Markets in Rio

I always liked the markets in Rio de Janeiro, in fact I like markets everywhere. The multitude of things, the mix of people and the direct contact with the merchants is a pleasant break from todays heavily commercialised world. So which are the best markets in Rio?

The Sunday Market in Ipanema; the Hippie Fair
Every Sunday on the Square General Osório map in Ipanema. It starts around 10 AM and goes on until the early evening. You have art, jewelry, shirts, bags, furniture, hammocks, food from Bahia and lots more. What it doesn´t have is a lot of clothes. The perfect pastime before or after the beach on a Sunday.

The Night Market in Copacabana
Everyday, except Sundays, there is a nightmarket in Copacabana. It opens around 6 PM and closes before midnight. The location is on the beach avenue Av. Atlântica inbetween the streets R. Bolivar and R. 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 football shirts, hammocks, capoeira pants, shorts and souvenirs. There is some art but the selection is small.

Feira Nordestina São Cristóvão
This is the biggest of the markets and it´s here Rio´s huge population with roots in the North East thrive. 700 stalls are in a permanent complex located in São Cristóvão map. Here you will find lot´s 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 North East 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 here. Friday and Saturday the fair opens at 10 AM and closes late, Sundays it´s also open from 10 AM, but it closes around 10 PM.

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