Best things to do in Copacabana

Copacabana Essentials

Copacabana’s landscape is defined by the historic Forte de Copacabana, a former military base housing the Army Historical Museum. Along the Atlantic Avenue boardwalk, bronze statues of poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade and musician Dorival Caymmi commemorate Brazil’s cultural heritage. The district features landmark architecture like the Art Deco Roxy cinema and traditional culinary institutions, including the century-old Confeitaria Colombo and Adega Pérola, known for its extensive counter of Portuguese-influenced appetizers. Natural landmarks like Morro dos Cabritos provide a backdrop to the urban shoreline.

Copacabana Essentials — Map

Fulviusbsas / Public domain

A

Copacabana's Fort

Fort Copacabana is a military base at the south end of the beach that defines the district of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Isabellexdias / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Estátua de Carlos Drummond de Andrade

A bronze statue of the influential Brazilian modernist poet sitting on a bench at Posto 6. It commemorates his life and works, positioned to look out over the ocean.

C

Confeitaria Colombo

A branch of the historic Rio de Janeiro café located within the grounds of Fort Copacabana. It serves traditional Portuguese pastries and breakfast with views of the entire bay.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

D

Boteco Belmonte

A traditional Rio-style bar known for its draft beer and empadas. This branch features a classic wood-paneled interior and outdoor seating near the beach.

E

Estátua de Dorival Caymmi

Life-sized bronze sculpture of the renowned Brazilian composer and singer-songwriter. It is located near the fishermen’s colony at the southern end of the beach.

F

Roxy

An iconic Art Deco cinema building dating back to 1938. It remains one of the last traditional street-front movie theaters in the district, preserving its historic facade.

G

Adega Pérola

A traditional bar and restaurant established in 1957. It is famous for its massive refrigerated glass counter featuring over 70 types of appetizers, snacks, and seafood tapas.

Shooterb9 / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Morro dos Cabritos

A granite peak rising behind the Copacabana and Lagoa neighborhoods. It offers hiking trails through Atlantic Forest vegetation and panoramic views of the coastline.

I

Casa da Feijoada

A specialized restaurant dedicated to serving feijoada, Brazil's national stew of black beans and pork. The meal is served traditionally with rice, kale, orange slices, and farofa.