Centro

Centro is worth a daytime visit for the market, historic square and bridge, and it is the transport hub of the island. It is quiet and less comfortable after dark, so most solo travelers sleep in the beach districts and visit by day.

Centro is the historic downtown on the mainland-facing side of the island, with the Mercado Público, Praça XV de Novembro, the Hercílio Luz Bridge and a collection of colonial buildings and museums. It is a working city centre, busy and safe-feeling on weekdays and daytime, but it empties out after business hours and on Sundays, and some streets become deserted and poorly lit. It is a good place for a morning of sightseeing and lunch at the market, but most visitors sleep elsewhere. The central bus terminal and the Tourist Police desk at the bus station are here, which makes it useful for transport and help. After dark, stay on busy streets near open venues and take Uber or 99 rather than walking, and avoid the hillside communities above downtown.