Walking in the Footsteps of Bossa Nova: A Musical Tour of Ipanema
There’s a certain magic in the air in Ipanema. It’s in the gentle rhythm of the waves, the soft murmur of conversation from sidewalk cafés, and the smooth, melodic soundtrack that seems to emanate from the soul of the neighborhood itself. That soundtrack is Bossa Nova, a sound that was born right here, and its story is more closely tied to OBO Casa than you could ever imagine.
This isn’t just a guide to finding music in Rio; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in the living history of Bossa Nova, starting from the very ground beneath your feet.
The iconic scenery of Ipanema, the birthplace and eternal home of Bossa Nova.
The Birthplace of a Legend: Your Home at Bossa 107
When you stay at OBO Casa, you are staying on historic ground. Our building, Bossa 107, was constructed on the very plot of land where the legendary composer Antônio Carlos "Tom" Jobim lived. As one of the primary creators of the Bossa Nova genre, his influence is felt all over the world, but its roots are right here in Ipanema.
It was in this neighborhood that he, along with poet Vinicius de Moraes, penned the world-famous song, "Garota de Ipanema" ("The Girl from Ipanema"). This single melody captured the effortless charm of Ipanema and introduced its cool, sophisticated sound to a global audience. To feel the original magic, you can listen to the song right here.
Bossa 107, a modern address on a legendary piece of Ipanema history.
The Soundtrack for Your Stay
To help you get into the authentic Ipanema spirit from the moment you arrive, we've curated the official OBO Casa | Rio playlist on Spotify. It’s filled with our favorite tracks, including a handpicked selection of timeless Bossa Nova classics.
We invite you to play it on the apartment's high-fidelity sound system, open the balcony doors, and let the smooth melodies mingle with the sounds of the city. It’s the perfect way to begin your musical journey.
Where to Experience Bossa Nova Today
While the history is all around you, the music is still very much alive. After soaking in the history, you can step out to experience live Bossa Nova in some of the neighborhood's most intimate venues. Our guide recommends these fantastic spots for an authentic musical night out:
Blue Note Rio: A world-renowned name in the jazz scene, this club is one of the best places in the city to catch incredible live performances of both classic Jazz and authentic Bossa Nova.
Mercado das Pulgas: For a different but equally charming experience, this venue in Santa Teresa is another great spot to find live Bossa Nova, offering a truly local and artistic atmosphere.
The spirit of Bossa Nova is still alive in Rio's intimate music clubs.
From staying at the home of a legend to hearing those same melodies performed live just minutes away, Ipanema offers a Bossa Nova experience like nowhere else on Earth.
When you stay at OBO Casa, you aren’t just a visitor; you become part of the continuing story of this beautiful music.
and begin the journey1
