One of my favorite things to do while traveling is to visit markets. They allow visitors to witness the centuries-old tradition of gathering in a central place to not just buy necessities, but also connect with neighbors or friends.
When I’m in São Paulo, Brazil, I love to spend a Sunday visiting the markets on the city’s grand boulevard, Avenida Paulista. There are two wonderful, totally different markets across the street from each other. One is an antiques market located under the famous Museu de Arte de São Paulo. You can see the booths covered in white under the museum:
This market is known as an expensive one, mostly frequented by Brazilians who either have the money to spend or who simply enjoy looking at nice antiques. I didn’t buy anything on this day, but I fell in love with these pieces (I’m partial to ceramics):
I loved the bright colors:
I wonder if someone bought this gorgeous old phonograph:
A glass zoo! I loved the zebra.
The other market is a handicrafts feira (outdoor market). There’s a great selection of unique items ranging from paintings and clothing to ceramics and origami (which reflects the city’s large Japanese population). You will probably see some tourists here, and a lot of the handmade items are a bit expensive– I paid $40 for an awesome hat– but the vendors are very friendly and often give you a deal if you agree to buy more than one of something.
Cute, inexpensive, and totally Brazilian ceramics (I always take some of these home):
Another favorite booth, this one filled with painted gourds. They make good gifts for children.
Brazilian food is sold there, too. This vendor sells dendê, typical food from the Northeast of Brazil.
After visiting the markets, I always take a stroll through adjacent Parque Trianon. There is usually a group playing music and people dancing along. My husband claims there used to be monkeys there, but I’ve never seen any. The trees do give it a typically Brazilian jungle-ish feel, though.
I love how these women are holding each other’s arms while talking. Brazilians love to converse and are very affectionate.
What are some of your favorite markets?
I looove markets – they’re one of my favorite things to visit and explore when traveling (or at home!)
El Rastro is Madrid was pretty amazing. It just goes on and on and on…though the best part of that market was the food! It was definitely one of our best foods days in Spain.
I also love the Alameda and Candlestick flea markets. Alameda is huge and great for browsing, though there a much better deals at the Candlestick one – it just tends to be rather windy!
Ashley, The market in Madrid sounds great. Although I’ve traveled a bit in Spain, I haven’t been to Madrid but will have to go to that market someday… And I haven’t been to the ones in San Francisco either. Thanks for the recommendations–considering I’m only 90 mins away, I’ll have to visit them sometime, too.
Markets are a great way to connect with locals and see local art and products. Also, I LOVE going to local parks when I travel! So peaceful and relaxing to take a stroll with the locals.
I completely agree, Jeremy, especially because both markets and parks tend to attract locals on their weekends. Those places give you an idea of what life is like in their home city. (And there are more great markets that I’ve visited in Sao Paulo that I haven’t even posted about yet!)
Markets are a money-racket! Just kidding…
I always make a beeline for them when I see one in a new town. It’s a great way to see locals too!
I agree, it’s one of the best way to see how the local people live and interact with each other.
Beautiful, I would love to go, I also like local markets and always visit them. I went to some markets in Brazil, I remember I loved one in Rio de Janeiro, I think it was on Sundays too, but I was too small and had no camera. Next time I go to Rio, that will end up 100% on my blog with plenty of pictures!
I can imagine the market in Rio is awesome! I was in Rio but didn’t visit a market.
Even I am a big fan of market hopping. I had seen some typical arabic market on my trip to Qatar and Egypt.
I can imagine that the markets in the Middle East are fantastic!