Copacabana is Rio de Janeiro’s world-famous neighborhood, and there’s a good chance it’s where you’ll stay. But even if it isn’t, it will be part of your trip.
I was born and raised in Rio, and every time I’m in Copacabana, I’m reminded how much there is to do beyond lying on the sand: historic forts with sweeping views, a brand-new museum, sunset spots that most visitors miss, and some of the best live music in the city once the sun goes down.
This guide covers my favorite things to do in Copacabana, from early morning to late at night, including Leme, the quieter neighborhood at the northern end of the beach.
Things to do in Copacabana during the day
1. Spend a day at Copacabana Beach
It’s the obvious one, but there’s more to Copacabana Beach than a towel and a swim. Choosing the right stretch, knowing how the postos work, and learning how to rent a chair like a local can completely change your day. I explain all of it in my guide to Copacabana Beach.
2. Watch the sunrise over the ocean
Copacabana faces east, which means the sun rises straight out of the ocean, and it’s one of the most beautiful sights in Rio. You can watch it from the sand or the promenade, with a few precautions for the early hours, which I explain in my guide to the best spots to watch the sunrise in Rio.
For something more memorable, see it from the water on a sunrise stand-up paddle session. No experience is needed, and I shared everything about it in my sunrise SUP review.
3. Visit Copacabana Fort
At the southern end of the beach, Copacabana Fort combines history and some of the best views in the neighborhood. Inside, there’s a small military museum and two cafés with outdoor tables overlooking the whole bay, which make it a great stop for a late breakfast or afternoon tea. Entrance costs R$10, and the cafés open at 10 a.m. More details in my guide to the best breakfast and cafés in Copacabana.
4. Explore the new Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS)
After nearly 20 years of construction, the Museu da Imagem e do Som has finally opened on Avenida Atlântica. The building hosts immersive exhibitions dedicated to Brazilian music, Carmen Miranda, and Rio’s culture, along with a coffee shop with beach views. As of October 2026, parts of the museum are still under construction, with full completion expected in 2027. Check the official website for current hours and exhibitions.
5. Hike to the Duque de Caxias Fort in Leme
At the opposite end of the beach, the Duque de Caxias Fort sits at the top of a short hiking trail on Morro do Leme. The walk is easy and goes through the forest, with monkeys along the way, and the reward is a sweeping view of the entire curve of Copacabana Beach, with Sugarloaf Mountain on the side. Bring water, since there are no cafés or shops at the top.
6. Watch the sunset from Mureta do Leme
This is one of my favorite spots, and one that most visitors miss. The low seawall at the end of Leme offers one of the best views of Copacabana Beach at sunset, with informal vendors selling coconut water and caipirinhas right on the wall. No entrance fee, no reservations, just a cold drink and a front-row seat as the lights of the beach come on. For more sunset options across the city, check best places for sunset in Rio de Janeiro.
7. Walk or bike the promenade on a Sunday
On Sundays and public holidays, the beachside lanes of Avenida Atlântica close to cars, and the waterfront turns into a giant open-air park. It’s the best day to rent a bike, join the locals for a run, or simply walk from Leme to Copacabana Fort and take in the energy of the city at leisure.
8. Find the statues of Brazilian icons
While you’re walking, turn the promenade into a scavenger hunt. Copacabana and Leme pay tribute to some of the Brazilian artists who lived here with life-size bronze statues: writer Clarice Lispector in Leme, singer and composer Dorival Caymmi at [localização], and poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade at Posto 6. Starting in Leme and ending at Drummond’s bench makes for a perfect walk along the whole beach, with a photo stop at each one. I share the stories behind them in my guide to Copacabana Beach.
9. Eat your way through Copacabana
Some of Rio’s most traditional restaurants are in Copacabana. Start your day with breakfast at a beach kiosk or a neighborhood bakery, picks from my guide to the best breakfast and cafés in Copacabana. Later, try galeto at a classic braseiro, a feijoada on a Friday or Saturday, or a full rodízio at one of the city’s oldest churrascarias. You’ll find all my favorites in my guide to the best restaurants in Copacabana.
Things to do in Copacabana at night
When the sun goes down, Copacabana changes rhythm. The beach goes quiet, but the neighborhood doesn’t.
