There are plenty of awesome luxury hotels in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. Copacabana Beach is one of Rio’s most popular beaches. The beach has postos, or lifeguard stands, that offer changing rooms and restrooms. Copacabana Beach is a 2.5-mile stretch of sand that runs from Posto 1 to Posto 6, where you’ll find the Historical Museum of the Army and Copacabana Fort.
Copacabana Beach is loaded with authentic eats, lavish accommodations and the beautiful Avendia Atlantica sideway made of mosaic tiles. You’ll find much more than powdery sands. Recent visitors raved about the beach and said the people-watching is some of the best in the world. The beach does tend to always be crowded, so getting there early is recommended. To learn about all of the most amazing in Brazil, head Visit the most amazing beaches in Brazil here, or on Pinterest.
Rio de Janeiro Weather – Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Rio de Janeiro is between December and March, when the weather is warm and sunny enough to hit the beaches. You can enjoy visiting here year round, but arrive in February to experience Carnival. This four- to five-day festival leading up to Fat Tuesday brings thousands of visitors and locals to the streets for parades, parties and balls. Finding an affordable place to stay during Carnival can be difficult; you should consider booking your hotel and flight up to a year in advance. Between January and March, daytime temperatures can sometimes surpass 90°F to 100°F. If you prefer more moderate conditions, visit during autumn (April and May) or spring (October and November), when temps fall back to the 70s and low 80s during the day and the 60s at night.
Best Rio de Janeiro Beaches
Copacabana Beach
The iconic (and crowded) 2 1/2-mile stretch of sand is flanked by mountains in the background, high-rise hotels in the foreground and a bustling, mosaic-covered promenade, Avenida Atlantica in between perfect for a stroll and people watching. While many beach goers bake in the sun or swim and surf in the turquoise waters, there are plenty of other activities in the area.
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Ipanema Beach
Ipanema is where you’ll want to see and be seen. Meanwhile, countless vendors walk the beach, selling what seems like an endless array of things to buy, like bathing suits, beers, beach towels, books and even coconuts. The waterfront action barely ceases here. Be prepared to encounter volleyball games, soccer and water sports like surfing and wake boarding.
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Barra da Tijuca Beach
Barra da Tijuca, Rio’s longest beach, stretches 11 miles, and with excellent waves and water conditions. Barra has become a mecca for the athletically inclined, and attracts scores of long and short board surfers, body boarders, kite surfers and windsurfers taking advantage of the prime conditions.
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Prainha Beach
Prainha Beach is a blissfully quiet, stunning crescent of sand flanked by rain forest covered mountains. The sands here are soft and white, and the waves of the bright blue waters attract many surfers, though it’s also common to see families enjoying the secluded shore here.
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Vermelha Beach
This may be one of Rio’s smallest beaches, but it is really worth the visit. Besides the reddish sands and secluded setting, there’s also a cable car that takes tourists to the top of 1,300-foot-tall Sugarloaf Mountain as well as a mile-long paved hiking trail along the rocky coastline. The beach lies in a cove, so the sheltered area sees typically calm water.
Best Rio de Janeiro Tours & Activities
Full Day in Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Maracana and Selaron with Lunch
Get an overview of Rio’s most important sights during this comprehensive 8-hour tour. With a local guide, travel through the Tijuca Forest, stopping at Paineiras to board transportation to the top of Corcovado, home of the Christ the Redeemer statue. Take the cable car from Urca up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, then eat lunch at one of the city’s best steakhouses before visits to Maracanã Stadium and the Sambadrome. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included. Book your Full Day in Rio Tour Here.
Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain Small-Group
Summit both Corcovado and Sugar Loaf mountains in the early morning to beat the crowds on this half-day tour in Rio de Janeiro. After bright and early pickup from your Rio hotel, travel through the Tijuca National Forest to get up close with the Christ the Redeemer statue without throngs of people around. After learning about its history from your local guide, move on to Sugar Loaf Mountain for spectacular views of the sprawling city, slowly waking up in the morning light. Tickets for the Sugar Loaf cable car are not included. Book your Christ Redeemer & Sugar Loaf Small Group Tour Here.
Full Day Complete Tour of Rio de Janeiro
Get an overview of Rio’s most important sights during this comprehensive, full-day tour. With a local guide, visit Copacabana Beach, Botafogo Beach and Palácio Guanabara. Travel through the Tijuca Forest, stopping at Paineiras on the way up Corcovado to see the Christ the Redeemer statue. Take the cable car from Urca up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain, then eat lunch at one of the city’s best steakhouses before visits to Maracanã Stadium and the Sambadrome. Round-trip transportation from Rio hotels is included. Book your Complete Tour of Rio de Janeiro here.
3 Hour Sailing Experience in Rio
See two iconic Rio de Janeiro landmarks from the water—Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf—while sailing aboard a 40-foot (12-meter) yacht. Sail in Guanabara Bay or the open sea while you relax with a welcome drink and snacks. Enjoy stunning views and discover the magic of sailing from the captain who illuminates Rio’s history. This 3-hour boat tour has a max capacity of 10 for a small-group experience. Book your 3 Day Sailing Experience in Rio here.
