Mercado Central de Fortaleza
A four-story craft market in the old city with a spiral ramp, where some 500 stalls sell hammocks, lace, leather goods and cashews at lower prices than the seaside night market.
The Mercado Central stands right next to the cathedral. Its four floors are linked by a spiral ramp and house about 500 stalls, making it Fortaleza's top choice for souvenirs. Options include Ceará handmade lace, hammocks, leather sandals, northeastern dried goods, cashews, cachaça and rapadura sugar bricks, and bargaining is possible when buying in quantity. The market has air conditioning and snack stalls. The old city around it is crowded during the day, so watch out for pickpockets. It can be explored on foot together with the cathedral and the Forte de Nossa Senhora da Assunção.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat approx. 08:00–18:00; Sun approx. 08:00–12:00
Nearby sights
- Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Assunção
- Catedral Metropolitana de Fortaleza
- Passeio Público
- Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura
- Museu do Ceará
- Centro de Turismo do Ceará (EMCETUR)
- Pinacoteca do Ceará
- Praia de Iracema & Ponte dos Ingleses