Things To Do
in Florianópolis
Florianópolis, commonly known as Floripa, is a coastal capital built on an island with a second bridge to the mainland. It blends Portuguese colonial charm with modern Brazilian energy, offering pristine beaches, lush headlands, and a vibrant seafood scene. The city is known for Ribeirão da Ilha's oysters, Lagoa da Conceição’s lively nightlife, and a laid-back island vibe.
Expect a mix of outdoor adventures, historic neighborhoods, and stunning viewpoints around every corner.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in the historic center of Florianópolis, where you can enjoy fresh pão de queijo and strong Brazilian coffee. After breakfast, stroll through Praça XV de Novembro, admiring the colonial architecture and the iconic Fonte da Cruz, while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Don't forget to visit the Museu Histórico de Santa Catarina, housed in a stunning 18th-century palace, to learn about the region's fascinating history.
For lunch, indulge in traditional seafood at a restaurant overlooking the waterfront, where you can savor dishes like the famous 'sequência de camarão'. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Avenida Jornalista Rubens de Arruda Ramos, known as Beira-Mar Norte, stopping at local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs. As the afternoon winds down, consider visiting the Mercado Público to experience local flavors and perhaps pick up some artisan crafts.
As the sun sets, head to a rooftop bar for stunning views of the illuminated cityscape, paired with refreshing caipirinhas. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a nearby restaurant that specializes in local cuisine, trying dishes like 'arroz de marisco'. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, where you can enjoy live music and the vibrant nightlife of the area.
Kick off your day with a visit to Praia da Joaquina, known for its beautiful dunes and surf breaks. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the beachside kiosks, where you can savor fresh açai bowls while watching surfers ride the waves. After breakfast, rent a surfboard or take a lesson from experienced instructors, immersing yourself in the exciting world of Brazilian surfing.
After a morning of surfing, relax on the golden sands of Joaquina Beach and enjoy a lunch of fresh grilled seafood at a nearby beach bar. Spend the afternoon trying out stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm waters, surrounded by stunning coastal scenery. If you’re feeling adventurous, join a guided tour to explore the nearby lagoons and scenic coastal trails.
As the day comes to a close, unwind with a beachside sunset at Praia Mole, a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. Grab dinner at a trendy restaurant that offers fresh seafood and local specialties, all while enjoying the sound of the waves. After dinner, relax with a cocktail at a beach bar, soaking in the laid-back atmosphere and mingling with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-150 |
| 🚌Public transit day pass | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or snack | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and natural scenery
- Strong seafood cuisine and fresh market culture
- Relaxed island vibe with outdoor activities
- Hilly terrain in many areas can be tiring to walk
- Seasonal crowds and higher prices in peak season
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica...?" - Where is...?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Florianópolis
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic iron bridge framed by water and city lights; long exposure shots highlight reflections.
Expansive dunes with surfers and golden light creating dramatic silhouettes.
Colorful colonial houses and tiled facades ideal for cobblestone street photography.
Overlooks of the lagoon with boats, hills, and sunsets across the water.
Historic market interior with vibrant stalls and tile patterns for architectural shots.
Food in Florianópolis
Florianópolis Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh oysters from the island’s harbor, often served raw or grilled and best enjoyed at a seaside restaurant.
Must-Try!
Fish baked on a clay tile with herbs and olive oil, a signature Floripa way to prepare seafood.
Seafood rice dish featuring a mix of shrimp, mussels, and fish.
A multi-dish seafood tasting platter common in seafood-focused restaurants.
Shrimp-filled fried pastry popular at markets and casual eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market in the city center offering fresh seafood, produce, spices, and ready-to-eat bites.
Harbor-side stalls selling fresh oysters and seafood platters with views of the water.
Evening street market near Lagoa da Conceição with snacks, crafts, and quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Speak Portuguese; basic phrases help. A firm handshake is common; address adults as Senhor/Senhora in formal settings.
Respect lifeguards, follow posted rules, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Keep beaches clean and be mindful of private property near coastal areas.
Safety
Tipping in Florianópolis
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is often included in higher-end restaurants; additional tipping (5–10%) is appreciated but not mandatory in casual places.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted; carry some cash for markets and small vendors; some places may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dec–Feb: hot and humid, peak beach season with large crowds; expect sunny days, frequent but often brief showers, and intense sun.
Mar–May: milder temperatures, fewer crowds, good for outdoor activities and exploring city streets without the peak-season heat.
Jun–Aug: cooler and potentially rainy; pleasant for hiking and sightseeing if you don’t mind cooler weather.
Sep–Nov: warming temperatures, fresh flora, possible rain showers but many sunny days ideal for outdoor exploring.
Florianópolis at Night
Hiking in Florianópolis
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trail from Lagoa da Conceição to the Costa da Lagoa fishing village with lagoon views.
Coastal forest trail near Campeche Beach offering ocean vistas.
Cliffside path with panoramic ocean views along the southern coast.
Airports
How to reach Florianópolis by plane.
Main gateway to Florianópolis; located on the mainland near São José; connections to city centers by bus or taxi.
Alternative gateway about 70 km north; often cheaper flights; reachable by bus or car to Florianópolis.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable university presence (UFSC) contributes to a youthful, vibrant atmosphere.
Longstanding residents across the island; many neighborhoods with distinct identities.
Year-round visitors from Brazil and abroad; a growing expat community in some neighborhoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The sport of choice for many locals; frequent matches and social play around the city.
World-class waves at Joaquina, Mole, and Campeche attract surfers from all levels.
Popular on many beaches, especially on summer weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Florianópolis.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options such as rice and beans, salads, cassava, vegetables, and pasta. Look for dishes labeled sem carne or sem peixe, and ask for sem leite if dairy-free; many places can adapt seafood-focused dishes to be vegetarian-friendly.