shoppers beware though - prices can vary like the whether in the summer - so location can make the difference between overpriced and bargain - especially for clothing, shoes, arts and crafts, and souvenirs.

barra shopping is rio's largest and most popular mall - located in barra de tijuca, it is a city in itself, complete with restaurants and movie theaters, adjacent to the new york city center - home to more restaurants, pubs, and even fitness clubs.

it is undoubtedly the place to go for a shopping spree, with hundreds of stores spread across a 4km-long stretch, from high-street names to independently owned fashion and jewelry stores.