Praia de Ipanema, located in Rio de Janeiro's upscale Ipanema neighborhood, is renowned for its golden sands, vibrant culture, and breathtaking views of the Dois Irmãos mountains. The beach is divided into numbered postos (lifeguard towers), each attracting distinct crowds, from artists and surfers to families and fitness enthusiasts. Known as a symbol of Brazilian beach culture, it hosts sunset gatherings where crowds applaud the sun dipping below the horizon—a tradition called "clapping for the sunset."
The area pulses with energy during the day, blending casual beachgoers with volleyball players and musicians, while its surrounding streets offer chic boutiques and lively cafes. The iconic black-and-white wave-patterned sidewalk, designed by Roberto Burle Marx, adds artistic flair to this cosmopolitan shoreline.