Copacabana Beach is a 5km strip of white sand set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains that is truly pretty impressive. Back in the day, this was the place to be seen, before Ipanema stole its crown. This is the first strip of Rio beach to be commercially developed back in the 1920s, with the opening of the Copacabana Palace Hotel in 1923.
While the rest of the neighbourhood hasn't been able to maintain the same glamour and reputation as this landmark hotel, during the day, the beach is still definitely worth a visit, especially if you're staying nearby, as we were. Head for the stretch in front of the Copacabana Palace Hotel - this is the best-maintained area (other parts can be quite littered) and the part where you're least likely to be hassled by any undesirables. The water is clean, the sand is soft, and there are plenty of places to buy caipirinhas, green coconuts, and food. There are a few good places to eat here, too, although most of them are away from the seafront and Avenida Atlantica.
The Copacabana Street carnival starts off on the beach during Carnaval, but other than that, there didn't seem to be all that much activity here. If you're after drums and dancing on the beach, head for Ipanema, which is, overall, a nicer, cleaner, and far more glamorous beach.