Interestingly enough, Ipanema is a native Indian word meaning "bad water," describing the strong waves and currents on the beach. Today, young Americans would call it "bad-ass water" for the waves caught by surfers and body boarders too. A trend setting region of Brazil, Ipanema Beach is where the first topless women and dental floss bikinis were seen. Off the beach, there are art galleries, theaters, fine boutiques, jewelry stores, and many outstanding restaurants to choose from. There are lots of trees lining the residential streets making it a really pleasant place for shaded walks after spending hours bathing in the sun.

Every thing is within walking distance so you don't have to worry about getting around by taxi. An Obelisk marks the beginning of Ipanema and along with a canal separates it from its neighbor LEBLON. Just a few blocks away, visit Diamond Row between Garcia D Avila and Anibal de Mendonca streets, where you can tour the Amsterdam Sauer Museum of Gems. Now on to Rua Vinicius de Morais where the composer of the same name along with Tom Jobim wrote the famous Bossa Nova song Girl from Ipanema. This street has many bars, shops and restaurants worth checking out. The squares Praca da Paz and General Osorio offer open markets and fairs on the weekends if you've had your fill of the shops on Visconde de Piraja.

Learn more about the neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro

IPANEMA | COPACABANA | LEBLON | LAGOA | BARRA | BOTAFOGO