Mercado Público Florianópolis - people walking on street during daytime
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Mercado Público Florianópolis

4.5
·93k reviews·, Brazil

A bustling historic market offering fresh seafood, local delicacies, and vibrant culinary experiences in downtown Florianópolis.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday lunchtimes

Experience the buzz without peak weekend crowds.

CrowdMedium
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Mercado Público Florianópolis - people walking on street during daytime

Mercado Público Florianópolis

Best Time

Weekday lunchtimes

Experience the buzz without peak weekend crowds.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling historic market offering fresh seafood, local delicacies, and vibrant culinary experiences in downtown Florianópolis.

4.5
(93k reviews)

"Worth checking out if you’re traveling and in the area."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Price Check

Some find prices high for the 'experience.' Compare costs before committing to a meal.

🦀 Try Casquinha de Siri

A local favorite! This baked crab meat dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seafood Market Delights

Seafood Market Delights

Ground floor

A bustling display of the region's freshest catches. See, smell, and learn about local seafood.

Gastronomic Adventures

Gastronomic Adventures

Upper floor food court

Savor authentic dishes like casquinha de siri and fried shrimp. A true taste of Florianópolis.

Local Brews and Caipirinhas

Local Brews and Caipirinhas

Restaurants and bars

Enjoy refreshing drinks, including caipirinhas with customizable sugar levels, and ice-cold beers.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Flavors (and the Crowds)

Mercado Público is a vibrant hub for foodies, but expect it to be busy, especially during peak meal times. Come hungry and ready to explore diverse culinary offerings, from fresh seafood to local delicacies. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere and potentially higher prices for the 'experience'.

Navigating Your Visit

While the Mercado Público itself is compact, fresh produce is often found across the plaza. Plan your visit accordingly if you're looking for a full grocery haul. Keep an eye out for clean restrooms, a pleasant surprise for many visitors.

Best Times

When
Weekday lunchtimes
Why
Experience the buzz without peak weekend crowds.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Enjoy a more relaxed dining atmosphere.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Floripa historical district/ public market

💰 Price Check

Some find prices high for the 'experience.' Compare costs before committing to a meal. Reddit

🦀 Try Casquinha de Siri

A local favorite! This baked crab meat dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. Reddit

reddit.com

Almocinho no mercado público

reddit.com

O que fazer no centro?

🍹 Caipirinha Customization

Ask for 'metade do açúcar' for less sweetness in your caipirinha. Reddit

🥦 Produce Across Plaza

Fresh fruits & veggies are outside. Plan your shopping accordingly. Reddit

reddit.com

I am going to florinapolis

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Price Check

Some find prices high for the 'experience.' Compare costs before committing to a meal. Reddit

🦀 Try Casquinha de Siri

A local favorite! This baked crab meat dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. Reddit

🍹 Caipirinha Customization

Ask for 'metade do açúcar' for less sweetness in your caipirinha. Reddit

🥦 Produce Across Plaza

Fresh fruits & veggies are outside. Plan your shopping accordingly. Reddit

🧼 Clean Restrooms

Surprisingly clean and well-maintained WC facilities available. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(93k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mercado Público Florianópolis is a lively hub praised for its fresh seafood market and diverse food court, offering iconic local dishes like casquinha de siri and fried shrimp. Visitors appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to try authentic Brazilian drinks. However, some find the prices to be on the higher side for the experience, and fresh produce is located outside the main building.

"Place is not that big, lots of small stores. Strong on small fast food places. Good fish and meat market with lots of options, on the other side the vegetables area in this building was small, you need to go out of the building and across the plaza to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. Public park not available, you need to pay for it and it is expensive."

Josmar Pereira

"I love this place, the best food in the world 🌎!"

Jeffrey Wallace

"Lovely market.
Worth checking out if you’re traveling and in the area."

Eli Kope

What People Like

Fresh seafood market
Authentic local dishes
Vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be pricey
Produce outside main building

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mercado Público is conveniently located in the 'centro' (downtown) area of Florianópolis. It's easily accessible by public bus routes that frequent the city center. If you're driving, be aware that parking can be challenging and may require payment in nearby lots or garages. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk if they are staying in the downtown hotels. Reddit

While there isn't dedicated free parking directly at the Mercado Público, several paid parking lots and garages are available in the surrounding downtown area. It's advisable to factor in parking costs and potential time spent searching for a spot, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Yes, if you are staying in the central downtown area of Florianópolis, walking to Mercado Público is a great option. It allows you to soak in the city's atmosphere. Check your accommodation's proximity to the market to decide if walking is feasible for you. Reddit

Numerous city bus lines stop in the downtown area, making it easy to reach Mercado Público via public transport. Look for routes that head towards the 'Centro' and disembark at stops near the market. It's a cost-effective way to travel. Reddit

The main areas of Mercado Público are generally accessible, with ramps and elevators available. However, some older sections or the produce stalls across the plaza might present minor challenges. It's always a good idea to inquire about specific accessibility needs upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Mercado Público Florianópolis is generally free. You can wander through the market, browse the shops, and enjoy the atmosphere without purchasing an admission ticket. Reddit

The opening hours can vary slightly, but typically Mercado Público is open from Monday to Saturday, with reduced hours on Sundays. It's best to check the most current hours online or upon arrival, as some stalls may open earlier or close later than others. Reddit

