Leblon, Rio de Janeiro

This beach is located right next to Ipanema at the far west end of the same stretch of sand. Some of Rio's most chic clubs, restaurants and boutiques lie on its nearby streets, which get very crowded during the summer months. Much trendier than Copacabana, this is the place to be. Don't forget the open air hippy market on the weekends, just over in neighboring Ipanema. This is also a good starting point to see the Jardim Botânico and Jóquei Clube.