The Vibrant Heart of Florianópolis: Centro

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [nah-oh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doh]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/dehs-kool-peh]
• How are you?Como vai você?
  [koh-moh vah-ee voh-seh]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-seh fah-lah een-gleh-s]
• I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo nah-ooh ehn-tehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEu gostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr oo kahr-dah-pee-yoh, pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo nah-ooh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-oo-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr, pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roh]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oom meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Eu gostaria de comprar...
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingEstou só olhando
  [ehs-toh soh oh-lahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-toh koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-toh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [voh-seh poh-deh bah-ee-shahr oo preh-soh]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-oh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meio-dia e meia
  [may-oh dee-ah e may-ah]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-chee]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zhee]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-nyah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [say-ees]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah oo/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oo ehn-deh-reh-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [voh-seh poh-deh meh moh-strahr (noh mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [kwahn-doh eh oo proh-kssee-moh (ohn-ee-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom beel-yeh-tchee (pah-rah)]

Centro, the historic heart of Florianópolis, was established in 1673 when the Portuguese founded the settlement of Nossa Senhora do Desterro. This location was chosen due to its strategic position for maritime trade and defense against potential invasions, particularly from the Spanish. The name reflects the dedication to Our Lady of Exile, symbolizing the hopes of the early settlers.

As the capital of the province of Santa Catarina, Centro flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily due to its port. The harbor facilitated trade not only within Brazil but also with Europe and other parts of South America. This period marked the influx of diverse cultures, including Azorean immigrants, who significantly influenced the local customs, cuisine, and architecture.

In the 19th century, Centro became a vibrant cultural melting pot with the construction of notable buildings such as the Cathedral of Florianópolis (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Desterro) and the Cruz e Sousa Palace. The blend of Portuguese, Italian, and Azorean architectural styles is evident in the historical structures that line the streets of Centro, showcasing the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage.

Centro played a pivotal role during the Revolution of 1930 in Brazil, which led to significant political changes. The local population actively engaged in protests and movements for change, reflecting the neighborhood's historical significance as a center for social and political activism. This period contributed to the shaping of contemporary Brazilian society.

In recent decades, Centro has undergone significant modernization while efforts have been made to preserve its historical sites. The revitalization of public squares, such as Praça XV de Novembro, and the promotion of cultural events have breathed new life into the area, attracting both locals and tourists. The balance between development and preservation continues to define Centro's identity today.

Centro is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Florianópolis. The main bus terminal, Terminal Rita Maria, is located in Centro and connects to all parts of the city as well as long-distance travel to other Brazilian cities. Local buses operate frequently, and taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber are widely available. If you're coming from the airport, you can take a taxi directly to Centro, which typically takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Centro is a compact area and can be explored on foot. Public buses run throughout the neighborhood, making it easy to reach various attractions. Bicycles are also a popular option; many rental shops are available, and bike lanes are marked throughout the area. For longer distances, taxis and ride-sharing services are convenient and affordable.

While Centro is generally safe for tourists, it's important to remain vigilant. Areas around the public market and some side streets can attract petty crime, such as pickpocketing. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas, particularly around Praça XV and the docks. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 190 for police assistance or 192 for medical emergencies. The local hospital, Hospital Governador Celso Ramos, is located in Centro. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather and walking. Avoid overly casual attire when dining in nicer restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches; modest dress is appreciated. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly or disabled; don’t eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Olá' and a smile; a handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'sequência de camarão'; don’t drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Centro like a local, start your day with a coffee and pastry at a local café. Explore the Mercado Público, where you can find fresh seafood and local delicacies. Don't miss the sunset at the Hercílio Luz Bridge, a popular spot for locals. Engage in conversations with shopkeepers and locals, as they often have great insights into the culture and history of the area.

Centro offers a variety of dining options, from street food to upscale restaurants. Try local specialties such as 'feijão tropeiro' and 'arroz de marisco.' Seafood is particularly fresh here, and the Mercado Público is a great place to sample different dishes. Don't forget to try a 'caipirinha,' Brazil's famous cocktail, at one of the local bars.

When visiting religious sites, always be respectful and quiet. It's customary to greet locals with a smile and a friendly 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' (good afternoon). Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and bars; around 10% is standard. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion unless you know the person well.