Hippie Fair Ipanema Rio

But Ipanema Rio is not only about eating and drinking. This district is home to several tribes that live in a harmony: the tourists, the surf crowd, the rich and famous, the new hippies, the jocks, the Rio gay friendly and the typical local resident. Maybe one of the reasons of Ipanema district success is exactly this heterogeneous environment that captivates mainstream and alternative vibrations. One of the greatest examples of this peaceful coexistence is the legendary Ipanema´s Hippie Fair.


Originally known as “Ipanema´s Handcraft and Arts Fair”, the Hippie Fair used to be a spot at the General Osório Square Rio where locals gathered to display their art in the late 60´s. By 1968, the Ipanema Hippie Fair established itself and became the world’s largest handcraft open art gallery and fair. Today, “Ipanema Hippie Fair” opens every Sunday from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM and is definitely the best place in Rio for you to find that quintessential souvenir gift. Another great of shot of Ipanema Hippie Fair of Renato Sil, below:




At this Ipanema Hippie Fair , you will be able to find several kinds of Brazilian Native craftwork techniques including: wood, stone, canvas, clothing, leather, paper, metal, semi-precious gems, metal, bones and straw. One of the reasons why the Hippie Fair became “Hype” is exactly because of this heterodox atmosphere and constant evolution of its products in terms of fashion and glamour. Some example of this fashion products are the leather Franciscan sandals bought by Giorgio Armani, artsy-fashion ladies bags and real life Samba instruments.


Important notice: Don’t forget to bargain, as it is part of the culture, just like in many street markets around the world. Visit Rio, Visit Brazil!

Below, a classic picture of the famous Girl of Ipanema in the sixties. She has probably visited this Hippie-Fair several times...

Garcia D´Avila´s Diamond Square

One of the most important facts about Rio-de-Janeiro for the girls, the glamorous shopping block in Rio Ipanema´s Garcia D´Avila “Diamond Square” makes window-shopping an entertaining experience, and is an excellent way of getting to know the true spirit of hype-fashionable Cariocas. Garcia D Ávila´s Diamond Square encompasses Barão da Torre & Prudente de Morais Streets with Garcia D´Avila & Rua Maria Quitéria.

This fetching quadrilateral in Rio-de-Janeiro sells top fashion bikinis, glamour clothing, design jewelry, contemporary art furniture, Brazilian music & audio, collectors´ books, and expensive souvenirs to wealthy Brazilians and sophisticated tourists. The Garcia D’Ávila magical block, also known as the “Ipanema´s Diamond Square” has become the "in" place for the well-to-do Brazilian brands like Ellus, Rosana Bernardes, Lenny and branches of world-famous names like Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Puma. Two of the best Brazilian jewelers in Rio-de-Janeiro Amsterdam Sauer and H-Stern are located there and have permanent museums. The area also has a good number of enchanting restaurants like Alessandro & Frederico Café, fast-food spots and branches of international banks such as Citibank and Itaú Boston Fleet. If you really wish to find Rio-de-Janeiro best shopping, don´t miss Ipanema´s Diamond Square.

Below a picture of Livraria da Travessa, one of the best bookstores in town, close to Garcia D´Avila´s Diamond Square.