Famed for its lively stretch of sand, Ipanema is a beachside neighbourhood in the south of Rio de Janeiro. It was named after José Antonio Moreira Filho, the Baron of Ipanema, who created the first urban settlement in the area in 1883. Ipanema rose to international fame following the 1964 release of the bossa nova song “The Girl from Ipanema”.
Things to do in Ipanema
Spend a day relaxing on the sands of Ipanema Beach, which is marked by several “postos” where various subcultures congregate. You can mingle with the sports lovers at Posto 10 while playing soccer and volleyball or enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere at Leblon. Between Ipanema and Copacabana is the rocky headland of Pedra do Arpoador, which is popular with surfers.
Magnificent views across the coastline are on offer from the Mirante do Leblon, a wooden boardwalk overlooking the western end of Ipanema Beach. You can relax with a drink at the Quiosque Oka Vista and soak up the panoramas, with the spot particularly popular at sunset. Nearby is the Praça Zózimo Barrozo do Amaral, which features a bronze statue of a beloved journalist.
Coincide your visit to Ipanema with the Feira de Arte, a colourful market that was originally established in the 1960s and is still going strong today. It’s a great place to pick up unique clothing, hand-made jewellery and artwork, as well as sandals and Brazilian-style bikinis. At each corner of the market are food stalls serving authentic Bahian food.
Getting around Ipanema
Ipanema is around 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Rio de Janeiro and the same distance from Tom Jobim International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Local buses travel throughout Ipanema, although the beachside area is ideally explored on foot.