Every Sunday, Praça General Osório in Ipanema turns into the Hippie Fair (Feira Hippie), one of Rio’s most traditional art and craft markets. Hundreds of stalls sell handmade pieces, clothing, paintings and food, just two blocks from the beach.
The fair has been held since 1968. It began with hippies and artists showing their work in the square, at a time when Ipanema was one of the centers of Rio’s counterculture. Over the years it grew, became more organized and turned into a Sunday fixture in the South Zone, loved by locals and visitors alike.
The stalls have a bit of everything: leather bags and sandals, costume and fine jewelry, clothes, home décor, Rio souvenirs and plenty of paintings, many of them showing the city’s landscapes. It is a good place to find handmade gifts and chat with the people who make them.
For many, the highlight is the food: the Bahian food stalls serve acarajé and other snacks, perfect for a break mid-stroll. In the square itself stands the Chafariz das Saracuras, an 18th-century fountain attributed to Mestre Valentim, which is worth a look.
Tips: go in the morning, when it is cooler and all the stalls are set up. Bring some cash and bargain politely — it is common. As in any crowded place, keep an eye on your belongings. After shopping, stretch your legs down to Ipanema beach.