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, Rio de Janeiro - State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Copacabana Beach Reviews
Rated out of 5
Kind of dangerours beach with big waves. I do not recommend it for kids. Every day the lifeguards save all ages people. The water is clean and warm but dangerous. The sand is pretty dirty and there are many vendors!!
sandra perez - a month ago
One of the most beautiful locations in the world. Due to waves and currents, you will not be able to swim there. We stayed at riu sigueira campos and we were walking distance from the beach. Even though beach is stunning, beware of thieves. Our friends were robbed twice. One time we were distracted by one of the vendors. Within minutes camera and wallet of our friends was gone. 2nd time, they were robbed in early afternoon when walking home from the beach. You must pay attention to your belongings and try to dress up as much as possible as a local. Ideally do not take any valuables to the beach. Many small restaurants on the beach. Tourist police is everywhere but they don’t always react on time and cant do much to help tourists in bad situations.
M Z - 2 months ago
Great space in Rio to relax on the beach or have a splash in the sea
+ really easy to get to via car or metro
+ amazing in the morning, more chill, people in the ocean, and still warm
- water is a bit murky at times
- can get very busy, may struggle for clear space on sand
- lots of vendors on the sand, can get a tad annoying
Matthew - a month ago
It’s a lovely beach but it’s absolutely packed especially during touristy times! I love the accessibility to vendors, selling food and clothes, the waves can get a bit aggressive, lots of quiosques with delicious food as well.
Krystal - 3 months ago
Copacabana Beach is simply beautiful. Amazing ocean views, a vibrant atmosphere, and on weekends you’ll find small artisan markets and street vendors along the promenade. The bike and scooter path running along the beach makes it perfect for a relaxed ride. One of the best spots in Rio.
Carpediem_alejo - a month 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: Edgardo W. Olivera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Francisco Anzola - 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 -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Rodrigo_Soldon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Lima Pix - cc license via Flickr
