There are several markets in Rio de Janeiro you should consider visiting when travelling in Brazil. Among the most interesting and popular ones are:
Fruit, Vegetables, Spices, and Seafood Market
There are about 15 to 30 markets like these that are set up everyday in Rio de Janeiro. Each morning (very early) they are set up on assigned streets, and then dismantled around 1-2 p.m. (to be again set up the next day on another assigned street).
These markets are fun to visit, especially around noon when they become more lively and items sold (mostly fruits) get cheaper.
These markets (called Feira Livre) can be found in almost any major neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, but the ones that are more convenient for tourists to visit happen in Copacabana, Leme, Leblon, Ipanema, Botanical Garden, Lapa, and Gloria neighborhoods.
Note that although there are many markets happening simultaneously, there are not easy no be founded walking around randomly. Get your copy of My Rio Travel Guide and locate these markets on the Rio de Janeiro district maps included in the e-book.
Ipanema Hippie Market
This is the most famous and most popular art craft market in Rio de Janeiro. It happens every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it is a must-visit if you happen to be in Rio de Janeiro on a Sunday.
A good plan is to firstly get a tan on Ipanema Beach in front of lifeguard tower # 9, then have a late lunch next to the market, visit the market in the end of the afternoon, and then head to Arpoador Rock to witness the spectacular sunset.
In this market you can find paintings (naive art, and others), accessories for home and women, souvenirs in general as well as eat Afro-Brazilian street food such as acaraje and vatapa.
Whether or not you want to buy something, the market is worth-visiting in spite of having more tourists than locals (natives of Rio usually go to the Ipanema Hippie Market when they already have something in mind they want to buy).
Bear in mind that many vendors in the market are the artists themselves — it is a chance to buy something unique directly from the producer.
There are other interesting markets in Rio. To get a more complete and updated list, get your copy of My Rio Travel Guide, the most useful and reliable travel guide to Rio de Janeiro.
Click on the e-book cover to get your copy of My Rio Travel Guide
This e-book also presents lots of information you might want to consider: transportation, self-guided taxi and walking tours, suggested itineraries, recommended restaurants, tips in general, and much more.