Ipanema Beach in Rio is voted the 2nd best in the world – 03/18/2024 – Tourism

Ipanema beach, in Rio de Janeiro, was voted the second best in the world by the Lonely Planet travel guide. The publication will soon launch a book listing one hundred incredible beaches around the world, but in advance it has already anticipated the position of the Rio resort in the ranking. In first place comes the Australian The Pass, in Byron Bay.

Less popular than neighboring Copacabana, Ipanema has options for all budgets and genders, being one of the most gay friendly neighborhoods in Rio. The upscale area has plenty of attractions such as bars, shops, theaters and parties, as well as kiosks.

Along almost three kilometers, stations 8, 9 and 10 attract an eclectic crowd, with different activities and options. For the LGBTQIA+ community, stations 8 and 9, with their colorful flags, indicate that they are the happiest place on the beach, at Rua Farme de Amoedo

The Silêncio bar, next to Praça General Osório, has a varied agenda including DJs and drag queens. Despite the elitism that Ipanema carries, the beach will always be one of the most democratic spaces, attracting different urban tribes.

See the highlights of Ipanema below

Rank 8

On the boardwalk, tourists and locals mix in a plurality of languages, ages and genders. Between stations 8 and 9, the square meter on the sand can be disputed, even during the week, with chairs and umbrellas rented for R$10 and R$15, respectively.

However, according to a stallholder, prices may vary depending on the weekend or high season, as well as the size of the umbrella, which can cost up to R$50 to rent. But if the day is slow, it is possible to negotiate both items at half the price.

Along the promenade, it is common to see street vendors selling a variety of products, such as sarongs (between R$50 and R$70), açaí, jewelry, handicrafts and other items. Some may be insistent in their approach, but nothing exaggerated. In the numbered tents fixed to the sand, flags of countries, football teams and rainbows signal that this is the best place.

On the corner of the beach and Farme de Amoedo, the Belmonte bar offers affordable prices and an airy atmosphere (every eight seconds, a gentle spray of water gushes from pipes on the ceiling). But the most interesting (and popular) space is the rooftop, with an incredible view of the sea.

Rank 9

In the city where air conditioning is not a luxury, but a necessity, you need to protect yourself from the scorching sun. Some kiosks are simple, others are more sophisticated, but ideal for drinking caipirinhas for between R$20 and R$30 (depending on the type of cachaça) and beers for R$10. Coconut water, according to a street vendor, is pricey (R$10 ), unlike other drinks.

At post 9 it is still possible to find footvolley schools and even a free outdoor gym. To use it, simply download a dairy drink app, fill out a registration form, a medical form and schedule the day. The space is only open during the summer.

Post 10

Throughout the entire length of the three stations, the attractions can differ or even attract different audiences. With fewer vendors and kiosks, station 10 doesn’t have the jovial effervescence of 8 and 9. It also doesn’t have the same range of services, but it’s still worth the trip. Exercising in this area is quite common, with simpler sports schools and kiosks.

High point: all rescue stations have a toilet (R$ 3.50), external shower (R$ 2.20), internal shower (R$ 6.10), towel and soap (R$ 8) and lockers ( R$ 8).

Low point: Some kiosks did not display a price list.

Inside Ipanema

The countless gastronomic and leisure options are not restricted to the seaside area, on the contrary. In a short walk around the neighborhood, it is possible to find interesting alternatives close to the beach.

On Sundays at Praça General Osório (post 8) there is the famous Ipanema hippie fair, with a variety of handicrafts including clothing, decoration, etc. — but don’t expect good prices.

Around the square, there is a good variety of bars, snack bars and restaurants such as Frontera (from R$54.90 for a free buffet), as well as others with meals starting at R$39.90.

But if the idea is to have fun at night, Galeria Café has been offering alternative parties, good music, exhibitions and an LGBTQ+ vibe where everyone is welcome for years.

A few meters away, almost on the shore, the Rio G Spa gay sauna allows you to relax and flirt, with a mix of foreigners and locals. On the art circuit, the small Teatro Candido Mendes always has interesting pieces at attractive prices

Speaking of clothing, the Casa 5 Concept store caters to both genders using colors, while Hermes Inocencio only offers alternative men’s fashion with lots of vibrant tones, in other words, the face of the neighborhood.