A large, sprawling city in Brazil’s northeast, Fortaleza tempts with a variety of urban beaches and rich culture. At Meireles Beach, stroll past palm trees and shady waterfront cafes along the Beira-Mar boardwalk day or night. After walking the pristine sand of Future Beach, tuck into seafood, beer and cocktails at a raucous barraca. Be reminded of European churches like Cologne and Notre Dame as you take in the neo-Gothic Metropolitan Cathedral, Brazil’s third largest church. Or drop into Fortaleza’s cultural center, home to a planetarium, theatre, cinema, cafés, shops and museums on popular culture and contemporary art. A pair of large markets provide hours of meandering.