This chapter intends to analyze the role of public markets in São Paulo City, currently, in a total of 16 markets, considering the new urban demands, marked by technological advances, changes in the population's standard of living, new consumption practices and the diversity of the urban environment in which they operate. To reach this goal, it begins with a brief review of the trajectory of these markets, based on the political and socioeconomic motivations that led to their construction since the 19th century. Secondly, it is presented the current scenario of the markets still working, including the analysis of their location and the activities offered. Next, we intend to highlight the differences between the potential of current markets, speculating on the best possible contributions from these buildings, albeit with transformed functions, in order to feed consistent public policies worried about the quality of life.