Florianopolis

Brazil

Downtown Florianópolis at night. Florianópolis ("Floripa" for short) is a coastal city in southern Brazil, the capital of the state of Santa Catarina. Most of the city's area consists of the island of Santa Catarina, connected to the mainland by two bridges, and only a small part of the island can really be called urban—the rest is full of gorgeous beaches and nature, including a large lagoon. Though famous for its beaches, Floripa also has great hikes and beautiful forested mountains. Here you can enjoy the outgoing culture and natural beauty of coastal Brazil in a less dangerous place than Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, or Recife.

Florianópolis gets busy in the summer, when its population of about 500,000 swells with tourists (both domestic and foreign) to 1.5 million. Naturally, this causes lots of traffic and generally strains the local infrastructure, so it's better to come in the off-season if you can. Make sure to visit when the weather is nice so you can enjoy all the outdoor activities.

Florianopolis is on an island of 424.4 km² (54 km by 18 km) (= 163.9 mi²) in the Atlantic Ocean, and a small peninsula of 1210 km² on the mainland of southern Brazil between latitude 27° 20' and 27° 51' south and between longitude 48° 20' and 48° 35' west. Three bridges link the island to the continent, but as of 2014 the Hercílio Luz Bridge, a landmark of the city, is closed for repairs. It is possible it will open for pedestrians and cyclists.

Florianopolis has become a popular destination in Brazil for people who are looking for superb beaches, beautiful scenery, interesting culture and friendly people. It has also experienced a real estate boom, with Brazilians looking for a better quality of life away from the chaos of the big cities, especially from the states of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul. The City proper has an estimated population of 420,000 people. The Greater Florianopolis Metro area is home to about 1 million people.

The northern beach resorts Jurerê, Daniela, Canasvieiras, Brava and Ingleses get very busy during the summer and there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and other conveniences for the tourist. Eastern beaches, like Joaquina, Mole and Moçambique are among the best surfing beaches and popular with young people. Beaches heading south include Campeche, Armação and Morro das Pedras, which are all very beautiful and also good for surfing. Isolated and unspoilt beaches, like Lagoinha do Leste and Naufragados, can be found at the southern end of the island and can only be reached only by trail. Lagoa da Conceição is a famous natural attraction, and the centerpiece of the island; it is relatively shallow, with high winds making it a world-class location for windsurfing. Peri Lagoon is quieter, on the other hand, and great for nature walks.

The city of Florianopolis is quite modern, with large shopping malls, chain and high-end restaurants and many bars and nightclubs. The highway system serving the city is very good, though traffic can get bad in the tourist season.

The island is known as "Ilha da Magia" or Magic Island, probably because of its incredible natural beauty, more than 100 beaches with 42 being well known, rocks, mountains, lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, bays, inlets, rich houses and buildings and young population and visitors. Florianópolis is also known for its high standards of living since it is located in the rich area of Brazil. Since the attraction is also heat, the best months to visit the island are December–March. The winter in South Brazil might be cooler than tourists expect.

