Location: Zona Sul (South Zone)
Top Things to do in Zona Sul (South Zone)
10 Beaches in Zona Sul (South Zone) That You Shouldn't Miss
With its plentiful beaches, dramatic mountains, and backdrop of samba and bossa nova rhythms, it's easy to fall in love with Rio de Janeiro. Made famous in song, Ipanema Beach is still the place to stroll, sunbathe, and be seen. The largest Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, beckons visitors to Corcovado Mountain. Rio’s annual Carnaval celebrations are bacchanalian extravaganzas of feasting, music, dance, and costumed revelry.
Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro
1. Copacabana Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,943 reviews
For sunning, relaxing and people watching, join the thousands who flock each year to this lively, world-famous beach lined with shops, bars, restaurants and hotels.
Reviewed By MissHolders - Accrington, United Kingdom
Our hotel was opposite Copacabana beach so we were well within reach of all the sights and sounds. It seemed to be busy all times day and night, with beach sellers and beach front bars & cafes all along the promenade. The sellers didn't hassle us (even the ones pretending to sell handbags but really offering drugs!), a simple 'no thank you' and they went on their way. Similarly, there are ALOT of homeless people, but again they never troubled us for money or anything. We never saw anyone begging. The beach is floodlit at night, but it's still advisable not to walk on the actual beach after dark. Copacabana beach slopes down towards the sea so there is always a blind spot from the main road/promenade. Considering the amount of people who visit the beach, its relatively clean; though there are people who litter pick, possibly as a means of income. There are various sand sculptures along the beach front, it is etiquette to give the sculptors a little money if you want to take photos; they have a tendency to be quite gruff if you don't. Generally, we felt quite safe walking along the promenade, but always be aware of your surroundings and don't go out flashing expensive items, just in case.
2. Ipanema Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,967 reviews
Popularized by the song "The Girl from Ipanema," this world-famous beach gives foreign visitors a sense of life in Rio, displaying a cross-section of different lifestyles, chic boutiques and eateries and luxurious apartment buildings.
Reviewed By vonvoyageButterfly - Sao Paulo, Brazil
There are lots of selling drinks caipirinha , coconut,there's a lots of people so extra careful of your belongings, and yes the beach so beautiful to swim ???? just big waves ???? beautiful beach indeed ????
3. Leblon Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,679 reviews
Reviewed By kapaniris - Athens, Greece
This is maybe the best beach in Rio, amazing people, wonderful bars, breathtaking with superb beach volley fields !!
4. Arpoador beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,934 reviews
Reviewed By Delanuit11 - Geneva, Switzerland
Arpoador has 2 sides before to reach a small peninsula which is a rocky hill. It certainly has the most beautiful sunset in town. The north beach with its wild waves is the paradise for surfers. The south beach also has its surfers along the usual beach public. Said to be dangerous, avoid to climb the beautiful green park. Have a fresh coconut and enjoy the view.
5. Praia do Leme
6. Sao Conrado Beach
7. Botafogo Bay
8. Urca Beach
9. Pepino Beach
10. Vermelha Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,123 reviews
Reviewed By victordN8148MQ
This beach is surrounded by green. The sea is very deep. If you take 3 steps, you go underwater ahah There are " barracas" ( tents or huts) on the beach where vendors rent beach umbrella,chairs, food and beverages. I recommend that you don't go to this beach on weekends because it's full of people. Near this beach, there is a trail and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes . Praia vermelha is close to Sugar Loaf Mountain where you can take a cable car to reach the top of the mountain.
