Florianopolis Walking Tour: History, Art and Gastronomy

Walk through four centuries of Florianopolis in one morning

A 2.5-hour guided walking tour of Florianopolis's historic centre covering colonial history, indigenous heritage, architecture and the city's Black community landmarks, with a local expert guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese. The tour starts at Café Bar do Largo da Alfândega, passes the Cruz e Sousa Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral and Álvaro de Carvalho Theatre, and ends at the Public Market with a surprise. A city map and rain coats are included. The route is wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Largo da Alfandega10m
2. Metropolitan Cathedral of Florianopolis10m

Explore Florianopolis history and culture

• Meet outside Café Bar do Largo da Alfândega
• Visit memorial of old pier and bar
• Stop for special coffee tasting
• See the City's main square and Fig Tree
• Visit Old House of Chamber and Prison museum
• Explore Governor's Palace and Cruz e Sousa Museum
• Visit Cathedral of Our Lady of Exhile
• See Church built by Black community
• Tour Public Market with local shops

The experience

Meet your guide outside Café Bar do Largo da Alfândega in the city centre, where you can grab coffee and use the restroom before the walk begins. From there, the tour moves through the historic district, stopping at landmarks that mark Florianopolis's layers: the arrival of Portuguese colonisers in the 17th century, the African enslaved people who built the city, and the founders who earned it the nickname "Magic Island." You'll see the Cruz e Sousa Palace and November 15th Square, home to a gigantic fig tree, and pass the Álvaro de Carvalho Theatre, one of the city's most beautiful monuments.

The guide pays particular attention to sites important to Florianopolis's Black community, including a church built by and for that community, and takes you through the Old House of Chamber and Prison, now an interactive museum where there's a 10-minute break to use facilities and buy drinks or food. The Metropolitan Cathedral, known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Exile, sits on the route as well. The walk ends at the Public Market, where local restaurants, souvenir shops and fresh fish vendors operate, and the guide offers a surprise: a tasting or small experience that caps the morning.

You'll receive a city map with local recommendations and rain coats if needed. The entire route is wheelchair accessible, and public transportation stops are nearby if you need them. A live guide leads the tour in your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• city map with local recommendations.
• rain coats if needed.
• a 10-minute break at the Old House of Chamber and Prison museum with access to café facilities.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in Spanish or Portuguese10:00 and 15:00

Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese10:00 and 15:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and SaturdayDepartures at 10:00 and 15:00

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (4 to 15 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.Operator's directions: “We will meet outside Café|Bar do Largo da Alfândega, a local Coffee Shop where you can grab a coffee and use the restroom. I will be wearing white T-shirt written 'The Best of Florianopolis' and a tour guide credential.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by The Best of Florianopolis - Guided Tours

Is this one for you?Book the shared English tour if you want to meet other travellers and keep costs down; choose the Spanish/Portuguese option if those are your languages; pick the private group and tastings if you're travelling with others and want the guide's full attention plus a food experience at the end.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 15 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What time does the Florianopolis walking tour start and how long does it take?

The tour runs for 2.5 hours and begins at Café Bar do Largo da Alfândega in the historic centre. The exact start time depends on which option you book. Check your confirmation for the departure hour.

What is the Cruz e Sousa Palace and why does the tour stop there?

The Cruz e Sousa Palace is a key landmark in Florianopolis's colonial history and now houses a museum. The tour visits it to explain the city's founding and the role of its historical figures.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. You can buy coffee and water before the walk starts at the café, and there's a 10-minute break at the Old House of Chamber and Prison where a café sells refreshments. The tour ends at the Public Market, where local restaurants and vendors operate.

Can I book a private tour instead of joining a shared group?

Yes. The listing offers a Private Group and Tastings option at checkout, as well as shared tours in English and combined Spanish/Portuguese departures. Choose the private option if you prefer a dedicated guide for your group.

Is the walking tour accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes. All areas and surfaces on the route are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options nearby are also wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed on the tour.