Copacabana Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Copacabana Fort
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 neighborhood.

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 Beach. 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 Mountain 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 Fort. 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$71 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
NZ$71
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Ipanema Beach and Copacabana ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The staff"

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica 1702, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is NZ$837 per night from 23 May to 24 May
NZ$837
per night
23 May - 24 May
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"What a gorgeous property yet vintage with all the modern appeal."

Reviewed on 29 Apr. 2024

Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
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$289 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
NZ$289
per night
8 Jun - 9 Jun
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 pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Great hotel and location"

Reviewed on 3 May 2024

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Windsor Plaza Copacabana
4 out of 5
Ave Princesa Isabel 263 Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is NZ$118 per night from 28 May to 29 May
NZ$118
per night
28 May - 29 May
Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge).
8.2/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"This is a top hotel! I don't quite understand the negative reviews left. It's at least a four-star hotel and is excellent with staff, reception, and restaurant services. There are always several receptionists on duty, along with several porters. The breakfast buffet is outstanding and serves many ..."

Reviewed on 25 Apr. 2024

Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Windsor California Copacabana
Windsor California Copacabana
4 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 2616, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
The price is NZ$220 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$220
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Location , location
"Well located, comfortable , place to sleep. Reception staff really helpful"

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Windsor California Copacabana
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 3668 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$273 per night from 9 Jun to 10 Jun
NZ$273
per night
9 Jun - 10 Jun
Book a stay at this 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! (1,007 reviews)
The hotel deserves 20 stars.
"If I could give Hotel Miramar 20 stars, I would. The location was perfect, across the Copacabana beach. A road separates most hotels and buildings, so it is as close as possible to the beach. A lifeguard station is right across the hotel with showers and faucets for feet washing. The hotel has a ..."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
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 Botafogo Praia Shopping.

Botafogo
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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
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Laranjeiras

Well liked for its monuments and parks, Laranjeiras is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Tijuca National Park and Guinle Park, and jump on the metro at Funicular RioArte Tram Station to get around the city.

Laranjeiras


Copacabana Travel Guide

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