Farmer’s Markets of Rio

Rio is full of amazing little hoods that host Farmer’s Markets or, “ferias” on any given day of the week. There is no better way to step off the tourist trail than to hunt and gather in a randomly selected hood, far from the hotel min-bar. You are going to experience corners of Rio de Janeiro that few have reason to visit. Even if you don’t need a kilo of fresh acerola from the amazon, don’t let that stop you from pretending.

Just pick a day and consult this comprehensive online list. >> click on the link that says: feira livre.

Find a pull-down menu on the page that will let you select the day of the week. The results will give you a street address. Choose one and go! These are Farmer’s Markets which means they start early and end early (start to shut-down around 1pm).

Get your veggies and fruits fresh vine ripened. Meat, chicken and fish also available -- a little different presentation than you may be used to. Don't look for plastic wrapped meats, or even much refrigeration.

Guys wander the lanes selling miscellaneous items. Look for flowers and spices. It does help to know the Portuguese name of the spice you want - I'm still trying to find Chili Powder.

Near closing time the vendors start shouting-out suddenly-reduced prices. Nothing is more entertaining than watching the price of strawberries fall as the midday sun and sleepiness begin to shut things down.

Note: for other ferias that sell anitiques, furniture or art just follow the link above and look for the links to these other markets. The absolute best antique flea-market in Rio is held on Saturdays at Praça XV, near centro.