Travel Guide
Everything you need to know — hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
Rio's two most famous beaches, lined with kiosks, footvolley games, and the wave-patterned Copacabana boardwalk, functioning as the social heart of daily life in the city as much as a tourist draw.
Insider Knowledge
Keep valuables minimal on the beach - bring only what you need and watch belongings closely.
The beachside promenade, with its wave-pattern mosaic sidewalk, is great for walking, jogging, or cycling.
Ipanema's sunset viewing from Arpoador rock is a local tradition, often met with applause from the crowd.
Beach vendors sell everything from coconut water to sunglasses - cash is useful for small purchases.
Common Questions
Yes, both are public beaches, free for everyone.
Lifeguard-monitored hours are generally daytime; swimming after dark isn't recommended.
Beach chair and umbrella rentals from vendors typically cost a small daily fee.
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Nearby
The Art Deco statue atop Corcovado Mountain, 30 metres tall including its pedestal, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and offers sweeping views over Rio, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the coastline from 700 metres up.
Rio's two most famous beaches, lined with kiosks, footvolley games, and the wave-patterned Copacabana boardwalk, functioning as the social heart of daily life in the city as much as a tourist draw.
A mosaic staircase of over 200 steps covered in vibrant tiles from more than 60 countries, an ongoing art project by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón until his death in 2013, connecting the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighbourhoods.
A granite peak reached by two cable car stages, offering panoramic views over Guanabara Bay and Rio's beaches — particularly striking at sunset, when the city lights begin to come on below.