Leblon, Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

Leblon, a neighborhood in Rio De Janeiro, is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Rio. Leblon is famous for its beach that is located right next to Ipanema Beach, at the far west end of the same coastline. A shallow canal and park known as Jardim de Ala or Allah’s Gardens separate the two beach front areas in Rio De Janeiro. Some of Rio’s most chic clubs, restaurants and boutiques are found thronged in Leblon and its nearby streets.

 Apart from that, several movie halls, theaters, nightclubs and concert halls are also located in this area of Rio. Leblon has a romantic history. The land originally belonged to a Frenchman named Charles Le Blond and the place is named after him. The place was once a hiding place for the runaway slaves as it was difficult to access. Despite its cosmopolitan atmosphere and modernity, Leblon in Rio De Janeiro beautifully retains its small town charm.

Upper Leblon also known as Alto Leblon, is a residential area. This hilly region in the western edge of Leblon is a favorite hangout for the elites in Rio. There are many exclusively designed residential houses, mansions, and posh apartments that will catch your eye. Besides there are several other attractions around Leblon that you cannot miss during sightseeing in Rio De Janeiro.

Leblon boasts of one of Rio’s most scenic drives, Av. Niemeyer. This road connects Leblon to São Conrado. Jardim Pernambuco is probably Rio’s most exclusive residential area. There are many elegantly designed mansions in this area. Once in Leblon you must visit Bracarense. It is the best botequim style café and restaurant in the city. The traditional restaurant is reputed for its 50 years of excellent service.

Also visit Scala, the concert hall cum nightclub at Leblon, to feel the rhythm of the night in Rio. All these diversities makes Leblon one of the most popular attractions in the city of Rio De Janeiro.

Leblon has a romantic history. It was 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 Magalhaes.

Leblon started to grow with Ipanema, when a streetcar line connected them to the rest of the city. Leblon was at the end of the line, and it grew at a somewhat slower pace. Even though it's very cosmopolitan today, it still retains a small town charm with neighborhood shops that have been around for generations.

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. 

Though landmark nightspots like Real Astoria and Diagonal are no longer around, it is still a good bet for after-hours. The area surrounding Clipper, a bar further along Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, is also very popular. It has lately become a sort of a meeting spot where the young celebrate major soccer games.

Leblon Beach went "under renovations" in the early 90's. The eroded sand strip became too narrow, and part of it was reclaimed. Now it is as wide as Ipanema. The water is still not suitable for swimming after it rains, though. There is a famous baby-boomer spot across from Rua Venâncio Flores. This is where young Leblon mothers and their babies get their daily dose of tropical sun, early in the morning.

Main street Ataulfo de Paiva was recently refurbished with project Rio Cidade. Like in Ipanema the street lights, signs and even public phones are unique. Many corners gained charming wooden seats. Stop and sit for a while to watch the pedestrians passing by, and maybe you will understand why Cariocas have a permanent love affair with Leblon.

The “Dois Irmãos” or “the Two Brothers” peak constitutes the western border on Leblon.

Av. Niemeyer in Leblon was opened in 1916. It took 30 years for the completion of this scenic drive.

Leblon is located in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. You can take a private taxi or a private coach or private minicoach or private coach from Rio de Janeiro Galeão airport (GIG) to reach Leblon.

July through September is the best time to visit Leblon as these months experience less rainfall and the weather is also pleasant. However, the streets are crowded with tourists from all over the world during summers.

Nearby Attractions: Rue de castiglione, Penedo, Bar D’Hotel, Ipanema Beach and Praia do Arpoador.