In My Hood: Out and About in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro

Rio is a beautiful place and offers everything: beach, mountains, good food, good atmosphere, warm people. The Brazilians immediately make you feel part of it. It feels like a short vacation every time I'm there, even if the visit is actually for work.

I feel this most strongly in Ipanema. The former artists' quarter is now a well-off district on a wide bay and much safer than Copacabana, for example. However, to this day the district has retained its bossa nova charm from the world-famous song "Girl from Ipanema." 

I usually start the day at the Nusa Café (1) with an acai bowl or avocado toast. There are lots of vegan and vegetarian dishes. The food is not only delicious, but also beautifully presented. Everything is very instagrammable. Afterwards, I go on a little shopping spree, definitely to the Havaianas flagship store (2) in Rua Garcia d'Avila. I can always use a new pair of their iconic flip-flops. The selection extends over several floors. I find beach dresses in the trendy boho style at Farm (3) in Galeria Fiamma. 

A quick almond croissant (the best in Ipanema) or pao de queijo, the traditional cheese balls, before heading to the beach? I get them at the traditional bakery Baked Padaria & Forneria (4). A pineapple juice with mint or a watermelon juice is a refreshing accompaniment.

If it's Sunday, I visit the Feira Hippie de Ipanema (5) on the way to the beach. The market only takes place on Sundays from 8 am to 6 pm and has lots of stalls selling crafts, art and unusual hippie-style items. But now I'm finally off to the beach – after all, Ipanema has the most beautiful beach in Rio. I always meet up with my friends at Posto 9 (6). 

The beach section is also called "Gostoso." It means delicious and refers to the people there. There is good music, dazzling people in glittering swimwear and a beautiful view. Everyone is welcome! A sun lounger costs the equivalent of around 2 euros per day. And if you fancy a game of soccer, you'll quickly find a Brazilian group who will let you join in. 

So the day turns into the evening in a relaxed and fun way. You can order drinks and tasty snacks such as grilled cheese with herbs or prawn skewers from the beach stalls. The Bar de Praia (7) is also nearby: a bar-restaurant on the promenade where I like to eat tuna tartare.

Another highlight and pure Ipanema is the Pedra do Arpoador viewing rock (8), where you can celebrate the sunset together. Because the Cariocas (as the people of Rio call themselves) have a tradition of clapping and cheering when the sun disappears over the horizon. If you're still in the mood for nightlife, it's best to visit one of the hotel rooftop bars. Even the locals like to go there. Hardly anyone can escape their life-affirming cheerfulness. 

Eva Ohlig lives in Offenbach, Germany. Apart from Brazil, her favorite destination is Bahrain. For her, it's little Dubai.