Praia do Arpoador

Almost any Rio afficionado will tell you: First comes Copacabana, and then comes Ipanema. But before the latter comes “Harpooners’ Beach” and most important of all Arpoador Peak, from which vantage point visitors can “ooh” and “ah” at a superb panorama encompassing Rio’s southern beaches, complete with morros as well as Sugar Loaf and Corcovado peaks. Unfortunately, the observation platform itself is not very clean and should be avoided after dark.

Barril 1800, a bar located at the intersection of the shore avenue and Rua Gomez Carneiro, is an inviting spot to stop off at for a light meal or snack. But the Barril, for all the right reasons, does not live primarily from the tourist trade; it is that rare kind of place – so seldom found in busy tourist areas – where patrons can sit undisturbed on a cozy terrace enjoying the sparkling sights and sounds of the beach without being annoyed by the drone of traffic.