Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

Copacabana is a neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro's South Zone, best known for its 4 km (2.5 mile) beach along the Atlantic shore. The beach stretches from lifeguard watchtower Two to Six, with historic forts at both ends. The area is packed with hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and residential buildings.

Don't miss

• The 4 km Copacabana promenade, designed by Roberto Burle Marx, with a black-and-white Portuguese pavement wave pattern from the 1930s.
• Fort Copacabana (built 1914) at the south end and Fort Duque de Caxias (built 1779) at the north end.
• Diabo (Devil) Beach and Arpoador Beach, the latter known for perfect waves for surfers.
• The massive New Year's Eve fireworks display, lasting 15–20 minutes, drawing an estimated 2 million people.
• Avenida Atlântica, a 6-lane, 4 km avenue along the beachside, closed to cars on Sundays and holidays for pedestrian activities.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

Cheapest way inEntrance to the Giant Roda of Rio de Janeiro4.8★ · 1,447 travelers20 minutesFree cancellationFrom$12 per personSee dates →Most bookedFavela Tour in Rio de Janeiro4.6★ · 510 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$33 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate tour: Christ the Redeemer, Maracanã,Sugarloaf, Old Downtown and Selaron5★ · 179 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$217 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• Use sunscreen on your face and shoulders to avoid sunburn; common drug stores sell sunscreen and cocoa butter lip sticks.
• Three Metro stations serve Copacabana: Cantagalo, Siqueira Campos, and Cardeal Arcoverde, plus over 40 bus routes.

A bit of history

The district was originally called Sacopenapã until the mid-18th century, when it was renamed after a chapel was built holding a replica of the statue of Our Lady of Copacabana, the patron saint of Bolivia.