Choose from 117 Fun Things to Do in Southeast Brazil
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 117 listings.
Gloria Marina
Gloria Marina, with its coastal views and epic mountain scenery, is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular waterfront destinations. Nestled between the Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountains, the marina offer visitors a picturesque place to take in live music performances, public and private boat parties and ship tours of the city. Visitors say the cuisine at nearby Barracuda Restaurant is some of the best in town (and so are the views!) but travelers agree it’s the reasonably priced diving certification classes and personalized sailing lessons that make Gloria Marina truly worth the trip.
Practical Info
The marina is located east of Sao Paulo in the Gloria neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro on the coast of the South Atlantic Ocean. It will be the site of the sailing event in the 2016 Summer Olympics. The marina is easily accessible from the Dumont Airport and travelers can reach Gloria via Avenida Infante Don Henrique.
Address: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, s/n - Glória, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 20021-140, Brazil
From $ 100
Ilha Comprida
The best thing about this “long island” on Brazil’s east coast is that it’s home to the second largest beach in Paraty. A trip to Ilha Comprida guarantees not only plenty of sun and sand, but also a taste of local life, too. Ilha Comprida has a community calendar filled with events, like the Island Summer Culture Festival, Week of the Elderly and religious feasts, which means there’s almost always something to celebrate. And travelers say it’s one of the most beautiful destinations in the region. Island rainforests, ocean views and pristine beaches draw visitors to the shores, and once they’ve arrived, the beauty of this private island makes it very hard to leave.
Practical Info
Ilha Comprida is a barrier island located in Sao Paulo on the Atlantic Ocean.
Address: Ilha Comprida, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 43
Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra
This historic structure served as Guanabara Bay’s main coastal defense site during Brazil’s colonial period. Today, some 3,500 travelers make their way through the walls of Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra every month, making it one of Rio’s top attractions.
Visitors will learn how the fort was renamed in 1612 and can see an impressive collection of military artifacts and memorabilia that include massive bronze bullets, battery canons and other weapons of war. A tour of the grounds includes an up-close look at the Chapel of Santa Barbara, watchtowers, dungeon cells (including the site where hangings took place), lighthouse and the famous sundial, which dates back to 1820.
Practical Info
The Fortress of Santa Cruz da Barra is located on the east side of Guanabara Bay in Niteroi. Guided tours take place every hour and last approximately 45 minutes.
Address: Niterói, Brazil
Hours: Tue-Sun: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Admission: Fee charged
From $ 36
Gold Path (Caminho do Ouro)
This rugged trail in the hills of Minas Gerais, once served as a train route for mining supplies, African slaves and exporting gold. But after numerous pirate attacks on ships loaded with the precious medal headed for port in Rio de Janeiro, the trail fell out of use. Today, despite the fact most gold has already been mined, the Gold Path has become a popular destination for travelers looking to explore scenic mountains, thick forests and a bit of Paraty history. Enjoy a ride on the natural rockslide into cooling crystal waters after a hike through the hills, then head to scenic Toboga Falls before stopping at the nearby distillery where strong sips of locally made cachaca—a sugarcane rum—round out the day.
Practical Info
Parts of the 1200 kilometer paved road to the Gold Path are open to the public but accessible only on guided tours. Groups leave on this three-hour trip twice daily and can cost anywhere from US$35 to US$50 per person.
Address: Pousada Caminho do Ouro, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 58
Ipanema Hippie Fair (Feira Hippie de Ipanema)
Each Sunday General Osório Square in Ipanema transforms into one of Rio’s most popular open-air markets, the Ipanema Hippie Fair (Feira Hippie de Ipanema). This particular market began in 1968 when a group of hippies hanging out in Rio got together to sell and swap their belongings.
Today, the market comprises more than 700 vendors selling Brazilian folk art, jewelry, clothing and souvenirs. It’s one of the best places in town to find bargains on authentic Brazilian crafts and souvenir items, especially embroidered items, lace and ceramic figurines.
Hungry shoppers will find food stalls at the corners of the market selling local favorites like bacalhau (an omelet made from salted codfish), acarajé (mashed black-eyed pea croquettes stuffed with shrimp) and coconut candy.
