Copacabana Travel Guide

Rio de Janeiro

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-kilometre) 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 neighbourhood’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

Things to do


Top hotels in Copacabana

Hotel Atlântico Rio

Hotel Atlântico Rio

3.5 out of 5
Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is Rp722.480 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
Rp722.480
Rp796.534 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,202 reviews)
"I would definitely stay here again. Its clean. The staff I encountered were professional and efficient. It's not perfect but very good!"

Reviewed on 5 Aug 2025

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hotel Atlantico Copacabana

Hotel Atlantico Copacabana

3 out of 5
Rua Siqueira Campos 90, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is Rp597.827 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
Rp597.827
Rp659.104 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7/10 Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Good hotel and good price"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Hotel Atlantico Copacabana
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro

5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 1020, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is Rp1.866.831 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp1.866.831
Rp2.185.439 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Breathtaking views
"Location for Copacabana Beach is unbeatable. Top floor lounge and pool is a perfect view… Would stay there again and again."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 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 Rp763.175 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp763.175
Rp841.410 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,243 reviews)
Acesso Fácil a restaurantes
"Gosto porque fica próximo a lojas de conveniência, é fácil acesso ao metro de Copacabana..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Hotel Atlântico Travel
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 Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,055 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Royal Rio Palace Hotel
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 Rp9.533.409 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
Rp9.533.409
Rp11.049.771 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"The Copacabana Palace was fantastic in all ways."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
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(17 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(6 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
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 Morro da Urca.

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

3.5/5(2 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