I spent 3 months in Fortaleza (2015): nice clean beach, reasonable costs , excellent tourist attractions nearby (e.g. Morro Blanco, Canoa Quebrada). Crime of course is a major issue, as in most Brazilian cities, and you will need to take a cab at night, even if your destination is just a couple of blocks away.
I recommend staying in the Praia de Iracema area, the beach is very clean, and everything is walking distance (restaurants, shopping, bars etc).
TIPS:

- If you need assistance, there is (supposedly) a tourist public service called ""Delegacia de Divisão de Apoio ao Turista"", tel. (085) 3219-1538 or (085) 3533 4150, on Avenida Almirante Barroso. I wrote “supposedly” as the office seemed permanently closed, and none ever answered to these numbers.

- For accommodation, I recommend the residence “Terraços do Atlantico”, great 180-degree sea views, right on the beach, walking distance to everything.

- For transportation, you can get public bicycles from www.bicicletar.com.br (you will need to register with your passport, a cash deposit and a local phone number). They are free for the first hour.

- For Dining, I am not a foodie but often ate at the Gheller restaurant (Av. Monsenor Tabosa 825), they prepare delicious churrascos!

- For shopping, the “Pao de azucar” supermarket is a large western-style shopping center, conveniently located in Beira Mar. This is where I did most of my shopping, but of course it is more expensive than the local supermarkets (such as Frangolandia, still in Beira Mar). If you need to make bulk purchases, I recommend the Costo-like shopping center called “Atacadao”, which is far away in the suburbs – you will need to take a taxi to reach it.

- For clubbing, I am not your best source of information, but dancing ""forro’"" on Saturday nights seems the city's official past time. The main clubs are Mambo, Piratas and Armazem, all located in Beira Mar.