Practical Info
The Ipanema Hippie Fair takes place each Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
Address: Praça General Osório, s/n - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Sunday 9am to 5pm
From $ 58
Flamengo
The Flamengo district of Rio de Janeiro offers a comfortable, middle class, downtown alternative to trendy beaches and resorts. Far less crowded than Rio hot spots like Copacabana or Ipanema, Flamengo is still located close enough to be a short cab ride away. The neighborhood’s main highlight is Flamengo Park, a grassy section of reclaimed shoreline that faces Guanabara Bay. The water here isn’t safe for swimming, but the walking trails throughout the park are packed with joggers, walkers, and locals in the morning and late afternoon, not to mention that the Flamengo beach offers sweeping views of Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer. There’s also a wide selection of local restaurants and steak houses for a leisurely lunch or dinner on the town. A benefit of the neighborhood’s location is that late night venues are a cab ride away if you want to party all night—yet the neighborhood itself is quiet enough if you’d prefer a mellower night.
Practical Info
By cab, Flamengo is located 30 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from Copacabana. While the neighborhood is largely safe by day it still requires caution at night, and is a convenient, centrally located base for a comfortable stay in Rio.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 36
Ibirapuera Park
Sao Paulo’s version of NYC’s Central Park, leafy Ibirapuera Park was opened on the 400th anniversary of the city, in 1954, and it’s known as much for its museums and music hall as it is for its jogging and cycling paths by the lake.
The park buildings were designed by the modernist Oscar Niemeyer, known for designing Brasília’s public buildings. Covering 2 square km, Ibirapuera is the largest park in central Sao Paulo and the second largest in the city. Designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, there are 13 playing courts and playgrounds on the lawn. Come on a Sunday morning to enjoy a free outdoor concert in the Praça da Paz. Another nice Sunday touch is the Bosque de Leitura — a free outdoor lending library where you can borrow books and magazines (many of which are in English) to read in the park for the day.
Near Gate 3, it’s worth visiting the Museum of Modern Art (MAM). Here you can see Miros, Picassos, and important contemporary Brazilian works. Nearby, there’s the excellent Afro-Brazil Museum at the spacious Manoel da Nóbrega Pavilion — opened in 2004, it’s dedicated to showcasing the cultural achievements of Africans in Brazil. In January and July each year, the Biennial Pavilion hosts São Paulo Fashion Week and trade shows and biennials throughout the year. Sao Paulo has the world’s largest Japanese population outside Japan, so it’s also worth visiting the Japanese Pavilion — an exhibition hall in Ibirapuera Park that shows Japanese art and has its own tea room and Japanese garden where you can feed the carp.
Practical Info
The nearest metro to Ibirapuera Park is Brigadeiro (Green Line). You can rent a bike in the park for R$6 per hour. The park museums are closed on Mondays.
Address: Av Pedro Alvares Cabral, Sao Paulo, Brazil
From $ 19
Flamengo Park
While the official name of Flamengo Park is Parque Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, Rio residents know it only as Aterro—a name that translates as “landfill.” Lest you think this beautiful park is built on a festering trash heap, the name is derived from land that was used to fill a portion of the bay. Today, that fill is home to the largest park in Rio de Janeiro, encompassing nearly 300 acres of outdoor urban green space. This is where Rio comes to play as well as work up a sweat. Morning joggers and walkers line the park’s promenade at sunrise, and the action continues throughout the day with soccer, basketball, tennis, and volleyball on the park’s modern facilities. This is also home to the Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern Art, as well as a sculpture that honors the soldiers who died in WWII. Visit on a weekend and you might find marathoners finishing a race at the park, or cyclists preparing for a long ride through the city’s Zona Sul. Whenever you visit, Flamengo Park is a unifying space for Rio residents and visitors, where the simplicity of a picnic or jog in the park is a pleasure that all can enjoy.
