13 Best Places to Shop in The Northeast, Brazil

For lace aficionados, a trip to the town of Aquiraz is a must. Ceará's first capital (1713–99) is today a hub for artisans who create the famous bilro (bobbin) lace. On the beach called Prainha (6½ km [4 miles] east of Aquiraz) is the Centro de Rendeiras Luiza Távora. Here, seated on little stools, dedicated and patient lace makers explain how they create such items as bedspreads and tablecloths using the bilro technique.

For regional crafts, head to the Casa do Artesão. It's open weekdays 9–6 and Saturday 9–2.

First-class artisan work from across the region is featured at this upmarket workshop, where you can often catch the craftspeople at work. Even though the prices for wood, straw, and ceramic work may be steeper than at the Mercardo Central, the high quality more than makes up for this.

This shop occupies an entire warehouse and contains the work of more than 15,000 regional artisans. It is a wonderful place to pick up local souvenirs, from ceramics to original prints. Prices are reasonable and there is a nice buffet restaurant and auditorium in the adjoining warehouses.

The best place to go for local crafts and artwork is the Centro de Turismo, where little shops are housed within the cells of a former prison.

Held at the seafront square of Praça da Boa Viagem on afternoons starting at 4, this hippie fair has a generic selection of well-priced handicrafts and many stalls selling tapioca pancakes.

More than 600 artisans sell their work at this nightly fair.

In the city's most traditional market, vendors sell handicrafts, clothing, produce, and herbs. It's housed in a beautiful cast-iron structure that was imported from France in the 19th century.

Of the many malls and shopping centers in Natal, the largest and most worthwhile is Natal Shopping.

Although fairly basic, this is the most convenient shopping mall for those staying in Ponta Negra, offering a 3-D cinema and a food hall, alongside all the classic brands.

Along Rua do Amparo, one of the cultural hubs of Olinda, you will find an eclectic collection of artists' workshops. The artists themselves will happily welcome you inside and let you browse through their work.

The enormous Shopping Center Recife is the place to go if you are looking for a shopping fix. There are more than 450 stores, along with a 10-screen cinema and a food court. The center is not far from Boa Viagem Beach.