Shopping Overview

Shopping is an attraction in its own right in São Paulo, which is confirmed by the many South Americas who come from all over the continent to browse the city's wares -- especially clothing, shoes, and accessories. Stores are usually open weekdays 9-6:30, Saturday 9-1, and are closed Sunday. Mall hours are generally weekdays and Saturday 10-10; malls open on Sunday at around 2 PM.

On Sunday there are antiques fairs near the Museu de Arte de São Paulo and (in the afternoon) at the Shopping Center Iguatemi's parking lot. Many stall owners have shops and hand out business cards so you can browse throughout the week at your leisure. An arts and crafts fair (Praça da República, Centro) -- selling jewelry, embroidery, leather goods, toys, clothing, paintings, and musical instruments -- takes place Sunday morning. Many booths move over to the nearby Praça da Liberdade in the afternoon, joining vendors there selling Japanese-style ceramics, wooden sandals, cooking utensils, food, and bonsai trees. Flea markets with second-hand furniture, clothes, and CDs take place on Saturday at Praça Benedito Calixto in Pinheiros and on Sunday at the Praça Dom Orione in Bela Vista.