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.
To reach the market by public transportation, take the subway to Luz or Sao Bento Station. Bicycle and car parking is also available.
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.
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).
