Copacabana Beach

The Praia de Copacabana, one of Rio's most celebrated beaches, is a must-see. One of the world's most famous beaches, Copacabana stretches from Morro do Leme hill at the northern most end to the Forte de Copacabana on the southern tip. At 4 km long, this beach boasts many apartment buildings, restaurants and hotels, including the ultra luxurious (and expensive) Copacabana Palace Hotel. Opened in 1923, the Copacabana Palace has been host to the rich and famous, including Queen Elizabeth and the Rolling Stones. Today it remains Rio's most exclusive hotel.

The Copacabana Palace Hotel














The promenade along the beach is a black-and-white dragon tooth pavement designed by Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. A walk along this beachfront promenade will reveal why Copacabana has been drawing tourists to Brazil for decades. Here you will see favela kids playing beach soccer, young women wearing the skimpiest of bikinis soaking up the sun's strong rays, fishermen hauling today's catch of the day, tourists lining up for a caipirinha or two, and plenty of beach vendors hawking everything from swimwear to snacks to massages. On Sundays, the avenue in front of the beach is closed in one direction to provide more room for joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers.

Scenes from Copacabana Beach