Ipanema District, Beach district in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Ipanema District is a beach neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, stretching between Leblon and Arpoador along a two-kilometer coastline. Tall residential buildings with balconies stand directly behind the wide promenade, while shops and cafes line the streets running parallel to the water.
The area was developed in 1883 when Baron of Ipanema established the first residential settlements near the coastline. Over the following decades, it transformed from a remote sandy beach into an urban center that gained worldwide attention in the 1960s through bossa nova music.
The beach is divided into informal sections, with each lifeguard post attracting its own social group, from surfers and athletes to artists and families. These invisible boundaries help locals navigate and meet like-minded people while sharing the sand with friends.
General Osorio metro station connects visitors to the area and sits just a few minutes' walk from the beach. Along the shore, kiosks offer refreshments and beach equipment rentals, while the infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists is well developed.
Every Sunday, over 700 artisans gather at the Hippie Fair in General Osorio Square to sell handmade crafts, clothing, and traditional Brazilian food. The market has operated since the 1960s and draws both locals and travelers to browse its stalls.
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