Copacabana Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Copacabana
Copacabana Fort
Copacabana
Copacabana
Copacabana

Mingle with the local residents on one of the world’s most famous beaches, admire art deco buildings and party until dawn in this effervescent neighbourhood.

Copacabana epitomizes Río’s trademark image of beach, jungle-covered mountains and sun-kissed bodies. Also known as the Princesinha do Mar (Princess of the Sea), Copacabana buzzes with energetic activity around the clock. Relax with the city’s beautiful people on the sweeping beach, dabble in watersports, dance all night at clubs and visit historic landmarks.

The centerpiece attraction is the 2.5-mile-long (4-kilometer) Copacabana BeachOpens in a new window. On its golden sands practice capoeira martial arts, sunbathe, swim and play beach soccer or volleyball. Try surfing and stand-up paddleboarding or relax beneath the shade of a rented umbrella. Look north toward Sugarloaf MountainOpens in a new window and see forested hills rise above art nouveau and neoclassical edifices.

The mosaicked esplanade of Copacabana Boardwalk borders the beach and entices dog-walkers, joggers and skaters. Enjoy some people-watching. Stop at a quiosque (beach bar) for a cold beer or freshly squeezed fruit juice. Feast on salgadinhos, fried dough balls stuffed with cheese, meat, seafood or vegetables.

In the neighborhood’s southwestern corner is Copacabana FortOpens in a new window. Used as a military fort from 1914 to 1987, it now houses the Army Historical Museum, which has no admission fee. Leave the coast and wander the streets of Barrio Peixoto, a sleepy district of art deco houses. In Edmundo Bittencourt Square older residents play chess and children explore a playground. It seems a million miles from the energetic beachside area.

Copacabana’s commercial streets are a dreamland for shoppers. Art galleries, boutiques, department stores and surf shops spread along Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana and Rua Barata Ribeiro. Experience the boisterous atmosphere of a boteco (pub) and dine at an espeto corrido (all-you-can-eat grill). After dark, hop between the brewpubs, cocktail lounges, live music venues and samba clubs.

Reach Copacabana easily from all parts of the city via public buses and the metro. Sundays are fun, when beachfront Avenida Atlântica becomes pedestrian-only and fills with artisans and street performers. Come for New Year’s Eve and be part of the huge and flamboyant open-air beach party.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Copacabana Hotel Deals

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hotel Atlântico Rio
3.5 out of 5
Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is NZ$80 per night from 14 July to 15 July
NZ$80
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,145 reviews)
"Property staff was really friendly, was told TV channels worked however from around 30 channels only 10 or 15 max worked with a questionable quality. Breakfast option was limited but absolutely delicious. Room was as expected, only thing is that bathroom door was kinda rotten from one corner due ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jun. 2025

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 1020, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is NZ$300 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$300
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Lo mejor de todo fue la vista y las personas que trabajan ahí -> 10/10"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Hotel Atlântico Travel
Hotel Atlântico Travel
4 out of 5
Rua Barata Ribeiro nº 544, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
The price is NZ$85 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$85
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,181 reviews)
"A hospedagem foi maravilhosa, funcionários educados e gentis, café da manhã delicioso, serviço de limpeza, perfeito. Espero retornar outras vezes."

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

Hotel Atlântico Travel
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 3668 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is NZ$292 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$292
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,169 reviews)
"I likedalmost everything. Didn’t like in the room is dark, and the curtains old and needs to be change 😉 or clean it."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Windsor California Copacabana
Windsor California Copacabana
4 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 2616, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$254 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$254
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,065 reviews)
"The room was smaller than I expected for a de-lux room Closer space was limited and didn’t have enough hangers"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Windsor California Copacabana
Royal Rio Palace Hotel
Royal Rio Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
Rua Duvivier 82 Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,045 reviews)
"Truly enjoyed my stay. The food was delicious and the staff was so accommodating. Will be back for sure!"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Royal Rio Palace Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Copacabana

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Leme

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Leme. A stop by Copacabana Beach or Praia do Leme might round out your trip.

Leme
Ipanema featuring markets as well as a large group of people

Ipanema

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Ipanema is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo. See more of Rio de Janeiro by jumping on the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station.

Ipanema
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Botafogo

4/5(2 area reviews)

Botafogo is a destination travellers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Praia de Botafogo.

Botafogo
Sugar Loaf Mountain which includes mountains and a sunset

Urca

You'll enjoy the beaches and mountain views in Urca. You might want to make time for a stop at Sugarloaf Cable Car or Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Urca
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Lagoa

Travellers like the art galleries in Lagoa, and CASV Visa Applicant Service Center is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Lagoa
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Leblon

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Consider exploring the beaches in Leblon. If sightseeing is on the list, Ipanema Beach is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station to see more of the area.

Leblon


Copacabana Travel Guide

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