The two premier beach areas are Copacabana and Ipanema. Copacabana is probably better known of the two, and inspires excitement in most people at the sound of its name. Famous for the thong bikinis worn on the beach as much as the pristine sand, Copacabana is the centre of city life, and attracts people for the sun during the day, and for the nightlife when it gets dark. The locals and tourists mix in games of beach football and nearby; there is great surfing to be had at Arpoador, even at night, when the beach is well lit.
Ipanema is a more chic beach on which to relax, and attracts the higher strata of Rio's society. The name means Dangerous Waters, and this is the case, because the beach has some huge waves, which are great for surfing, but can be hazardous for swimmers.
