Municipal Market São Paulo (Mercadão)
São Paulo's historic Municipal Market, a vibrant hub of exotic fruits, iconic sandwiches, and stunning Art Nouveau architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Municipal Market São Paulo (Mercadão)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
São Paulo's historic Municipal Market, a vibrant hub of exotic fruits, iconic sandwiches, and stunning Art Nouveau architecture.
"A dazzling spectacle of colors, aromas, and sounds, offering a true taste of São Paulo's diverse culinary scene."
🎯 Try the Mortadella Sandwich
Don't leave without trying the iconic, massive mortadella sandwich!
🥭 Sample Exotic Fruits
Taste a variety of unique and delicious tropical fruits from the vibrant stalls.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Mortadella Sandwich
Various stalls
A legendary sandwich piled high with mortadella, a true São Paulo culinary icon.
Exotic Fruit Displays
Ground floor
A dazzling array of tropical fruits, many you've likely never seen before. Sample them fresh!
Art Nouveau Architecture
Throughout the market
Admire the stunning stained-glass windows and grand architecture of this historic building.
Pastel de Bacalhau
Various stalls
Crispy, savory pastries filled with delicious codfish, a perfect snack.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Embrace the Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Try the Mortadella Sandwich
Don't leave without trying the iconic, massive mortadella sandwich! 
🥭 Sample Exotic Fruits
Taste a variety of unique and delicious tropical fruits from the vibrant stalls.
💰 Good Prices for Groceries
Find great deals on nuts, spices, and other groceries.
🚶♀️ Navigate the Aisles
It can get crowded, especially on weekends. Be patient and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Try the Mortadella Sandwich
Don't leave without trying the iconic, massive mortadella sandwich!
🥭 Sample Exotic Fruits
Taste a variety of unique and delicious tropical fruits from the vibrant stalls.
💰 Good Prices for Groceries
Find great deals on nuts, spices, and other groceries.
🚶♀️ Navigate the Aisles
It can get crowded, especially on weekends. Be patient and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
🧼 Cleanliness Varies
While some find it very clean, others note it can be less so.
🚎 Easy to Access
Located in the city center, easily reachable by public transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Mercadão's vibrant atmosphere, incredible variety of food, and iconic mortadella sandwiches. The stunning architecture is also a major draw. Some reviewers mention that cleanliness can be an issue at times, and weekends can be overwhelmingly crowded.
"I love it here, the market is always clean, well ventilated, different entries and exits, with a section of everything from food (raw and cooked) to fashion, all sorts, nuts, seeds, grains, herbs and spices...I like the feeling I get whenever I'm here"
Nancee Arikawe
"Amazing place to find a huge variety of items from grocery, meat, fish, cheese, all types of nuts, handcrafts, cigars, Japanese food, shoes and clothing with a place for a coffee or juice."
Antonio Aparecido Silva Trombin
"Adorooooo"
Adriana Vianna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mercadão is centrally located in São Paulo's historic downtown. You can easily reach it by metro, with the São Bento station being a short walk away. Many bus lines also stop nearby. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available.
Parking in the downtown area can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
The Mercadão is close to other attractions like Rua 25 de Março and the historic center. Consider combining your visit with a walk through these areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Municipal Market São Paulo is generally free. You only pay for the food and goods you purchase inside.
The market typically operates daily, but hours can vary. It's best to check the official website or recent visitor information for the most up-to-date opening and closing times, especially for Sundays and holidays.
There is no admission fee to enter the Municipal Market. It's a public market, and you can wander through its aisles freely.
While many shops might be open, it's advisable to confirm operating hours for public holidays, as they can differ from regular days. Some vendors might have reduced hours or be closed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The legendary mortadella sandwich is a must-try, as is the pastel de bacalhau. Don't miss the incredible variety of exotic fruits and local cheeses.
Prices can vary between stalls, but expect to pay a reasonable amount for the massive size of the sandwich, which is often large enough to share.
While the market is known for its meat and fish, you can find plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets.
Absolutely! The Mercadão is a fantastic place to buy a wide range of groceries, including spices, nuts, dried fruits, cheeses, and more, often at good prices.
It's a popular Brazilian savory pastry, essentially a deep-fried turnover filled with a mixture of mashed codfish and potatoes. It's a delicious snack found throughout the market.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Mercadão. It's a visually stunning place with vibrant colors and interesting architecture, perfect for photos.
The stained-glass windows are spectacular, especially when sunlight streams through them. The colorful fruit stalls and the grand interior architecture also make for great shots.
Visiting on a weekday morning will give you the best chance to capture photos without too many people in the background.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the market can get crowded, especially on weekends, visiting during weekday mornings can make it more manageable with children. Encourage them to try a new fruit or a small pastel. Be mindful of the crowds and keep a close eye on little ones. The sheer scale of the market and the vibrant displays offer plenty to keep them engaged.
💰 Budget Travelers
For a budget-friendly meal, the famous mortadella sandwich is a fantastic option as it's large enough to be shared between two people. Similarly, pastéis can be an affordable and filling snack. Eating at some of the more casual stalls rather than the sit-down restaurants on the upper floor can also save money.
foodie Explorers
+2Don't miss the chance to sample local cheeses, cured meats, and a vast array of spices. The upper floor offers a chance to sit down and enjoy a more extensive meal, but the real adventure is often found exploring the stalls on the ground floor, discovering hidden culinary gems.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of São Paulo's Culinary Heart
+1Inside, visitors are greeted by a dazzling spectacle of colors, aromas, and sounds. The ground floor is a treasure trove of fresh produce, featuring an astonishing variety of exotic fruits, many of which are unique to Brazil. You'll also find stalls overflowing with spices, nuts, grains, cheeses, cured meats, and fresh seafood. The upper floor houses restaurants and eateries, offering a chance to sample local delicacies.
+1The Mercadão is particularly famous for its iconic mortadella sandwich, a colossal creation piled high with thinly sliced mortadella, and the crispy pastel de bacalhau (codfish pastry). These culinary staples have become synonymous with the market experience, drawing locals and tourists alike. It's a place where tradition meets everyday life, offering a true taste of São Paulo's diverse culinary scene.
+2Navigating the Mercadão: Tips for a Great Visit
When it comes to food, be prepared for generous portions. The famous mortadella sandwich is often large enough to share, making it a cost-effective option. Don't be afraid to explore different stalls; prices and quality can vary. While many visitors praise the market's cleanliness, some reviews suggest it can be inconsistent, so be aware of your surroundings.
Beyond the food, the Mercadão is a fantastic place to shop for local products. You can find everything from spices and nuts to handicrafts and souvenirs. Keep an eye out for special promotions and be open to friendly bargaining, especially for non-food items.
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