The 32 Best Places to Eat in Florianopolis Brazil: By Food Type + Neighborhood

In Florianopolis, seafood is popular as the city is located on the coast.

Oysters, for example, are a local delicacy. Other popular dishes include “Moqueca Catarinense,” a type of fish stew made with coconut milk, and “Churrasco,” a traditional Brazilian barbecue with different types of grilled meats.

Yes, several food tours in Florianopolis give you an intro to local foods. These tours include visiting local markets, tasting street food, and dining in local restaurants. Some tours may also incorporate cooking classes or visits to oyster farms.

The average cost of a meal in Florianopolis depends on the type of restaurant. In a budget restaurant, you can expect to pay around R$15-30 for a meal, while a mid-range restaurant may charge between R$40-80 per person. Fine dining restaurants will be more expensive, probably exceeding R$100 per person.

Brazilian breakfast is usually a mix of coffee and bread, cheese, ham, and fruits. Popular items include “pão de queijo” (cheese bread), “cuscuz” (a type of cornmeal cake), and some type of sweet pastry. Keep in mind, though, breakfast habits can vary throughout the country as Brazil is massive with different regions.

Florianopolis is known for its seafood. For the best seafood, consider places to eat in Florianopolis, like Box 32 in the Mercado Publico for fresh oysters and prawn pastries or Marisqueira Sintra in Santo Antonio de Lisboa for excellent Portuguese-style seafood dishes.

Being an island, Florianopolis has the best seafood, so local delicacies often revolve around this. Freshly caught and prepared oysters, shrimp, and fish dishes, including the traditional Moqueca Catarinense, are popular. Another local specialty is “Sequencia de Camarao,” a sequence of shrimp dishes served in various ways. For meat lovers, Churrasco, a solid option, is a Brazilian barbecue with a variety of meats.

🌞 Florianopolis Weather

In Florianopolis, remember it is an island, so the weather changes quickly. 

Depending on the time of year you come, you will experience hot, humid weather in the summer and more mild weather in the winter. Like any tropical island, it can rain one minute and then be sunny and clear to hit the beach in the next minute. 

It really is a year-round destination, so pay attention to the season you are going in, but in general temperatures are mostly mild.

💰 Brazil Currency 

Brazil’s official currency is the Brazilian Real, symbolized as BRL or R$. Although cards are widely accepted in popular areas and hotels, you still want to have some cash on hand. This is in case you really want to hit a street vendor for food or a painting. The worst thing is getting caught with no cash and missing that unique opportunity.

🗣️ Brazil Language 

Brazil’s official language is Portuguese, so in Florianopolis and throughout the country, this is what you’ll most likely hear. 

English is spoken in many tourist areas and hotels, but learning a few basic Portuguese phrases will get you a long way from an experience standpoint and a local perception standpoint.

If you want to learn a bit of Portuguese prior to going, DuoLingo and Pimsleur are great tools to use.

🛫 Florianopolis Brazil Busy Season & Slow Season

Florianopolis Busy Season: This is the summer in Brazil and runs from December to March. It is when the popular festival of Carnival takes place. As this is the “busy” season, remember that there will be bigger crowds of tourists, and the prices will be higher across the board. 

Florianopolis Slow Season: This the winter time and goes from June to September. It is much more relaxed, and there will be far less tourists. If you are looking to go to Brazil and get travel deals while doing it, then this is your time to plan the trip. 

Florianopolis Shoulder Season: The shoulder seasons in Brazil are considered Fall and Spring. The months transitioning between the busy and slow seasons can offer a middle ground of decent weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. Keep in mind that the seasons are opposite, so for instance, in the US, the Fall would be their Spring and vice versa.

The Short Answer: If you are traveling from the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan, the answer is no, UNTIL October 1, 2025, then the answer is yes. Currently, no visa is necessary from European Union (EU) countries. This looks like it will be the case even after October 1, 2025. 

The Longer Answer: Traveling to Brazil is a great experience, but it is important to make sure you have all your ducks in a row so to speak. That means having the proper documentation needed to enter the country. 

Here’s what you need to know about securing a visa for Brazil, specifically for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and European Union (EU) countries.

Section 1: US, Canada, Australia, and Japan
Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan can currently enter visa-free travel to Brazil for tourism or business purposes. 

This applies to stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period. All you need is a valid passport with an expiry date at least six months beyond your intended departure from Brazil.

Brazil is looking to implement the visa requirement again for these four countries as of October 1, 2025, so plan in advance for this. 

Section 2: European Union (EU)  Nationals

For most European Union citizens, including those from the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, also benefit from visa-free entry to Brazil. 

This policy permits EU nationals to stay in Brazil for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within a 12-month period. Like others, they will need a passport that is valid for at least six months past the date of entry into Brazil.

Visa and immigration requirements can and do change. It is always advised to check the latest information from the official government websites of Brazil or your home country’s foreign travel advisory services before making travel plans.

For the most recent and comprehensive information about visa requirements for all nationalities, consult the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or a Brazilian embassy or consulate near you during your pre-planning phase of your trip. 

The October 1st, 2025 update does not look like it will affect EU Nationals, but research accordingly here.

The worst thing is to overpack and bring unnecessary things all around the world with you. Equally as bad is not packing the correct things and throwing a wrench in your whole trip by having to spend half of a day in a mall in Brazil shopping for a travel adapter. 

