Leblon - next door to Ipanema

Leblon has a romantic history. It used to be an area area of difficult access, and it was once used as a hiding place for runaway slaves.  The land originally belonged to Frenchman Charles Le Blond, who owned a fishing company named Aliança. He sold the land to Portuguese José de Seixas Magalhães.

Leblon started to grow together with Ipanema, when a streetcar line connected them to the rest of the city. Leblon was at the end of the line. The sea-level part of Leblon ends on Alto Leblon, a mostrly residential area up in the hilly streets.

From Leblon you have access to Gávea and Jardim Botânico. It eventually turned into one of Rio's loveliest areas. We hope this page gives you an idea of what to expect.

That's Entertainment

Other than Teatro de Bolso, Leblon is home to Plataforma, where the samba show for tourists happen. Teatro Casa Grande is a large space fit for theatrical plays and musicals. And it was also home to Scala Rio with its famous Carnaval balls.The Leblon share of Lagoa is dotted with private country clubs, including Paysandú, Monte Líbano. Clube de Regatas do Flamengo is a mandatory stop for soccer fans.

But what gives the area its bohemian atmosphere is the number of cafés, restaurants, neighborhood bars. Rua Dias Ferreira, for instance, is wonderful to walk along as you choose between Thai, French, Brazilian, or just some snacks as you enjoy a beer.

Living in Leblon

Things comes with a price, and the tab in Leblon is hard to pick up. The square footage can be priced higher than in Ipanema. The reasons are basically the same. The beach is beautiful, there's a wonderful mix of mostly residential areas and spots that are dotted with restaurants, bars and cafés.

Everything is somewhat in a walking distance, or you may alternatively negotiate on two wheels. There is a main street that combines residential buildings with shops and commercial buildings. At the beach there's Baixo Bebê, where Cariocas in diapers rule. It's a great place to be.

Lodging in Leblon is not particularly cheap, as you may have guessed. There are two hotels along the beach, and a number of apart-hotels. These are residential buildings with services, including daily maid service and in some cases breakfast. Some residents also rent their homes short-term.

Getting Around Leblon

Leblon and Ipanema share the same beach, like Leme and Copacabana. The border is a shallow canal and park known as Jardim de Ala (Allah's Gardens). This is the part that surrounds Lagoa. Rua Afrânio de Mello Franco is a main cross-street, where you find Shopping Leblon and Rio Design, as well as the Tourist Police Station.

Leblon starts to widen, with the condominium Selva de Pedra. Av. Bartolomeu Mitre connects it to Gávea and Jardim Botânico. The beach ends at the twin hills Morro Dois Irmãos, and Av. Niemeyer connects it to São Conrado.

Alto Leblon + Baixo Leblon

Upper Leblon (Alto Leblon) is almost strictly residential. This hilly area on the West side of Leblon is a favorite spot for Rio's rich and famous. There are many houses, mansions and posh apartments. It starts on the left lane of Av. Visconde de Albuquerque and goes uphill. Some streets are still cobblestone. There is a curious paper-thin building looming over Alto Leblon than can be easily spotted from the beach. According to a dweller you can actually feel the building sway when there is a strong wind...

Lower Leblon (Baixo Leblon) is the bohemian side of the neighborhood, and it ruled nightlife in the 70's and 80's. A stop for a pizza or beer was almost mandatory after a night of fun - some restaurants and bars remain open until past 4 a.m. This area starts at Cazuza Square and includes streets Dias Ferreira and the beginning of Ataulfo de Paiva. The area surrounding Clipper, a bar further along Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, is also very popular, especially after soccer games.

Map of Attractions in Leblon - Walking Tour

We picked out the most interesting spots to visit in Leblon, ranging from cultural centers to a cachaçarias, our favorite places for lunch, sweets, shopping, a little bit of everything to keep you entertained indoors or outdoors. Please visit and rate the map at Google. Feel free to print a copy and bring it along for reference! There's probably more than you can cover on a single day. Come back for more!

Leblon Facts and Photos - our favorite picks

These are just a few of the very special things we enjoy in Leblon. Consider it the tip of of the iceberg. You will find favorite places of your own. The last lime we counted we had articles on Plataforma Rio, Shopping Leblon, Cobal do Leblon, Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, Bracarense, Jobi, Confeitaria Kurt, Talho Capixaba, Academia da Cachaça, Oi Casa Grande, Rio Design Leblon, Avenida Niemeyer, Jardim Pernambuco, Instituto Moreira Salles, Midrash Centro Cultural, Celeiro Culinária, Selva de Pedra, the Canal at Visconde de Albuquerque, performance venue Miranda, Baixo Bebê, Clube Caiçaras, Clube Monte Líbano and Cruzada de São Sebastião... the list keeps growing. Mix and match at will.

We have also more tips about shopping, nightlife, restaurants, bars and more. Here is a link to our Page of Facebook. Keep in touch!

We are open to suggestions!

We do not get paid to publish any of our content, so we have the freedom of suggesting things that we actually enjoy. That's credibility, built since we went online in 1996. We are always open for suggestions. You can have a more interactive experience with us through a social network. This is our official page on Facebook. To keep up with events and the party scene, there's Rio Night Life by www.ipanema.com updated daily. And before we forget, here is a lovely photo album that you are welcome to visit - and comment if you are logged in.
*We found out that this page is the first non-sponsored suggestion by Google search with the terms "Leblon attractions". Très chic. Thanks for the support!