New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro | Brazil

I had the most fantastic New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro on the Copacabana Beach, but there are a few things I wish I knew before planning this amazing event.

In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro, and also share with you the best options and locations where to celebrate.

Important Things You Need to Know

First and most important, plan the logistics around getting to the actual event. The traffic is absolutely mental on New Year's Eve, and most roads that lead to Copacabana are closed.

So if you are NOT staying by Copacabana:

• Do not take a taxi to Copacabana! Absolute waste of money and time. Firstly, no Uber ever will pick you up. They know it is not worth their tarif. Trust me, I spent a literal hour trying to get an Uber. Local taxis will charge you x10 times more, again, I know, because I had to pay that just to get closer to Copacabana.

• We planned to take the metro to Copacabana as the metro is the best way how to get there on New Year's Eve. And I highly recommend doing that, BUT extremely important to gather as much information as possible about the processes on New Year's Eve. In 2024, on New Year's Eve, you could only get into the metro if you had this specific QR code, which you can only get if you have the CPF number. Catch 22! Tourists don't have a CPF number. Also, you could only get it until 6PM, and we realized this at 7PM. Research the Metro system on New Year's Eve before relying on that option.

• If you can't get there by metro, like we couldn't, then try to get as close to Botafogo as possible. You will be able to get a taxi there, but with a lot of traffic, so go early. Because the main tunnel that leads to Copacabana is blocked for pedestrians. So you will have to walk. No worries, it technically shoudl be safe because many poeple use the tunnel to get to Copacabana on New Year's Eve and there is a lot of police presence, but still watch your bag! It takes around 40min to walk from Botafogo, via the tunnel to Copacabana. We ran because we were late (with all taxi traffic) and we got through in 25 minutes.

• So I guess, now looking back, I personally would pay more and stay on Copacabana, just to avoid all the stress and traffic on New Year's Eve. The problem is, everything is x3 more expensive on New Year's Eve in Copacabana. So if you are on a budget, take a note of the above and ensure you are aware of metro rules on New Year's Eve and leave early! Start your journey to Copacabana several hours before midnight.

MY STORY: We stayed in Flamengo, which is not far from Botafogo. We left at 7PM to catch the metro (which shouldn't take more than 20min). Got to the metro station, police everywhere, only people with a QR code can get into the metro. We, of course, do not have it. Other foreigners are also standing there trying to figure out what to do. We go back to the hotel, trying to get an Uber, no one picks up the order. I tried for an hour. At this point, it is already around 9PM. I am realizing that we might miss the whole Copacabana New Year's Eve, which is the only reason we are back in Rio. We go on the street and try to chase down a taxi. We find one, but the price is x10 more. At that point, we have run out of options, so we pay and get into the taxi. We spent 2h in the taxi just in traffic. A ride that normally would take 20min. It is 11PM, we are in taxi in Botofogo, I am realizing the situation, that the tunnel is blocked and we won't get anywhere with the taxi (still pissed off about the taxi driver, how could he not know that the tunnel is blocked? Scammer!!). But on a personal note, I don't care how, but I have to get to Copacabana. We get out of the taxi and run! Then we got to the tunnel, realized the real situation and just really rushed through just to make it to the spectacular fireworks. We made it! At 11:45, just a little bit before we made it to Copacabana. Stressful, but the whole experience actually made us appreciate the moment even more, because we might have missed it.

So my ideal plan for another year would be to book a hotel in Copacabana but if the budget is tight - stay in Botofogo and just around 9PM make my way walking via tunnel to Copacabana.

Now, a few more things:

• If you decide to stay outside Copacabana and walk, ensure you have comfortable shoes.

• Have some cash with you, unexpected taxi rides might be needed (before and after).

• Apart from spending on the accommodation, the New Year's Eve in Copacabana actually does not have to be expensive. There is a free concert on the beach with some big stars and street vendors everywhere, so the drinks are not that expensive. And you can always bring your own drinks and snacks. It is like a big free beach party!

• With big crowds come pickpockets, so watch your bag!!

• Getting back is the same, you go back via the tunnel to Botafogo, and from there you get a taxi to your accommodation. At 4AM, traffic was not bad anymore.

• And of course, I believe Copacabana fireworks are the most iconic ones, but there are also fireworks in Botafogo, Flamengo, and in other parts of Rio de Janeiro.

And the second most important thing - Dresscode! In Brazil, on New Year's Eve, everyone wears white! Don't be the odd one out, join the vibe and dress in all white 🤍

Best Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro

I think the best, most iconic place to celebrate New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro is the Copacabana Beach! So here are some of the best venues to pick from.