Lagoa da Conceição

  • Cruz e Sousa Palace. Near Praça XV de Novembro. It was built in the 18th century to be the residence and office of Santa Catarina's Governor. Later, it was rededicated in honor of the symbolist poet Cruz e Sousa.
  • Catedral Metropolitana. One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, at Praça XV de Novembro.
  • Municipal Market, R. Jerônimo Coelho, 60, +55 48 3225-8464. The former city market place, this market on Largo da Alfândega still holds some interesting sights.
  • Hercílio Luz Bridge. The postcard symbol of the city, inaugurated in 1926 linking the island to the mainland.
  • Lagoa da Conceição. A large beautiful lake in the center of the island.
  • Ribeirão da Ilha. 36 km from the center, this old district of Florianopolis is a testament to Azorean immigration. Its historic center, in Frequesia, has a plaza which contains the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Lapa do Ribeirão. (church), and the Ethnological Museum. which houses documents and relics from the region's history.
  • Anhatomirim Island and its Fortaleza de Santa Cruz
  • Teatro Álvaro de Carvalho, rua Marechal Guilherme, 26 (near the Catedral Metropolitana, +55 48 3028-8070, +55 48 3028-8071. In the center of the city, the Municipal Theater is an example of 1870s local architecture.
  • Teatro Ademir Rosa (Teatro do CIC), Av. Irineu Bornhausen, 5600, +55 48 3953-2300.
  • Velha Figueira. This more than 100-year-old tree in Praça XV de Novembro is honored in the official municipal hymn of Florianopolis.
  • Forts - Constructed as early as 1739, the forts served to protect the city from possible Spanish attacks.
    • Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (1742)
    • Fortaleza de Santo Antônio (1740)
    • Fortaleza Santana (1761)
    • Fortaleza São José da Ponta Grossa (1740)
  • Santo Antônio de Lisboa. Quite nice little town on the calm west coast of the island. Multiple restaurants are directly at the waterfront. Also it is nice walk along the water heading toards Sambaqui.
  • Projeto Tamar, Rua Professor Ademir Francisco. 09:30–17:30 daily. Sea turtle conservation center and museum. The captive turtles in tanks, which are being kept to educate visitors and not to be released into the wild, are kind of sad. But the museum has lots of interesting information in Portuguese and English about sea turtles and conservation, including a 12-minute video. Founded in 2005, it is the most visited museum in the south of Brazil. Money spent for admission and at the gift shop goes to fund research, conservation, and turtle rescue. R$15; half-price for students, teachers, and seniors; free for children under 1.2 meters.
  • Dunes. A huge area of sand dunes stretching north from Praia da Joaquina and south from the area across the bridge to the east of the Lagoa da Conceição neighborhood. Yes, it's a popular spot for sandboarding, but it's also cool just to wander around and see the natural sand formations and the way the dunes slowly shift with the wind.

Praia Mole ("Tender" Beach) Praia da Armação (Armação Beach)

There are a total of 42 beaches in Florianopolis. The best known are:

North

  • Canasvieiras.
  • Cachoeira do Bom Jesus.
  • Praia Brava.
  • Jurerê.
  • Praia dos Ingleses.
  • Pontas das Canas.

North

  • Canasvieiras.
  • Cachoeira do Bom Jesus.
  • Praia Brava.
  • Jurerê.
  • Praia dos Ingleses.
  • Pontas das Canas.

North

  • Canasvieiras.
  • Cachoeira do Bom Jesus.
  • Praia Brava.
  • Jurerê.
  • Praia dos Ingleses.
  • Pontas das Canas.

North

  • Canasvieiras.
  • Cachoeira do Bom Jesus.
  • Praia Brava.
  • Jurerê.
  • Praia dos Ingleses.
  • Pontas das Canas.

North

  • Canasvieiras.
  • Cachoeira do Bom Jesus.
  • Praia Brava.
  • Jurerê.
  • Praia dos Ingleses.
  • Pontas das Canas.

North

  • Canasvieiras.
  • Cachoeira do Bom Jesus.
  • Praia Brava.
  • Jurerê.
  • Praia dos Ingleses.
  • Pontas das Canas.

East

  • Praia Mole.
  • Praia da Galheta.
  • Barra da Lagoa.
  • Praia da Joaquina.
  • Praia do Moçambique.

East

  • Praia Mole.
  • Praia da Galheta.
  • Barra da Lagoa.
  • Praia da Joaquina.
  • Praia do Moçambique.

East

  • Praia Mole.
  • Praia da Galheta.
  • Barra da Lagoa.
  • Praia da Joaquina.
  • Praia do Moçambique.

East

  • Praia Mole.
  • Praia da Galheta.
  • Barra da Lagoa.
  • Praia da Joaquina.
  • Praia do Moçambique.

East

  • Praia Mole.
  • Praia da Galheta.
  • Barra da Lagoa.
  • Praia da Joaquina.
  • Praia do Moçambique.

South

  • Campeche.
  • Armação.
  • Matadeiro.
  • Pântano do Sul.
  • Praia de Naufragados.
  • Praia da Solidão.
  • Praia do Saquinho.

