Shopping in Sao Luiz

Sao Luiz Shopping Guide

Shopping at Malls in Sao Luiz

The Rua Grande is ‘pedestrian only' for the major part. It offers a mix of everything, though it remains dominated by foodstuffs and hardware. It is good for a walkabout, but if you are looking for the real thing, then visit the city's biggest mall, the São Luiz Shopping. It's probably something closer to home with its multiplex, food courts and other shops. It is near the Bandeira Tribuzzi Bridge heading out of the Centro Histórico.

Local Shopping and Markets

Every tourist haven is worth its salt if it has something for the shopaholics. The best pick me ups can be had from Centro Histórico, or the Historical Centre of the city. If you are looking for something singularly from Maranhão, the Reviver Area has a good sprinkling of Sao Luiz shops. The Rua Grande again offers everything from cheaper local stores to more upmarket nationally branded outlets. This primarily pedestrian thoroughfare takes you through shops selling anything from hardware to foodstuffs or household electronics. Even if you are not on a shopping spree in Sao Luiz, you can just stroll around and watch local life in motion.

Souvenir hunting is a favourite pastime with the number of shops in Sao Luiz dealing in local keepsakes. For instance, a shop like Arte Indigena sells baskets, jewellery and artwork. Crafted by Maranhão's indigenous Indians, the profits are ploughed back for the betterment of their lives. Education is a prime area of concern and this is where the money is being put to use. It also serves as a way to propagate the ancient culture of this South American Indian tribe. Wouldn't it be a good idea to leave behind a bit of philanthropy as you take away memories from here? Another unique thing a traveller must shop for are the tiles which are so common around the city. Made in ‘ateliers' (workshops), the glazed tiles are unique to Sao Luiz. Glazed pottery is another handiwork of these kilns, so do pick something up to suit your taste and pocket.

Do visit the interesting Casa das Tulhas, an indoor market. Locally called the Feira da Praia Grande, the stores mainly concentrate on food articles. From 7 am to 6 pm, it's a beehive of activity. From medicinal herbs to dried fishes like shrimp and the farinha (bitter cassava), the list is long and varied.

Dusk is the best time to visit the Rua da Alfândega in the Reviver. Open stalls and delicacies like local sweets and pastries will tempt you to forget the calories. Slightly away from the food stalls are the shops selling handmade baskets and leatherwork.

A few steps from the Reviver is the Mercado Central. This is where the daily wholesale barter of food staples like fish, fruit and other assortments like medicinal herbs takes place. Recommendation - wake up early to watch business at its chaotic but liveliest best.

Handicrafts

From the skilful hands of the locals, trained through generations, comes a unique mix of cultural works. Ceramics, woodwork, basketry or lace handiwork catches the eye. The art form of the region finds expression in both the decorative and the utilitarian. The traditional arts are on full display: from embroidery to crochet, from paper pulp masks to rag dolls. Paintings with picture perfect themes of rural life and daily routines are commonly available. From the inexpensive to the expensive, there is always something for everyone to take back home.

Shopping in Sao Luiz is always an interesting activity. From roadside stalls to upmarket malls, the experience for a diehard shopper is as wide-ranging as it is enthralling. Even if you are just a window shopper on a stroll around town, the hustle and bustle on the streets is a change from soporific shopping cart drills.