Copacabana Beach
You don't need to bring anything except yourself to enjoy this famous Rio beach
Copacabana Beach is one of Rio de Janiero's more popular tourist locations. The three mile long white sand beach fronts one of the more populated residential areas of Rio making for plenty of people to watch and never a dull moment.
The beach stretches between Posto Dios and Posto Seis, lifeguard watchtowers two and six. It is interesting to note that the actual watchtower at Posto Seis was never built. The beach is bracketed by two forts, Fort Copacabana on the southern end and Fort Duque de Caxais on the north.
There are plenty of vendors and stores to keep you busy when you are not lounging on the beach. Vendors have a wide variety of goods to sell and the beachfront is lined with many kiosks where you can find anything from beach wear to curios and more practical items. There is no need to lug beach chairs or umbrellas, as these can be rented at the beach, nor is there any need to bring food with you as there are plenty of food vendors, kiosks, and area restaurants eager to introduce you to the wonders of Rio de Janiero's foods.
The beach can get rather crowded and it is recommended that you keep a close eye on your possessions. Security has been upped in recent years and there is a strong police presence in the area to help keep tourists safe. The crowds do have the advantage of providing excellent people watching. Impromptu games of beach volley ball and other games provide entertainment for the sunbathers all day long.
For those who are fans of theatre, there are often nighttime concerts and theatrical displays offered free of charge on the beach. Simply turn up and see what appeals to your sense of the theatrical.
The annual New Year's Eve festivities are something not to be missed. The fireworks shows are some of the best in the world and last as long as thirty minutes. The tradition of spending New Year's Eve on Copacabana Beach was started in the 1950s by various cults practicing their religious ceremonies. The first fireworks display was sponsored in 1976 by a hotel on the waterfront and the show has grown since then, in spite of much criticism from the intellectual community.
There is never a dull moment on Copacabana Beach. Enjoy the sun, surf and company during the day and the local artistic groups during the night.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: Copacabana Beach - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Copacabana Beach Reviews
Rated out of 5
Great beach, water was extremely cold but refreshing after a hot day. Highly recommend getting the paddle ball game, there are nets everywhere to use for volleyball and various games. The vendors can be much at times, but overall are friendly. Walking the entire beachfront is around 3 miles and extremely relaxing after a long day.
patrick matheis - a week ago
Copacabana has an atmosphere like no other. I loved watching the sunrises over the ocean in the mornings, with stand-up paddlers on the water and people running along the beach, such a vibrant and beautiful scene.
Julia G - 2 months ago
100/100. Fantastic vibes; full of people enjoying life, the sun, the sea. An abundance of lovely street food and cocktails. Just walk up and down, enjoy the views, enjoy the vibes and marvel at the wonders that the world has. Also, a good chance to see how absurdly brilliant even the average Brazilians are at beach football. 10/10, can’t miss.
Jonny Alden - 4 weeks ago
The true essence of Rio! Here you'll see everything, from people drinking caipirinhas to others working out on the beach. Well-lit at night, with lots of people, we felt very safe. Still, it's best to keep a close eye and hand on your purse. Overall, I highly recommend visiting, you can't miss it if you're going to Rio! And make sure you check out the famous Copacabana Palace!
Elinor Ackerman - a month ago
This beach is one of the best free white sand beaches in the world. There are plenty of things to do in this area. The locals are quite helpful, but it's essential to be cautious about theft and scams. You can easily rent chairs and umbrellas from different vendors nearby. Sit back, enjoy the view, drink your favorite beverage, and just relax.
Ej Prince Noesis Mediavillo - 5 months ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 - Orange | Cardeal Arcoverde | 6 Minutes |
| Line 1 - Orange | Siqueira Campos | 8 Minutes |
| Line 1 - Orange | Canatagalo | 8 Minutes |
How to get to Copacabana Beach by Metro
Any of the above three metro stations will put you within walking distance of the beach. As a general rule if you follow any road heading in a southerly direction from the Metro you will end up at the beach in about 6 to 8 minutes.
Cardeal Arcoverde Station is best for accessing the north central stretch of beach and it offers the shortest walking distance. Siqueira Campos is close to the south central stretch and Canatagalo is closer to the southern end of the beach.
From Cardeal Arcoverde Station: Exit and follow the plaza to the point and cross the road, go left and then immediately right on Rua Rodolfo Dantas and follow it to the beach (6 Minutes).
From Siqueira Campos Station: Exit the station to your left and follow the plaza to Rua Figueiredo de Magahlhaes and go right. Continue to the beach (8 Minutes).
From Canatagalo Station: Exit the station and walk straight ahead to Rua Miguel Lemos and go right following it to the beach (8 Minutes).
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Copacabana Beach:
Photo Gallery
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Enjoying the white sand and sure along Copacabana Beach cc licensed photo by Christian Haugen -
Copacabana Beach at dusk cc licensed photo by Porto Bay Hotels & Resort -
Photo Credit: kasio69 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: archer10 (Dennis) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Edgardo W. Olivera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Francisco Anzola - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lima Pix - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr
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