South

  • Campeche.
  • Armação.
  • Matadeiro.
  • Pântano do Sul.
  • Praia de Naufragados.
  • Praia da Solidão.
  • Praia do Saquinho.

South

  • Campeche.
  • Armação.
  • Matadeiro.
  • Pântano do Sul.
  • Praia de Naufragados.
  • Praia da Solidão.
  • Praia do Saquinho.

South

  • Campeche.
  • Armação.
  • Matadeiro.
  • Pântano do Sul.
  • Praia de Naufragados.
  • Praia da Solidão.
  • Praia do Saquinho.

South

  • Campeche.
  • Armação.
  • Matadeiro.
  • Pântano do Sul.
  • Praia de Naufragados.
  • Praia da Solidão.
  • Praia do Saquinho.

South

  • Campeche.
  • Armação.
  • Matadeiro.
  • Pântano do Sul.
  • Praia de Naufragados.
  • Praia da Solidão.
  • Praia do Saquinho.

South

  • Campeche.
  • Armação.
  • Matadeiro.
  • Pântano do Sul.
  • Praia de Naufragados.
  • Praia da Solidão.
  • Praia do Saquinho.

Cruz e Sousa Palace. Near Praça XV de Novembro. It was built in the 18th century to be the residence and office of Santa Catarina's Governor. Later, it was rededicated in honor of the symbolist poet Cruz e Sousa.

Catedral Metropolitana. One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, at Praça XV de Novembro.

Municipal Market, R. Jerônimo Coelho, 60, +55 48 3225-8464. The former city market place, this market on Largo da Alfândega still holds some interesting sights.

Hercílio Luz Bridge. The postcard symbol of the city, inaugurated in 1926 linking the island to the mainland.

Lagoa da Conceição. A large beautiful lake in the center of the island.

Ribeirão da Ilha. 36 km from the center, this old district of Florianopolis is a testament to Azorean immigration. Its historic center, in Frequesia, has a plaza which contains the Igreja Nossa Senhora da Lapa do Ribeirão. (church), and the Ethnological Museum. which houses documents and relics from the region's history.

Anhatomirim Island and its Fortaleza de Santa Cruz

Teatro Álvaro de Carvalho, rua Marechal Guilherme, 26 (near the Catedral Metropolitana, +55 48 3028-8070, +55 48 3028-8071. In the center of the city, the Municipal Theater is an example of 1870s local architecture.

Teatro Ademir Rosa (Teatro do CIC), Av. Irineu Bornhausen, 5600, +55 48 3953-2300.

Velha Figueira. This more than 100-year-old tree in Praça XV de Novembro is honored in the official municipal hymn of Florianopolis.

Forts - Constructed as early as 1739, the forts served to protect the city from possible Spanish attacks.

  • Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (1742)
  • Fortaleza de Santo Antônio (1740)
  • Fortaleza Santana (1761)
  • Fortaleza São José da Ponta Grossa (1740)

Santo Antônio de Lisboa. Quite nice little town on the calm west coast of the island. Multiple restaurants are directly at the waterfront. Also it is nice walk along the water heading toards Sambaqui.

Projeto Tamar, Rua Professor Ademir Francisco. 09:30–17:30 daily. Sea turtle conservation center and museum. The captive turtles in tanks, which are being kept to educate visitors and not to be released into the wild, are kind of sad. But the museum has lots of interesting information in Portuguese and English about sea turtles and conservation, including a 12-minute video. Founded in 2005, it is the most visited museum in the south of Brazil. Money spent for admission and at the gift shop goes to fund research, conservation, and turtle rescue. R$15; half-price for students, teachers, and seniors; free for children under 1.2 meters.

Dunes. A huge area of sand dunes stretching north from Praia da Joaquina and south from the area across the bridge to the east of the Lagoa da Conceição neighborhood. Yes, it's a popular spot for sandboarding, but it's also cool just to wander around and see the natural sand formations and the way the dunes slowly shift with the wind.

