Florianópolis Public Market

The Public Market (Mercado Público) is one of the best-loved places in downtown Florianópolis. The building has two wings, north and south, separated by a central courtyard, and houses food, fish and seafood stalls, kitchenware, crafts and bars, according to Wikipedia. It is both a real working market and a meeting point for the city.

A little history

The market’s origins lie in the stalls and small shops that the government of the Captaincy of Santa Catarina built, probably at the end of the 18th century, and rented out to small traders. The building you see today, eclectic in style and painted yellow, is part of the city’s historic heritage.

What to do

• Walk through the wings and browse the stalls of fish, spices and island products.
• Sit in the covered central courtyard, where bars and restaurants serve snacks and seafood.
• Buy souvenirs: crafts, lace and local products.

Practical tips

• Opening hours of stalls and restaurants vary; many close earlier on Sundays. Check before you go.
• The streets around downtown get emptier at night and at weekends. See safety.
• To enjoy seafood at a relaxed pace, also read where to eat.