Rio de Janeiro's most famous beach is surprisingly approachable. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, but they don't seem overly modern or posh. Since the hotels are across the street (and not waterfront), all kinds of people are mixed together in the sand. At the eastern end of Ipanema is a rock formation known as Pedra do Arpoador, which offers great views of the beach. Around sunset, large groups of people will congregate on these rocks. Try not to fall!

February 2015.