Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant and colorful Sunday market

When I booked my ticket to Rio de Janeiro, I had only one thing in mind (well, apart from the handsome surfers hanging around the beach): Ipanema’s Feira Hippie, the artisan market that every Sunday sets its stalls in Praça General Osorio, in the exclusive Ipanema district.

I’m a big fan of open markets, and Brazilian traditional handicraft really gets under my skin with its sensual mix of tribal, colorful and apparently casual style. Bags, clothes, bikinis, ethnic jewelry, precious stones, wooden and stone birds, Bahia-style dolls, leather wallets, suitcases, purses shoes and jackets, paintings, incense burners, totems and amulets, natural soaps, here you can find literally everything. Colorful and diverse handicrafts are one of the things Brazil is famous for.

Whatever your interests and tastes are, if you ever decide to include Brazil in your trip to South America and travel to Rio de Janeiro, too, don’t miss this burst of colors and vitality, because if you do, this might haunt you as the biggest regret of the tour.

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Wooden necklaces for a tribal look
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Reproducing earth’s produce for home decoration
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Flip flops anyone?
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Pencils and bracelets in a burst of colors
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Tribal necklaces from the origins
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Colorful wallets and small cases
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Keyrings could not miss
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Typical local parrots carved out from local precious stones
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Out of precious stones also colorful trees
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Bahia-style dolls
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Colorful parrots come in wood, too
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Spheres of precious stones, I couldn’t resist from buying one reminding of the earth…
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Colorful pencils for typical colorful drawings
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More colorful stone parrots
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Seriously, being Rio and the country of the samba, could we miss a fantastic performance by these young percussionists?
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Artistic director and assistant
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The full orchestra creates a tribal vibe and pleases passers-by. I wish I had my video camera with me!

What are the best markets in Rio de Janeiro?

The best markets in Rio de Janeiro are definitely the Feira Hippie, Cobal de Humaitá, Feira de Copacabana, Feira Rio Antigo, and Feira de São Cristóvão. If you’re looking for fresh produce, artisan goods, and a lively atmosphere, these are the markets to check out!

The Feira Hippie is held every Sunday from 9 am-5 pm at Praça General Osório in the bohemian district of Lapa. You’ll find all sorts of handmade arts and crafts here, as well as delicious food trucks serving up local cuisine.

Cobal de Humaitá

Cobal de Humaitá is one of the best markets in Rio de Janeiro. It’s not fancy, but it’s useful, especially if you’re planning a beach party or barbecue. The market has bars, restaurants, a fruit and vegetable market, wine stores, plant stores, and natural food stores. You can find everything you need for your party here, and the prices are very reasonable. If you’re looking for a great market in Rio de Janeiro, Cobal de Humaitá is one of the places to go.

Feira de Copacabana

Feira de Copacabana is one of the top markets in Rio de Janeiro, and it’s easy to see why. Located on the Avenida Atlântica, the market is a great place to find souvenirs and clothing. The market is also a great place to take a break from the beach. With its colorful stalls and sea views, the market is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. So if you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, Feira de Copacabana is the perfect place to visit.

Feira Rio Antigo (Feira do Lavradio)

If you’re looking for antiques, the Feira Rio Antigo is one of the markets to visit in Rio de Janeiro. You can find some amazing objects here, although they are pricey. There is also a selection of artistic and creative stalls. The Feira do Lavradio is well worth a visit if you’re interested in art and culture. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. There’s also a selection of food stalls, so you can refuel after a day of shopping.

Feira de São Cristóvão

If you’re looking for a market that celebrates the best traditions of the northeast of Brazil, then you’ll want to check out the Feira de São Cristóvão. This weekly market is one of the largest in Rio de Janeiro and offers a wide variety of traditional food, clothing and arts and crafts. The dishes are prepared authentically with regional ingredients, and you can find plenty of delicious typical dishes that can only be found here. Of course, no visit to this market would be complete without enjoying the joyful music that accompanies your meal. So if you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, be sure to check out the Feira de São Cristóvão market in Rio de Janeiro.

O Mercadão de Madureira

Mercadão de Madureira is one of the markets to see in Rio de Janeiro. With almost 600 shops selling a wide variety of products, it’s a great place to find whatever you’re looking for, and at a good price too. From locally produced organic food to arts and crafts and regional products, there’s something for everyone at Mercadão de Madureira. The market is always busy, but it’s also very simple and easy to navigate. So if you’re ever in Rio de Janeiro, be sure to swing by Mercadão de Madureira and check it out!

Mercado Mistureba

The Mercado Mistureba is a market located in Rio de Janeiro that is open on the first Saturday of every month. This market is a great place to find clothes, trinkets, and food from independent traders. The atmosphere at the Mercado Mistureba is lively and fun, so you can expect to find colorful and irreverent clothes and accessories. Cariocas also come to this market for carnival fantasies and other creative things. If you are looking for a market to visit while you are in Rio de Janeiro, be sure to check out the Mercado Mistureba.

about me: Angela Corrias
About the author

I'm Angela Corrias, an Italian journalist, photographer, and travel writer located in the heart of Italy's capital. Welcome to my website, your comprehensive source for your travels and expert guidance for crafting your dream travel experience.

41 thoughts on “Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant and colorful Sunday market”

  1. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my Feira Hippie article, it really is an amazing stop for travelers to Rio.

    Reply
  2. wow..beautiful photos!!I always though South America are very colorful and your photos capture the best of it!!! really wanna go there and SHOP!!!!:P…

    have a great weekend:)

    Reply
  3. As you can imagine, I’ve seen many of these items at other markets in Brazil. I love these photos and how you captured so many details. I didn’t get to a market when I was in Rio…next time for sure!

    Reply
  4. I always remember Brazil to be a colorful country; in terms of its people and material things. Its part of its unique charm. And, I thoroughly miss it.

    Reply

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