Mercado Municipal de Peixes
A vibrant hub for fresh seafood, offering a taste of the Atlantic and local culinary traditions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest catch arrives
Mercado Municipal de Peixes
Best Time
Freshest catch arrives
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub for fresh seafood, offering a taste of the Atlantic and local culinary traditions.
"Excellent place with great diversity and fresh fish; people are really friendly and willing to help."
🎯 Freshness First!
Arrive early for the best selection of the freshest fish, straight from the boats .
💰 Price Comparison
Many shops offer great deals; compare prices before buying to get the best value .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abundant Fresh Seafood
Explore a dazzling variety of the freshest fish and seafood, perfect for cooking or enjoying locally.
Local Fisherman's Bounty
Witness the daily catch from local fishermen, showcasing the region's rich maritime heritage.
Culinary Exploration
Sample delicious seafood dishes and discover new flavors at the market's eateries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fresh Catch & Local Flavors
Beyond the Market
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Freshness First!
Arrive early for the best selection of the freshest fish, straight from the boats.
💰 Price Comparison
Many shops offer great deals; compare prices before buying to get the best value.
🗣️ Friendly Locals
Don't hesitate to ask vendors for recommendations; they're happy to help.
🍽️ Taste the Sea
Many stalls offer prepared seafood dishes – a delicious way to sample local flavors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Freshness First!
Arrive early for the best selection of the freshest fish, straight from the boats.
💰 Price Comparison
Many shops offer great deals; compare prices before buying to get the best value.
🗣️ Friendly Locals
Don't hesitate to ask vendors for recommendations; they're happy to help.
🍽️ Taste the Sea
Many stalls offer prepared seafood dishes – a delicious way to sample local flavors.
🚗 Parking Nearby
Parking can be tricky; consider arriving early or using ride-sharing services.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Mercado Municipal de Peixes for its excellent diversity and freshness of seafood, with many shops offering quality products at competitive prices. The friendly and helpful nature of the vendors is frequently mentioned. However, some have experienced disappointment with specific items like sardines, and one reviewer noted an unpleasant sewage smell.
"Hello tourists.I have been in this fish market many years ago.Still when we owned Arraial do Cabo,Prainha,casa 4.Armando Vianna,a deceased oil paintor from RIO had a house close to here,by the channel.A huge and weird house with a garden,a whale bone hanged at the wall where we kids loved and played a lot.Looked like he understood about the sea,channels,fisherman,painting oil at summer and correct spot to his painting at beaches.We came from Arraial and visited him all the time.We passed few in this fishing market but I remember well crossing the bridge and close under of the bridge is this store of marvelous and huge fish from Cabo Frio.I advise you to go in there,just don´t be so much scrooge with your bucks to fish.Aparentely Arraial and Búzios fish market serves you well with your bucks and home consumption.Looks like CABO goes farther,have huger boats,responsabilities with enterprises,freight,time,perfect time that never missed the fisher man and boats.
I wonder how far this market and boats go.Maybe they have their spot in the region and are very worried when meet they small neighboors.
Rio´s fishing boats and docks are used to sing goes very far,distance is few,spend long days in water and fishing and a professional and fishing factory they impose us with their negroes and many boats,consumption and vast sea.
I am sure you are tired of Rio´s fishing market.I am sure LAGOS has your taste and wonderfull.They will buy you with cheap and easy fish.For you to taste your flavor by yourselve.Don´t be industry or dispose our animals and hard catch.
I am sure you are going to love spend your bucks and laugh easy about your cooking and how your kids love and sing your fish in the region.
Good lunch!"
Rodrigo Torres Ferreira Leite
"Excellent place. Great diveristy and fresh fish. Many shops inside the market allow you to choose from quality and prices. People are really friendly and willing to help despite the language. I recommend this place"
Ana Laura Olivera
"A very good fish market, no doubt. But far away for me living in Búzios.
I have now switched to the Manguinhos fish market, I can walk there. Photos will follow."
