Trindade, Florianópolis: A Complete Neighborhood Guide for Visitors

Trindade is one of the busiest and most convenient neighborhoods in Florianópolis. It sits in the central part of Santa Catarina Island, between downtown and Lagoa da Conceição, and is best known as the home of the main campus of UFSC (Federal University of Santa Catarina) and the University Hospital (HU).

For visitors, Trindade has an advantage many tourists only notice later: it’s right in the middle of everything.

What Trindade is like

It’s a residential university neighborhood, with plenty of tree-lined streets, low- and mid-rise buildings and lively street-level shops. During the academic year it’s full of students, with bars, cafés and restaurants busy at night. During the summer break the neighborhood gets quieter, just as the beaches fill up.

Its closest neighbors are Pantanal, Carvoeira, Serrinha, Córrego Grande, Santa Mônica and Itacorubi.

Where to eat and shop

• Rua Lauro Linhares: the neighborhood’s main shopping street, with restaurants, bakeries, pharmacies, banks and grocery stores.
• Villa Romana Shopping (formerly Shopping Iguatemi): in neighboring Santa Mônica, with a movie theater, shops, restaurants and a food court.
• Viva Trindade: a mixed-use complex with an Angeloni supermarket, a pharmacy, cafés and a food court with plenty of options.

With so many students around, there are lots of reasonably priced places to eat: pay-by-weight lunch buffets, snack bars, pizzerias and burger joints.

Getting around

On foot. Most of what you need day to day is within walking distance.

By bus. The Trindade bus terminal (TITRI) connects the neighborhood to other terminals across the city. Use Google Maps or Moovit for up-to-date routes and schedules.

Ride-hailing apps. Uber and 99 work well and are the most convenient way to get to the airport or to the beaches at night.

By car. Handy for exploring the north and south of the island. Watch out for traffic at rush hour and in summer, especially on the roads to Lagoa da Conceição and the beaches.

Things to do near Trindade

• UFSC campus: stroll around campus, visit the Planetarium and enjoy the green spaces.
• Lagoa da Conceição: about 15 minutes by car, with restaurants, bars, water sports and a lookout point on the way.
• East-side beaches: Joaquina, Praia Mole and Barra da Lagoa are 20 to 30 minutes away. See our guide to beaches near Trindade.
• Historic downtown: about 15 minutes away, with the Mercado Público (public market), Praça XV de Novembro and views of the Ponte Hercílio Luz bridge.
• Beira-Mar Norte: a great waterfront for walking or cycling in the late afternoon.

Is Trindade safe?

Trindade is a busy residential neighborhood, considered calm by the standards of a state capital. As in any city, it’s worth taking basic precautions: avoid deserted streets late at night, don’t leave belongings visible in your car, and use a ride-hailing app when heading home late.

Where to stay in Trindade

Floripa Studio Trindade is in Viva Trindade, next to UFSC and across from HU. It’s a new studio for 2 with 800 Mbps Wi-Fi, a work desk, a full kitchen and self check-in, plus a supermarket, pharmacy and restaurants on the ground floor of the building.