Copacabana Beach Tours and Activities

Copacabana Beach which includes general coastal views, a beach and a sunset
Copacabana Beach showing water sports as well as a small group of people
Copacabana Beach which includes mist or fog, a sunset and a sandy beach
Copacabana Beach which includes a beach as well as a large group of people
Copacabana Beach showing street scenes as well as a large group of people


More than just a stretch of sand, Rio de Janeiro’s most famous beach is where locals and visitors from all over the world come to relax, strut, pose and play. 

Gleaming hotels and forested hills line the perfectly curved 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of Copacabana Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. Abutting one of Brazil’s highest density residential areas, this beach is nearly always filled to capacity, but that’s part of its charm. Swim in the cool waters of the Atlantic amongst thousands of other visitors, join in a game of soccer on the sand or just sit back on a beach chair and order snacks from a beach vendor and watch the passing parade.

Start your visit by touring the whole length of Copacabana Beach. A wide promenade lines the entire stretch. Walk, jog or cycle along the path while taking in everything the beach has to offer. Halfway along the promenade, see the Belmond Copacabana Palace, a five-star hotel built in 1923 in art deco style.

Copacabana Beach is a hive of constant activity with Rio de Janeiro residents enjoying sports on the sand. Watch a game of soccer, which is Brazil’s most popular sport, or join in a game of beach volleyball. The beach also has several weight-lifting areas, where locals come to tan and show off their muscles. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent along the beach if you’d rather just relax.

Go to the southwestern tip of the beach to find Copacabana Fort, which is spread out along a rocky spit. Copacabana Fort was completed in 1914 and was retired as a defensive fortification in 1987. It’s now home to the Army Historical Museum where cannons and some other military equipment are on display. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and there is a fee to enter.

The most exciting time to visit Copacabana Beach is on New Year’s Eve, when the beach is blanketed with over 2 million visitors who come to watch the world-famous fireworks show. Join the chaos on the sand, or reserve a room at a beachfront hotel for a more private vantage point.

Copacabana Beach is easy to get to from the city center via the metro or a bus. Parking can be difficult to find in the area, so public transportation is your best option for reaching the beach.

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Popular places to visit


Top Copacabana Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

PortoBay Rio de Janeiro

PortoBay Rio de Janeiro

4 out of 5
Avenida Atlântica, 1500, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
PortoBay Rio de Janeiro
Royal Rio Palace Hotel

Royal Rio Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua Duvivier 82 Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Royal Rio Palace Hotel
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro

5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 1020, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Windsor Excelsior Copacabana

Windsor Excelsior Copacabana

4 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica 1800, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Windsor Excelsior Copacabana
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
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana Mar Hotel

Copacabana Mar Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Rua Ministro Viveiros de Castro 155, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Copacabana Mar Hotel
Hotel Atlântico Rio

Hotel Atlântico Rio

3.5 out of 5
Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hotel Astoria Palace

Hotel Astoria Palace

4 out of 5
Av. Atlantica 1866, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Hotel Astoria Palace
Hotel Atlantico Copacabana

Hotel Atlantico Copacabana

3 out of 5
Rua Siqueira Campos 90, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Hotel Atlantico 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.

Things to do near Copacabana Beach

At Copacabana Beach, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with activities like football and soccer. Enjoy live music performances along the shore and take in the stunning Brazilian sights. Whether you're lounging on the sand or joining in on a game, there's plenty to keep you entertained in this lively beachside locale.

Shopping

For shopping in Copacabana Beach, visit Rio Sul Shopping Mall, only 1.1km away, offering various entertainment and family-friendly options. The Hippie Fair, 3.2km away, is perfect for unique gifts and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, Shopping Leblon, 4.8km away, features a vibrant shopping experience.

Recreation

At Maracanã Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports culture of Brazil, just 8.0km from Copacabana Beach. Experience luxury at Flamengo Soccer Club, only 4.8km away, or enjoy family-friendly activities at Júlio Delamare Aquatics Centre, located 8.0km from the beach.

Adventure

Experience the exhilarating Corcovado Train, a scenic funicular ride 3.2km from Copacabana Beach, offering stunning views of Rio. Alternatively, take in breathtaking panoramas on the Sugarloaf Cable Car, located 1.6km away, or enjoy a scenic walk at Pista Claudio Coutinho, also 1.6km from the beach.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Copacabana Beach by visiting the Municipal Theater for a cultural evening, or enjoy family-friendly entertainment at the Planetário. For an adventurous twist, take a ride on the Yup Star Ferris Wheel and soak in stunning views of the city.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach offers a vibrant mix of attractions, perfect for culture lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. You can enjoy a day soaking up the sun on the famous beach, explore the beauty of Ipanema beaches, or visit the historic Palace Copacabana. With its lively streets and urban parks, there’s plenty to experience along the shores of Copacabana, making it an ideal destination for a memorable holiday.

  • Christ the Redeemer: Towering 3.2km from Copacabana Beach, this iconic statue offers stunning panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. It embodies Brazilian culture and spirituality, making it a must-visit for its breathtaking scenery and historical significance.
  • Ipanema Beach: Located 3.2km from Copacabana, Ipanema Beach is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning sunsets. Enjoy sunbathing, beach sports, or sipping on a coconut while immersing yourself in the lively local culture.
  • Avenida Atlantica: Just 805m away from Copacabana, this bustling street is the heart of city life, lined with shops, cafes, and stunning ocean views. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll or people-watching.

Best time to go to Copacabana Beach

The best time to visit Copacabana Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February80.2°F (26.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March78.6°F (25.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July70.0°F (21.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Copacabana Beach

To save money on your trip to Copacabana Beach, consider visiting between June and August for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia for discounts. Staying on a Wednesday can also save you money, while Fridays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tools to compare prices and find eco-friendly options. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to significant savings. Take advantage of public transport to explore the area affordably and enjoy free activities along the stunning beach.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Copacabana Beach are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Copacabana Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Copacabana Beach is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Copacabana Beach is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can organise your results to display the lowest prices first, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Copacabana Beach hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.