Discover the Vibrant Ipanema Beach

Ipanema Beach is bordered by Arpoador Beach on one end and Leblon Beach on the other end. This beach is considered one of the main centers of activity for the city of Rio. One of the most expensive places to live, the neighborhood is full of wealthy residents.

Around the Beach

Considered the “little Paris” of Rio, it is renowned for its avant-garde galleries, bookstores, and movie theatres. Stop in at H. Stern, one of the most popular jewelry stores in the area, and take a tour of their museum. Not only is it free, but you receive a little box of semi-precious and precious stones as a gift. Every Sunday, the Hippie Fair is held, with vendors selling everything from wooden dolls to swizzle sticks topped with parrots. Garcia D'Avila street has some of the best brands of the city.

Where to Eat & Drink

If you want to try genuine Brazilian feijoada, enjoy the best sushi, or some of the best and most expensive churrasco, you can go to Ipanema. Have an after dinner drink at Garota de Ipanema at the corner of Rua Vinicius de Moraes, where the song “Girl from Ipanema” was written. Don't miss the Acarajé, a croquette fried in Dendê (Palm) oil, filled with shrimp (spicy!). It can be found at the Hippie Fair on Sundays at General Osorio Square.

Sports and What to See

Frescobol is a sensation among cariocas at the beach, played by two people with racquets with no net, and the aim is to keep the ball in the air. Beach soccer and volleyball are popular sports promoted along Ipanema Beach. If you visit, don’t miss watching and possibly participating with the friendly Cariocas.

In front of Rua Vinicius de Moraes, beachgoers can enjoy the sunset on the 72 square meters viewpoint installed on the beach. The gazebo also offers a solar-powered shower to cool off.

Ipanema Farme

Ipanema Farme is known as the gay beach of Rio de Janeiro. Located next to Rua Farme de Amoedo, it is frequented by gay men. However, everyone is welcome and affectionate behavior is accepted.

Doing Business

As with most other beaches, there are vendors selling everything from chairs to coconut water. Many vendors are supportive of clientele flying the rainbow flag, a symbol of the gay community. Promoters also walk the beach, distributing flyers for various nightclubs, bars, and gay parties. Masseuses who offer their services directly on the beach are also very popular.