Ipanema Beach on a sunny Saturday.
Wondering how safe is Ipanema neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro? First of all, Ipanema is quite safe. In fact, you will feel safe right upon arriving. However, staying safe will depend also on the decisions you make on a daily basis; common sense is a must.
Let’s divide Ipanema in three areas — Ipanema Beach, Ipanema sidewalk, and Ipanema neighborhood (inland).
Ipanema Beach – The beach is rather safe at day time; you will feel completely safe.
Tips to stay safer on the beach:
1 – Don’t be one of the last ones to leave the beach at the very end of the afternoon. Follow the majority of locals — leave right after sunset.
2 – Don’t take a nap leaving your valuables unattended (it’s common sense but happens).
3 – Ideally, choose a spot to lounge near one of the many beach vendors (who sells beverages, and rents umbrellas and beach chairs).
4 – Don’t go to the beach at night, except if you are in a large group, or if the area is well lit and busy with locals (such as Arpoador beach in the hot summer nights).
Ipanema beach sidewalk – The beach sidewalk is quite safe during the day.
Tip to stay safer on the sidewalk: Walk on it when locals do — approximately from 7 a.m. to 7-8 p.m.
Typical safe Sunday in Ipanema — lots of locals out having a great time
Ipanema neighborhood – Inland is quite safe at day time; especially on weekdays and on Saturday mornings when shops are open.
Tips to stay safer in Ipanema inland:
1 – Prefer to walk on the sidewalks of main avenues and streets, especially those with shops. Avoid those with hardly any locals.
2 – At night limit your walk. Go for dinner at a place near your hotel. For an eatery farther away, take a taxi.
General Osorio Square: example of a safe area to hang out — where locals are.
The tips above are summarized in the following rules:
1 – Stay and walk where locals do (at the time of the day they do).
2 – Limit your walk at night; skip walking for distances that require several minutes walking; take a taxi instead.
Most inhabitants from Ipanema don’t even think of safety on a daily basis; they just follow a routine that automatically sticks to these rules. To stay safe in Ipanema incorporate these rules at day 1.
Note: Many locals and tourists don’t follow at all these rules and have never been mugged; that just prooves that Rio is rather safe.
You are unlikely to spend your whole time in Ipanema. Get your copy of My Rio Travel Guide and learn how to safely explore other areas and attractions.
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