Packing for Brazil should be done in advance, just like any other major trip abroad.

Here’s a curated list focusing on your primary needs:

🔌 Power Adapters: Brazil uses types C and N outlets. Make sure you have the correct adaptors for your devices so you don’t have to scramble around wasting time buying one there. Consider investing in a universal travel adapter for convenience and peace of mind during your travels. 

📳 Brazil and Florianopolis SIM Card: Staying connected is important, especially when traveling abroad. Get a Brazil or Florianopolis-specific SIM card for easy communication and online access. This helps a ton when dealing with things like Maps and Uber. 

💧 Filterable Water Bottle: The tap water in Florianopolis is generally safe, but I still would not drink water from the tap. Carrying a filterable water bottle can come in super handy and avoid you from having to always stay hydrated with bottled water. Consider bringing along a Water–To–Go Filterable Bottle for a convenient and sustainable solution to staying hydrated on your travels.

💊 Anti-Hangover Meds: Brazil’s nightlife is wild. It’s for sure worth carrying anti-hangover medications to make sure your trip runs smoother. The last thing you want to do is waste an entire day out of a seven-day trip in bed with a hangover. 

👒 Sun Protection: Brazil’s sun can be intense, so don’t try to be a hero here. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen and a sun hat to protect your skin and face. Just a short time in the sun-exposed can make it an unpleasant rest of the trip.

🦟 Bug Repellent: Brazil is in a tropical climate, and with that comes a fair amount of mosquitoes. Whether you are on the beach when the sun is going down or hiking in the forest, this is a must. Itching uncontrollably for days because you were unprepared is just not the move. Make sure to pack some eco-friendly bug repellent to keep those pesky insects away and enjoy your time outdoors without any worries.

🩴 Comfortable Footwear: Remember, there are many different terrains here. You will definitely need comfortable walking shoes and also sandals or flip-flops. 

📄 Travel Documents: Don’t forget your passport, visa (if required), and travel insurance documents. Travel insurance is good to have a few printouts in case you need it for any reason. It is also good to have a photocopy of these important documents separately in case of loss or theft. Without photocopies, this would be a nightmare to deal with. 

The rest of your packing list should include clothing geared to the season you plan to travel to Floripa in. Tailor this list according to your needs and planned activities.

Absolutely, it is safe and perfectly fine to rent a car and drive around in Florianopolis, Brazil. The city has a more laid-back driving atmosphere compared to other Brazilian cities, making it a more comfortable experience for visitors.

While Brazilian traffic rules may seem a little busy, navigating Florianopolis is generally hassle-free. Key road signs are also in Portuguese but don’t worry, the rental car GPS or Google Maps on your phone will give you directions in your language. 

Remember, in Brazil, driving is on the right-hand side. You’ll need to make sure to have good car rental insurance for peace of mind, and you’re all set to go. You can get this through the same place you rent the car from no problem. 

When you are parking, make sure to lock your car and double-check that none of your personal stuff is in plain sight. 

Overall, driving around Florianopolis is not just safe, and it’s also a cool experience. It gives you way more freedom and flexibility to see stuff.  I feel like renting a car in Florianopolis is more than just a way to get around, it’s part of the adventure!

No, not at all. You don’t necessarily need to speak Portuguese to visit Brazil. In tourist-heavy areas like Florianopolis, you’ll find many locals, particularly in the hospitality industry, who can communicate in English.

However, learning a few basic phrases in Portuguese can enrich your travel experience, help you engage more with the local culture, and can be very useful in situations where English isn’t widely spoken. Tools like DuoLingo are great, user-friendly language apps that can help you pick up the basics before your trip.

However, even without Portuguese fluently, you’ll be able to navigate Brazil just fine. I always like to use apps to learn some basic phrases prior to going to another country. So if you are like me, then for sure dig into learning the language a little.

Here are some great language preparation options for your trip to Brazil:

Learn Basic Portuguese: Use language-learning platforms like DuoLingo or Pimsleur. They offer interactive courses that can help you become more confident and conversational in Portuguese before your trip.

Use Google Translate App: This app is a lifesaver when you’re navigating language barriers. Remember, you’ll need a Brazil SIM card with data for the app to work without WiFi.

Get a Portuguese Phrasebook: Consider packing a Portuguese phrasebook, such as the Lonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook. It’s a fantastic non-digital assistant that can help you communicate and understand the local language better.

Even if you don’t become fluent, having some very basic knowledge of the local language will definitely enhance your travel experience in Florianopolis, Brazil. It will be much appreciated if the locals see you have tried to make an effort, even if it is small.

Yes, Brazil can be safe for solo female travelers, but like anywhere in the world, it’s important to take precautions. 

Common sense safety includes researching and staying in well-reviewed accommodations, booking all your tours online and not with someone on the street, avoiding isolated areas at night, and maintaining awareness of your surroundings. 

In addition, do not bring anything flashy. Leave that at home. 

It’s also recommended to respect local customs and dress codes. Using trusted transportation services can help ensure safety when traveling from place to place. So ride-share apps such as Uber or your own rental car are highly recommended.

Always stay connected with friends or family and keep them informed about your plans. 

Solo travel in Brazil, specifically in Florianopolis, can be super rewarding with the right planning.