Copocabana Beach, or Praia de Copacabana, is the Rio de Janeiro of the tourist brochures and deservedly so. It’s a breath-taking 2.5mi (4.5 km) stretch of bright sand that’s filled with people luxuriating in the sun and soaking up the atmosphere.
As night descends the lights go on and football is played until the wee hours. Other groups start singing and dancing and still others are just there to check each other out. The busy sidewalks can get seedy at night so take care.
Behind it rise the Sugarloaf and Morro de Leme and in between is one of the world’s most densely populated residential areas.It is possible to visit Rio and never leave Copacabana, many hotels are situated here and there are plenty of restaurants and bars and some decent shopping.
If you’re swimming, make sure to swim where the locals choose to swim, as the water can be dangerous. The Eastern end of the beach is called Praia do Leme and the area in front of the Meridien Hotel is particularly popular with families. Make sure you leave valuables back at the hotel only carry what you really need.
To get to Copacabana take the metro to Arcoverde or Siqueira Campos. Otherwise any bus from Centro headed to Copacabana will get you there.
