Location: Copacabana
Top Things to do in Copacabana
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What to do and see in Copacabana, State of Rio de Janeiro (RJ): The Best Things to do
With its plentiful beaches, dramatic mountains, and backdrop of samba and bossa nova rhythms, it's easy to fall in love with Rio de Janeiro. Made famous in song, Ipanema Beach is still the place to stroll, sunbathe, and be seen. The largest Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, beckons visitors to Corcovado Mountain. Rio’s annual Carnaval celebrations are bacchanalian extravaganzas of feasting, music, dance, and costumed revelry.
Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro
1. Museu de Favela
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
The Museu de Favela (MUF) is a private community-based non-governmental organization, founded in 2008 by local residents that were cultural leaders of the Pavao, Pavaozinho and Cantagalo favelas. At this first territorial and alive museum about Favela’s memories and cultural heritage in the world, its collection has about 25,000 residents and their lifestyle, narratives of an important and unknown part of Rio de Janeiro’s history. The territorial museum is located above the steep slopes of Cantagalo’s mountain range, among Ipanema, Copacabana and Lagoa, at Rio de Janeiro’s south zone, in Brazil. It has an area of about 30ft² . Its natural heritage gathers the Atlantic Forest and remarkable panoramic views among the most astonishing views of Rio de Janeiro. The future view is transforming Pavao, Pavaozinho e Cantagalo into a Rio de Janeiro’s touristic monument of Favela’s history, of Samba’s cultural origin, of the north-eastern immigrant and a rich collection of culture and lifestyle
Reviewed By HugoD89 - London, United Kingdom
Visited in September 2019. Very insightful and an experience you dont want to miss out on! We phoned up and arranged to the visit ahead of time (don’t just turn up, phone ahead to book!) we then met up with ‘Tartaruga’ our guide. He has grown up in the favelas you visit and has a wealth of information and experiences to share along the tour. We were also joined by Liz who spoke very good English and translated for us. The tour was very enjoyable, safe and you learn a lot about the history and the politics for the people living within the community. Photographs are ok too but ask Tartaruga before you start taking photo’s as you have to respect the peoples privacy that live within the community and some people may not be happy with you taking their photo. I would 100% do the tour again and recommend it to anyone visiting Rio! Tartaruga and Liz were very friendly and knowledgable. The tour gives you an insight into the good and bad of the favelas. Walking around you sense a very strong bond within the community and you learn about what is being achieved by the people living within it, and on the flip side, you also see the poverty and gang culture aspects of the favelas. This was probably the most interesting and memorable tour I’ve done anywhere. Highly recommend! Tartaruga e Liz, obrigado! Hugo & Ruth
2. Mural Babilonia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 56 reviews
Mural Babilonia is a mosaic art. In the first phase, constructed between January and June 2014 it covered approximately 140 square meters of previously grey public contention wall that was built by Prefeitura of Rio de Janeiro to protect the nearby Babilonia and Chapeu Mangueira communities from landsliding. It is located in Babilonia, Leme, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was designed and made by plastic artists from Czech republic X-DOG and PLEBE, with help of dozens of volunteers from around the world.
3. Copacabana Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,943 reviews
For sunning, relaxing and people watching, join the thousands who flock each year to this lively, world-famous beach lined with shops, bars, restaurants and hotels.
Reviewed By MissHolders - Accrington, United Kingdom
Our hotel was opposite Copacabana beach so we were well within reach of all the sights and sounds. It seemed to be busy all times day and night, with beach sellers and beach front bars & cafes all along the promenade. The sellers didn't hassle us (even the ones pretending to sell handbags but really offering drugs!), a simple 'no thank you' and they went on their way. Similarly, there are ALOT of homeless people, but again they never troubled us for money or anything. We never saw anyone begging. The beach is floodlit at night, but it's still advisable not to walk on the actual beach after dark. Copacabana beach slopes down towards the sea so there is always a blind spot from the main road/promenade. Considering the amount of people who visit the beach, its relatively clean; though there are people who litter pick, possibly as a means of income. There are various sand sculptures along the beach front, it is etiquette to give the sculptors a little money if you want to take photos; they have a tendency to be quite gruff if you don't. Generally, we felt quite safe walking along the promenade, but always be aware of your surroundings and don't go out flashing expensive items, just in case.
4. Forte Duque de Caxias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
Reviewed By chelslynne - Pensacola, United States
The hike up was a great introduction to the flora and fauna of Rio. The marmosets are so cute! The butterflies are gorgeous! The fort offers brilliant views of the city, Christo and sugarloaf. We weren’t charged anything for the hike.
5. Museu Historico do Exercito e Forte de Copacabana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,883 reviews
Reviewed By Z5544LOpeterh - Mississauga, Canada
Copacabana Fort caters to the tourist who’s in search of a great view of Rio along with learning about Brazilian history. Entrance is quite inexpensive and one can easily spend couple of hours learning about the military history of Brazil and then take great panoramic pictures of Copacabana Beach overseeing the Sugar Loaf in the background.
6. Avenida Atlantica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,952 reviews
Avenida Atlantica, with the iconic wavy sidewalk mosaic of Roberto Burle Marx, is ideal for strolling along Copacabana Beach. It is lined with beachside kiosks offering refreshments such as a chilled coconut, and at the far end is a quaint area where fishermen bring their fresh catch ashore.
Reviewed By straightjohnbull
WE stayed in a Copacabana hotel on Avenue Atlantica near post 5. Avenue Atlantica is a busy two-way dual carriageway which separates shops, hotels and restaurants from Copacabana Beach. There are numerous safe crossing points to get from one side to the other and we preferred walking and running along the beach side. We had planned to take taxis to restaurants locally at night but felt very secure throughout even late at night and so walked there and back. The avenue is very well lit and is invariably never deserted.
7. Leme
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 501 reviews
Reviewed By Kingpaul100 - Malaga, Spain
Thisbos esswntially a quiter section of Copacabana Beach. Located at the far end- away from Ipanema. Things are a little quieter here. Not so many people. Water also a little less lively and therefore more suitable for children. Some great surfers to watch. Beach cafe/ bar / restaurants available.
