Parque Solon de Lucena — universally called the Lagoa — is the green lungs of the city centre and the spot where most visitors intersect with João Pessoa's daily life. A shallow artificial lake fills the middle of the park, ringed by tall royal palms and shaded walking paths. Office workers have lunch here; students sprawl on the grass; old men play dominoes under the trees.
The Lagoa also serves as the hub for city buses, including those heading to Tambau and the other beach districts to the east. If you need to get to the coast, this is where you'll find your bus. Come in the early evening when the light turns golden on the palms and the Lagoa is at its most pleasant.