Made famous by the bossa nova classic "The Girl from Ipanema", this beach is arguably Rio's most beautiful. Less built-up than Copacabana, with cleaner sand and the dramatic twin peaks of Dois Irmaos (Two Brothers) framing its western end. Each posto (lifeguard station) draws a different crowd -- families, surfers, the gay community around Posto 8.
The Arpoador rock at the Copacabana end of Ipanema is the best place in Rio to watch the sunset. On clear evenings, crowds gather and applaud as the sun drops behind the mountains. The surf here is also good, particularly for beginners.