Ipanema - Rio De Janeiro on 19/04/10 by Alexandria Prain

The neighborhood of Ipanema is located in the southern region of the thriving city of Rio de Janeiro and is one of the city's most beloved areas. The neighborhood, and more specifically the beach became world famous thanks to its stunning landscape, posh inhabitants and of course the widely popular song "Garota de Ipanema" or the girl from Ipanema.  

Ipanema has long played a very important cultural role in Brazilian society and is home to a number of Universities, avant-garde theaters, and art movie theaters. Along with its cultural influence, the neighborhood is also responsible for setting a number of new fashion trends, including the first man sunbathing in a bikini bottom, or "speedo", the first topless woman in the 80's and the infamous dental floss bikini in the late 80's.

The beach of Ipanema, sits adjacent to Copacabana beach, and is a bit less touristy and safer than Copacabana. Ipanema is known for its class and elegance and has long home to the upper classes of Brazilian society. There, visitors can find world-class dining, shopping, art galleries and cafes, filled with beautiful sun worshippers and surfers. The actual beaches of Ipanema are like a dream, and are filled with beautiful people playing volleyball, football, footvolley, which originated in Brazil, surfing, swimming and soaking in the hot Brazilian sun.

Off the sands there are a number of great things to do as well, particularly at night, when the area comes alive with nightclubs and bars. When going out, make sure to explore the baixos, a word created by locals to indicate an area filled with bistros, cafes and discos. For the best restaurants head over to Praca da Paz or the Peace Square, as well as Visconde de Piraja. If you are in the gay scene, the Baixo Gay is on the beach block of Rua Teixeira de Melo. Another fun area to check out is the sector of Lagoa, or Rua Epitacio Pessao, which are also home to great cafes, restaurant, and gourmet food kiosks, including Botequim Informal and Belmonte. Other must dine at restaurants are Gula Gula, Doce Delicia, and Gero. Gula Gula serves up traditional Brazilian cuisine, and has been in business over 20 years. Doce Delicia offers the perfect sweet treat after your meal and Gero, has some of the most divine food in the area. After dinner when you are ready for some drinks, make your way over to Bar Garota de Ipanema, where Bossa Nove composed the famous Girl from Ipanema song, as well as Bar Cabeca Feita, where popular and rhythmic Brazilian music is played starting after 9 pm.

Another wonderful activity while in the area is the weekly Sunday Hippy Fair, where you can find great jewelry, arts & crafts and leather goods all made by local artists. Go hungry and enjoy a delicious local delicacy at one of the many stalls selling food.

As you begin planning your trip to Rio de Janeiro, make sure you are considering all of the great Rio Hotels and Hostels. Check out Rio Hostels great accommodation now.