Praia de Iracema is the westernmost of Fortaleza's urban beaches and the one with the most character — a neighbourhood of whitewashed colonial buildings, bars playing forró and axé, and the old Ponte Metálica pier stretching into the sea. The beach itself is less clean than Meireles or Praia do Futuro, but the neighbourhood is the most interesting for wandering, eating, and drinking.
This is where the Dragão do Mar cultural complex anchors the area, and its gravitational pull has brought cafes, restaurants, and music venues to the surrounding streets. The old part of Iracema, particularly around Rua dos Tabajaras, has something of the feel of an artists' district — worn, lively, and unpretentious. Come in the evening when the Ponte Metálica fills with locals watching the sunset.