing this great city.

[BrazilUSAandBeyond]

I love Fortaleza! You have to be careful anywhere in the world! The people in Fortaleza are amazing in Ceara- Brazil!😀🇧🇷

[SamtheI]

I'm from Fortaleza but I lived in the US for 15 years and I was actually afraid of coming back because everyone would just keep saying how dangerous Fortaleza is but after I came back in 2022 I saw that was not the case. Sure there are dangerous places and you need to be cautious about a few things, but in general it's pretty okay here, even safer than some places I've been. So if you stay in a good neighborhood, touristic areas, shopping malls or even crowded places you'll be fine. Hope you enjoyed your stay here.

[bethc]

I'm from Brazil, and I agree with you guys 100%. It's disrespectful to "tour" in the favelas like you're in a zoo.

[aureliofontelessousa]

Fortaleza é a melhor cidade do Brasil, um lugar muito lindo!

[DaltonSilva-xlmn]

Vocês serão sempre bem vindos em Fortaleza ❤❤❤

[Zexibata]

Well, not so suprised. Specially because of the way Brasil is portraited outside(only Rio and Sao Paulo)
Fortaleza, it's actually considered the fourth biggest city/capital of Brasil. Being the main town of their region.
Props for your guys to come here 😊

[antonioirineusalesarrais]

Como um local, agradeço por você ter feito isso. Existe violência nas cidades brasileiras, mas não significa que seja impossível visitar, de desfrutar do que a cidade oferece de forma segura e confortável.

[joaoboscoth]

I've lived in Fortaleza for over 30 years and I'm glad you had a good experience. I can't say the same, but I understand the good perception you had. the fact that we have electrical wires on the walls, bars on the doors and windows and we are afraid of walking alone at night in many places is what makes me want to leave here, but of course by taking the necessary precautions and going to places where there are a lot of people, the experience tends to be positive. Even though I worked for a few years in the region that appears in the video, I never bathed in this sea. We have beautiful other beach options in our state.

[luizbomfim]

Brazil is underestimated.
There is a loop of misinformation that feeds back on itself, as those who have bad experiences shout out to everyone, while those who have good experiences remain silent.
Regarding the pronunciation of Açai, the pronunciation is not "akai" its like "asai". And it is a very high-calorie but very healthy fruit due to its bioactive compounds and antioxidants. Just avoid putting candys in the recipe

[RAWDERSON]

I am Brazilian nothing never happened to me or my family in Brazil
I also live in the USA 🇺🇸 and here I have been robbed and assaulted 😅

[TheBlueskyson]

Obrigada folks. I spent a month in Rio 2018. Never a problem, only friendly people and great food and music. I've just met a lady from Fortaleza, and travelling there next month to meet her. You need to use common sense and not wander around drunk or in isolated areas if you're a gringo. Similar strategy to any big city in the world. ty 4 vid.

[atillathahunk]

Cool vid but the slums in New York are definitely not comparable to slums in Rio De Janeiro. No ones going to the projects to take photos. In Rio even Cariocas go to places like Mirante Rochinha to take in the view. Night and day comparison.

[Kristoferwitha_k]

Hehe say it with me, ah sah ee (acai) not ah Kay ah

[simonbaush]

Tourist zones in coastal cities in Brazil are mostly safe, and that gives tourists the impression that the whole city is, but it isn't. The frightening crime statistics we see everywhere reflect crimes that often happen outside of those areas, in slums or poor neighborhoods. If you're a tourist, stick to the tourist areas and enjoy your trip!