  • Paragliding at Barra da Lagoa, Lagoa da Conceição
  • Scuba-Diving at Praia Mole, Praia do Santinho, Praia dos Ingleses
  • Sandboarding at Joaquina, Lagoa Sandboard
  • Surfing at Barra da Lagoa, Praia da Joaquina, and Praia Mole
  • Windsurfing at Lagoa da Conceição
  • Kitesurfing at Lagoa da Conceição
  • Hiking at Lagoa do Peri, Naufragados, Lagoinha do Leste, Costa da Lagoa, Barra da Lagoa
    • Trilha da Boa Vista. A challenging trail of around two hours from near Barra da Lagoa up through the mountains, with beautiful views of the ocean, that takes you to the beautiful Praia da Galheta.
    • Trilha da Costa da Lagoa. A roughly two-hour hike through the forest along the side of the lagoon, passing through some small fishing villages that are only accessible by trail and boat. It also takes you past a historic building, the Sobrado da Dona Loquinha. built by slaves around 1780, and near a waterfall. a little ways away from the lagoon (follow the signs for cachoeira). A bit after the waterfall, you'll reach a town with some shops and restaurants serving very fresh seafood, at which point you can take a 45-minute boat back to Ponte da Lagoa (the bridge) for R$10 (pay when you get off), leaving about once an hour. On the boat ride, you can see the lovely little fishing villages on the water, followed by kitesurfers when you get close to Lagoa.
  • Stand-up paddleboarding at Lagoa da Conceição

Florianópolis is a destination for beaches and outdoor activities—when it rains, there's not much to do.

Paragliding at Barra da Lagoa, Lagoa da Conceição

Scuba-Diving at Praia Mole, Praia do Santinho, Praia dos Ingleses

Sandboarding at Joaquina, Lagoa Sandboard

Surfing at Barra da Lagoa, Praia da Joaquina, and Praia Mole

Windsurfing at Lagoa da Conceição

Kitesurfing at Lagoa da Conceição

Hiking at Lagoa do Peri, Naufragados, Lagoinha do Leste, Costa da Lagoa, Barra da Lagoa

  • Trilha da Boa Vista. A challenging trail of around two hours from near Barra da Lagoa up through the mountains, with beautiful views of the ocean, that takes you to the beautiful Praia da Galheta.
  • Trilha da Costa da Lagoa. A roughly two-hour hike through the forest along the side of the lagoon, passing through some small fishing villages that are only accessible by trail and boat. It also takes you past a historic building, the Sobrado da Dona Loquinha. built by slaves around 1780, and near a waterfall. a little ways away from the lagoon (follow the signs for cachoeira). A bit after the waterfall, you'll reach a town with some shops and restaurants serving very fresh seafood, at which point you can take a 45-minute boat back to Ponte da Lagoa (the bridge) for R$10 (pay when you get off), leaving about once an hour. On the boat ride, you can see the lovely little fishing villages on the water, followed by kitesurfers when you get close to Lagoa.

Hiking at Lagoa do Peri, Naufragados, Lagoinha do Leste, Costa da Lagoa, Barra da Lagoa

  • Trilha da Boa Vista. A challenging trail of around two hours from near Barra da Lagoa up through the mountains, with beautiful views of the ocean, that takes you to the beautiful Praia da Galheta.
  • Trilha da Costa da Lagoa. A roughly two-hour hike through the forest along the side of the lagoon, passing through some small fishing villages that are only accessible by trail and boat. It also takes you past a historic building, the Sobrado da Dona Loquinha. built by slaves around 1780, and near a waterfall. a little ways away from the lagoon (follow the signs for cachoeira). A bit after the waterfall, you'll reach a town with some shops and restaurants serving very fresh seafood, at which point you can take a 45-minute boat back to Ponte da Lagoa (the bridge) for R$10 (pay when you get off), leaving about once an hour. On the boat ride, you can see the lovely little fishing villages on the water, followed by kitesurfers when you get close to Lagoa.

