8 Best Places to Shop in Inland Zona Sul, Rio de Janeiro

This fair that takes place roughly every couple of months combines fashion, design, art, and gastronomy from independent labels and artisans. The quality of the goods on offer and the experience itself has improved over the years, and since it moved to an alfresco spot overlooking the Lagoa, it's become a highlight in Rio's event calendar. Expect live music, great shopping, and the chance to watch a parade of beautiful people. Location may vary between Clube Monte Líbano and Parque das Figueiras, both in Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. 

Browse for local crafts, enjoy delicious snacks, sip a caipirinha, and listen to the delicate sounds of live choro at this laid-back Saturday street market in the leafy residential neighborhood of Laranjeiras. Vendors selling fruit and veggies set up stalls on the streets surrounding a small neighborhood square, but the main focus of attention is on the clothing and crafts stalls on the square, as well as on food and drink sellers and the famous Barraca do Luiz—a tent selling caipirinhas and rare music CDs—as choro bands perform nearby. Come early: the market opens at 10 am and the fun is over by midafternoon.

Exhibiting Brazilian craftsmanship at its finest, O Sol is a nonprofit, nongovernmental shop promoting and selling the handiwork of artisans from all regions of Brazil. It's one of Rio's best handicraft stores and well worth a visit.

The gallery Contorno exhibits and sells an eclectic selection of Brazilian art.

This gorgeous womenswear boutique stocks a selection of Brazil's chicest designers and emerging talents. The friendly stylists will guide you through the range of day and evening wear, as well as the fabulous jewelry and accessories.

A popular arts and crafts store that carries woodwork pieces, ceramics, weaving, and sculptures created by artists from around Brazil, Pé de Boi specializes in objects from the states of Pernambuco and Minas Gerais.

The brand-name stores and smaller boutiques at the fashionable Shopping da Gávea mall sell designer fashions, accessories, and swimwear, and there are several good cafés and coffee shops.