Shopping in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Shopping Guide

Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are the best districts for shopping. In Copacabana, Rua Barata Ribeiro and Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana are two of the main shopping streets. Rua Visconde de Pirajá, in Ipanema, and Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, in Leblon, are both good places for a shopping trip. There are numerous shopping centres located around Rio de Janeiro, which contain department stores, boutiques and food courts. Some of the most centrally located include Rio Sul, in Botafogo, São Conrado Fashion Mall, located in São Conrado, and the Shopping Center de Copacabana, in Copacabana.

Jewellery stores are common throughout Brazil, and many of the large chains have their flagship stores in Rio de Janeiro. Included are H Stern and Amsterdam Sauer, located in Ipanema and numerous other locations throughout the city even within many of Rio de Janeiro hotels . Silver, pearls and various gemstones are some of the best buys.

The outdoor markets in Rio de Janeiro offer high-quality arts and crafts at reasonable prices. They are loud, busy and colourful places, but a must-see during any Rio de Janeiro vacation. One of the best is the Babilônia Hype Fair, situated at the Brazilian Jockey Club Racetrack (Tribune C). Over 150 stalls are set up most weekends, with art, fashion and decoration being the key themes. Musical and dance performances keep crowds entertained. The Saracuras Fountain in Ipanema features the Hippie Fair, which takes place every Sunday from 09:00 to 18:00. Handicrafts and artwork are on display at the various stalls, and the fair attracts large numbers of visitors. Weekends also see numerous antique fairs through Rio de Janeiro.

Standard  Rio shopping hours are Monday to Friday 09:00 - 19:00, and Saturdays from 09:00 - 13:00. These hours will vary, depending upon the type of business and its location. Most shopping centres are open every day from 10:00 - 22:00, although some close earlier on Sundays. Brazil does not have a tax refund scheme.