Ipanema

Rio de Janeiro

Relax on beautiful beaches, shop for fashion and revel in the nightlife of one of Rio de Janeiro’s most stylish areas.

An air of hip sophistication resonates throughout the streets of Ipanema - Leblon, two adjacent upmarket neighborhoods. The Atlantic Ocean laps at a golden sand beach while fashion outlets line the pavements of leafy boulevards. Beach bars serve delicious street food, galleries promote local artists and the nightlife swings to the infectious sounds of bossa nova and samba.

Start by exploring the long stretch of beach that fronts both neighborhoods. Walk along the soft sand or join bikers, joggers and skaters on the wide esplanade. Visit the beachfront botecos, bars that offer beer, cocktails, soft drinks and snacks. Sample a salgadinho, a fried dough snack stuffed with a savory filling.

Watch surfers ride big waves and take a dip in the cool water. Be mindful that the current is sometimes very strong here. If you like to keep active on the beach, join a game of soccer, footvolley or volleyball. Another popular beach sport is frescobol, played with small racquets and a rubber ball.

Away from the beach, Ipanema - Leblon’s streets are a paradise for shoppers. Find independent retailers, luxury brands and shopping malls along Rua Garcia d'Avila and Rua Visconde de Pirajá. Go to General Osório Square on a Sunday to browse the handicraft stalls of the Ipanema Hippie Fair.

While you are in the area, experience some of its prominent cultural attractions. See displays of precious stones at the Amsterdam Sauer Museum and study contemporary works at the Ipanema Art Gallery.

As the afternoon turns to evening, make a point of going to the Aproador rock formation nestled between Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. This is a popular spot to watch sunsets.

Enjoy a night out at the varied selection of cocktail lounges, pubs, live music venues and restaurants. Bar Garota de Ipanema, formerly known as Veloso Bar, is where the international hit record The Girl from Ipanema was written.

Ipanema - Leblon is one of the most popular areas in the city and is well connected to public transport routes. On Sundays, the beach road is closed to traffic.


Popular places to visit

Things to do



Other neighborhoods around Ipanema

Default Image

Leblon

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

Wealthy and cosmopolitan, this South Zone gem boasts sights like Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Morro Dois Irmãos, and Jardim de Alah channel. Enjoy lively nightlife with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Leblon
Copacabana

Copacabana

4/5(940 area reviews)

Famed for its 4 km balneario beach, this lively Rio de Janeiro neighborhood offers surfing at Arpoador Beach, historic Fort Copacabana, and the iconic promenade designed by Roberto Burle Marx. Enjoy numerous hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, with easy access via three subway Metro stations.

Copacabana
Zona Sul featuring rugged coastline, a sunset and general coastal views

Lagoa

Travelers like the art galleries in Lagoa, and CASV Visa Applicant Service Center is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Lagoa
Default Image

Botafogo

4/5(41 area reviews)

Botafogo is a destination travelers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.

Botafogo
View of the beach from the fisherman's wharf just after sunset.

Leme

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Leme. A stop by Copacabana Beach or Praia do Leme might round out your trip.

Leme
Sugar Loaf Mountain featuring a sunset and mountains

Urca

You'll enjoy the beaches and mountain views in Urca. You might want to make time for a stop at Sugarloaf Cable Car or Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Urca

Ipanema