Our Morro de Sao Paulo shopping guide offers some practical information about shopping in Morro de Sao Paulo, as well as some suggested places to shop. Check out our Brazil Shopping Guide for some general information about shopping in Brazil. Also take a break at one of the many restaurants and snack stands whilst shopping in the village.

Morro de Sao Paulo Shopping Guide

If you are going to spend some time in Morro de Sao Paulo make sure you bring enough personal items such as toiletries and sunscreen for your whole stay, as these can be quite expensive in Morro.

There are several handicrafts shops on the winding street that passes the church and the lighthouse. You can reach it by going up the ramp from the harbour pier through an old gateway. The street also has small Morro de Sao Paulo restaurants and bars. A little further down the street, you will find the beaches which has a resort and small inns.

Markets

The town plaza houses a permanent flea market every evening where you can get some good souvenirs and gifts to take back home. Anything made from wood, stone or leather such as artwork, shoes, musical instruments, jewellery and clothing can be bought here.

The nightlife in Morro de Sao Paulo is exciting and the action is centred around the town's main streets -Rua da Fonte Grande and Rua Caminho da Praia. It is here that people gather after sunset and you'll find all the bars and restaurants full of people. Every one is eating, drinking or shopping on these lively streets.

The art fair on the main plaza is worth a visit. Here you can find silver jewellery, bohemian looking clothes and art made from recycled material. The stores here are full of clothes, trinkets, beach accessories and souvenirs.

Arts and Crafts

All around Brazil artisan fairs are held on weekends where local people come to display their wares. As mentioned, Morro de Sao Paulo has its own artisan fair, which is the perfect place to shop for traditional Brazilian items. By buying things here you will also be directly contributing to the local economy. Many local Indians make a living through arts and crafts. Traditional items that are made here are the following:

Lace: This can be found in a place called Fortaleza and in the south eastern coast.

Ceramic Art: This is an art form which is made by tribes such as Tapajoara, Marajoara, and other eastern Amazonian Indians.

Woven Bag and Baskets: These are made from leaves and bark of indigenous Brazilian trees and other natural fibres. The bags and baskets made by the Kaxinawa Indians are well known.

Gemstones

Brazil is known for its high quality gemstones and if you are looking for them you are in the right place. The commonly found gemstones in Brazil are Tourmaline, Amethyst, Topaz, Quartz, Greengold, Diamond, and Esperssartita.

Gemstones that are not very precious are used for carving in different shapes and forms. You can find amethyst and topaz carved into grapes, toucans or owls. You also buy cutlery such as coffee spoons and knives that are adorned with these stones. Chessboards decorated with these stones are also beautiful.

Leather

You find a lot of leather goods in Brazilian markets, most of which is imported. There is a wide variety of items such as luggage, shoes, wallets, purses, belts and hats that you can buy. Although Brazilian leather is not considered to be of the highest quality, they are still durable and give you value for your money.

Other Gifts and Things to Buy

There are other interesting things in the Morro de Sao Paulo market which you can buy. These include picture books, hammocks and souvenirs connected with the popular Brazilian football team. You also find a lot of products pertaining to sexual virility such as Guarana products, thongs, and various potions and powders.

Soapstone is another unique item found in Brazil. This stone is so soft that even your nails can scratch it, and makes it perfect for carving items such as cups, small boxes, miniatures and bathroom and office sets. You also find the statue of Christ carved out of it. Many Morro de Sao Paulo shops that sell souvenirs and bric-a-brac are found around 5-star hotels and other tourist attractions.