Ipanema Beach Tours

Visit Ipanema Beach

Things to do

Activities

Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

See the place that inspired a famous song about a bikini at this upscale beach.

Located in one of the wealthiest areas in Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema Beach is between Leblon and Arpoador, adjacent to the famed Copacabana Beach. Although the word Ipanema literally translates to “stinky lake” in the Tupi language, this description doesn’t fit what you’ll find along this stretch of white-sand beach where the rich and chic come to worship the sun. Beyond the western limit of the beach, there is a beautiful view of the two mountains, Dois Irmãos.

Originally, Ipanema referred to the homeland of a previous landowner instead of the stretch of coastline. Western culture recognizes the famous beach from the 1960s hit song The Girl From Ipanema, which was written by two local residents.

The local weather is mild year-round, but the best time to visit Ipanema Beach is from July through September when the weather and sunlight are ideal. During Rio’s Carnival, Ipanema hosts its own celebration, Banda de Ipanema, which draws in nearly 50,000 visitors. Regardless of when you visit, make sure you swim only in areas with designated lifeguards, as the water can be treacherous. Multiple lifeguard towers are located along Ipanema’s coastline.

You’ll find devoted surfers and sunbathers every day of the week, but you can expect a larger crowd on Sundays when the nearest road is closed to traffic, but open to walkers, runners, bikers and all varieties of skaters.

The area right near the beach features high-end restaurants and retailers. Wander down Rua Vinícius de Moraes where there is the highest concentration of shops and boutiques. Take a seat at a table in a botequim, which is the Portuguese term for bar or café. Watch the passing parade of people while you sip Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha. Note that prices in bars, cafés and restaurants in the Ipanema Beach area are higher than most other parts of Rio.

Ipanema Beach is about 30 minutes by taxi or bus from downtown Rio during normal traffic. Avoid renting a car if possible, as parking is hard to find and almost never free. If you must rent a car, read your hotel details carefully and see if parking is included. If you visit during peak times, make reservations early for either New Year’s Eve or Carnival, which is typically near the end of February.

Things to do

Skip the Line Christ the Redeemer Admission Ticket

￥7,342

per adult

Swim Under Tijuca Waterfalls — Hike, Caves, Wildlife & Rio Views

￥11,681

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Old Rio de Janeiro & Santa Teresa Tour with Transfer

￥7,038

per adult

88% of travellers recommend

Rio: Carnival Backstage Tour at Samba City with Cocktail

￥4,794

per adult

100% of travellers recommend

Museum of Tomorrow, AquaRio & Olympic Boulevard

￥8,149

per adult

96% of travellers recommend

Plaza Premium Lounge at RIOgaleao-Tom Jobim Airport

Plaza Premium Lounge at Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)

￥5,086

per adult

74% of travellers recommend

See all activities in Rio de Janeiro

Browse tours and tickets to explore Ipanema Beach

Tours & day trips

See all 648 activities

Full Day in Rio - Christ the Redeemer by Van, Sugarloaf, City Tour & BBQ

Free cancellation available

History & culture

See all 223 activities

Full-Day in Rio Christ by Train, Sugarloaf, City Tour & BBQ

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 168 activities

Old Rio de Janeiro & Santa Teresa Tour with Transfer

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

See all 151 activities

Swim Under Tijuca Waterfalls — Hike, Caves, Wildlife & Rio Views

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

See all 54 activities

Rio de Janeiro: Sunset Sailing Tour

Free cancellation available

Stay near popular Ipanema Beach attractions

Ipanema Beach

9.2/5 (1,627 reviews)

See the place that inspired a famous song about a bikini at this upscale beach.

See properties

Best Lodging Options Near Ipanema Beach

Check availability on hotels close to Ipanema Beach

Miramar by Windsor Copacabana

Avenida Atlantica, 3668 - Copacabana Rio de Janeiro RJ

Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort

Avenida Niemeyer 121 - Leblon Rio de Janeiro RJ

Hotel Astoria Ipanema (antigo Mar Ipanema)

Rua Visconde De Piraja, 539 Ipanema Rio de Janeiro RJ

Sol Ipanema Hotel

Avenida Vieira Souto 320 Rio de Janeiro RJ

Ipanema Inn

Rua Maria Quiteria 27 Rio de Janeiro RJ

Hotel Vermont Ipanema

R. Visconde de Piraja, 254 - Ipanema Rio de Janeiro RJ

Othon Palace Copacabana Rio

Avenida Atlantica 3264 Rio de Janeiro RJ

Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana

Avenida Atlântica, 4240 - Copacabana Rio de Janeiro RJ

El Misti Hostel Ipanema

Rua Joana Angélica, 47, Ipanema Rio de Janeiro

See all 4,212 properties in Ipanema Beach

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ipanema Beach

Shopping

In Ipanema Beach, you can visit the Hippie Fair, just 966m away, for unique local crafts and souvenirs. Rio Sul Shopping Mall, located 4.8km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience, while Shopping de Gavea, 3.2km away, combines family-friendly fun with diverse shopping options.

Recreation

At Estádio da Gávea, enjoy exclusive wellness experiences in a luxurious country club setting, just 1.6km from Ipanema Beach. Oi Casa Grande offers a romantic atmosphere with cultural events, located 1.3km away. Planetário, 3.2km away, provides an entertaining family experience under the stars.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the Sugarloaf Cable Car, located 4.8km from Ipanema Beach. For outdoor enthusiasts, Pista Claudio Coutinho, 6.4km away, offers scenic trails. Don't miss the Corcovado Train, 4.8km from the beach, providing an adventurous ride with family-friendly vibes.

Nightlife

Ipanema Beach boasts a vibrant nightlife filled with lively bars and clubs. Start your evening at the famous Bar Astor for cocktails, then dance the night away at Club 117. For a laid-back vibe, relax at the beachfront kiosks while enjoying live music and the stunning ocean views.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ipanema Beach

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, where you can enjoy stunning sandy beaches and explore cultural attractions. Don't miss Ipanema Park for outdoor activities and a taste of local life. For a broader adventure, consider a visit to Brasília. Whether you're seeking relaxation or city experiences, Ipanema Beach has something for everyone.

Copacabana Beach: Just 3.2km from Ipanema Beach, Copacabana is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning beach vibes. Enjoy the lively promenade lined with cafes, bars, and vendors while soaking in the sun and the rhythmic sounds of samba music.
Christ the Redeemer: Located 3.2km away, this iconic statue stands tall atop Corcovado Mountain, offering breathtaking views of Rio. Immerse yourself in the cultural significance and awe-inspiring design of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Sugar Loaf Mountain: A 6.4km journey from Ipanema leads you to this majestic peak, where outdoor enthusiasts can hike or take a cable car for panoramic views of the city and coastline. Experience the adventure and stunning scenery that make this spot unforgettable.

Best time to go to Ipanema Beach

The best time to visit Ipanema Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
March	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	75.4°F (24.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	72.0°F (22.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	70.3°F (21.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	70.0°F (21.1°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
August	70.5°F (21.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	74.3°F (23.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	75.2°F (24.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Ipanema Beach

Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling to Ipanema Beach during the low season (June to August) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Flights to Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Vacations

Car rentals near Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Vacation Rentals