MSPeconomist

There's a huge Olympics superstore in the middle of Copacabana beach (in a big tent-like structure, IIRC roughly across the street from the Marriott) for official souvenirs, although some of them seem expensive for what they are. Souvenirs are also sold at the airport.

If you're in the Copacabana area, be aware that it's considered somewhat unsafe to walk along any of the side streets at night. Stay on the big street that runs along the beach and don't walk a couple blocks away from the water for vendors.

In Ipanema, the main shopping street runs parallel to the beachfront, two blocks back from the water. This would be considered a bit more safe, but you need to be cautious.

The museums I visited have gift shops, although the stuff at MAR (which has a store that appears to be accessible even if you don't pay to enter the museum) seemed expensive; much of it was like normal art museum gift shop stuff that you can buy almost anywhere.

People talk about a huge new modern upscale shopping mall in Barra, although it's not close to the Olympic venues. A second such in Barra focuses on home things.

VidaNaPraia

The main shopping street in Copacabana, Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, back a couple of blocks from the beach, has lots of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and lots of restaurants, and is busy until quite late.

Last time we were strolling less populated streets in Ipanema, we found an Umbanda offering on a street corner. That was enough incentive to get the heck out of there to a busier street.

C010T3

Actually, that's not a good advice. Av. Atlântica is the unsafe street, not the others.
The thing is that Cariocas only go to Av. Atlântica for two reasons: the beach and to exercise on the beach promenade. In both situations they don't carry belongings or much cash. They don't eat in restaurants by the ocean, nor sit for drinks in the seating area of the kiosks, therefore they will not be followed to the sides streets.
The side streets are only unsafe for those coming back from that evening stroll on the beach. It's not that those streets are unsafe, but they are rather convenient spot in which the potential victims that were spotted on the promenade are most vulnerable on their way back from the beach area.
Hanging out on the side streets per se is not unsafe.

meraki

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Bloomberg ran a story about where to buy licensed Olympics souvenirs, the big store at Copacabana like you've all mentioned. However, there's a second store in Rio that sells cheaper, lower quality items but they didn't say exactly where this store is. Anyone know? http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articl...-own-knockoffs

too2early

VIDA and the article both mention the market. (SAARA) This market has hundreds of small stores that sell various goods. It's in the centro (central) area of Rio on Rua da Alfandega. I prefer to get there by metro (subway). Get on at General Osorio station in Ipanema. Get off at Uruguaiana Station. The station exits directly into the market.

The Olympic t-shirts of lower quality are cheaper at the market but items such as the dolls are the same price as the Copacabana store.

MSPeconomist

The downtown area can be empty on weekends and evenings. It's better to try to go there during the business week, when more people are around on the streets.

VidaNaPraia

What a joke!
The Olympic Committee has NEVER come up against the "camelos" (unlicensed street vendors) of Rio, with "pirata" (unlicensed) merchandise of any and all kinds set out on a piece of fabric on the sidewalk, ready to bundle and run at the first sign of the "fizicalizao" police. Particularly at this time of economic crisis, the camelos should be out in full force to try to make a few reais from all the tourists. Olympic T-shirts for R&10 or less, and can't tell the difference, including "pirata" official tags.

VidaNaPraia

If you actually read the Bloomberg article, it talks about a store in the SAARA market called Dimona that apparently has the lower quality "official" Olympic merchandise.

meraki

I was actually asking for an address of the store but thanks for your super helpful answer

VidaNaPraia

Not sure what you're imagining it's like there in that shopping area. Think souk, open air Grand Bazaar in Istanbul maybe, not developed suburban mall with neatly laid out posted store map. There's one narrow main pedestrian shopping street in Saara iirc, thickly lined with small shops and some restaurants, a few side streets, and none seem to have an obvious number on the door. You'd probably get better response by using the name of the store to ask once you got there.
Here's their website, from a simple Google, with addresses: https://camisadimona.com.br/en
As far as getting to Saara, any taxi driver knows the place. You can also get public transportation.
The shop in Copacabana is probably carrying Olympic merchandise, but of which price/category is not stated. Certainly the usual clientele at Saara are in the demographic to buy cheaply as possible.

Dieuwer

#RioHungerGames

Palal

http://www.saarario.com.br/

Rua Senhor dos Passos, 228.

though I don't think the site is up to date

gary_nj

So now that things have started, is there any other information that can be shared about the current status of transport in the city? Is the new metro running and available? Any information about getting to the Riocentro Pavilions? I hope all is going well for the folks who are there for the start of the Games.

SkiAdcock

I haven't read anything about the transport, but an article I read today said a lot of ticket holders were missing events due to security lines taking too long & athletes competing in venues w/ lots of empty seats due to the lines. Organizers are saying it will be better soon.

http://www.aol.com/article/2016/08/0...ames/21446515/

Cheers.

C010T3

Yes, the metro operations are running smoothly. For Riocentro, you should take the BRT to the Centro Olímpico Terminal and walk from there. It's a longer walk than from the Riocentro BRT stop, but I don't think it is worth it to change lines in order reach it.