Of course, as the number is the Copacabana Beach itself. As I mentioned above, it is absolutely free to be there. There are at least 3 different stages, and the main one usually has quite big names performing. Although all the beach bars are booked and blocked off for parties, there are loads of street vendors offering food and drink, so you will have loads of good and affordable options. The vibe is crazy and fun in the middle part, but you can find a bit calmer spots on the other end of the Copacabana Beach - Leme. Of course, this option also allows you to run in the sea and even go for a swim (which some locals do) while having the iconic Copacabana fireworks in the background.

Now, I wanted to be on the beach by the sea when the fireworks happen, but I also wanted to have a bit of a base throughout the night, so I booked a table in the beach bar. And I picked the quiet end of Copacabana, Leme, because I don't like big crowds.

And I think this is a really great option for those who want to be in the mix of everything but also be comfortable. By booking a table in a beach bar, I ensured I have a base, food and drinks without queues, also a toilet nearby without queues, and just a great atmosphere.

I booked a table at Classico Beach Bar Leme and was really happy about my choice. Of course, for New Year's Eve, you have to book in advance, and it will be more expensive than other days (~50 USD pp), but I know I was paying for a spot on New Year's Eve on Copacabana Beach rather than the offered party. But their entertainment side was really good too - live music the whole night and a good menu with plenty of food and drink options. But of course, there are loads of beach bars, 100m away from each other. So you have loads of options to pick from. Just book in advance, as most places are booked out 1 month in advance already. Here are a few names you can check out that organized events for the 24/25 New Year's: Coisa de Carioca, Rayz Beach Point, and Blue Note, but Blue Note is not on the beach; it is on the other side of the street. Still first row, but different.

Then we have a few options that are a bit more expensive but offer fantastic rooftop views of the fireworks.

Hilton is one of the most popular hotels to celebrate New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro. Located perfectly overlooking the Copacabana Beach, the hotel offers several level rooftop bars and restaurants to pick from. From 3-course dinners to cocktail parties, Holton hotel has several options to pick from that comes with live music, DJs, and party performances. Hitlon is on the pricy end tho, a spot on one of the rooftops starts from 300 USD and can go up to 1000+. Consider booking a room in the Hilton for New Year's, as that might be cheaper overall, and you get access to these rooftop New Year's parties.

A new addition to Copacabana Beach hotel row is Arena Also, has a great rooftop that overlooks the Copacabana Beach and fireworks. It is located more on the Leme side you will have a perfect perspective of the whole beach. The spots for New Year's Eve here are a bit cheaper, but they go quick, so you need to book in advance the table for New Year's Eve or a hotel room, which again will give you access also to the rooftop terrace. On the other side of Copacabana Beach, you will find Rio Othon Palace, which also gives you a nice perspective of the whole bay.

Another iconic hotel for New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro is Windsor... 2 actually! Windsor California Copacabana Hotel and Miramar Hotel by Windsor. Both have a fantastic rooftop terrace and offer New Year's Eve with dinner and cocktails. Again, look into booking a room; it might work out cheaper overall.

As the final iconic hotel, I want to mention Copacabana Palace. This will be your most fanciest and luxurious New Year's celebration in Rio de Janeiro. This, of course, will also be one of the most expensive options, but if for you this one night all out, this is the place!

This is a long shot, because places like these get booked out 3 years in advance, but check out apartments on Airbnb on the first row of Copacabana Beach. People who own those flats nailed it! I think ideal for those who are traveling with a big family or a big friend group. You literly get a privet party overlooking Copacabana Beach and the fireworks. ]

Of course, all the above options also allow you to pop down to the beach anytime, so you can get the best of both!

And as the final one, I want to offer the party on the Sugarloaf Mountain or Morro de Urca! It is not technically on the Copacabana Beach, but if you purchase the full VIP ticket, you will have a view of Copacabana Beach and the fireworks. It is truly a very cool place where to celebrate New Year's in Brazil. Plus, you get free buffet, unlimited drinks, and a great party with some amazing DJs. Your access to bars and views depends on the ticket you buy. (Once the tickets come out for 2025, I will add a link here to this article.)

Whichever option you pick, I am sure it will be a night to remember. My New Year's in Rio de Janeiro, without a doubt, was the most spectacular one of my life. Not just because of the iconic Copacabana fireworks, but also because of the fantastic atmosphere!

If you're staying in Rio for a bit longer than just New Year's Eve, make sure to check out my Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide with all the amazing recommendations on what to see and do, and also Safest Areas to Stay at in Rio de Janeiro!