Rua do Senado: the coolest street in the world and the creative Rio that begins in Ipanema

Credit: Depositphotos

Rio de Janeiro is back on the global radar! This time, it’s thanks to Rua do Senado being crowned “the coolest street in the world” by Time Out. With music, urban art, historic buildings, independent bars, and a vibrant energy, downtown Rio reaffirms its place as a Brazilian creative hub.

For those who want to explore a city that lives between tradition and innovation, staying at a hotel in Ipanema, RJ is the ideal starting point: close to the beach, well connected to the metro, and immersed in the light, modern, and authorial lifestyle that defines Ipanema. At Ipanema Inn, guests experience the perfect balance between local charm and the buzz of contemporary Rio.

Rua do Senado: the new symbol of creative Rio

Voted the coolest street in the world, Rua do Senado has become a meeting point for artists, producers, designers, music lovers, and curious travelers.

Old townhouses have been transformed into experimental bars, distilleries, thrift shops, antique stores, art spaces, and cafés that celebrate Carioca creativity. It’s the kind of place that reveals a Rio beyond the beach—full of personality, history, and ancestry.

What to do on Rua do Senado: an essential guide

  • Visit Solar dos Abacaxis
    An immersive cultural center with exhibitions, performances, and gatherings that celebrate art, territory, and community.
  • Explore antique shops and thrift stores
    The street is a paradise for finding vintage furniture, independent artworks, rare vinyl records, and unique pieces with a story.
  • Dine at must-visit restaurants
    Labuta Bar — a classic Carioca boteco.
    Lilia — seasonal ingredients in a contemporary, conscious menu, featured in the Michelin Guide.
    Destilaria Maravilha — signature cocktails and locally produced spirits in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
  • Visit Feira do Lavradio
    Held on Saturdays at the corner of Rua do Senado, the fair brings together music, crafts, food, and popular culture.

From downtown to Ipanema: two sides of the same Rio

On the other hand, exploring Rio means understanding that the city pulses at different rhythms—and that they all speak to each other.

After a day immersed in the cultural buzz of Rua do Senado, there’s nothing better than returning to the light, relaxed atmosphere of Ipanema. Its tree-lined streets, independent cafés, design boutiques, and galleries create the perfect counterpoint to the historic downtown area.

It’s precisely in this balance that Ipanema Inn stands out as a reference for a boutique hotel in Rio: simple in form, sophisticated in essence, and always connected to the best of the Carioca scene.

Credit: Depositphotos

Ipanema as a base for exploring Rio

In addition, the neighborhood is ideal for those seeking easy mobility. Choosing where to stay in Ipanema means benefiting from proximity to the Nossa Senhora da Paz metro station, multiple bus lines, and bike lanes that connect the area to the beaches, the Botanical Garden, the Lagoon, and downtown.

A hotel near Ipanema Beach allows you to start the day with a swim, cross the city to explore Rua do Senado, and return in the late afternoon to watch the sunset at Posto 9.

For more inspiration on what to do in the neighborhood, check out our blog on local experiences and a day on foot in Ipanema, as well as our selection of the best places to watch the sunset in Rio.

Ipanema Inn: the hotel in Ipanema, RJ that connects beach, culture, and lifestyle

Ipanema Inn translates the elegant simplicity of Rio: natural light, Brazilian design, warm local hospitality, and an atmosphere that balances calm and movement in just the right measure.

Here, guests are just steps from the beach and surrounded by what’s most interesting in the city: galleries, cafés, street markets, bookstores, live shows, independent spaces, and easy routes to experience Rio like a local.

More than a lifestyle hotel in Rio, Ipanema Inn is an invitation to feel the contemporary Rio that inspires the world—the Rio that moves between the sea, art, encounters, and shared moments.

Conclusion: why Ipanema Inn is the best starting point to discover creative Rio

In short, Ipanema offers comfort, beauty, and lightness, while Rua do Senado represents the cultural and urban energy that makes Rio so unique. Together, these two sides of the city create a complete experience for those seeking culture, beach life, and authenticity.

And to enjoy this meeting in the most seamless way possible, nothing beats a hotel in Ipanema, RJ that combines a perfect location, charming simplicity, and a true Carioca experience.At Ipanema Inn, every day begins with beach light and ends with culture—and that’s what makes your trip to Rio as memorable as the coolest street in the world.