Exploring Ipanema: Morning Suggestions

It's your first day in town. Plane flights are not the most relaxing experience, there's the jet lag to deal with... yet you just can't wait to step out the door and see what Rio is all about!  Need a hint? It's tall and tan, and young, and lovely!

We are headed for the legendary Ipanema, the home of Bossa Nova, Rio's quintessential trend setter. If you arrived on an early flight enjoy the buffet breakfast at your hotel. If you are on a budget a strategic stop at a juice bar will do. Or treat yourself to a deluxe breakfast at one of the fancy hotels along the beach - and start savoring the view along with your cereal!

This is a sunny day, and we are going for a dip (otherwise click here for a perfect rainy day). Ipanema Beach is not crowded on off-season weekdays. You may start working on your tan without attracting curious glances. Beach kiosks and beach vendors literally carry everything, from cold beer and soda to fresh coconuts, hats, bead bracelets, colorful beach throws, you name it.

If your hotel is near the beach, go back to your room for a quick shower. If not, go to one of the lifeguard stations (postos), and pay a buck for the use of the restroom and open-air shower. Slip on your Bermudas and a T-shirt in the tiny restroom, or wrap a towel around your waist to change, surfer-style.

If you like to keep in shape, head for a nearby gym and buy a day pass. After a light workout and a cool shower, we're just in time for lunch! There are so many options in all price ranges, that we suggest you check our guide to Eating Out in Rio, and pick your favorite cuisine.

A perfect afternoon in Ipanema

A good walk after lunch will help your digestion, and provide the perfect excuse to go window-shopping. You will find from exclusive designer jewelry to discounted Havaianas flip-flops.

Ipanema is pretty much an open mall catering to a very sophisticated and diversified clientele of locals and international visitors.

To keep things organized, we are staring at the border of Leblon and walking our way towards Praca General Osorio at the other end. Rua Visconde de Pirajá is the main commercial street, lined up with boutiques, jewelers, bookshops, neighborhood malls, and specialty stores. But cross-streets and the narrower lanes between the beach and the lagoon are also full of surprises. We have a complete shopping guide if you are a serious shopper.

As this is your first time it's a great opportunity to see what the local fashion looks like, maybe buy yourself a new bikini or swimsuit, and basically mingle with the local crowd. To see people come and go, try the cafes at Rua Garcia Davila, the local Rodeo Drive with shops like Louis Vuitton, and some of the most prestigious jewelers. Praca da Paz, surrounded by restaurants and boutiques, is another great spot for people-watching. Rua Farme de Amoedo, where some cafes have tables outside, is always busy too - and many patrons are from the gay and lesbian community.

Our walking tour ends at Praca General Osorio, where they are building the new subway station. This is the legendary concentration spot of Banda de Ipanema and the official location of Feira Hippie on Sundays. Do not miss Fonte das Saracuras, the stone fountain in the middle of the square. It is a masterpiece by Mestre Valentim that dates back to the colonial days.

Nightlife in Ipanema

Ipanema is more than beach and shopping. It has a cultural tradition that is quite bohemian. There are wonderful centers like Casa Cultural Laura Alvim, a townhouse along the beach. You can watch a play, a movie, peruse the art gallery, and have a snack at the cafe inside.

You are already familiar with our guide to restaurants and eateries, so pick out the right choice for you and enjoy a wonderful meal. Even at deluxe restaurants like Gero or Fasano you will find options that are not so costly. But there's also pizza, junk food, Oriental wraps with assorted fillings... Ipanema is the right place to get the munchies.

To stretch the night it's time to check out the local bars and cafes. Sip a draft chatting with locals, watch the boys or ladies go by, loosen up and enjoy the moment. If you don't mind waiting in lines, you may even play pool at Shenanigan's with people from all around the world. This is not the last stop, though, as we are still going to a nightclub to cap it off.

Tired already? It's not time to go to bed yet. You'll get some sleep later. Whatever your fancy, Ipanema has a club with your name written on it, This is not where you find the huge nightclubs, it's more like smaller clubs that cater to a specific age group or sexual orientation - keeping in mind that lines here were made to be crossed. Find all the tips you need at our guide to Nightlife in Rio, and see you tomorrow!

Oh, before I forget! If you are really lucky you will get a chance to watch a free live music show at Ipanema Beach. They usually happen on weekends, and the attractions are fantastic.