Copacabana Beach

Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Copacabana Beach, stretching along the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most iconic and vibrant urban beaches in the world. Framed by the dramatic curves of Sugarloaf Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, its 4-kilometer crescent of golden sand is more than just a scenic shoreline — it’s a cultural stage where the rhythm of Rio pulses day and night.

The beach is bordered by Avenida Atlântica, a bustling promenade lined with hotels, restaurants, and kiosks, and paved with the famous black-and-white wave-patterned mosaic designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx. This promenade is a magnet for joggers, cyclists, and street performers, especially on Sundays when part of the avenue is closed to traffic, transforming it into a pedestrian paradise.

Copacabana’s history is as rich as its scenery. Once a quiet fishing village known as Sacopenapã, it was renamed after a chapel built in honor of the Virgen de Copacabana, Bolivia’s patron saint. The neighborhood blossomed in the early 20th century with the arrival of trams and the construction of the Copacabana Palace Hotel in 1923, which became a symbol of glamour and a magnet for celebrities.

Today, the beach continues to host major events, from international concerts to the world-famous New Year’s Eve celebration, where millions gather in white attire to watch fireworks light up the sky over the sea. The beach itself is divided into sections marked by lifeguard posts, or “postos,” each with its own vibe — from family-friendly zones to areas popular with athletes, artists, and the LGBTQ+ community.