The most amazing beaches of Rio

What is Copacabana famous for?

Copacabana is one of the reasons why people fall in love at first sight with Rio. The Princess of the Sea, It is one of the best areas for you to stay, with a higher concentration of hotels than any other neighborhood in town. Like Ipanema and Leblon, Copacabana and Leme share the same beach. This is where Rio's New Year's Celebrations take place, attracting 2 million people every year. It is Rio de Janeiro's most vibrant and eclectic district, with countless attractions for locals and visitors. With over 160 thousand residents, it's almost a city within itself. The beach, landmark buildings, legendary nightclubs, restaurants, boutiques, and the trademark sidewalks are more than enough to captivate you. As you walk around and discover the parks, squares, sights, and especially the people, you will become a fan for life.

Wake up early and watch the sun rise out of the Atlantic Ocean. Somewhere else in Copacabana, at this very same time, fishermen are pulling their nets, senior citizens are going for their daily walk and dip in the sea, the first batch of fresh-baked bread is ready for sale at dozens of bakeries, and bouncers of Lido nightclubs are finally calling it a night. If Rio is a city that never sleeps, Copacabana is the reason.

Copacabana Beach is where to spend New Year's Eve, The fireworks festival and the stages with live music shows are big pluses to the place, but the Cariocas are the main attraction. Mostly everybody dresses in white, a tradition to bring peace and good luck, offering a white flower to Yemanjá, the goddess of the seas, is also a part of the ritual. The exquisite fireworks festival starts at midnight, lasting almost a half hour. With white sand and waters that are never rough, this is also a very popular beach for sunbathing. During the summer international championships of beach soccer, volleyball and other sports are promoted in arenas along Copacabana Beach. Some beach kiosks are open around the clock, offering refreshments and snacks. Cross the street and explore the beachside cafes, restaurants, and night clubs along Av. Atlantica.

Copacabana keeps a close relationship with its neighbors. Walk south and after you pass Posto 6, it is 5 minutes to Arpoador and Ipanema, Go North to Leme. Lagoa is Southwest, a short tunnel leads you to Botafogo, Flamengo and Downtown.

What about Ipanema Beach?

Ipanema is a neighborhood with a tradition of freedom and innovation. Ipanema Beach is where the summer happens in Rio. News in Ipanema makes big headlines in all major newspapers in the country. Ipanema is a public beach with free access like all beaches in Brazil. If you're coming from a country where everything's regulated, expect to be spoiled. Feeling hungry? Beach vendors offer ice-cream, cookies (don't miss the traditional Biscoitos Globo), corn-on-the-cob, melted cheese on a stick, shrimp on a stick, assorted homemade sandwiches, fresh-sliced pineapple. Feeling Thirsty? Mineral water, iced tea, diet and regular sodas, frozen fruit juice, chilled coconut milk, and yes, ice-cold beer, and delicious fresh-squeezed caipirinhas. You can rent your beach chairs and umbrellas. Need to accessorize? Hats, colorful beach throws, sunglasses, jewelry, even bikinis are for sale.

What are the valuable places that can be visited?

Considered the “little Paris” of Rio it is renowned for its avant-garde galleries, bookstores and movie theatres. Stop in at H. Stern, one of the most popular jewelry stores in the area, and take a tour of their museum. Not only is it free but you receive a little box of semi-precious and precious stones as a gift. Every Sunday the Hippie Fair is held with vendors selling everything from wooden dolls to swizzle sticks topped with parrots. Garcia D’Avila Street has some of the best brands of the city as Osklen, H Stern, Amsterdam Sauer and many others.

To sleep in luxury consider staying at the Fasano or Ipanema Plaza. Both are close to the beach and shopping. Fasano has already received Madonna, Beyoncé and John Travolta, just to say a few. Another great 5 star option, but not so expensive, is the Hotel Caesar Park beach front.
For a hotel with middle of the road prices try the Hotel Vermont on Rua Visconde de Pirajá. Budget accommodations are plentiful in Ipanema and consist mostly of hostels. The Adventure Hostel on Rua Vinicius de Moraes is a member of Hostelling International. Casa 6 on Rua Barao da Torre has both double rooms and dormitories and One Love Hostel has a breakfast buffet every morning.

What distinguishes Ipanema beach from others in Rio?

The beaches of Rio de Janeiro are divided into tribes, but Ipanema is where that note is so strong. In front of the country club meet young beautiful and high class people. It’s certainly the place to see and be seen.