Visit upmarket Lebon with its boutique shops and trendy bars

One of the most expensive neighborhoods sprinkled with luxurious shops and topped off with a pleasant beach, Leblon is the perfect glamorous getaway. This is definitely not the place for those traveling on a budget. Whether you’re checked in at a hotel, or you’re just looking to visit Leblon, it is unacceptable not to cherish the best of the neighborhood like a local. Fine dining and trendy bar hopping is a must after a shopping spree at the high-end stores and a dip in the cool ocean.

Leblon, so they say, was named after the French Charles Le Blond, who owned a lot of the south of Rio. It was also where one of the many quilombos were located, a safe place for free slaves and the ones who escaped their owners. To the north of Leblon is Gavea, while to the west are the big mountains that make a great hike; the Dois Irmãos, which translates to the Two Brothers.

Leblon comes with an expensive tag, and it is important to know how to make your purchases worth your money. Grabbing something as basic as a burger in this neighborhood can cost twice as much as in other neighborhoods in the South area. That is why money should only be spent in Leblon if it is going to be spent correctly. You can never go wrong with fresh Japanese food at Manekineko, the first recommendation restaurant-wise. It is the basic good quality sushi restaurant, most famous for the rodizio option on the menu (where you can choose what you want to eat from a list of tasty options).

If looking for something a little bit less recurrent, Vizta will do the job. Located in Hotel Marina Palace, Vizta offers great ocean views. The menu is exotic and unique, including a variety of plates that play with seafood and contrasting flavors. 

Mingled with the restaurants and bars are the shops. If you enjoy shopping to pass time, you will be in your element in Leblon. It is the best neighborhood to go shopping for pricier things. There are designer stores and shops that sell the classic skimpy bikinis that are all over the place in the beach in front.

Away from the streets, is Leblon beach, which is overlooked due to the overrated attention Ipanema beach (next to it) receives. Truly, Leblon beach is the exact same thing, with the exception of who goes to it for the calmer waves; rich families, residents and tourists. A good time and a fresh coconut is guaranteed. It is also a fun idea to try out a new activity, like stand-up-paddling, that requires calmer waves because balance is key to master the sport. These waves are also perfect for beginning surfers, who are still not confident enough to ride big waves.

An extension of Ipanema, but with new factors to explore, Leblon neighborhood is worth a visit if staying in Rio. A taste of the pricier side of Rio, all the more luxurious and enchanting. The lively streets will put anyone in a good mood, in addition to the beautiful beach in front; it’s the elite neighborhood of Rio at its finest.