Copacabana Fort (Forte de Copacabana)

The Basics

Visitors can explore the historic fort, peek inside the old bunker and power station, and pose for photos by the two gigantic Krupp cannons that point out to sea. As well as ocean views, the fort has an on-site military museum detailing the early days of Portuguese colonization, the Brazilian military’s involvement in international conflicts, and the modernization of the Brazilian army.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The fort’s two café-restaurants, with views out to sea, are very popular with locals and visitors.

• Most of the museum exhibitions are only available in Portuguese.

• There is a small entrance fee to enter the fort grounds, which includes access to the museum.

How to Get There

Copacabana Fort is located on the seafront at the south end of Copacabana Beach. It’s a 5-minute walk to Copacabana Beach to the north or Ipanema Beach to the west or a short taxi ride from downtown Rio.

When to Get There

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from midmorning to evening, while the grounds and cafés stay open until night. Entrance to the grounds is free on Tuesdays and from 6pm onwards. The cafés are a popular breakfast spot for locals, and it can be tricky to get an outside table on weekend mornings—get there as early as possible or opt for a weekday brunch instead. Live, open-air concerts are also held at the fort on Sunday evenings.

Rio’s Coastal Views

Copacabana Fort offers the ideal vista point, perched right between Rio’s two main beaches. While facing the ocean, look to your left and you’ll see Copacabana Beach, a local favorite and party hub, fringed by the high-rise buildings of downtown Rio. The jagged peak rising to the north is Sugar Loaf Mountain. To the right, the white sands of Ipanema Beach, set against a backdrop of striking Two Brothers Hill, draw a more upscale crowd.