Experience Hang Gliding or Paragliding in Rio
Fly in the most beautiful scenery of the city, fly over the forest, the mountains and the sea. They are a team selected with the best pilots of the Club Sao Conrado, competitors racing championships and always in search of evolution in the sport. They use the most modern photographic equipment on the market and also the best flight equipment. They are prepared to help make this dream come true with the safety and comfort you deserve. Book your Rio Hang Gliding or Paragliding Experience here.
Best Rio de Janeiro Restaurants
Giuseppe Grill $30 and Over
Giuseppe Grill is one of Rio’s best restaurants. Char grilled meat and fish plates are outstanding, as are Brazilian classics like bobó de camarão (manioc paste with dried shrimp and coconut milk). The setting is all class, with black-garbed waitstaff, dark-wood tables and artful touches. Menu Telephone: 55 21 99591-5277 Web: Giuseppe Grill
Puro $11 – 30
Puro offers consistently excellent food and service in the upmarket Jardim Botânico neighborhood. Head to the top floor for open-air views over the botanical gardens – it’s a fine setting for dishes such as roasted lamb with rice, octopus and smoked pork belly, or oven-baked fish of the day. Telephone: 55 21 3284-5377 Web: Puro
Salome Bistro $11 – 30
While small, the menu has plenty of variety, from grilled octopus to Moroccan lamb tagine with couscous. You’ll also find seafood linguine, duck breast with eggplant caviar and salads with warm Saint-Marcellin cheese. Telephone: 55 21 98175-9574 Web: Salome Bistro
Aprazível $30 and Over
Aprazível offers beautiful views and a lush garden setting. Grilled fish and roasted dishes showcase the country’s culinary highlights from land and sea. Start with grilled heart of palms before moving on to standout main courses like delectable moquequinha (seafood stew), roast pork with pineapple chutney and polenta, or house-made vegetarian ravioli. Menu Telephone: 55 21 2508 9174 Web: Aprazivel
Churrascaria Palace $11 – 30
This elegantly set dining room is one of the best churrascarias (traditional barbecue restaurants) in town. Aside from juicy, high-quality cuts of meat, the included buffet nearly steals the show with fresh oysters, grilled heart of palm, sushi and sashimi, rice with wild mushrooms and goji berries, codfish casseroles, smoked fish, grilled prawns and octopus and amazing salads. Menu Telephone: 55 21 2541-5898 Web: Churrascaria Palace
Best Rio de Janeiro Bars
Gávea Beach Club
Gávea Beach Club is found in São Conrado, a wealthy residential neighborhood that neighbors Leblon and has the casual air of the beach kiosks in Copacabana with the comfort of a small restaurant. Telephone: 55 21 9437-5275 Web: Gavea Beach Club
Riba
RIBA Praia is located on Leblon beach, one of the most upscale and beautiful spots in Rio. The tempting appetizers include oysters and lobster and drinks vary from cold beers to bottles of champagne. Telephone: 55 21 2051-7870 Web: Riba
Deck Bar
Located on the rooftop of the affluent Pestana Hotel, Deck Bar provides sweeping views over Leme and Copacabana that stretch out across the seemingly endless ocean. On the weekends, live DJs play various sets that include dance and electronic music, and the bar keeps the party going with potent cocktails and delicious snacks. Telephone: 55 21 2548 6332 Web: Deck Bar
YNDÚ Beach Lounge
Though the tables and chairs spread out across the sand make the bar seem casual, it is a place to see and be seen. The drinks menu includes an impressive selection of caipirinhas and cocktails and on the weekends, live DJs play music throughout the evening with great house and electronic sets. During the day, the bar hosts yoga classes on the sand. Telephone: 55 21 98153-6223 Web: YNDU Beach Lounge
Deck
Not to be confused with Deck Bar, Deck is a restaurant on the seafront of Copacabana. Despite its privileged location and stunning views over Copacabana Beach. Enjoy sitting outside and enjoying some cold beers while taking in the whirlwind of activity on Copacabana Beach. Telephone: 55 21 97254 3727 Web: Deck
I’m not sure why, but when I think of a beach vacation Rio was not on my mind, but your article has certainly made the case for it. The beaches look beautiful in the photos and your descriptions are great. I actually have a brother in law that had lived in Rio de Janeiro for a few years and he loved his experience there. Copacabana Beach sounds particularly interesting but I think I would prefer the quieter Prainha Beach.
Yes, my uncle and his family lived in Rio for many years. It truly is a beach haven with some great culture. I like any and all beaches as long as they are clean. I am glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations Mike.
Excellently informative. Beach Travel Destinations have perfectly outlined the finest destinations to travel to and have the best of times. The research put into this must have been immense; it’s worth it. I would definitely subscribe. In comparison with other websites, they stand out with their partners. To enable better user interface, I suggest a change of the header image to captivate the user more. Again, a display of the logo on the header goes along way. Keep doing what you doing.
