Saara is one of the best places to go looking for practically anything you might need -- it's like having a huge complex of stores around, without the ticket price of a fancy mall or the like. Rio de Janeiro's biggest flea market of sorts, SAARA is a fun, busy, sometimes crowded place where you can wander the streets, alleys and side streets to peruse, schmooze and window shop -- and then really shop your heart out! It's worth setting aside a few hours if you can, as it's something enjoyed best when you can sort of wander aimlessly -- but never be afraid to ask where something in particular might be; there are some streets that specialize in given items. And if you get hungry on your urban travels, stop and grab a juice, churro, yakisoba, or whatever strikes your fancy -- chances are you'll find it there too! read more

It's not a flea market! Totally not. It's a market area where one gets and finds thousand practical things if you actually live in Rio. It's not for tourists. Yes they too can find all kind of things but the market is for locals. You need some fabric, some electrical wire, some computer cable, a new bikini or some lingerie or a t-shirt, flowers, shoes and so on - you all get that there. It is not high fashion, it is cheapy-ish. It's great. Way better than the fake 'hippie market' in Ipanema ;-) read more

Interesting place. Very crowded. Lots of the same crap. Good for chatchkah shopping.