Teatro Alvaro de Carvalho is one of Florianopolis' old cultural landmarks, set close to the historic centre rather than out by the beaches. Its 19th-century theatre architecture gives the city a more civic, urban dimension that is easy to miss if a visit focuses only on Lagoa da Conceicao and the island's surf beaches.
The theatre is most rewarding when you can catch a concert, play, or festival programme, but it is also worth noting on a walk through the centre. It sits near other downtown sights, making it a practical stop before heading back toward the coast.