Poised steps from the water’s edge—and flanked by numerous historical monuments—Praça Quinze de Novembro has been a major public gathering space in Rio de Janeiro for centuries. It was also here that slavery was abolished in Brazil in 1888, and the square is now strongly associated with Brazilian independence. Praça Quinze de Novembro’s weekend flea market and antique fair is considered one of the best in the city. The square is a popular stop on walking tours of Rio’s Centro neighborhood.
Stalls at the square’s weekly flea market (Feira de Antiguidades da Praça XV) mostly only accept cash.
The area around Praça XV is known as a foodie hub, and popular restaurants include Sobrado da Cidade (known for its feijoada) and Cais do Oriente (housed in a mansion from 1878).
Rio’s rejuvenated Centro neighborhood is generally safe, but it’s worth leaving valuables and jewelry in your hotel room and being cautious about displaying your smartphone too openly.
Praça Quinze de Novembro is near Primeiro de Março in Rio de Janeiro’s Centro neighborhood. It is served by numerous public transport, including multiple bus lines, the VLT Carioca tram (line 2 stops at the Praça XV stop), and the Metrô (lines 1 and 2 stop at the Carioca/Centro stop, roughly a 10-minute walk away). The Praça XV terminal is served by numerous ferry lines as well.
Praça Quinze de Novembro is a popular public gathering space—especially on Saturdays when its weekly antique market is hosted from early morning until mid-afternoon. If you want to make the most of the historic landmarks and museums nearby, visit during typical daytime hours.
Rio de Janeiro’s Centro neighborhood is home to a wealth of historical landmarks. Other highlights include the Paço Imperial (the former royal palace, now a cultural center), Palácio Tiradentes (a historic palace that now houses the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro), Rio de Janeiro's State Court Museum (Museu da Justiça), the Arco do Teles, the Naval Museum (Museu Naval), and the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (a major cultural center in a historic bank building).