The main market areas and food court are free to enter. However, some reviews mention that a public park area nearby might require a fee, so be mindful of what is included in your visit. Reddit

While official tours might not be widely advertised, you can certainly explore the market at your own pace. Many visitors enjoy the self-guided experience of discovering the different stalls and eateries. Reddit

Opening hours on public holidays can differ. It's recommended to verify the holiday schedule in advance, as some businesses within the market might close or operate on reduced hours. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Mercado Público offers a diverse culinary experience. You'll find a dedicated fish market with fresh seafood, numerous small fast-food places, restaurants serving prepared meals, cozy coffee shops, and bars. Popular dishes include fried shrimp and casquinha de siri. Reddit

Prices can be a mixed bag. While some visitors find the food to be a great experience, others feel that certain items are overpriced, especially when compared to restaurants outside the market. It's wise to check menus and compare prices. Reddit

Don't miss the casquinha de siri (baked crab meat in a shell) and camarão frito (fried shrimp). These are frequently mentioned as local favorites. Also, try a caipirinha, but consider asking for less sugar if you prefer it less sweet. Reddit

While the market is heavily focused on seafood and meat, you can often find side dishes like salads, rice, and pirão (a fish-based puree) that might be suitable. It's best to inquire directly with individual vendors about their specific offerings. Reddit

Besides the famous caipirinhas (available in various fruit flavors), you can enjoy local beers, often served in insulated covers to keep them cold. Soft drinks and juices are also widely available. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the fish market with its colorful displays. The bustling food court offers dynamic shots of people enjoying meals. Cozy coffee shops on the upper floor provide scenic views, perfect for capturing the city's skyline. Reddit

Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the market's general ambiance and products. However, it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individual vendors or their faces. Reddit

Weekday mornings or early afternoons can offer good natural light and a lively scene without being overwhelmingly crowded. Evenings can also be atmospheric with the market lights. Reddit

The Mercado Público has a historic charm, especially in its renovated sections. Look for interesting architectural details, the interplay of light and shadow, and the textures of the market stalls. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and public spaces due to safety and privacy regulations. It's highly unlikely that drone photography would be permitted within or directly over Mercado Público. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mercado Público can be a fun outing for families, offering a sensory experience with sights and smells of fresh food. The food court provides a variety of options that might appeal to picky eaters, and the lively atmosphere can keep children entertained. It's a good place to introduce kids to local flavors like fried shrimp. Reddit

Keep in mind that it can get crowded, so holding hands is recommended. While the main market areas are accessible, navigating with strollers might require some planning. The availability of clean restrooms is a definite plus for families. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid overwhelming crowds.

💰 Budget Travelers

While some find Mercado Público pricey, it can still be a budget-friendly option if you're strategic. Opt for the smaller fast-food stalls or focus on dishes like pirão or salada which might be more affordable than elaborate seafood platters. Reddit

Avoid the souvenir shops if you're on a tight budget. Instead, focus on the experience of tasting local foods and soaking in the atmosphere. Comparing prices across different vendors is key to getting the best value. Consider it an experience rather than just a meal.

couples

For couples, Mercado Público offers a vibrant and engaging dining experience. Share a plate of camarão frito or try a casquinha de siri together. Enjoying a caipirinha while people-watching from one of the cozy coffee shops on the upper level can be a romantic way to spend an afternoon. Reddit

The lively atmosphere provides a fun backdrop for conversation, and the variety of food ensures there's something for everyone. It's a great spot for a casual and authentic date, offering a taste of local life.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Taste of Florianópolis: Culinary Delights

Mercado Público is a culinary paradise, renowned for its fresh seafood and traditional dishes. The ground floor houses a vibrant fish market, where you can witness the day's catch and learn about local marine life. Upstairs, a sprawling food court offers a dizzying array of options. Don't miss the casquinha de siri, a creamy crab meat dish baked in its shell, or the perfectly fried shrimp. Many visitors also rave about the pirão, a savory fish-based puree that complements seafood dishes beautifully. Reddit

Beyond the main dishes, the market is also a great place to sample local beverages. The caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail, is a must-try. You can customize the sweetness by asking for 'metade do açúcar' (half the sugar). For beer enthusiasts, the local brews are served in special insulated covers that keep the bottles refreshingly cold. Cozy coffee shops also dot the upper level, offering a perfect spot to relax and people-watch. Reddit

While the food is a major draw, be mindful of pricing. Some travelers feel that the 'experience' can come with a premium. It's advisable to browse the menus and compare prices before settling on a spot. Despite this, the unique atmosphere and authentic flavors make Mercado Público a worthwhile gastronomic adventure for many. Reddit

History and Renovation: The Mercado Público's Evolution

Mercado Público Florianópolis is more than just a place to eat; it's a piece of the city's history. Originally established as a central marketplace, it has undergone renovations to preserve its heritage while adapting to modern needs. The building itself often reflects a blend of traditional architecture and contemporary updates, making it an interesting visual experience. Reddit

While it has become quite touristy, with souvenir shops now part of the landscape, the market still serves locals. You'll find residents shopping for everyday goods alongside tourists seeking authentic experiences. This dual role gives the Mercado Público a unique energy, a place where the pulse of the city can be felt. It offers a glimpse into the past while remaining a dynamic part of present-day Florianópolis. Reddit

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