5 Best Sights in Ipanema and Leblon, Rio de Janeiro

As you stroll this world-famous beach you'll encounter a cross section of the city's residents, each favoring a particular stretch. Families predominate in the area near Posto (Post) 10, for instance, and the gay community clusters near Posto 8 by a giant rainbow flag. Throughout the day you'll see groups playing beach volleyball and soccer, and if you're lucky you might even come across the Brazilian Olympic volleyball team practicing here. At kiosks all along the boardwalk, you can sample all sorts of food and drink, from the typical coconut water to fried shrimp and sushi. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: walking; sunset.

Hans Stern started his gem empire in 1945 with an initial investment of about $200. Today his company's interests include mining and production operations, as well as stores in Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. The world headquarters of H.Stern contains a small museum that exhibits rare gems. On the self-guided workshop tour, you'll learn about the entire process of cutting, polishing, and setting stones. Afterward, you get a personal consultation with a salesperson and can try on the latest collection of gems; don't feel obligated to buy. The museum can arrange free transport to and from your lodgings.

At the point where Ipanema Beach meets Copacabana, Praia do Arpoador has great waves for surfing. They're so great that nonsurfers tend to avoid the water for fear of getting hit by boards. A giant rock jutting out into the waves provides panoramic views over the beaches and out to sea. Not surprisingly, the rock is a favorite haunt of romantic couples looking to catch the sunset. With more elbow room and fewer, pushy vendors than Ipanema, this beach is a prime spot for a relaxed sunbathing session. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; showers; lifeguards. Best for: sunset; surfing.

At the far end of Ipanema lies Praia do Leblon, a stretch of beach usually occupied by families and generally less lively as far as beach sports are concerned. The water tends to be rough and a strong undertow makes swimming unwise, but this is a nice place for a paddle and a splash. Vendors pass by selling everything from ice-cold beer and coconut water to bikinis and sarongs, so come with a few reais to spend. As you stroll along the beautifully tiled sidewalk, take note of the sprawling Vidigal favela, which perches on the hillside overlooking the area. Continue up the road a bit to one of Leblon's mirantes, boardwalk-like areas that offer a great view of the entire beach from Leblon to Arpoador. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; toilets; showers. Best for: walking; sunset.

Quiet Vidigal Beach is next to the Sheraton Grand Rio hotel. The small stretch of sand was the playground of residents of the nearby Vidigal favela until the hotel was built in the 1970s. These days it's practically a private beach for hotel guests. The water is calm enough for swimming, but like others in Rio can be dirty after heavy rainfall. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming.