A good way to get to know the local vibe is to visit one of the many markets in Rio de Janeiro. Markets are a great way to get to know a culture, so in Rio you will see everyone bargaining until they get the best price. And after that they will talk for an hour or so about everything that happened that week in their personal life. The multitude, the mix of people and the direct contact with the merchants is a pleasant break from today’s heavily commercialized world. There are many options, but which are the best markets in Rio?
Markets in Rio; Sunday Hippie Fair in Ipanema
This is one of the most famous and most visited markets in Rio de Janeiro. Every Sunday on the Square General Osório map in Ipanema. It starts around 10 in the morning and goes on until the early evening. There is art, jewelry, shirts, bags, furniture, hammocks, food from Bahia and lots more.There is not a lot of clothes, but there is enough other stuff to see. This fair is one of the oldest in town and started in the end of the 60s, while the country was governed by a dictatorship. You could say the fair was kind of a symbol of resistance, at that time the neighborhood Ipanema had a loud voice against the government. Now those days have past, fortunately, but the fair remains the perfect pastime before or after the beach on a Sunday.
Night Market in Copacabana
Everyday, except Sundays, there is a night market in Copacabana. It opens around 6 PM and closes before midnight. The location is on the beach avenue Av. Atlântica in between the streets Rua Bolivar and Rua Sa Ferreira map. It is a lot smaller than the above mentioned Sunday Market and hasn’t got the same variety. It is good for brazil shirts, hammocks, capoeira pants, shorts and souvenirs. There is some art, but the selection is small.
The Market in Rio – Lavradio Fair
This is one of the most interesting markets in Rio that you will find. This market in Lapa, the so called Feira Rio Antigo, is the most traditional market in the city. It takes place only once a month, on the first Saturday of the month, and it attracts thousands of visitors. Looking for a piece of antique or art on a bargain. When in Rio during the first Saturday, you definitely should spend some time at the Lavradio fair. You won’t regret it.
Biggest Market in Rio – Feira Nordestina São Cristóvão
Here Rio´s huge population with roots in the Northeast come together and thrive. More than 700 stalls are in a permanent complex located in São Cristóvão map. There are lots of souvenirs, food, art, restaurants, clothes, sunglasses, all quite cheap. Most people don’t go to this place to go shopping, they come here for the forró. This accordion based music is from the Northeast and is immensely popular. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays you have two live bands on full volume playing in front of a packed dance floor. If you want to buy forró music there are plenty of cd-shops. Fridays and Saturdays the fair opens at 10 AM and closes late, Sundays it’s also open from 10 AM, but it closes around 10 PM.
Fruit and Farmers Markets in Rio
There are a lot of regular markets throughout the city, with fruits, vegetables, flowers and sometimes handmade products. If you look at this website, you’ll find the markets in Rio closest to your hotel. There are also a few organic fairs in the city, and growing in popularity. There are also some organic shops. Shops close, change owners and profiles – therefor the information about them is always prone to change. To make sure a place is open it’s always best to give them a phone call and confirm beforehand.
More Shopping
Do you want to visit the markets to shop? For souvenirs for example? Then also check out our general page on shopping in Rio and pay a visit to the Bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa. This neighborhood on the hill is home to many artist and boutique shops and there you will find the best souvenirs to take home to your friends and family.