Practical Info
Flamengo Park is set in the Flamengo District about ten minutes south of downtown. The park is accessible by taxi and metro and best avoided at night. While a white sand beach runs the length of the park, swimming is generally discouraged in Flamengo due to high levels of pollution.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 36
Guarujá
Nicknamed "The Pearl of the Atlantic," the Brazilian city of Guarujá hosts the closest stretch of beach to São Paulo, making it a wildly popular weekend destination among Paulistanos. A total of 23 beaches stretch across the city front. And being right in the heart of downtown, Pitangueiras is the most popular beach — it’s near Avenue Puglisi where there's a shopping mall, and local artisans sell their handicrafts at the nearby plaza on weekends and holidays.
Guarujá Enseada is another lively beach with tons of kiosks selling coconuts, beer, and snacks. Pernambuco is where the locals sun themselves, and every self-respecting surfer heads to Praia do Tombo. Another unique beach along the Guarujá oceanfront is Iporanga, which has its own waterfall and freshwater swimming pool.
Guarujá is famous for its buzzing nightlife. And for outdoorsy types, there's Guarujá Golf Club with its acclaimed golf course. For cyclists, a bike path stretches along the length of Enseada beach. Also by Enseada is Acqua Mundo Theme Park — home to the biggest aquarium in South America with over 700 species of fish. You can also visit the 16th-century Barra Grande Fortress, built to protect the local village against pirate attacks.
Practical Info
From Sao Paulo’s Jabaquara Bus Station (reached by metro) there are direct buses to Guarujá, and the journey takes around an hour and a half.
Address: Guarujá, Brazil
From $ 118
Grumari Beach
While the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema offer a lot to see and there is always something going on, sometimes visitors find themselves in need of a break from the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. Grumari Beach is one of those beaches that is still a real insider tip and since it can only be reached by car, it is not very well known by tourists. Here, you can enjoy peace and tranquility surrounded by rolling hills and deep green Atlantic rainforest. The powdery sand along the 3 kilometer long beach is a bit darker, which, combined with the wild landscape, creates a stunning backdrop for this day trip.
Just like the adjoining Prainha Beach, Grumari Beach is part of a nature reserve and still very off the beaten track. Accordingly, visitors are predominantly locals and the signs of mass tourism have not yet manifested. The bay is very clean and pristine and can often be found completely deserted during the week. Due to its status as an environmentally protected area, there are no people living in the immediate area, but the village of Guaratiba is located fairly close by. The locals there live mainly from fishing and accordingly, some of the best seafood restaurants in Rio can be found there.
Practical Info
Grumari Beach can be found about half an hour west of Rio’s city center. Busses only go as far as Prainha Beach and consequently, Grumari Beach is best reached by car. It is easiest to either rent a car for the day or arrange for a taxi to take you there and back. There are no facilities and amenities and it’s advised to bring plenty of food and drink.
Address: Brazil
From $ 76
Coffee Museum (Museu do Caf e)
At the Santos Coffee Museum visitors experience the world’s favorite caffeinated-beverage through history and of course, taste. The Coffee Museum is housed in what used to be the Coffee Stock Exchange, where Brazilian coffee was weighed and traded before being sent through the Santos Port and overseas.
The Coffee Stock Exchange closed in the 1960s and fell into disrepair, but after decades of restoration efforts, in 2005 the beautiful colonial building re-opened as the Coffee Museum. The building’s architecture is a highlight of a visit to the museum. High ceilings with stained-glass skylights lie above ornately designed marble floors on the Exchange’s main trading room. The museum’s exhibition rooms explain the historical and cultural significance of coffee in Brazil, and worldwide, through photos, paintings, antique coffee-farming tools and more.
Brazil has a strong coffee culture – not only is Brazil the largest coffee producer in the world, but it is also is the second largest consumer of coffee. This is easy to see in every day life throughout the country, where a cafezinho (a little coffee), is customary in the mornings, after meals, and practically any time you want a pick-me-up. After touring the museum, be sure to try a cup of delicious Brazilian-grown coffee in the museum café for yourself!
Practical Info
This Coffee Museum is located at Rua XV de November, 95 in the historic center of Santos. It is open Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is also open on Mondays, November through March. Admission is R$6 for adults and R$3 for children and seniors over 60. Admission is free on Saturday.
Address: Rua XV de November, 95 – Centro Histórico, Santos 11010-151, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open on Mondays November – March.
