Copacabana

Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana which includes a coastal town, mountains and a sandy beach
Copacabana Fort which includes a city and general coastal views
Copacabana featuring food
Copacabana featuring drinks or beverages
Copacabana showing markets

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 neighborhood.

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-kilometer) 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 neighborhood’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 P2,557 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P2,557
P2,820 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,187 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 Aug 5, 2025

Hotel Atlântico Rio
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 WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,055 reviews)
"Very friendly and helpful staff. Shoutout to Branco at the front desk! Great guy, maybe our stay there great."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Royal Rio Palace Hotel
Miramar by Windsor Copacabana

Miramar by Windsor Copacabana

5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 3668 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is P10,190 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P10,190
P11,718 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,186 reviews)
"Great hotel with a great location. Staff were friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Miramar by Windsor Copacabana
Hotel Atlântico Travel

Hotel Atlântico Travel

4 out of 5
Rua Barata Ribeiro nº 544, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
The price is P2,701 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P2,701
P2,978 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,223 reviews)
Good
"Normal . Nothing excepcional ."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hotel Atlântico Travel
Windsor California Copacabana

Windsor California Copacabana

4 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 2616, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,029 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,029
P8,083 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,060 reviews)
"Excellent hotel in Copa."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Windsor California Copacabana
Rio Othon Palace

Rio Othon Palace

4 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica 3264, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P9,455 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P9,455
P10,874 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Wonderful location , in front of the iconic Copacabana beach. They have their own kiosk where they provide chair , umbrella and towels. The staff is very friendly. The pool area on the roof top is very pleasant .the hotel met all my expectations."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Rio Othon Palace
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 which includes markets as well as a large group of people

Ipanema

5/5(1 area review)

Ipanema Beach and Rua Farme de Amoedo are top sights in Ipanema, and you should be sure to explore the stunning beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Nossa Senhora da Paz Station or Ipanema-General Osorio Station to see more sights in the area.

Ipanema
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Botafogo

Botafogo is a destination travelers 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

Travelers 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

Travelers choose Leblon for its beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Antero de Quental Station or Jardim de Alah - Leblon Station and check out top sights like Ipanema Beach.

Leblon


Copacabana