Mercado de São José

Mercado de São José, in the São José neighborhood of central Recife, is a public market from 1875 with an iron structure. It is under restoration and partly open, with the crafts section in an annex. It suits those who want to buy handicrafts and see the everyday local commerce of the city center.

• Praça Dom Vital, s/n, São José, Recife (PE); durante a obra, o artesanato fica no anexo da Rua da Praia, 47

Getting there from Porto de Galinhas

Porto de Galinhas is about 50 km from Recife. Bus lines 195 and 191, which run between Porto de Galinhas and Recife, leave from Cais de Santa Rita, in the same São José neighborhood, so you can do this outing without a car.

Hours and admission

Admission is free. In January 2024, the published hours were Monday to Saturday, 6:00 to 18:00, and Sundays and public holidays, 6:00 to 13:00. As the market is under renovation, check before you go.

What to see

Opened on September 7, 1875, it was the first prefabricated iron building in Brazil. The structure was made in France, from a design by engineer Louis Vauthier inspired by a market in the Grenelle district of Paris. The building has been protected as heritage by Iphan since 1973. The market sells crafts in clay, leather, straw and fabric, fish and shellfish, regional foods and religious items. During the works, the food and bag sections remain in the main building, on Praça Dom Vital, and the artisans have been moved to a temporary annex at Rua da Praia, 47.

Before you go

The renovation began in January 2024, with an investment of R$ 27 million, and is scheduled for completion in September 2027. In September 2026, vendors complained that the main entrance was not well signposted, so it is worth looking for the crafts annex via Rua da Praia. Because of the works, part of the building may be closed to the public.

For those who combine