Admission: R$6 for adults, R$3 for children and seniors over 60. Free on Saturdays.
From $ 2
Ipanema Beach (Praia de Ipanema)
Although less famous than its nextdoor neighbor Copacabana Beach, Ipanema holds its own with quiet charm and considerably cleaner surroundings, and it does it without skimping on any of the white sands, blue waters, or local character that give Rio de Janeiro’s beaches their claim to fame.
The Basics
Ipanema Beach (Praia de Ipanema) is on the ritzy side of Rio, backing onto an upper-class neighborhood full of high-end hotels and classy dining establishments. Although it’s easy to spend a day lounging on the sand (chair and umbrella rentals are available), those looking for a more immersive experience will find it on a guided city tour that combines a stop at Ipanema with other top Rio attractions such as Sugarloaf Mountain, the Statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor), the Lapa neighborhood, or the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Bike tours offer a popular way to cover more ground in less time, while private tours ensure that you see everything on your list in comfort.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ipanema is divided into various postos, or sections, each with its own vibe—some are best for sunset barbecues and others are especially gay-friendly or suited to sunbathers.
- Vendors walk the beach selling everything from snacks to hammocks, so you can stay put all day.
- If you’re not sure which Rio beach is right for you, take a guided beach tour of the favorites such as Arpoador and Leblon before you commit to a full day.
- Ipanema means “bad, dangerous waters” in the local indigenous language—a good reminder to only swim in designated areas, as the waves can be big and the undertow strong.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Ipanema is on a guided tour, many of which include door-to-door transportation from your hotel. Otherwise, catch the metro to Ipanema/General Osorio or take any of the buses marked “Ipanema” from Centro.
When to Get There
The beach is open and crowded year-round, but plan your visit during Rio’s warm season—December to March—to enjoy the water. Visit in the morning for smaller crowds and less heat, or head to the beach in the evening to watch the sun set over the Atlantic.
Address: Avenue Vieira Souto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Daily
From $ 32
First Church of Our Lady of the Remedies
This Catholic church in the heart of Paraty’s Historic Center is not only the largest in the town—it is also the most popular. Travelers flock to this impressive example of colonial architecture that stretches over an entire block and was built on donated land. Despite it’s beauty, the bell towers and temple of Our Lady of the Remedies remain incomplete. In addition to exploring the chapels, visitors can partake in local festivals during Holy Week and wander the halls of upstairs art galleries year round.
Practical Info
The church is located between Rua Dona Geralda and Rua Tenente Francisco Antonio.
Address: Rua Dona Geralda and Rua Tenente Francisco Antonio, Parati, Brazil
From $ 30
Guanabara Bay
A vast oceanic inlet flanked by the looming peaks of Sugarloaf Mountain and Papagaio Peak and dotted with over 100 islands, Guanabara Bay provides a dramatic backdrop to the city of Rio de Janeiro. Measuring in at about 159 square miles (412 square kilometers), Guanabara is Brazil’s second largest bay, home to the cities of Niterói and São Gonçalo, the Port of Rio de Janeiro and Rio’s two airports. The iconic landscape has been immortalized on countless postcards.
Most visitors choose to explore the sights of Guanabara Bay with a boat cruise from Rio harbor, taking in highlights like the Rio neighborhoods of Botafogo, Flamengo and Urca, the beaches of Niterói and the fortresses of Sao Joao and Santa Cruz.
Practical Info
Guanabara Bay is located off the Atlantic Ocean, stretching inland from the city of Rio de Janeiro, and can be explored by boat from the city’s main port. The islands of Fundão and Governador and the city of Niteroi are also connected via road bridges to Rio de Janeiro, and passenger ferries regularly cross the bay to Niteroi and the Island of Paquetá.
Address: Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hours: Daily
From $ 52
Fora Beach (Ranchos)
Brazil is known for its incredible beaches, clear waters and long stretches of pure, white sand. And while the coast is lined with sweet escapes that are perfect for sun worshipers and snorkelers alike, Fora Beach—also known as Ranchos—ranks among the nation’s best.
