market · João Pessoa, PB
Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano
Opened in 1991 in Tambaú, the two-story colonial-style building houses 128 craft shops. You will find lace, leather and wood pieces, costume jewelry, clothing and souvenirs made in the state.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano
Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano is the main showcase for Paraíba's crafts in João Pessoa. It is in Tambaú, a few blocks from the waterfront, and brings together more than a hundred shops in a single building.
It opened in January 1991, designed by architect Expedito Arruda. Since then it has become an almost obligatory stop for visitors to Paraíba's capital who want to take home souvenirs from the region.
In the aisles you will find lace, embroidery and cotton clothing, leather goods, bags and shoes, wooden objects, paintings, costume jewelry, sarongs and home decor. It is worth browsing slowly and comparing, because many shops sell similar items. There is also a food area with regional dishes, such as tapioca (a filled cassava crepe) and cuscuz (steamed cornmeal).
It is an easy outing, under cover and good for rainy or very sunny days. Ramps connect the floors.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow one to two hours to browse the shops at a relaxed pace.
Best time
Any time of year; go in the morning or late afternoon, outside the busiest hours, and avoid the summer high season and holidays if you don't like crowded aisles.
How to get there
It is on Avenida Senador Ruy Carneiro, in Tambaú, near the waterfront. You can walk from the hotels in Tambaú and Cabo Branco, or take a taxi, ride-hailing app or one of the buses that run along the avenue.
Tip
Walk the whole place before you buy: the shops on the sides and upper floors often have different pieces from those at the entrance, and haggling on larger purchases is common.
A look at the place
Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano
Where is the Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano?
On Avenida Senador Ruy Carneiro, in the Tambaú neighborhood of João Pessoa, near the waterfront.
What can you buy at the Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano?
Lace and embroidery, cotton clothing, leather goods, bags, wooden objects, paintings, costume jewelry, sarongs and souvenirs from Paraíba.
How long does it take to visit the market?
One to two hours is usually enough to browse the shops at a relaxed pace.
Is the Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano open on Sundays?
It is usually open every day, but hours vary; check before you go.
Is there somewhere to eat at the Mercado de Artesanato Paraibano?
Yes, there is a food area with regional dishes, such as tapioca and cuscuz.