It is safe to walk around Copacabana at night, so long as you follow a number of basic rules. Stick to busy, well-lit areas, don’t flash your valuables about (including jewelry, cameras, phones etc), and avoid getting on public transport (take a taxi!). Copacabana is home to some of the best of Rio’s nightlife. This means that many of the streets in this neighborhood are well lit, bustling and safe for tourists after dark. However, this excludes the beach. While it’s perfectly safe to enjoy Copacabana beach by day, going onto the beach at night could be dangerous. When walking by the beach at night, be sure to stick to the lit promenade with the black and white tiling, just don’t venture onto the sand. To ensure your safety in this part of the city at night, do your research beforehand. Before setting off, work out where it is you want to go and how you’re going to get there. As we’ve mentioned before, chatting your plans through with one of the local people at your hotel or hostel is a great way to ensure you stay safe. Wherever you go, make sure you walk with purpose, and avoid talking loudly in English.