Rio de Janeiro
Those who visit Rio de Janeiro will experience paradise beaches with clear waters and super-friendly people, not to mention the gorgeous landscapes all around the city.
Rio de Janeiro’s coastline stretches for 86 km. There are beaches for all preferences, which provides visitors with many options to enjoy the sunny days, making a visit to the city that much more interesting.
The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are icons in the city and household names all over the world. And as visitors move up and down the beautiful coast, they will discover several other gorgeous beaches.
Ipanema Beach, one of Rio’s icons
Copacabana and Leme
Undoubtedly two of the most renowned beaches in the world, together they are about 4 km long, stretching from the start of Atlântica Avenue all the way to Fort Copacabana.
Copacabana is a great place to go for a walk and to go cycling or jogging. There is a bike path along the waterfront as well as kiosks, hotels, bars, and restaurants all over the neighborhood. In addition, it is home to the famous Copacabana Promenade, a Portuguese-style pavement that has a black and white wave motif, one of the icons of the city. On the opposite side of the beach lies the peaceful neighborhood of Leme, the ideal place to go for a swim in the sea and then spend the evening enjoying the view from one of the many local bars. As if all that were not enough, Copacabana is home to one of the biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world.
Arpoador
Just past Fort Copacabana, at the beginning of Ipanema Beach, you will find Arpoador, one of the most popular locations in the city. It is a favorite with locals and tourists alike, not only because of its incredible natural beauty, but also because it is one of the city’s best surf spots. Everyone should visit Arpoador Rock at the end of the day to enjoy the view of the sea and watch one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever experience.
Ipanema
Ipanema is one of the favorite beaches in the city among locals because of its charm and relaxed atmosphere. It not only has soft sand and clear waters, but it is also constantly busy both on the sand and on the beach promenade. To top it off, the sunset in Ipanema is a daily spectacle.
Leblon
Popular with runners for being the start of the route between Leblon Viewpoint and Leme Beach, Leblon Beach is a favorite with swimmers and beach sports enthusiasts. Some of the most common sports on the beach include footvolley, beach soccer, and beach volleyball, but there is also a great bike path along the beach promenade. If you get hungry or thirsty, there are plenty of kiosks, bars, and restaurants on the waterfront.
Barra da Tijuca
Barra da Tijuca Beach, where there are regular large waves, has hosted several international surf competitions through the years. It is also one of the most popular beaches for other water sports, such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, and bodyboarding. If you are into cycling, Barra da Tijuca will not let you down either. There is a bike path along the whole beach that is perfect for people who want to ride their bikes while enjoying the gorgeous landscape. A popular area on Barra da Tijuca beach is called Pepê’s Beach. It has a wonderful view of Gávea Stone and there are several kiosks to choose from. The area has a wide strip of white sand that is ideal to lie in the sun or to practice beach volleyball and footvolley.
Recreio dos Bandeirantes
Recreio dos Bandeirantes is a 2-km-long white-sand beach with clear, blue waters. It starts at Reserva Beach and goes all the way to Sernambetiba Point, also called Tim Maia Point.
Prainha (Small Beach)
This is the most popular beach among surfers due to its perfect waves and impressive natural beauty. Prainha, as the name implies in Portuguese, has a small strip of sand. However, it also has big waves and is surrounded by beautiful hills covered in native Atlantic Forest vegetation.
São Conrado
São Conrado Beach is the perfect location if you enjoy hang-gliding and paragliding. You can enjoy your day at the beach and also watch the gliders land on the sand.
When it comes to beaches, there are countless options in the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, and you will find that each and every one of them are definitely worth your visit.
By Plane
+55 (21) 3004-6050
Tom Jobim International Airport operates domestic flights from many cities in Brazil and international flights from all over the world. Visitors who are already in Brazil may prefer domestic flights arriving at the more central Santos Dumont Airport.
By Bus
+55 (21) 3213-1800
If you are already in another city in Brazil, you can get to Rio by bus. You will arrive at Novo Rio Bus Station, which is close both to the Downtown area and to the South Zone (where the famous neighborhoods are). The main Brazilian bus companies operate there on a daily basis.
By Ship
+55 (21) 2233-2762
Several cruises make stops at the Port of Rio de Janeiro. Their itineraries vary according to the company and to the travel packages that have been bought.
By Bus
There are plenty of bus routes for tourists to go anywhere in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Here you can find out which bus routes go to the main tourist spots in the city.
On Foot
Walking around the city of Rio de Janeiro is a great experience, especially on the promenade in the neighborhoods of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon. You should try it!
By Subway
The subway in Rio de Janeiro is safe, efficient, and easy to use. Tickets are sold at ticket counters and there are self-service ticket machines. Stations are open from Monday to Saturday from 5:00 am to midnight, and on Sundays and holidays from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. Here is the subway map.
VLT (Light Rail)
Rio’s light rail system (VLT) is a modern, safe, accessible, and sustainable means of transportation that integrates the neighborhoods in the Port Region and the Center of the city. It is the best option for those who want to get around in Rio de Janeiro’s downtown area. Here is the map.
Taxis and Ridesharing Companies
Taxis and ridesharing companies are a comfortable way to get around the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Useful Numbers
Riotur – Tourist Information:
+55 (21) 3460-1746
Police Assistance to Tourists – DEAT:
+55 (21) 2332-2924
Military Police: 190
Paramedics: 192
Fire Department: 193
Power Voltage
110V
Local Weather
The weather in Rio de Janeiro is warm all year round. The best time to visit the city is from June to September, when it is not so hot and there is less rain. Please take light and comfortable clothes if you are planning to walk around the city.