Located in a part of Rio de Janeiro known as Trindade, Ranchos is one of six distinctly unique beaches that draw travelers beyond city limits and into the wilds of nature. With impressive waves, protected swimming areas and shaded trees ideal for cooling off, Fora Beach has something for everyone. Plus, its close proximity to rolling hills and thick forests make it a destination that’s as perfect for water lovers as it is for outdoor adventurers.
Practical Info
February tends to be Paraty’s rainiest month, so travelers looking to soak up the sun on the shores of For a Beach should avoid traveling then. Cool ocean breezes and afternoon sprinkles offer visitors respite on even the hottest summer days.
Address: Paraty, RJ, Brazil, Brazil
From $ 52
Copacabana Fort
Situated on the south end of Copacabana Beach lies a piece of Brazilian military history, the Copacabana Fort. Built just before the First World War, the fort is strategically located on a thin strip of rock that juts into the ocean and was designed to protect Rio de Janeiro from attack. On the headland, there are two turrets that each hold two massive Krupp cannons, the largest being 305 mm, capable of firing a 980-pound (445-kg) shell up to over 14 miles (23 km) into the ocean.
The area houses the Museum of the History of the Military, which details the early days of Portuguese colonization, the Brazilian military’s involvement in international conflicts and the modernization of the Brazilian army in current day. There are also several centuries-old artillery items on display outside, including a six-foot (1.8-meter), 152.4 mm gun made in 1918 and a five-barrel quick-firing gun from 1876.
This area not only offers an interesting insight into Brazil’s military history, but also has a lovely, oceanfront avenue where visitors can stroll and take in panoramic views of Copacabana Beach. The famed Confeitaria Colombo, a traditional café and bakery located in the city center, also owns a quaint café located within the walls of the fort. Visitors can stop for breakfast, lunch or a snack and enjoy a peaceful view of the famous shoreline.
Practical Info
The Copacabana Fort is located at Plaza Coronel Eugênio Franco nº 1 in the Copacabana neighborhood. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the exterior area, shops and cafés are open the same days until 7:30 p.m. The entrance fee can only be paid in cash and costs R$6 for adults, R$3 for students and seniors over 60 (with ID), and free for seniors over 80 and children under 10. The fort is accessible from bus lines 121, 126, 127, 484 and 455 and from either the Cantagalo or General Osório metro stations.
Address: Praça Coronel Eugênio Franco nº 1 - Posto 6, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 22070-020, Brazil
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission: R$ 6
From $ 7
Estrada das Paineiras
Travelers typically find their way to this scenic winding road tucked amid the hills outside Rio en route to the towering statue of Christ. But locals say this 3-mile path through epic landscapes, waterfalls and thick forests is a destination all its own. Visitors have free rein on weekends, when cars and other motorized vehicles aren’t allowed on Estrada das Paineiras. It’s the perfect time to hike, bike or run here. Travelers should be sure to stop at some of the stunning overlooks that offer up incredible views of the surrounding countryside and the Rio skyline.
Practical Info
Estrada das Paineiras is located in Corcovado on the way to Rio’s Christ monument. The path starts just below the van departure point.
Address: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From $ 45
Ilha Grande
Located just over 100 kilometers from Rio, Ilha Grande is a piece of paradise in the warm waters of the Costa Verde (the lush, coastal region between Rio and São Paulo). Ilha Grande, the ‘Big Island,’ is sparsely populated with small villages with fishermen and small B&Bs. The island’s main village is Abraão, on the western shore, where passenger ferries land daily. With no cars allowed and mostly untouched by developers, Ilha Grande is the ideal island escape. Most of Ilha Grande is pristine Atlantic Rainforest, with endless options for hikes, panoramic viewpoints, hidden coves, and long white-sand beaches that seldom have crowds. The waters of Ilha Grande are warm and turquoise, making it a great place for snorkeling, swimming and other water sports. On the coast facing the open-ocean, waves can be large and attract surfers, and on the coast facing land, waters are usually calm and perfect for a dip.
Besides hiking, the best way to get around to the many beaches of Ilha Grande is by boat. Water-taxis and day excursions bring visitors to the island’s best beaches, coves and snorkel spots. Most of the island’s accommodations are in Arbaão, but there are other guesthouses on the island’s more remote beaches, as well as campgrounds.
