The Ipanema Fair, also known as the Hippie Fair, is the most famous street market in the city. Stands are set up every Sunday around Praça General Osório (General Osório Square), while the center of the square is reserved for artists selling their own or someone else’s artwork. If you are looking for unique souvenirs, there is no better place in town. This famous fair was established in the 1960s by the local hippie community who had a desire to sell their own handicrafts in one place. As time passed, more and more visitors started coming to this initially small market, which only had a few stands. Today, clothes, furniture, souvenirs, handicrafts are sold here, and there are numerous restaurants around.
Some stalls make leather items like small purses and sandals. Here you can try buying amazing bikinis that are handmade. Most jewelry is handmade and offers unique pieces in a variety of styles. Jewelry is usually made of silver, precious stones, leather or wood. You will also see works of art and paintings, watercolors, oil on canvas, paintings that evoke the city of Rio, but also swarms of other motifs that served as inspiration for the artists.
There are also various ceramic figurines of typical Bahia paintings. Hanging nets are popular and can be an unusual addition to your home. There are other pieces of furniture, wooden chairs and tables, lamps, decorations, etc. What you definitely have to try while you are at the market is the food which is very tasty and is sold at the surrounding stalls. A typical dish is Acaraje, a croquette that is filled with shrimp, coconut, peas and flour.
Larger stalls also accept cards as a form of payment, but we advise you to carry cash with you. This will make it easier for you to negotiate the price and get a discount.
The fair opens on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and closes usually around 6:00 p.m. The nearest metro is Metro General Osório.
