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-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.



Our pick of the best Copacabana Hotel Deals

Hotel Atlântico Travel

Hotel Atlântico Travel

4 out of 5
Rua Barata Ribeiro nº 544, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
The price is AU$73 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$73
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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! (1,297 reviews)
"Reclamei 3 vezes de um vazamento no teto do banheiro, falaram as 3 vezes que alguém iria verificar e não apareceu ninguém. Simplesmente a noite, era uma pingacao de água no forro do teto do banheiro até amanhecer, e a água pingando no banheiro, onde não sabia se era água limpa ou água suja."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Hotel Atlântico Travel
Hotel Atlântico Rio

Hotel Atlântico Rio

3.5 out of 5
Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is AU$85 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$85
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,232 reviews)
"Perfect location"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Hotel Atlantico Copacabana

Hotel Atlantico Copacabana

3 out of 5
Rua Siqueira Campos 90, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$78 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
AU$78
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Good hotel and good price"

Reviewed on 29 July 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 AU$377 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
AU$377
7 Nov - 8 Nov
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! (1,014 reviews)
"Perfect stay"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
Windsor Plaza Copacabana

Windsor Plaza Copacabana

4 out of 5
Ave Princesa Isabel 263 Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
"The beach and boardwalk are 2 blocks away. The staff is very helpful. There are many dining and shopping options nearby. The restaurant at the hotel is very overpriced. The room and amenities were very good!"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Windsor Plaza Copacabana
Windsor Copa Hotel

Windsor Copa Hotel

3 out of 5
Avenida N. S. de Copacabana, 335, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is AU$141 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
AU$141
18 Nov - 19 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great hotel, in a very convenient location at an excellent price. Super walkable area. Loved the water pressure in the shower and also the breakfatst. Highly recomended."

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025

Windsor Copa 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 showing 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
Sugar Loaf Mountain which includes a sunset and mountains

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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