- Great place!
- Nice place!
- Ok place.
Leblon Beach
Female opinion
Leblon beach is basically an extension of Ipanema beach and has a similar atmosphere. The difference is that it's a little more quiet and also more exclusive. There are less people, but a bit more sportspeople playing different ballgames and practicing other sports all along the beach. Leblon beach promenade is also quite calm. With its few uncrowded beach kiosks, it's a perfect place to relax and have some refreshing drinks after a hot beach day. On the other side of the road you will find several trendy bars, that get full after sunset and are popular among upper class visitors.
Male opinion
Leblon is actually an island between the ocean and the lagoon, separated by two narrow channels. The beach has less people than Ipanema or Copacabana and is not so vibrant and lively. The reason for that is lack of a Metro station. This is changing now though and the locals are afraid that the beach will get as crowded as neighboring Ipanema. Leblon is good for surfing, so expect to see many surfers in the water when the waves are big. The beach ends in front of the Dois Irmaos hill, making it a perfect return checkpoint for your stroll along the beach promenade of Zona Sul.
At the end of the 19th century Leblon neighborhood's territory was occupied by small farms. The area was named after French entrepreneur Charles Leblon (also Le Blond or Le Blon in different records), who owned one of the local estates.
One of Leblon's farms, that belonged to a progressive businessman José Seixas Magalhães, became famous for giving shelter to runaway slaves. It is known to be one of the last quilombos (communities of runaway slaves) in Brazil. Magalhães hid and procted many black slaves in his farm up to 1888, when slavery was finally abolished.
The urbanization of the neighborhood began in the beginning of the 20th century when many prominent families settled here.
During the hard times of military dictatorship, Leblon bars and cafes, similarly to Ipanema, were a meeting point of artists, actors, musicians and other intellectuals looking for freedom.
Today Leblon is one of the wealthiest and chicest neighborhoods of Rio that attracts both locals as well as many tourists.
Tips for Leblon beach:
- Definitely visit Mirante do Leblon viewpoint, situated on the top of a small hill at the end of the beach. You will get another gorgeous view of Leblon and Ipanema beaches.
Song connected to Leblon beach
Song dedicated to the wonderful beaches of Zona Sul, by Willie Colón, a famous Puerto Rican salsa musician:
Quick facts
Type: beach
Touristic: yes
Getting there: easy
Minimal transport: walk
Length: 2 km
Cost: free
Other names: Praia do Leblon, Leblon beach
How to get there
Address: Leblon
Hood: Leblon
From Ipanema, General Osorio:
1. Walk to the beach.
2. Turn right towards Leblon and Dois Irmaos mountain.
3. Walk the beach promenade until you cross a channel of water, you have reached Leblon beach.
