Sitting in the richest neighbourhood of Brazil,just west of Ipanema Beach, Leblon beach is fronted by high-class hotels as well as gourmet restaurants, sophisticated bars, shopping malls and exclusive boutiques. This beach sits in a wealthy district of upper class high rises and is more subdued and sophisticated than its neighbor, Ipanema.
Because of its location in an upper class neighborhood, many of the beach visitors are from the upper class. The wealthy consider this beach their own little slice of heaven. The crowd is much quieter than Ipanema and more sophisticated. Families really enjoy this beach thanks to an area called Baixo Baby located at Posto 12. It is a very large enclosed playground for toddlers and young children. There are quite a few toys to play with as well as a baby changing station. The enclosure keeps the children safe and makes it easier for adults to keep an eye on their children. This sandy stretch is also popular with people looking to keep fit. Joggers and cyclers move up and down the beach all day working to keep their bodies in tip-top shape.
On Av Afranio de Melo Franco is the Shopping Leblon mall with 200 shops, 4 cinemas and a lovely food court that looks out over the lagoon. Also there is the Rio Design Leblon, a cozy mall with lot of style with its 71 shops, Rio Design Leblon gathers la creme de la creme of Zona Sul Gastronomy.  One of the most popular Thai restaurants is in Leblon. Nam Thai is located on Rua Rainha Guilhermina and reservations are required on weekends. For exceptional sushi try Manekineko on Dias Ferreira or for a more modern hip menu eat at Zuka on the same street. If you are able to spend more, don’t miss Sushi Leblon, one of the best Japanese restaurants in town.Melt on Rua Rita Ludolf is a fun sports bar and dance club that does charge a cover nightly. Black Bar, a lounge bar located in the General San Martin Street is a new hot spot in Leblon.