Practical Info
Visiting Ilha Grande on a day trip from Rio de Janeiro is possible by boat. To spend the night there, visitors can drive or take the bus to the ferry terminal in Mangaratiba or Angra dos Reis, where ferries depart daily for Abraão.
Address: Ilha Grande, Brazil
From $ 83
Hotel Unique
With its striking crescent shape, Sao Paulo’s iconic Hotel Unique has been said to look like many things — a copper half-moon, the hull of a ship...but locals just call it “the watermelon.” Designed by the Brazilian-Japanese architect Ruy Ohtake and renovated in late 2012, the luxury 95-room hotel has won numerous design awards. Critic Paul Goldberger even hailed the building as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Based in Jardim Paulista near Sao Paulo’s version of Central Park, Ibirapuera, inside Hotel Unique it’s all high ceilings and quirky touches like the huge blue cushion that is the lobby’s sitting area.
The hotel even has a water slide for grown-ups, and there's a crimson rooftop pool next to the Skye rooftop bar and restaurant: here you can sip a caipirinha or a wasabi martini, dine on French-Brazilian fusion food, and look out across Sao Paulo from one of the most fashionable spots in the city.
Practical Info
On Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, Hotel Unique is in Sao Paulo's exclusive Jardins district.
Address: 4700 Avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, Sao Paulo, Brazil
From $ 195
Copacabana Beach (Praia de Copacabana)
Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Copacabana Beach evokes images of white-sand shores, sun-kissed volleyball players, tourists sipping agua de coco out of bright green coconuts, and bikini-clad revelers partying long into the night. And for the most part, that’s pretty accurate. Add in a touch of local carioca (Rio residents) flavor and a splash of the obscure, and it becomes obvious how thousands of people easily spend entire days (and nights) wholly entertained on the world’s most famous beach.
The Basics
Copacabana’s roughly 2.2-mile (4-km) stretch along Brazil's Atlantic coast is divided into seven informal sections, or postos. Although visitors are free to wander wherever they please on the beach, those looking for a particular vibe may want to get a lay of the land: Postos two through six draw the largest crowds thanks to landmarks such as Copacabana Palace, and posto seven is the best surf spot from dawn till dusk—thanks, in part, to a floodlight. Stretch your legs with a stroll along the boardwalk and Avenida Atlantica or a jaunt to the many beachfront shops, or incorporate Copacabana Beach into a full Rio de Janeiro tour for a quick look at the city’s top sights. Guided tours often combine trips to Copacabana with visits to nearby sites such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, Sugarloaf, and downtown Rio.
Things to Know Before You Go
- No matter where you park in the sand, bring plenty of sun protection and leave your valuables at home—cheap snacks and drinks will get you through the day without too much cash outlay. Vendors hawk everything from cold drinks and snacks to reasonably priced towels and souvenirs.
- Look left for views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the historical Fort Duque de Caxias, and catch sight of Copacabana Fort and Two Brothers Hill to the right.
- Leme occupies the span between postos one and two, and posto eight marks the transition to Ipanema Beach, popular among locals.
- Although Copacabana is lit up at night, it’s still wise to avoid walking along the beach after sunset.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to and from Copacabana Beach is in a yellow taxi, which is also an economical option. There are three metro stations a few blocks north of the beach, and numerous city buses stop in the vicinity. Myriad city tours, both group and private, also stop on Copacabana’s sands.
When to Get There
The beach is open and crowded year-round, but plan your visit during Rio’s warm season—December to March—to enjoy the water. Weekends are busier than weekdays, and Sunday is a popular time to visit because part of Avenida Atlantica is closed to cars. Keep your eye out for various volleyball, soccer, and other sporting events taking place on the beach throughout the year.
Sports on Copacabana Beach
Volleyball nets, soccer courts, and other sports equipment facilitate physical activity all along the beachfront. Copacabana’s sands are also popular training grounds for those practicing capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics, and music with Angolan tradition for a graceful, fluid, and powerful form of movement.
Address: Avenue Atlantica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Admission: Free
From $ 30