Located between Leblon and Arpoador, in the southern area of Rio de Janeiro, Ipanema is the most famous beach of the city, and definitely the place to be during a holiday in Brazil.
The beach is a wide stretch of blinding white sand that extends for several miles, broken into districts by Life Guard Towers (of which the most popular is Posto 9). It is nestled into a bay, and has a gorgeous mountain backdrop.
Ipanema beach is a perfect place where to rest and sunbathe, recovering from a year working, but also a place where to enjoy some time playing soccer and volleyball together with the locals. Cariocas (residents of Rio) often flock to the beach early in the afternoon, and are very happy to socialize.
The beach is dotted with restaurants and bars that invite you for a drink, even if they sometimes can be a bit expensive, like Ipanema apartments. The name of Ipanema also refers to the surrounding neighbourhood, which is compact and easily to navigate.
The district has a wide offer in terms of bars, restaurants and shops as well, and you will also find art galleries and theatres. Stroll down Rua Vincius de Morais, and have a break at the Garota de Ipanema Bar (originally Velloso Bar), where Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Morais wrote the lyrics to the world-famous bossa nova song “The Girl from Ipanema.”
For your holidays in Ipanema, you can visit the website RioLuxuryApartments.com at the page Ipanema Apartments. Have a look at all accommodations and find the one that more suits you.
The listing of suggested Ipanema apartments are sorted by area and comes with photos, maps and descriptions. Fill in the form to ask to for more information, and you will receive a reply in a few hours.
While in Ipanema, don’t forget to try the local cuisine. Feijoada is a spicy bean-and-pork stew served with sides (like sliced oranges and stir-fried eggs) and white rice.
Near the beach, you will find many kiosks selling coconut water, corn on the cob, grilled shrimp, baked cheese rolls and other snacks. Finally, to wash it down, have a “caipirinha”, a traditional drink made with Brazilian sugarcane rum, lemon and sugar.