The Japanese diaspora inhabiting Sao Paulo's Liberdade neighborhood organizes the Feira da Liberdade. This vibrant market is a must on weekend itineraries to the city. Held every Saturday and Sunday on Avenida da Liberdade, it bustles with an array of shopfronts selling Japanese-themed items. Browse through home decor, kitchenware, trinkets and kitsch that make for unique gifts and souvenirs. Traditional spices on sale are a best-selling product. In addition, make a pit stop at various Asian food stalls to sample Japanese, Chinese and Korean flavors.
A popular feature on most tourist itineraries, Mercado Municipal or Municipal Market, is a symbol of São Paulo. Beneath the majestic dome of the 20th-century architectural marvel and surrounded by stained glass panels, lies the bustle of daily barter. On sale are fresh produce, organic fruits and vegetables, seafood, meat, local delicacies, sweets and spices from across the globe that make for great gifts and takeaways. Browse through the varieties of authentic gourmet specialties while soaking in the colors, textures and flavors that truly exemplify the country's signature cultural diversity.
The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) attracts many locals and tourists throughout the year on account of its eclectic collection. Another reason for the popularity is the Sunday market that has been taking over the space under it since the '70s. Predominantly known for rare antiques and other collectibles, the MASP Antique Market is spread over 74 meters (243 feet) of the museum's periphery. The many, non-descript stalls that line here feature remarkable trinkets and souvenirs like vintage, posters, postcards, coins and much more at affordable rates.
Running parallel to the high-fashion street Oscar Freire, the Alameda Lorena street market is a great addition to Brazil's dynamic shopping scene. Open on Sundays until 2p, it stretches between Rua Augusta and Rua Haddock Lobo. On sale are farm-fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, herbs and spices. Local specialties and fast food stalls are popular pit stops. Savor delectable acarajes (traditional re-fried bean dumplings) and arguably the best pastel in town (minced meat and cheese wrapped in pastry and deep fried to perfection). The diversity and bustle are synonymous with São Paulo's infectious vibe.
Marcedinho Chic is one part craft fair and one part boutique at the retail-heavy intersection of Rua Oscar Freire and Rua Haddock Lobo. The twenty four stalls inside the market space brim with an assortment of accessories, clothing, jewelry and more, some stands representing more established independent brands while others simply showcase the work of a local craft maker. The selection frequently shifts at Mercadinho, so guests who are on the fence about a purchase ought to think long and hard about it before returning to find the item, if not the whole stall, replaced by something new. Created by Jair Mercanzini, Mercadinho Chic is a top-notch spot to stock up on one-of-a-kind local souvenirs and crafts.