Centro Historico de Florianopolis
Florianopolis, South Brazil
Centro Historico de Florianopolis is the cultural heart of both Florianopolis and the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. Here, colonial architecture sits among leafy plazas and churches housing sacred art. It’s also home to the Santa Catarina Historical Museum in a grand former palace and Florianópolis Public Market, where you can pick up artisan souvenirs and sample Brazilian street food.
The basics
Among highlights to see in Centro Historico de Florianopolis are the 17th-century Catedral Metropolitana de Florianópolis, Praça XV de Novembro, and Palácio Cruz e Sousa. The area is easily walkable, with many of the key sights within close proximity. Another way to explore the history-rich area is on a walking tour that helps you navigate the historical attractions, or you can see the sights via one of the Florianopolis tourist buses.
Things to know before you go
- Open-top hop-on hop-off buses are a great way to explore Floripa's historic center, as they let you set your own schedule.
- While exploring the center shouldn’t pose a problem for wheelchairs and strollers, the historical nature of some buildings might render them inaccessible.
- There are plenty of accommodation options in Centro Histórico de Florianópolis, ranging from budget hostels to luxurious hotels with views of the coast.
How to get there
Centro Historico de Florianopolis is a 30-minute drive from Florianopolis International Airport. You can also take the 4131 airport shuttle, which takes around one hour. Rideshares are popular and plentiful here, while multiple bus routes frequent the area— get off the bus at the Praça XV de Novembro stop.
When to get there
Centro Historico de Florianopolis is busiest during the peak summer months of November through February when the weather is hot and sunny. While there’s a small chance of rain, visiting in the shoulder seasons of October and March typically sees lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
What to eat in Centro Historico de Florianopolis
There’s an abundance of great restaurants in Centro Histórico de Florianópolis, many of which serve classic Brazilian dishes that make the most of local seafood. Must-tries include feijoada, a slow-cooked stew with pork and beans; oysters, typically served with just a squeeze of lemon, and pão de queijo, a cloud-like cheese bread.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!