Markets of Zona Sul
· Experience the great range of Brazilian cuisine at the Cobal do Humaitá
· Talk to the stallholders at the Cobol do Leblon
· Relax at the Hippie Fair by Ipanema Beach
The markets of the Zona Sul are a great way to experience Rio away from the bustle of the main sites. Known for their bustle, they are a wonderful place to get the vibe of the city. Going between them all in a private car with your guide, who will be happy to translate and haggle when needed, you will come across an eclectic mix of people and appreciate some of the hidden joys of being Brazilian.
Food for the Soul
Visiting the Cobal do Humaitá, your guide will introduce you to a large food market where you will be able to try a range of different cuisines in this local party hub that occupies a full city block. Popular with locals – they make up an immense majority of the market’s clientele, it provides a place for stallholders to sell delicacies to the hungry, the thirsty and the greedy. Your guide will be happy to recommend their favourites before they take you to the Cobol do Leblon; a smaller market with a cosmopolitan air that is popular with refined locals. There are a range of stalls offering everything from flowers to artisan cheeses, as well as restaurants if you want something more substantial.
The Chance to Relax
It is not far from the Cobol do Leblon to the famous Hippie Fair of Ipanema in the Praca General Osório. Offering stalls selling anything from food to furniture, its counterculture vibe makes it a place to savour Rio’s beachside life. It is only a short walk from the market to Ipanema Beach – which most people know through the bossa nova song “The Girl from Ipanema” - where you can visit a kiosk to get some ice-cold coconut milk, served in the shell, and watch the cariocas go by.
