Copacabana BeachvsIpanema 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
Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide
Travel + Leisure
U.S. News & World Report
Condé Nast Traveler
National Geographic National Geographic National Geographic
Independent National Geographic Show All Reviews
Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro
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Lonely PlanetTop 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 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 "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 Report8.0
"One of Rio's most popular shores, Copacabana is a public beach located in the heart of the luxurious Zona Sul neighborhood." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "The beaches in Zona Sul (South Zone) are demarcated by postos (numbered lifeguard stations), and each post tends to attract a distinct tribe. Copa itself runs from Postos 2 to 6, kicking..." Full review
National Geographic "Simply put, Copacabana Beach is one of the world's most exciting vacation getaways. It's a breathtaking 2.5-mile stretch of bright sand filled with people soaking up the sun and..."
National Geographic "Vendors of all types walk up and down the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema announcing their wares. You can buy a traditional Brazilian tanga, or bathing suit, but be prepared to bare it..."
National Geographic "The hub of Rio’s tourist industry. People from around the world pack the beach by day, the clubs by night. Oceanside avenue shuts down each Sunday for pedestrian-only traffic. New Year’s..."
Independent "Rio’s biggest trump card is its miles of golden sand. The beaches are as much a place for socialising as sunbathing, drawing Cariocas to play ballgames in the tiniest of swimsuits. Choose..."
National Geographic "Head to Copacabana to watch beach volleyball or soccer, or try paddleboarding"
Ipanema Beach
Fodor's Lonely Planet Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure Condé Nast Traveler U.S. News & World Report Travel + Leisure
New York Times National Geographic Show All Reviews
Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro
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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 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 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 "If you find yourself in Rio, you will (or certainly should) ultimately end up on Ipanema beach." Full review
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
Condé Nast Traveler "This beach draws glamazons, playboys, and the privileged, surgically enhanced Cariocas of central Zona Sul." Full review
U.S. News & World Report4.0
"Made famous by the well-known bossa nova song, "The Girl from Ipanema," this beach has drawn tourists since the 1960s." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Ipanema Beach has been a locals' and tourist favorite since at least the '60s. The two-mile stretch of sand features mountain views and cobalt water."
Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide
August 3, 2021
New York Times "Ipanema Beach remains one of Brazil's most delightful places, if the sun is out. On Sundays it can feel as if the entire city is on the sand, but embrace it: the people-watching is..."
National Geographic "Vendors of all types walk up and down the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema announcing their wares. You can buy a traditional Brazilian tanga, or bathing suit, but be prepared to bare it..."
