An air of hip sophistication resonates throughout the streets of Ipanema - Leblon, two adjacent upmarket neighborhoods. The Atlantic Ocean laps at a golden sand beach while fashion outlets line the pavements of leafy boulevards. Beach bars serve delicious street food, galleries promote local artists and the nightlife swings to the infectious sounds of bossa nova and samba.

Start by exploring the long stretch of beach that fronts both neighborhoods. Walk along the soft sand or join bikers, joggers and skaters on the wide esplanade. Visit the beachfront botecos, bars that offer beer, cocktails, soft drinks and snacks. Sample a salgadinho, a fried dough snack stuffed with a savory filling.

Watch surfers ride big waves and take a dip in the cool water. Be mindful that the current is sometimes very strong here. If you like to keep active on the beach, join a game of soccer, footvolley or volleyball. Another popular beach sport is frescobol, played with small racquets and a rubber ball.

Away from the beach, Ipanema - Leblon’s streets are a paradise for shoppers. Find independent retailers, luxury brands and shopping malls along Rua Garcia d'Avila and Rua Visconde de Pirajá. Go to General Osório Square on a Sunday to browse the handicraft stalls of the Ipanema Hippie Fair.

While you are in the area, experience some of its prominent cultural attractions. See displays of precious stones at the Amsterdam Sauer Museum and study contemporary works at the Ipanema Art Gallery.

As the afternoon turns to evening, make a point of going to the Aproador rock formation nestled between Ipanema and Copacabana beaches. This is a popular spot to watch sunsets.

Enjoy a night out at the varied selection of cocktail lounges, pubs, live music venues and restaurants. Bar Garota de Ipanema, formerly known as Veloso Bar, is where the international hit record The Girl from Ipanema was written.

Ipanema - Leblon is one of the most popular areas in the city and is well connected to public transport routes. On Sundays, the beach road is closed to traffic.