Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Best places to shop in Rio de Janeiro
5 markets, malls and shopping districts in Rio de Janeiro — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.
Last updated 2026-08-08
1. Feira de São Cristóvão
Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
The great north-eastern market — Bahian and sertão food, forró music, leather, hammocks and craft, in a permanent covered arena.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Friday 10:00 through Sunday 20:00, continuouslyCost: BudgetTip: This is where the Nordeste comes to Rio. Go on a Friday or Saturday night for the forró and the food rather than in the daytime.
2. Ipanema Hippie Fair
Photo: Gary Mark Smith · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
The Sunday craft fair in Praça General Osório — jewellery, leather, art, hammocks and Brazilian gemstones.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Sundays 09:00–18:00Cost: Mid-range
3. Rua Visconde de Pirajá and Shopping Leblon
Photo: Rcastro creative · Pexels License · source
Ipanema's main shopping street with Brazilian designers and beachwear, and the upmarket Leblon mall nearby.
Where: LuxuryMap: Open in Maps Best time: Monday to Saturday 10:00–20:00Cost: Mid–LuxuryTip: Brazilian swimwear and Havaianas cost a fraction of the export price here, and the Havaianas range sold domestically is far wider.
4. Saara district, Centro
Photo: Vinícius Vieira ft · Pexels License · source
The dense wholesale bazaar behind Centro — fabric, haberdashery, party goods, carnival costume and everything cheap.
Where: BazaarMap: Open in Maps Best time: Monday to Friday 09:00–18:00; Saturday until 14:00Cost: BudgetWatch out Crowded and pickpocketed. Carry nothing visible, leave the phone in a front pocket, and avoid the district after dark.
5. Brazilian gemstones: H.Stern and Amsterdam Sauer
Photo: Thiago Rios · Pexels License · source
Brazil is a major source of imperial topaz, tourmaline, aquamarine and emerald, and the two Rio houses offer factory tours and certification.
Where: LuxuryMap: Open in Maps Best time: Monday to Friday 09:00–18:00Cost: LuxuryWatch out Street sellers offering loose 'emeralds' and 'topaz' at bargain prices are selling glass and synthetics. Buy certified, from a house that will guarantee what it sold you.
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