The Best Markets in Olinda and Recife, Brazil

Situated on a hill above the historic center of Olinda, this expansive outdoor market specializes in handwoven bags from long grass and other local fibers as well as an excellent selection of embroidered works. The views are spectacular while food stalls and live performances add to the lively atmosphere.

Set in a morbid 18th-century colonial building, the site was once a slave market used to imprison African inmates before being sold into the lucrative sugar industry. These days, it’s a more upbeat affair, featuring a smorgasbord of knickknacks and colorful souvenirs from throughout Pernambuco. Be sure to check out the mamulengos, giant puppets that are ubiquitous to the region.

Those looking to pick up some of the colorful artwork for which Olinda is known should take the time to peruse this bright pink edifice in the old town. It may be a little on the expensive side, but the artwork is gorgeous and the variety seemingly limitless.

Moving over to Recife now, and the city’s most vibrant market is undoubtedly the bustling Mercado de São José. Aside from the endless groceries’ vendors and stalls touting everyday goods, there are a number of great Pernambuco artisanal wares up for sale such as woven baskets, clay sculptures, and lots of leather goods.

This spacious indoor handicrafts center is packed full of woodwork and ceramics in the typical Pernambuco style. Visitors prepared to spend big can even pick up some curious locally made furniture or large eccentric metallic sculptures to have shipped back home.

Built out of a colonial-era prison, each of the 150 cells in this busy locale has been converted into an arts and crafts stall, selling everything from leather, clay, and ceramic numbers to intricate wooden artworks. It’s the most important Culture House in the state so don’t be surprised to run into a live performance of some kind.

Happen to be in town on a Sunday? Then make your way to Recife Antigo (old town) as a weekly open-air flea market brings this normally sleepy neighborhood to life. Expect your typical selection of dresses, jewels, and knickknacks on the pavement outside, while live music attracts plenty of punters to the region’s many bars.