The Mercado Municipal Paulistano, better known as “Mercadão” of São Paulo, now offers guided tours for those who want to know the historical complex of 12.6 thousand square meters, which opened in 1933.
The new feature was announced Thursday (27) by the Municipal Department of Tourism, which included it in its “Go on a Tour” project, which already offers this type of service in other parts of the city, including the Ipiranga Museum, the Immigration Museum, Avenida Paulista, the Liberdade neighborhood, Forest Horto, and Ibirapuera Park.
The free tours offered are designed to introduce the culture, gastronomy, nightlife, shopping, and ecotourism of Brazil’s largest metropolis.
The Mercadão is a mandatory stop for anyone living in or visiting the capital city of São Paulo to try the traditional mortadella sandwich, and it is also an architectural experience.
For example, the famous stained glass windows are the work of German Conrado Sorgenicht Filho, who is also responsible for similar work in the Sé Cathedral.
The aisles are lined with hundreds of stalls selling fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, drinks, spices, bread, and snacks such as codfish cakes and pastries, among other typical offerings not only from São Paulo but from other countries as well.
The Mercado Municipal Paulistano is considered one of the most important tourist, cultural and gastronomic centers of São Paulo, in addition to offering the best gastronomic experience in the world.
“It is very gratifying and important that this historical heritage of the city has been included in the program,” said Aldo Bonametti, President of the Board of Directors of Mercado SP SPE, the concessionaire that manages the Mercadão.
Tours have been taking place Wednesdays through Sundays since Oct. 26, with two departures at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. City Hall recommends visitors wear comfortable clothing during the tour, which lasts about an hour.
Please bring cash if you would like to eat on-site, as food is not included.
Tickets are expected to be available through Dec. 23. Since they are free, crowds are expected to be high.
To secure a spot, it is recommended to check availability and book in advance on the Sympla platform.
Service: Mercado Municipal Paulistano
Address: Rua da Cantareira, 306 – São Paulo City Center.
Meeting point: Tourist Information Center – Gate 1
Website: mercadao.mercadospspe.com.br
Instagram: @nossomercadao