City&Sea

Rio de Janeiro is one of those cities that are best enjoyed outdoors. The antiques and culinary street fairs spread around town add a special touch to your visit and offer you the chance to explore a bit more of our hidden treasures.  Below is our selection of local street fairs and markets that you can visit on one hop over to Centro, Rio’s historic and commercial district.

The Polo Novo Rio Antigo shines light on the charming historic center of Rio, featuring the most interesting spots for those looking for cultural, leisure and culinary experiences all in one area that includes Lapa, Praça Tiradentes, Largo de São Franciso and Rua do Lavradio. The Novo Rio Antigo Circuit project began in 2005 and has been reviving Rio’s main historical sites.  Not to be missed!

Speaking of Rua do Lavradio, the Feira Rio Antigo is an antiques fair and flea market that takes place every first Saturday of the month, by now considered a tradition.  Whether you’d like to buy antiques or crafts, or taste delicious finger foods sold at the local bars and kiosks, a trip over to Rua do Lavradio is a great way to start your day.  With more than 400 exhibitors, bars and restaurants lined up along the street, this special day always finishes off with a delightful musical performance at the Emilinha Borba square.

If you get hungry, we recommend Cachaçaria Mangue Seco for its regional cuisine (the Bobó de Camarão is wonderful) or Casa Momus for its elegant ambiance and delicious international dishes. Later at night, you can never go wrong with the live music at Rio Scenarium.

For antiques lovers, the Feira da Praça XV is like opening an old family treasure chest and finding amazing memorabilia for a bargain. The fair takes place every Saturday, at the heart of the square where you can find anything from old photos, stamps, furniture and decorative items, to analog cameras, rare and classic vinyl albums and books on any subject imaginable that collectors love. Best of all, most of these items, though old and used, still work and are sold by either the owners themselves or antiques connoisseurs.

Photo: Nelson Porto