Stand-up paddleboarding at Lagoa da Conceição

  • Beiramar Shopping, Rua Bocaiúva, 2468 (Centro, parallel with Av. Rubens de Arruda Ramos, better known as Av. Beiramar Norte, +55 48 3223-6425. Around 200 shops.
  • Shopping Itaguaçu, Rua Geroncio Thives, 1079, +55 48 3288-5900. Barreiros. The oldest shopping mall in the state, opened in 1982. In neighboring São José, within ten minutes of the city center. It has 180 shops and 7 movie screens.
  • Floripa Shopping, Rodovia SC 401, +55 48 3331-1000. Shopping center with 160 shops and 8 movie screens.
  • Iguatemi Florianópolis, Av. Madre Benvenuta, 687 (at the corner of Av. Beiramar, +55 48 3231-4900. Bairro Santa Mônica. 200 shops and 7 movie screens. This cinema has one of the largest screens in Brazil. All are modern and stadium seating style.

Beiramar Shopping, Rua Bocaiúva, 2468 (Centro, parallel with Av. Rubens de Arruda Ramos, better known as Av. Beiramar Norte, +55 48 3223-6425. Around 200 shops.

Shopping Itaguaçu, Rua Geroncio Thives, 1079, +55 48 3288-5900. Barreiros. The oldest shopping mall in the state, opened in 1982. In neighboring São José, within ten minutes of the city center. It has 180 shops and 7 movie screens.

Floripa Shopping, Rodovia SC 401, +55 48 3331-1000. Shopping center with 160 shops and 8 movie screens.

Iguatemi Florianópolis, Av. Madre Benvenuta, 687 (at the corner of Av. Beiramar, +55 48 3231-4900. Bairro Santa Mônica. 200 shops and 7 movie screens. This cinema has one of the largest screens in Brazil. All are modern and stadium seating style.

  • Seafood - This coastal city is known widely for its fresh seafood.
  • Portuguese Food - The city had been colonized by the "cultura açoriana". Their food is delicious.
  • Italian Food - Macarronada Italiana is the main spot. Great. But there are many other good choices as well.
  • Downtown- There are great "per kilo" buffets with amazing food, salads, and fruit. You can get a full meal with a fresh juice for under R$6. It's good for the budget traveler and to get a sense of where many locals get a quick bite.

  • Hong Ju - Restaurant Vegetariano, Rua Deputado Antonio Edu Vieira 750 - 784, +55 48 3234-8172. 11:30 - 14:30. good inexpensive vegetarian all you can eat lunch menue. Place is crowded, but you will find a table. R$8,00.
  • Bar do Arante, +55 48 3237-7022. Praia do Pântano, in the south of the island. Interesting restaurant where the custom is for customers to hang slips of paper on the wall to mark their passage. The custom comes from pre-electricity days when people would use the slips to let friends know what part of the beach to find them in. Specializing in seafood at moderate prices. Try the Tainha Grelhada.
  • Mein Haus Churrascaria, Rua Papa Joao XXII, 25, +55 48 3241-4739. Campinas - São José. It is further across the bridge but worth the effort. The restaurant offers a nice cheap a la carte barbecue with free garlic bread and salad.

Hong Ju - Restaurant Vegetariano, Rua Deputado Antonio Edu Vieira 750 - 784, +55 48 3234-8172. 11:30 - 14:30. good inexpensive vegetarian all you can eat lunch menue. Place is crowded, but you will find a table. R$8,00.

Bar do Arante, +55 48 3237-7022. Praia do Pântano, in the south of the island. Interesting restaurant where the custom is for customers to hang slips of paper on the wall to mark their passage. The custom comes from pre-electricity days when people would use the slips to let friends know what part of the beach to find them in. Specializing in seafood at moderate prices. Try the Tainha Grelhada.

Mein Haus Churrascaria, Rua Papa Joao XXII, 25, +55 48 3241-4739. Campinas - São José. It is further across the bridge but worth the effort. The restaurant offers a nice cheap a la carte barbecue with free garlic bread and salad.

  • Meat Hamburgueria, Rua Lauro Linhares, 624, +55 48 3025-2999. Burger place where you choose a patty, cheese, bread, and sauce, and they make it for you. Despite its name, veggieburgers are available too!

Meat Hamburgueria, Rua Lauro Linhares, 624, +55 48 3025-2999. Burger place where you choose a patty, cheese, bread, and sauce, and they make it for you. Despite its name, veggieburgers are available too!

