Fortaleza Travel Information
Mercado Central
Fortaleza and other cities in the Northeast are known for the talents of their craftsmen. These artists produce pieces out of fabric, wood, glass, coconuts, sand and many more. The sand products include the famous bottled sand artwork, a beautiful piece to bring back home.
The prices are surprisingly low, with some pieces that take days to finish are being sold for less than R$100. The growth of tourism has increased prices slightly, but they are still considerably lower than in many parts of South America.
There are craft shops throughout the city, including the airport, where everything costs double or triple the normal price. Before leaving this beautiful city, make sure you drop by at least one of the markets and give yourself enough time to pick out a couple of beautifully hand crafted pieces.
The two best places to find prices, and diversity of handicrafts are at Feirinha Beira-Mar which is from dawn to dusk and and the Mercado Central.
This market is located between Praia de Iracema and the central area of Fortaleza. It is actually possible to walk from the city center all the way until Feirinha Beira-Mar, and then onto the Mercado Central, and finally all the way back to the city center of Fortaleza.
The Central Market occupies a building with four floors connected by ladders and catwalks. The site was designed specifically to be a market and recently renovated. Each of the floors operates several stores without any specific product breakdown or organization. The hunt for the best pieces can take awhile, so give yourself ample time to stroll through the entire market.
Prices are generally similar, but you can always haggle and get a discount, especially if you buy a few pieces.
On the first floor, there are several self-serve style restaurants that are very popular.
Address: Avenida Alberto Nepomuceno, 199 – Centro
Phone: (85) 3454-8244 or (85) 3454-8586
Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
More Photos of Mercado Central
Activities near to Mercado Central
| Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Assunção (historical) - The fort was built in 1649 by Dutchman Mathias Beck, who called Fort Shoonemborch. It was erected on the Marajaitiba hill near Pajeu creek.
In 1654, after the expulsion of the Dutch, the Portuguese occupied the fort, naming it the Fort of Our Lady of the Assumption.
It was around the fort that the village grew up until becoming a metropolis, a milestone which started up the city of Fortaleza.
The fortification is masonry (s... Address: Fortaleza Nossa Senhora de Assunção Avenida Alberto Nepomuceno - Centro, Fortaleza - CE, 60055-000 Distance: 0.06km from the Mercado Central | |
| Boate Mystical (nightlife) -
A themed club, with icons of mysticism throughout, it is decorated with paintings and sculptures of gods, demigods and various cult symbols. Mystical Nightclub nightclub is divided into two large rooms, aptly named the Heaven room and the Hell room. Open daily from, with cover charges ranging up to R$40 on some nights, the club plays electronic music to a crowd in their early 20's, and with a minimum entrance ag... Address: R. José Avelino, 62 - Praia de Iracema, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil Distance: 0.07km from the Mercado Central | |
| Queen´s Disco (nightlife) - td Opened on July 1, 2006, the Queen "s Disco has become a reference in the night by offering the public a new proposal of fun and entertainment.
With the project signed by Teco Colossi Bittencurt and Stekel, the house holds about 1,500 people on nights of normal operation or expanding an audience of 2,500 in the upper area. Queen "s Disc also features a modern ambience despite the theme revolves around a kingdom, creating ... Address: Travessa Icó, 112 - Praia de Iracema, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil Distance: 0.11km from the Mercado Central |
Restaurants near to Mercado Central
| Restaurante Dragão do Mar is a Northeast Brazilian restaurant that is roughly 0.00km from Mercado Central and can be found at Rua José Avelino, 303 |
| L´Ô Restaurante is a International restaurant that is roughly 0.00km from Mercado Central and can be found at Av. Pessoa Anta, 217 |
| Music Box Bar is a Pub restaurant that is roughly 0.00km from Mercado Central and can be found at Rua José Avelino, 387 |
| La Gôndola Pizzaria is a Pizzeria restaurant that is roughly 0.00km from Mercado Central and can be found at Rua Dragão do Mar, 14 |
Hotels near to Mercado Central
 Hotel Passeio The Hotel Passeio is located in Fortaleza making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All hotel's guestrooms have all the conveniences expected in a hotel in its class to suit guests' utmost comforts. Room amenities include air conditioning, television, shower, separate shower and tub. Guests staying at this Fortaleza accommodation can enjoy a wide range of hotel facilities such as ... |
Avenida Praia Hotel Located in Fortaleza Waterfront, Avenida Praia Hotel is a perfect starting point from which to explore Fortaleza. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Restaurant, business center, room service, 24hr room service are just some of the facilities on offer. Relax in your comfortable guestroom, featuring daily newspaper, non smoking rooms. The hotel offers various recreational oppo... |
 Marina Park Hotel The Marina Park Hotel is located in Fortaleza making it one of the best hotels to stay at while in town. All 315 rooms at the hotel have all the modern facilities guests' would expect from a hotel of this class. All of the guestrooms are replete with non smoking rooms, air conditioning, daily newspaper, hair dryer. The amenities and services offered at this Fortaleza accommodation include room ser... |
| Studio Iracema Stop at Studio Iracema to discover the wonders of Fortaleza. The hotel offers guests a range of services and amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience. 24hr room service, safety deposit boxes, business center, elevator are just some of the facilities on offer. The well-appointed guestrooms feature non smoking rooms, balcony/terrace, microwave, kitchenette, in room safe. Enjoy the hotel... |