Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal de Sao Paulo)
Situated in a vast but lovely neoclassical structure dating back to 1933, the Mercado Municipal de Sao Paulo—known colloquially as the Mercadão—houses hundreds of stalls selling fresh fish, exotic fruits, and every other edible delectable you can imagine.
The Basics
No trip to Sao Paulo would be complete without a visit to this vibrant market, both to sample its food and to admire the impressive belle epoque architecture and stained glass windows that highlight food production in Brazil. Many vendors offer free samples of their products, allowing shoppers to taste before they buy. Many food tours of the city include a visit to the market, including specialized Mercado Municipal tasting tours that allow visitors to learn about (and taste) ingredients with a local chef.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Mercado Municipal is a must-visit for foodies and first time visitors.
- Bring some local currency in small denominations if you plan to shop; some vendors do accept credit cards.
- The market is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
To reach the market by public transportation, take the subway to Luz or Sao Bento Station. Bicycle and car parking is also available.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The market can get exceptionally busy on weekends, so plan your visit for a weekday around lunchtime if possible. The market is open daily, with shorter hours on Sundays.
What to Buy at Mercado Municipal
All variety of foodstuffs are on offer at this municipal market, but a few items are worth keeping an eye out for. A stroll through the market offers an excellent opportunity to sample exotic fruits from around Brazil, and it’s also known for its bacalhau (salted codfish) and Italian mortadella (best eaten in sandwich form).
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