10. Join the samba at Bip Bip
A tiny bar on Rua Almirante Gonçalves that has become one of the most authentic samba experiences in Rio. There’s no stage, no tickets, and no tourist-only vibe, just musicians playing in and around a small corner bar, most nights of the week. Arrive early and stay late. For more spots, see my guide on where to see live samba in Rio.
11. Visit Beco das Garrafas, the birthplace of bossa nova
In the late 1950s and 1960s, this small alley in Copacabana was home to the clubs where bossa nova took shape, with names like Elis Regina and Sérgio Mendes playing there early in their careers.
12. Catch live music at a beach kiosk
Some of the kiosks along the promenade host live samba and other Brazilian music in the evenings. It’s a no-frills night out: a cold beer or a caipirinha, the sound of the waves, and live music right by the sand. Kiosk Rastapé hosts forró nights, a lively partner dance from Brazil’s Northeast, while Samba Social Club is the place to go for good samba.
13. See a show at Blue Note Rio
For jazz and bossa nova in a more refined setting, Blue Note Rio is the address, with both international and Brazilian acts on the lineup. It’s a great option for a night out, and booking in advance is worth it.
14. Enjoy the Roxy Dinner Show
A classic Rio dinner show, combining live music, Brazilian cuisine, and a theatrical production in one evening. It’s a good choice if you want a structured cultural night out, especially on your first trip.
15. Have a drink at a rooftop bar
Several hotels along Avenida Atlântica have rooftop bars open to non-guests, with views over the beach that are well worth the price of a cocktail. My favorites are in my guide to the best restaurants in Copacabana.
16. Browse the night craft fair on Avenida Atlântica
Every night, a craft fair sets up on Avenida Atlântica, right by the MIS. It’s an easy, relaxed way to spend an evening: stroll between the stalls selling handicrafts, art, and souvenirs, then grab a drink at one of the kiosks across the street. If you’re looking for gifts to take home, this is a good place to find something more original than the usual airport souvenirs.
Is Copacabana safe at night?
Copacabana is lively and busy at night, and the main streets, Avenida Atlântica and Avenida Nossa Senhora de Copacabana, stay movimented until late. As in any big city, a few habits make all the difference:
Stay off the sand after dark. The beach is less lit and less patrolled at night, and locals don’t hang out there once the sun is down. Stick to the promenade and the busier streets, keep your phone away when walking, and use a ride-hailing app to get back to your hotel late at night. For more tips, read my full guide: Is Rio de Janeiro safe?
Explore more of Copacabana
There’s even more to discover in Copacabana. These guides will help you with everything from choosing where to stay to finding the best places to eat and making the most of the neighborhood’s biggest events.
Copacabana Beach guide
How the beach works, which stretch to choose, and how to enjoy it safely.
Where to Stay in Copacabana
The best areas of the neighborhood with my hotel picks for every budget.
The Cheapest Beachfront Hotel in Copacabana
My honest review of an ocean-view stay that won’t break the bank.
Best Breakfast and Cafés in Copacabana
My 9 local favorites, from beach kiosks to neighborhood bakeries.
Best Restaurants in Copacabana
My favorite places, from braseiros to rooftop bars.
Copacabana Beach Concerts
Everything about the free mega shows from dates to tips for the big day.
New Year’s Eve in Copacabana
How to experience Copacabana’s fireworks, where to stay and how to get there.
Rio Pride in Copacabana
What to expect from one of the biggest Pride celebrations in Brazil.
How to Get from Rio Airport to Copacabana
All your transport options from the airport, with prices and tips.
Rio de Janeiro Metro Stations
How the metro works and which stations to use in Copacabana and beyond.
How to Get to Christ the Redeemer
All the ways to reach the statue, including the official vans from Copacabana.
Written by Karina
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Karina spent over a decade working in the tourism industry, with experience in some of the world's leading travel destinations. She created Going to Rio to bring that same standard of practical, traveler-first guidance to visitors exploring Rio de Janeiro. Learn more about Karina
Beyond the world-famous beach, Copacabana has historic forts, a forest trail, sunset spots, and live samba. Here are the best things to do in Copacabana, day and night.