there are no other beaches in rio or niterói that cluster as many bars and restaurants, of so many different types, so close to the water in such a relatively small stretch of promenade.         

on this page we posted some photographs of praia de são francisco, including of the calçadão, the view of rio's downtown, praça do rádio amador, and of the nearby bars and restaurants.

from rio's zona sul, the easiest way of getting to são francisco beach is via the bus 7003 (also marked 740 d) that leaves from praça general osório in ipanema posto 8, across from the easy to spot zona sul supermarket.