Rua de Nazaré is one of the principal streets of the Praia Grande historic district, running through the heart of the colonial town and lined on both sides with azulejo-covered facades. It's the best single street in São Luís for seeing the tiled architecture at its most concentrated — almost every building has tiles, and the variety of patterns and colours is remarkable.
The street is also where you'll find some of the best shops selling local crafts, ceramics, and food products. In the afternoon, it comes alive with vendors and strollers; by evening it's quiet enough that you can photograph the facades without tourists in the way. Walk the length of it slowly, looking at each building individually — the tiles reward close attention.