  • Pier 54, Av. Osvaldo Rodrigues Cabral (Beira Mar Norte) 1251, Centro (under the Hercílio Luz bridge, +55 48 3225-3138, +55 48 3225-2419. This restaurant serves local cuisine from 19:00. Pier 54's cellar contains over 250 labels of different wines and champagnes. The restaurant offers a wide range of healthy dishes, made from ingredients local to the region.
  • Toca da Garoupa, Rua Alves Brito, 181, +55 48 3207-5627. Centro. This restaurant offers its guests the regional cuisine of Florianopolis. While the seafood menu may be exceptional, the restaurant's decor and history are sure to please customers as well.
  • Bistrô Isadora Duncan, Rodovia Jornalista Manuel de Menezes, 2658 - Barra da Lagoa, +55 48 3232-7210, +55 48 9980-4428. Named after a famous ballerina, this bistro is a great romantic spot for two. It only has five tables and some veranda space. The bistro offers a wide variety of cuisine, ranging from leafy green salads to filet mignon. Alcohol is also served on this cozy, beach front bistro.
  • Ponta das Caranhas, +55 48 3232-3076. Estrada da Barra da Lagoa, 2377 - Barra da Lagoa. Restaurant in the margins of Lagoa da Conceição offering traditional dishes. Try the "Congrio Chileno à Moda do Chef".

Pier 54, Av. Osvaldo Rodrigues Cabral (Beira Mar Norte) 1251, Centro (under the Hercílio Luz bridge, +55 48 3225-3138, +55 48 3225-2419. This restaurant serves local cuisine from 19:00. Pier 54's cellar contains over 250 labels of different wines and champagnes. The restaurant offers a wide range of healthy dishes, made from ingredients local to the region.

Toca da Garoupa, Rua Alves Brito, 181, +55 48 3207-5627. Centro. This restaurant offers its guests the regional cuisine of Florianopolis. While the seafood menu may be exceptional, the restaurant's decor and history are sure to please customers as well.

Bistrô Isadora Duncan, Rodovia Jornalista Manuel de Menezes, 2658 - Barra da Lagoa, +55 48 3232-7210, +55 48 9980-4428. Named after a famous ballerina, this bistro is a great romantic spot for two. It only has five tables and some veranda space. The bistro offers a wide variety of cuisine, ranging from leafy green salads to filet mignon. Alcohol is also served on this cozy, beach front bistro.

Ponta das Caranhas, +55 48 3232-3076. Estrada da Barra da Lagoa, 2377 - Barra da Lagoa. Restaurant in the margins of Lagoa da Conceição offering traditional dishes. Try the "Congrio Chileno à Moda do Chef".

Seafood - This coastal city is known widely for its fresh seafood.

Portuguese Food - The city had been colonized by the "cultura açoriana". Their food is delicious.

Italian Food - Macarronada Italiana is the main spot. Great. But there are many other good choices as well.

Most of the nightlife is concentrated around the beaches in the summer. During the winter, the night life is concentrated in Lagoa da Conceição, where most of the bars and clubs are located.

