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 Malls

One of the cool things about malls here is that they feel like stepping back in time to the United States, when malls were still a big part of everyday life. Back home, that era has mostly passed. In Rio, though, malls are very much alive and doing real business.

Even in a world where Amazon exists, shopping here seems to play a different role. It’s less transactional and more cultural. Going to the mall isn’t just about buying something—it’s a relaxed social event. People meet for food, dessert, or just a cup of coffee. No rush, no urgency, just time well spent.

Shopping Leblon is a perfect example of this. It’s a multi-level mall, about four or five floors, and it’s clearly designed with intention. The space is clean, modern, and easy to navigate, which already puts it ahead of many malls I remember.

Now, let’s talk about the stores. This is a high-end mall with plenty of options: clothing, shoes, jewelry, a surprisingly nice bookstore—and yes, a drugstore, because practicality always finds a way. Everything feels well curated rather than crowded, making it enjoyable even if you’re just there to walk around and people-watch.

It turns out the mall isn’t dead everywhere. In Rio, it just grew up, slowed down, and learned how to enjoy itself.

Drugstores

This is a bit crazy. Rio has to be the drugstore capital of the world. For a quick experiment, I walked 4–5 blocks to the left, then 4–5 blocks to the right, and counted sixteen drugstores. Sixteen. At this point I’m convinced they reproduce at night.

They look just like the ones in the U.S., except here you can stroll in and buy prescription meds over the counter like you’re picking up a pack of mints.

Before I moved, I paid out of pocket for a 90‑day supply of my meds, thinking I’d need time to find a doctor and get a new prescription. Yet another shining example of why I should listen to my wife when she says, “You don’t need that.” And of course, she was right. I just walk in and grab what I need.

Small and large groceries – some serve food

I’m genuinely shocked by how many grocery locations there are here. You have the smaller neighborhood markets—still large enough to do a full grocery run—and every single one seems to have fresh bread baking on-site, which feels both unnecessary and completely necessary once you smell it.

Then there are the mid-sized stores that have just about everything, and finally the large supermercados, which truly have it all. Some of them even have places where you can sit down and eat, and honestly, the food is better than what you’ll find in many full-scale, dedicated restaurants. That was not something I expected to say about a grocery store.

The bakeries are fantastic, the meat selection is excellent, and there are rows upon rows of fruits and vegetables that actually look like they were meant to be eaten, not just photographed. I’ll admit, I naturally gravitate toward the “moo and cluck” category of food, but even I have to give credit where it’s due—the fruit tastes great.

Whether it’s better sourcing, stricter standards, or just luck, it certainly feels like there’s a bit more care taken with what ends up on the shelves. Whatever the reason, grocery shopping here feels less like a chore and more like a small daily reward.

Bakery’s (padarias)

There are several in the area, and true to form, they are outstanding. Everything from donuts to all the traditional local items. If you have an allergy specifically to Peanuts, due diligence is necessary.

Breads

• Pão francês — classic crusty white bread roll, eaten daily with coffee or as a sandwich base.
• Pão doce — sweet bread variations often topped with glaze or sugar.
• Artisan sourdough & multigrain loaves — especially in newer craft bakeries.

Pastries & sweets

• Croissants (plain or almond) — common morning pastry.
• Sonho — round, filled sweet (often with doce de leite or cream).
• Cinnamon rolls, sweet rolls, and filled buns — creatively flavored.
• Brigadeiro and other confections — traditional Brazilian sweets often available in bakery cases.

 Savory snacks

• Joelho (Italiano) — a ham & cheese bread snack very common around Rio.
• Empadas & savory pastries — assorted fillings, typical in Brazilian bakeries

Cost of goods

This is the oddball category, and there isn’t a lot of mystery to unpack. Some things are simply cheaper here, and some things are definitely not.

Food and dining out tend to cost less than in the U.S., which is a pleasant surprise and one you notice quickly. Electronics and appliances, on the other hand, can be noticeably more expensive. You can still get just about anything you want, but certain items will make you pause, blink, and double-check the price tag. Thankfully, there are plenty of stores and options, so you’re not stuck—you just have to shop a little smarter.

Furniture, however, surprised me. Prices felt much more in line with what you’d expect in the U.S., and in some cases even lower. When you compare similar types of stores—say, a mid-range furniture chain in the U.S. versus a large furniture outlet in Brazil—the pricing is very reasonable. More importantly, the quality often feels better.

So while the cost landscape here can be a bit uneven, it mostly makes sense once you stop expecting everything to line up neatly. Some things are a bargain, some things are a splurge, and a few things quietly outperform expectations. However, in the super mercado they have a good mattress store so you can pick up your groceries and a new mattress. After all that shopping, it is time to relax with a good book. and a cup of coffee. These are from the bookstore and Coffee shop in the Mall featured above, Shopping Leblon.