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Copacabana Beach vs Ipanema Beach

Both are highly recommended by expert reviewers. On balance, Ipanema Beach is preferred by most writers compared to Copacabana Beach. Ipanema Beach comes in at 91 with approval from 6 sources such as Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and Fodor's.

Copacabana Beach
Copacabana Beach
8 / 10
Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro
From $0 /night
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"A magnificent confluence of land and sea, the long, scalloped beach of Copacabana extends for some 4km, with a flurry of activity along its length." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"Play beach volleyball or football, drink a coco gelado (fresh coconut juice) or build a sandcastle - there is no end of activities on Copacabana beach! " Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Thousands of tourists flock to this world-famous beach each year to sun themselves among the sea of Cariocas in Brazilian bikinis." Full review
i
But: locals will tell you to avoid it all at night, when it's over-crowded, touristy, and seedy.
U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report
8.0
"One of Rio's most popular shores, Copacabana is a public beach located in the heart of the luxurious Zona Sul neighborhood." Full review
Ipanema Beach
Ipanema Beach
8 / 10
Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"As you stroll this world-famous beach you'll encounter a cross section of the city's residents, each favoring a particular stretch." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"One long stretch of sand, Ipanema Beach is marked by postos (posts), which demarcates subcultures as diverse as the city itself." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
2 Stars
"Ipanema and Leblon are two chic and fashionable districts located in the south of Rio next to the ocean." Full review
i
Beware of the currents and waves, which can be dangerous.
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"If you find yourself in Rio, you will (or certainly should) ultimately end up on Ipanema beach." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Majestic granite peaks jut from a jungle-covered range to create a spectacular backdrop for this mile-long, 300-foot-deep white-sand beach." Full review
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