Things to do
Florianópolis historic downtown on foot
A half-day walk through the place where the city was born, ending at the bridge.
Updated on October 7, 2026 ✓ Information checked on October 6, 2026 adapted from the Portuguese original
Downtown Florianópolis (the Centro) is where the city was born, as the settlement of Nossa Senhora do Desterro. You can see the essentials on foot in half a day, ideally on a weekday, when the shops are open.
Suggested route
- Praça XV de Novembro: start at the old fig tree, at the city’s ground zero.
- Metropolitan Cathedral: climb the steps and look at the square from above.
- Public Market: walk through both wings and take a break in the central courtyard.
- Surrounding streets: old townhouses and historic buildings between the square and the market.
- Beira-Mar Norte: carry on to the waterfront of the North Bay (Baía Norte).
- Hercílio Luz Bridge: finish at the island end of the bridge to watch the sunset and the lights come on.
Take care
Keep your phone out of sight on busy streets and take a taxi or ride-hailing app back at night. See safety.
Downtown places in this guide
Places mentioned
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Free accessKids Downtown Hercílio Luz Bridge The 1926 suspension bridge that became the city's symbol, reopened in 2019 after decades closed. See details -
Free accessKids Downtown Florianópolis Public Market The yellow two-wing building downtown, a meeting point for locals and visitors. See details -
Free accessKids Downtown Praça XV de Novembro, the fig tree and the Cathedral The city's ground zero: the square of the old fig tree and the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora do Desterro. See details -
Free accessKids Downtown Beira-Mar Norte The promenade along the North Bay, for walking, cycling and watching the bridge light up. See details
Keep reading
Keep planning
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History of Florianópolis From the shell-mound builders to today's city, in a few minutes of reading. Read guide -
Where to eat in Florianópolis Oysters, the shrimp sequence and fish with pirão: what to try and where. Read guide -
Florianópolis on a rainy day Ideas for when the beach is not inviting: culture, museums, food and villages. Read guide