We haven't been back out to Zona Norte in a while and last time we checked out Norte Shopping. This…read moretime we went directly out of the metro station into the Nova America complex. We heard that it had a serious fire that burnt down a majority of the mall last time we were out here, nearly three months ago but they must have done a good job repairing most of it because it was unnoticeable. It has a strange layout of segmented levels and the food court with movie theater inside made a huge traffic jam when trying to get between the two sections of the mall. The food court also has a unique covered outside patio area where there are fancier sit-down restaurants which look quite nice. We were so hungry we just grabbed something inside before exploring our options outside. The shops here are a little different than in other areas. It seems that they have quite a few outlet stores (Nike, Adiadas, Mizuno/Timberland) and other adorable local brands. The discounts were decent, depending on what was on sale. The mall was very crowded and most stores had their winter sale on. At one of the bigger department stores, Riachuelo, the lines for the cashier were so long and the attendant became so rushed that for our purchase, he forgot to take out the magnetic security tag and we didn't discover it until we got home! The ATM near the metro exit was miles long! It seems some the restaurants in the food court were cash only and the food stands (like for nuts) were also cash or debit card only. Of course, (we learned the hard way) the metro is also cash only too! And despite waiting in long line for the cash machine we were unable to withdraw anything. In effort to get a couple of reais that we were short on for the metro fare, we offered to buy a lady's purchase on our credit card so we could get some cash for the metro ticket home. Luckily she was a Good Samaritan and helped us get home. So all in all we had a good experience in Zona Norte.

If you're going to watch a soccer's game in Maracanã, São Januário (Vasco da Gama's Stadium) or…read moreEstádio Municipal João Havelange (Engenhão/Botafogo's Stadium), here's a good place to park and take a bus/taxi/metro.

This eclectic Santa Teresa gift shop has loads of unique rings, bracelets, ceramics, kids clothing…read moreand art, much of which appears to be produced locally. If an "I (heart) Rio!" t-shirt isn't the kind of souvenir you planned to take home, come here for something special.

I went to the Santa Teresa neighborhood with no idea what to expect. This little shop pleasantly…read moresurprised our entire group. There were lots of little items at different price points. For example, we got some woven doormats for $2.50 USD and other people got handmade dolls. Great place for off the beaten path souvenirs. Who really wants the Brazil magnet made 1/2 way around the globe? The best find here was the local unframed art. They had lots of options with the prices listed on the back. We got a large painting for about $40 USD. It was very simple, but fit our tastes. There were much more intricate pieces up to several hundred USD. Such a fun place to get lost in the sites and smells.

Saara is one of the best places to go looking for practically anything you might need -- it's like…read morehaving a huge complex of stores around, without the ticket price of a fancy mall or the like. Rio de Janeiro's biggest flea market of sorts, SAARA is a fun, busy, sometimes crowded place where you can wander the streets, alleys and side streets to peruse, schmooze and window shop -- and then really shop your heart out! It's worth setting aside a few hours if you can, as it's something enjoyed best when you can sort of wander aimlessly -- but never be afraid to ask where something in particular might be; there are some streets that specialize in given items. And if you get hungry on your urban travels, stop and grab a juice, churro, yakisoba, or whatever strikes your fancy -- chances are you'll find it there too!

It's not a flea market! Totally not. It's a market area where one gets and finds thousand practical…read morethings if you actually live in Rio. It's not for tourists. Yes they too can find all kind of things but the market is for locals. You need some fabric, some electrical wire, some computer cable, a new bikini or some lingerie or a t-shirt, flowers, shoes and so on - you all get that there. It is not high fashion, it is cheapy-ish. It's great. Way better than the fake 'hippie market' in Ipanema ;-)

We ended up here after learning that the museums do not provide guests access on Mondays. The…read moreshopping center has 3 levels with a multitude of stores and eateries. We just glanced around mostly. We ate at a place on the 3rd floor. They had these large slices of pizza that were so tasty. I cannot recall the name but they are located to the right off the escalator. They also had a nice looking display of desserts near the register.

Rio de Janeiro is, in some ways, a vertical city, and you will find many shopping areas that go up…read moreas opposed to outward -- Edificio Avenida Central is one of them. Not simply that, it's also your go-to spot if you need to find anything for electronics. You have the main floors with handfuls of normal stores, but there is one particular corner of the building where you enter, and it's a multitude of stalls and kiosks for a good 3 floors, with any range of whatever you need: screen repairs, cables, phone cases, new merchandise...I first got to know it when I was looking to get my iPod screen fixed, but now place it in my mental filing cabinet for anything I need. If you're getting something repaired and have some time to kill, head downstairs and grab a burger or a beer at any of the variety of other businesses that occupy the building aside from electronics stores. Right next to Carioca metro/subway station, you can't miss it!

Our concierge recommended that place. It's both a tourist and local spot. It's a huge space…read moreboasting 3 floors and a speakeasy nightclub inside. Live band and service is good. Pretty good system - There's an entrance fee. You then receive a card which you must present to any server to order food and drinks. That tracks your tab which allows you to walk around freely after you eat. Multiple bars. To settle your tab, you pay upfront as they have several cashiers to cash you out. They take credit cards including Amex. Fun times and great cocktails. The passion fruit caipirinhas were delicious!!!

Stunning interior, lively music, delicious and strong drinks, friendly staff, great way to spend an…read moreevening dancing and singing. This used to be an antique store, and there are still beautiful antique items throughout the place. Absolutely adored this spot.