Hercilio Luz Bridge

The basics

You can enjoy some of the best views of Hercilio Luz Bridge from Parque de Luz on its eastern end, a leafy park that’s lively with outdoor art installations and food vendors, and known for its sweeping vistas. Because of the bridge’s iconic status, many Floripa sightseeing tours drive over or at least pass by it, including hop-on, hop-off bus tours and tours focused on the city’s historic center.

Things to know before you go

• There are several restaurants on either side of the bridge, including the popular Pier 54 Restaurant and Top Market.
• There are public restrooms on the Parque de Luz side of the bridge.
• The bridge is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

How to get there

From Florianopolis International Airport, Hercilio Luz Bridge is a 25-minute drive on the Rod. Gov. Aderbal Ramos da Silva highway. Buses that cross the bridge include numbers 630, 631, 661, and 844. On Sundays, the bridge is closed to traffic, to allow pedestrians to walk across it.

When to get there

Hercilio Luz Bridge is always open, though it’s closed to cars on Sundays—a good day to walk or bike over it. It looks particularly nice at sunset and after dark when it’s illuminated. The peak summer months in Floripa are November through February, when the weather is most likely to be hot and sunny.

What to see near Hercilio Luz Bridge

On either end of Hercilio Luz Bridge, you can find not only excellent viewpoints but also a smattering of attractions. These include the Forte Santana do Estreito, a military museum ideal for history buffs; the small Praia Rita Maria beach; and Top Market, a gourmet food court that’s home to diverse restaurants.