Eric Decoster
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mercado Municipal de Peixes is located in Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro. You can reach it by car, taxi, or ride-sharing services. If you're coming from Rio de Janeiro city, it's a scenic drive of about 2-3 hours.
Local buses do service the area around the market. Check with your accommodation or local transport apps for the most convenient routes from your location.
Many travelers opt for a car rental for flexibility, or you can find intercity buses that run frequently between Rio de Janeiro and Cabo Frio.
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays is recommended. Some street parking is available, but it fills up quickly.
Depending on your accommodation's location, it might be a pleasant walk from some of the closer beaches. However, it's generally a short drive or bus ride from the main tourist areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Mercado Municipal de Peixes is generally free. You only pay for the seafood you purchase or any food you eat at the market's eateries.
The market typically opens early in the morning, around 6 or 7 AM, and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to visit in the morning for the widest selection of fresh catch.
Yes, the market is usually open on weekends, but it can get quite busy. Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience.
There are no entrance fees or special passes required to enter the market. It's a public space for commerce.
Absolutely! The market is a great place to experience local culture, see the variety of seafood, and soak in the lively atmosphere, even if you're not purchasing anything.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find a wide variety of fresh seafood prepared in different ways. Many stalls offer grilled fish, shrimp, moqueca, and other local specialties.
Yes, some vendors offer very reasonably priced meals. For example, one reviewer mentioned a dish that feeds three people for around R$84, a great deal compared to beachside restaurants.
Grilled fish, shrimp dishes, and local seafood stews are popular choices. Don't miss the chance to try something unique based on the day's catch.
Definitely! The primary purpose of the market is to sell fresh fish. You can buy a wide selection to take back and prepare yourself.
Prices vary, but you can find meals ranging from affordable options (around R$84 for a large dish) to more upscale Mediterranean cuisine (around R$100 per plate).
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the market offers vibrant scenes with colorful fish displays, bustling activity, and local characters, making it a great spot for photography.
Early mornings offer good natural light and less crowd, allowing for clearer shots. The lively atmosphere later in the day also provides dynamic photo opportunities.
Generally, casual photography is allowed. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of them or their stalls.
Focus on the variety of seafood, the interactions between vendors and customers, the textures of the fish, and the overall market ambiance.
A smartphone with a good camera is usually sufficient. If you're serious about photography, a camera with a versatile lens would be ideal for capturing different perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
After exploring the market, head to one of Cabo Frio's family-friendly beaches like Praia do Forte. The calm, clear waters are perfect for children to play in. Packing snacks and drinks is always a good idea, but you can also find affordable and generous meal portions at the market if you plan to eat there.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, compare prices across different vendors before making a purchase. Visiting on weekdays can also lead to better deals as crowds are smaller. Combine your market visit with exploring Cabo Frio's beautiful public beaches, which are free to access, for a cost-effective and enjoyable trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bounty of the Sea: What to Expect
Beyond just raw fish, the market often features stalls where you can purchase prepared seafood dishes. These range from simple grilled fish to more elaborate preparations like moqueca. It's an excellent opportunity to taste authentic local flavors and discover new culinary experiences. Some reviewers have highlighted that dining at the market can be significantly more affordable and higher quality than eating at restaurants directly on the beach.
For those who enjoy cooking, buying fresh fish here is a must. You can select your preferred fish, often with the help of knowledgeable vendors, and take it back to your accommodation to prepare. The quality and freshness are unparalleled, making for a truly memorable meal. Remember to compare prices across different stalls to ensure you're getting the best deal.
Beyond the Market: Exploring Cabo Frio
Don't miss the charming neighborhood of Passagem, known for its colorful houses and narrow streets, offering a picturesque setting for a stroll and some great photo opportunities. For panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, a visit to Morro da Guia is highly recommended. These diverse attractions provide a well-rounded experience of Cabo Frio, blending culinary exploration with natural beauty and local culture.
Many visitors find Cabo Frio to be an underrated gem within the Rio de Janeiro state, offering a taste of paradise without the crowds of more famous destinations. Combining a trip to the fish market with explorations of its beaches and historic areas creates a fulfilling itinerary for any traveler.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit