Ipanema Beach is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural importance as the muse behind the song "The Girl from Ipanema." Its trendy vibe, diverse population, great surfing opportunities, lively happenings, and convenient location all contribute to its worldwide fame as an iconic beach spot.
Ipanema is also a neighborhood in southern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, derived from the Tupi-Guarani language, meaning "bad, dangerous waters" due to its hazardous sea currents in the past. Initially underdeveloped and considered a remote area in the early 20th century, Ipanema only started to attract attention as a tourist spot in the 1960s, propelled by the widespread success of the song "The Girl from Ipanema" by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes.
The neighborhood quickly evolved into a cultural and nightlife hub, drawing artists and intellectuals with its lively music scene. Today, Ipanema stands as one of Rio de Janeiro's most renowned and trendy districts, famous for its beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and vibrant entertainment. Despite its popularity, Ipanema has preserved much of its original allure, making it a cherished destination for global travelers.
In Ipanema, the sidewalk features Art Deco-style pavements, white sand, and top-notch cuisine, while Copacabana showcases the famous wave-style Portuguese black and white stones. We will recommend you some of the best things that you can do and visit in Ipanema.
Best things to do in Ipanema:
Hippie Market on Sundays
One of the top attractions in Ipanema is the Hippie Market, held every Sunday at Praça General Osório from seven in the morning until seven in the evening.
The market originated in 1969 when Hugo Bidet sought to boost sales of his Christmas cards to afford more beer at the nearby bar. Originally known as ArtSquare Square, the market was renamed when hippies began selling their wares there.
The square's exterior features numerous stalls, while the interior is designated for larger items like canvases. Visitors will discover a wide array of souvenirs from Rio de Janeiro, including clothing, artwork, furniture, jewellery, and more.
Many consider the food offerings at some stalls to be a highlight, particularly the Acaraje, a croquette made from black-eyed peas, manioc paste, coconut, and prawns. Bartering is encouraged at the market to secure great deals, especially for those buying multiple items from the vendors.
Surf at Arpoador
Arpoador is considered a small neighborhood and also refers to the rock formation that extends into the sea at the end of Ipanema. This rock formation acts as a natural boundary between Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. Many visitors enjoy walking to Arpoador to witness the sunset, which is particularly impressive during the summer months.
There are numerous surfing schools that gather at Arpoador, taking advantage of the consistent waves that are ideal for beginners. This makes it a perfect spot for those looking to get started with surfing.
If surfing is not your thing, you can visit Arpoador in the early morning and climb to the top where you can find large rocks to meditate on. From this vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhoods such as Ipanema, Leblon, Vidigal, Cantagalo, and Copacabana, as well as a stunning perspective of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Additionally, you can observe more experienced surfers riding the waves below.
Go to Garota de Ipanema for a meal
The restaurant is named after the song "Garota de Ipanema" and is a perfect spot to experience all the typical tourist attractions while enjoying Brazilian cuisine. With open windows all around, the restaurant often attracts entertainment vendors who will serenade guests during the evening.
Whether it's live samba music playing or a Capoeira group showcasing impressive stunts, the atmosphere is lively. The Capoeira performers may even invite volunteers to participate, with one athletic man performing somersaults over their heads. The food is decent, especially if you try the DIY picanha grill option where they provide a metal grill with raw meat for you to cook according to your liking.
Check out Nossa Senhora de Paz Square
In the heart of Ipanema, Nossa Senhora de Paz is a charming green area perfect for families. Children can have fun by renting remote control cars big enough for them to ride in safely within the park's enclosed spaces.
Every Friday, a local outdoor market sets up around the park's perimeter, offering freshly caught fish and locally grown organic produce.
For a delightful meal, visit Talho Delicatessen, a place that not only offers European and South American imports but also serves homemade ice cream, meringues, and strawberry juice.
A recommended Japanese sushi restaurant, Jappa da Quitanda, overlooks the lovely Nossa Senhora de Paz park.
Sunset at Arpoador
The sunlight glistens on the incoming waves, casting shadows on the domes of Two Brothers Mountain and gradually coloring the long crescent of Ipanema Beach in a golden hue. It's a Rio tradition to sit on the Arpoador rocks at dusk and take in the breathtaking scenery.
The viewpoint is easily recognisable, the rocks protrude from the northern tip of Ipanema. Our recommendation is to avoid bringing valuables and to depart before nightfall, as theft is prevalent in the area.
Listen to Live Music in Ipanema
Enjoying a drink and live music in a cozy setting is a delightful experience in Brazil. Here are some popular venues with regular performances:
Vinicius de Moraes hosts musicians every day of the week.
Boteco Boa Praça offers live music on Friday and Saturday nights by the beach.
Barzin Gastrobar features performances on most evenings.
Choperia 14.08 presents forro and Northeastern music on Monday nights.
We have reached the end of this article on Best thing in Ipanema. If you’re planning a visit to Rio de Janeiro, be sure to check out our previous blogs for more tips on where to eat, drink, and explore or continue discovering more hidden gems and captivating destinations, stay tuned for more articles on our website.
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Writen by Marta Chamosa
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