Feira Rio Antigo
Browsing for antiques may not sound like the most exciting way to spend a Saturday afternoon, but this is Rio, and things are done differently here. On the first Saturday of every month, Rua Lavradio, in Centro, is transformed into a giant outdoor antiques market, where bargain hunters peruse the hundreds of stalls to the sound of live samba and choro. A DJ blasts out tunes from every genre of Brazilian music, and locals of all ages gather to browse, chat, and dance. You don't have to be an antiques enthusiast to find something of interest here - vintage clothing, handmade accessories, and cool little arty trinkets are all available. Look out for the stall selling perfect replica favela houses made from painted cardboard, at just R$10 per piece. The street is lined with pavement cafes selling high quality Brazilian food, and street vendors roam the pavements peddling everything from corn on the cob to Bahian fish stews. Although Centro is generally not the safest of areas at weekends, the market is well-policed, so you should feel free to take your camera. Just be careful to keep it hidden during the bus ride there and back!