Your comments are greatly appreciated! I am working on new a new header image 🙂 I agree completely.
Thanks so much for sharing a great article to read to know more where to stay and where to eat when visiting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, my son just told me he will be traveling for work there and he asked me if I would go with him, is a one week stay, so I know you always have good reviews and good tips on your website. I got some notes and I guess I will have fun when visiting Rio with my son next year!
You will probably have a blast! Thanks for taking the time to leave m e comments Alejandra.
I have always wanted to go to Rio-De-Janeiro. It’s on my bucket list of places to go. Seeing this post and the awesome images you have provided has just reiterated how beautiful and affordable it really is. I’m hoping to be able to go next year in October. I live in a place that is very warm all year round so the temperatures then will be perfect! I really want to see the Christ the Redeemer statue 🙂
Great Lisa, I know you will have a great time. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
For as long as I can remember Rio has always been in old magazines I came across. That means it’s been a popular tourist destination for a very long time. I’d one day like to visit and experience the full spirit of the Carnival coupled with exploration of the sun baked beaches. It must be a once in a lifetime affair. Thanks for pointing out the places of interest and the standout eateries.
It is a destination that you will want to enjoy at least once! And the Carnival is a fun time to visit. Just plan your accommodations in advance.
Amazing! All the information that I need in a simple way is present, attractive offers that are irresistible.
When browsing your site, I felt like I was browsing the Booking app.
You have shown the most important beautiful tourist places. I really miss visiting Brazil and seeing its amazing beauty.
thank you for the valuable information.
Thank you 🙂 Glad you enjoyed!
Brazil has fascinated me since being a child in India. My father had visions of moving to Brazil one day. We never did go to Brazil. However, your post is like being transported there virtually. Those beaches sound so delightful. I had only heard of two, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Although I live in California where there are great beaches, none are as long and bustling as in Brazil.
Since it is summer there during the winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the beaches of Rio would be great to visit during January to March.
Thanks for painting wonderful word pictures of the beaches of Rio.
Edwin
You are welcome Edwin. I am glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations.
I always thought that a visit to Rio meant spending lots of time on Copacabana Beach. I didn’t realise that there were also other fantastic beaches. From the look of the pictures the other beaches look like they are worth the visit.
Ipanema Beach looks especially appealing with the beach being set next to that mountain. Wonderful !!!
I have never been to Brazil and always wanted to go. Your fantastic article has pushed a trip there higher on my bucket list
Regards
Steve
Brazil is wonderful. Definitely worth a visit. I am glad you enjoyed my Awesome Luxury Hotels in Rio de Janeiro Brazil Steve. Thanks for stopping by.
I have just finished reading a novel that is set in Rio de Janeiro and other parts of Brazil, so it is great to find this post. A tour to see Christ Redeemer and go up Sugar Loaf Mountain, sounds like the best way to take in the sights of Rio de Janeiro.
Copacabana and Ipanema are indeed both world famous beaches, and it sounds ideal to be sitting with your feet in the sand while sitting a drink and watch the crowds.
Cannot go wrong for sure! I’m trying to decide what sands I want to walk in next 😀
Oh, thank you for writing all the good spots in Rio de Janeiro. I have the plan to travel there in 2023, so It’s nice to know beforehand all the good spots. I really want to know their culture, so traveling in February seems a good choice. By the way, any vegan-friendly restaurants around there? I will travel with my friends, who are mostly vegan. Thanks
There are plenty of vegan restaurants. You can find a listing here. It is a great vacation destination! Thanks for visiting my Awesome Luxury Hotels in Rio de Janeiro Brazil!
My wife and I are looking for an amazing tropical vacation. Our cruise got canceled for our 20 anniversary because of covid issues. The Ipanema Beach and the Barra da Tijuca Beach look absolutely amazing! Are there all-inclusive packages available right now? And also do you know if there are any covid restrictions. Thanks for your help.
Hi Al, there are no Covid restrictions other then you do have to provide a negative covid test. I think you have chosen a great beach destination for your 20th Anniversary!
Your entire website is a list of places I where I want to go or want to go now that I’ve read about them!. Rio de Janeiro is certainly one of them. I think Ipanema Beach would be an interesting place to go with the vendors walking the beach selling things, (although now I’ve got “The Girl From Ipanema” running through my head). I would also take in the Full Day Complete Tour of Rio de Janeiro, as I love to learn more about the places I visit. Thank you for posting.
You are welcome Cynthia. Great choice on Ipanema Beach. I think you would experience a lot just spending the day there 🙂 Glad you enjoyed and thank you for stopping by.
That is great listings of hotels and beaches in Rio De Janeiro. My favourite beach are Barra da Tijuca and Prainha. From what I see in the picture, beaches looks clean and beautiful. The Hotels are reasonably priced. The price of the food in the restaurant is very reasonable. It is great location for tourism and families.Thank you for listing great places in Brazil. I believe Brazil is good destination for tourists. I would like to visit there one day once the pandemic is over.
Yes, I think we are all looking for Covid to end. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations, and glad you enjoyed your visit!