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Separated from Ipanema by the Jardim de Ala, Leblon’s streets are calm, cool and tree-lined. Rua Dias Ferreira is about the trendiest strip in the city, boasting restaurants such as Sushi Leblon and Zuka, and boutiques like the Isabela Capeto outlet.
Leblon has a romantic history. It was an area of difficult access, and was once used as a hiding place for runaway slaves. The land originally belonged to Frenchman Charles Le Blond, who owned a fishing company named Aliança. He sold the land to Portuguese José de Seixas Magalhães. Leblon started to grow with Ipanema, when a streetcar line connected them to the rest of the city. Leblon was at the end of the line, and it grew at a somewhat slower pace.
Upper Leblon (Alto Leblon) is almost strictly residential. This hilly area on the West side of Leblon is a favorite spot for Rio's rich and famous. There are many houses, mansions and apartments. It starts on the left lane of Av. Visconde de Albuquerque and goes uphill. Some streets are still cobblestone.
Lower Leblon (Baixo Leblon) is the bohemian side of the neighborhood. A stop for a pizza or beer is almost mandatory after a night of fun - some restaurants and bars remain open until past 4 a.m. This area starts at Cazuza Square and includes streets Dias Ferreira and the beginning of Ataulfo de Paiva. The area surrounding Clipper, a bar further along Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, is also very popular. It has lately become a sort of a meeting spot where the young celebrities and major soccer players are seen.
Leblon Beach is as wide as Ipanema though not as talked about. Leblon beach is very popular amongst locals and this is where Carioca’s get their daily dose of tropical sun and people hang out till late afternoon.
The main street Ataulfo de Paiva was recently refurbished with project Rio Cidade. Like in Ipanema, seeing street lights, signs and even public phones is unique. Many corners have charming little wooden seats for you to stop and sit for a while to watch the pedestrians passing by. MaximRio feels that all areas of Leblon are among the safest neighborhoods in Rio.
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