A local point of view of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil {Gadling}

Mar 26th 2012 6:42PM Very nice Jessica. I'd like to add that Rio have many historic churches, like Sao Bento Monastery that have their church built in 1671.
Leblon and Ipanema beach are indeed more upscale beaches, but you don't spend more on drinks or food if you go solely to the beach itself.