Icaraí

Icaraí is a district and neighborhood of the city of Niterói, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It lies along the coast of Guanabara Bay, facing the city of Rio de Janeiro. The area centers on Praia de Icaraí, a popular urban beach with a broad waterfront promenade and hillside residential blocks.

Icaraí is one of Niterói’s traditional and most affluent districts, combining residential towers with a dense commercial core that includes shops, offices, banks, restaurants, and services. The waterfront is a focal point for social life, offering views of the bay and the Rio de Janeiro skyline. The district is known for its street life, educational institutions, and a mix of cultural and civic facilities.

The district is well connected by road across the Rio–Niterói Bridge and by local bus services, and it is accessible by ferry routes between Niterói and Rio de Janeiro, contributing to commuting and tourism. Its proximity to central Niterói and to other coastal neighborhoods makes Icaraí a reference point for the city’s urban and coastal identity.

Historically, Icaraí developed in the 20th century as a desirable seaside neighborhood, evolving from a quiet residential area into a modern urban district while retaining its coastal character and views over Guanabara Bay.