Ipanema Beach
Type: Active
10Best Says
While Copacabana wins out as the most picture-perfect city beach in Rio, Ipanema is easily the more chic of the two neighboring stretches of sand.
Less flanked by high rise hotels than its... Read More
While Copacabana wins out as the most picture-perfect city beach in Rio, Ipanema is easily the more chic of the two neighboring stretches of sand.
Less flanked by high rise hotels than its neighbor, Ipanema is the ideal place to while away the hours just working on that tan and watching the beautiful people glide by. There are scores of kiosks selling tempting food and drink, too.
The towering twin peaks of the Dois Irmaos (two brothers) mountains frames the beach scene in spectacular fashion, and visitors will find the beach informally divided into social groups. Head to Posto Nove (Lifeguard post 9) for a young, hip crowd, or look for the giant rainbow flag if you're looking for gay-friendly sunbathing and socializing.
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Lucy Bryson
Rio de Janeiro Local Expert
- Romantic Things to Do: "Rio's beaches are its social spaces - singles shouldn't be afraid to try out their Portuguese (just make sure that boy or girl from Ipanema isn't already accompanied before you try out your lines!)"
- Things to Do with Kids: "Fool any would-be beach thief by putting valuables inside a (clean!) diaper, and rolling it up to resemble a used one."
- Spas, Best Attractions & Activities, Outdoor Activities, Sightseeing: "Rio's beaches are its social spaces - don't be afraid to try out your Portuguese if somebody catches your eye on the beach, just make sure they're not already accompanied before you try out your lines!"
- Beaches: "Ipanema is informally divided into social sections that gather at specific ´postos´(lifeguard posts). The most famous is Posto 9, hangout of choice for a young, hip crowd, while there is a designated gay area easily identified by a giant rainbow flag."
- Best for Romantic Things to Do Because: Sunbathe, sip a coconut water and just watch the beautiful people glide by. You'll feel fabulous by association!
- Best for Things to Do with Kids Because: Ipanema beach resembles a giant sandy playground, and the beach kiosks sell easy eats such as fries and toasted sandwiches.
- Best for Spas Because: Massage chairs line the beachfront, offering a chance to relax and unwind against a backdrop of crashing waves and white sands.
- Best for Beaches Because: Considered more chic than neighboring Copacabana, mountain-flanked Ipanema is the hangout of choice for Rio's young and beautiful.
- Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: If you're imagining spectacularly beautiful people lounging on an equally spectacular Rio beach, you're probably thinking of Ipanema.
- Best for Outdoor Activities Because: Sporty types flock here to play soccer, handball, volleyball and a host of other athletic pursuits.
- Best for Sightseeing Because: Beautiful views and beautiful people abound at this legendary beach.
