A good excuse to visit Rio de Janeiro's North Side is the Northeastern Market that happens at Sao Cristovao. This traditional neighborhood is what the Imperial Family used to call home back in the days. Today their old home is the Museum of Natural HIstory, next door to the City Zoo.

Along the way you will pass by a very large pavilion that was originally used for exhibitions and special events. It caught fire, was abandoned for a few years, until it was eventually renovated and put to good use. Renamed Centro Luiz Gonzaga de Tradicoes Nordestinas, it was turned into one of the most lively and interesting markets in Rio.

If you don't have time to visit the Brazilian Northeast, this is as close as it gets. You will find typical foods, souvenirs, handcraft, original gift ideas, traditional popular medicine such as the mysterious garrafadas, that supposedly cure you of everything. The variety of beans and typical flours is enough to take your breath away - even if you stay away from the almost unlawfully hot peppers.

A good thing about the market is that the entrance is less than US$1 per person, and you can have loads of fun without spending a fortune. As this is not a covered market we suggest you avoid going on rainy days, though. Weekends are specially busy. The market is also known as Feira do Nordeste or Feira da Paraiba, the Northeastern States that probably has the biggest colony based in Rio de Janeiro.

Please click on pictures for larger images.

Please click on pictures for larger images.