  • Party Bus Brasil. A big yellow bus which take tourists to the best bars and clubs. Have a bar at one end and a DJ booth at the other complete with flashing lights and disco balls.
  • Concorde Danceteria, Av. Rio Branco, 729. Centro. Nightclub with two floors, 3 bars, a rotating dance floor, and a room with free internet access. Caters to the gay community.
  • Confraria das Artes. Lagoa da Conceição. It attracts the jet set crowd from all over the world.
  • El Divino. Local chain of bars and nightclubs.
    • Pacha, +55 48 3282-2054. SC 402 - Rod. Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho, Km 1 - Jurerê Internacional.
    • El Divino Beach, +55 48 3282-1816. Avenida dos Pampos Lote 1E S/N. Open year-round on the boardwalk of Jurerê Internacional.
  • Empório do Chopp, +55 48 3232-8888. Rod. Admar Gonzaga, 3320 - Itacorubi. Heading towards Lagoa da Conceição from downtown, this drafthouse sits at the foot of the hill on the right. Four types of Eisenbahn draft.
  • Floribar Café Lounge, +55 48 3322-2550. Rua Durval Melchíades de Souza, 638. Primarily gay and lesbian bar, good service.
  • Ilha do Cascaes, in front of the Costão do Santinho Resort - Santinho, tel. +55 48 3261-1555 e +55 48 3224-1392, .
  • John Bull Pub, Av. das Rendeiras, 1046, +55 48 3232-8535. Lagoa da Conceição.
  • Scuna Bar, +55 48 3225-3138. Avenida Beira Mar Norte, under Hercílio Luz bridge. Night club with 2 levels, 3 bars, dance floor, live music, and dedicated parking. Popular with the over-35 crowd.
  • Sins Pub, Rua Tiradentes, 143. A nice gay/lesbian bar downtown, free entrance.
  • Circuit, Rua Henrique Veras do Nascimento, 110 (Lagoa do Conceicao, +55 48 3232-4655. The best electronic music club on the island complete with a superior sound system and advanced LED light technology.
  • Box 32, Publlic Market. Fresh seafood served at the city's fishmarket. Excellent service. Go on Saturday morning.

Party Bus Brasil. A big yellow bus which take tourists to the best bars and clubs. Have a bar at one end and a DJ booth at the other complete with flashing lights and disco balls.

Concorde Danceteria, Av. Rio Branco, 729. Centro. Nightclub with two floors, 3 bars, a rotating dance floor, and a room with free internet access. Caters to the gay community.

Confraria das Artes. Lagoa da Conceição. It attracts the jet set crowd from all over the world.

El Divino. Local chain of bars and nightclubs.

  • Pacha, +55 48 3282-2054. SC 402 - Rod. Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho, Km 1 - Jurerê Internacional.
  • El Divino Beach, +55 48 3282-1816. Avenida dos Pampos Lote 1E S/N. Open year-round on the boardwalk of Jurerê Internacional.

El Divino. Local chain of bars and nightclubs.

  • Pacha, +55 48 3282-2054. SC 402 - Rod. Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho, Km 1 - Jurerê Internacional.
  • El Divino Beach, +55 48 3282-1816. Avenida dos Pampos Lote 1E S/N. Open year-round on the boardwalk of Jurerê Internacional.

El Divino. Local chain of bars and nightclubs.

  • Pacha, +55 48 3282-2054. SC 402 - Rod. Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho, Km 1 - Jurerê Internacional.
  • El Divino Beach, +55 48 3282-1816. Avenida dos Pampos Lote 1E S/N. Open year-round on the boardwalk of Jurerê Internacional.

Empório do Chopp, +55 48 3232-8888. Rod. Admar Gonzaga, 3320 - Itacorubi. Heading towards Lagoa da Conceição from downtown, this drafthouse sits at the foot of the hill on the right. Four types of Eisenbahn draft.

Floribar Café Lounge, +55 48 3322-2550. Rua Durval Melchíades de Souza, 638. Primarily gay and lesbian bar, good service.

Ilha do Cascaes, in front of the Costão do Santinho Resort - Santinho, tel. +55 48 3261-1555 e +55 48 3224-1392, .

John Bull Pub, Av. das Rendeiras, 1046, +55 48 3232-8535. Lagoa da Conceição.

Scuna Bar, +55 48 3225-3138. Avenida Beira Mar Norte, under Hercílio Luz bridge. Night club with 2 levels, 3 bars, dance floor, live music, and dedicated parking. Popular with the over-35 crowd.

Sins Pub, Rua Tiradentes, 143. A nice gay/lesbian bar downtown, free entrance.

Circuit, Rua Henrique Veras do Nascimento, 110 (Lagoa do Conceicao, +55 48 3232-4655. The best electronic music club on the island complete with a superior sound system and advanced LED light technology.

Box 32, Publlic Market. Fresh seafood served at the city's fishmarket. Excellent service. Go on Saturday morning.

As a developed, generally wealthy beach resort, Florianópolis is safer than most large Brazilian cities. You'll see people walking around and using their phones outside, even at night. But this is still Brazil, there are still favelas, and robberies do happen, so know where you're going and take sensible security precautions.