Bar

Isabel Lounge

4.6 · 481 reviews·Hidden gem: highly rated, still under the radar
Isabel LoungeIsabel Lounge
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Perched on the 39th floor of a building directly on Copacabana Beach, Isabel Lounge offers one of Rio's most breathtaking vantage points. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the iconic crescent of sand and the Atlantic Ocean, while the interior blends mid-century modern furniture with tropical accents. The cocktail menu is creative, featuring Brazilian ingredients like cachaça, passion fruit, and açai, alongside classic martinis and negronis. The lounge attracts a stylish crowd, locals celebrating special occasions and tourists seeking a memorable sunset. Service is attentive but not stuffy, and the music is a curated mix of bossa nova and chill house. It's an ideal spot for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night toast under the stars. The view alone makes it worth the visit, but the quality of the drinks and ambiance seals the deal.

Don't miss

  • Watch the sunset over Copacabana from the window seats.
  • Try the Caipirinha de Maracujá (passion fruit caipirinha).
  • Order the seafood appetizer platter to share.
  • Take photos of the panoramic view, especially at golden hour.
  • Visit during a full moon for a magical atmosphere.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Isabel Lounge

You can visit on your own (no entry fee, but you must be a guest or have a reservation. check website for door policy). A tour adds transport and a guide, or combines nearby sights into one day.

Know before you go

  • Smart casual dress code; no beachwear or flip-flops.
  • Reservations recommended, especially for sunset.
  • Prices are high-end; cocktails around R$40–60.
  • Photography allowed; no flash.

A bit of history

Isabel Lounge opened in the 2010s as part of a wave of upscale rooftop bars in Rio. Its name pays homage to Princess Isabel, who signed the Golden Law abolishing slavery in Brazil in 1888.

Common questions

Is there a minimum spend?

Not explicitly, but you're expected to order drinks.

Can I just go for the view without drinking?

Yes, but it's a bar; ordering something is polite.

Is it open for lunch?

No, it opens in the late afternoon (around 5pm).

Do they serve food?

Yes, a menu of appetizers and small plates.

Is it suitable for a large group?

Yes, but book in advance for parties over 6.

What's the best way to get there from Ipanema?

A 15-minute taxi ride along the coast.

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