Barra da Tijuca

Located a little out of the way, this popular area and beach deserves a visit. Famous for its enormous shopping center Barrashopping and upper-class residents, Barra has a certain Miami air about it. The visitor can come here to enjoy discotheques, shopping, good restaurants and bars. Probably the best reason to come here, however, is the beach itself. The water is clean, perfect for surfing, windsurfing and body boarding, and it doesn't get quite as crowded as Copacabana or Ipanema.