How to find the best hostels in Rio de Janeiro for your trip
There’s no place like Rio. With its magnificent landscapes, open-minded people and urban-beach lifestyle, the city has everything a backpacker has ever asked for – including the best hostels.
To make sure you make the best choice for your trip (and for your pocket), we handpicked the 14 best hostels in Rio de Janeiro for this guide. From a local, straight to your travel list. You’re welcome.
First things first, let us remind you why this city is also known as the Marvellous City – “Cidade Maravilhosa” in Portuguese. Rio will amaze you with the iconic Boardwalk of Copacabana, Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema Beach and so much more. Not to mention it’s the birthplace of samba, the musical genre that’s a national cultural heritage for the Brazilian people.
With so much to offer, you might think “how on earth am I going to find the best hostel in Rio de Janeiro?”
Plus, we know that Rio can be an expensive city. But fear not, dear backpacker – we’ve got your back. Booking a bed in a hostel is the best way to save money while you meet people from all over the world.
From the best hostels in Rio de Janeiro for solo travellers, to the best for couples. From Ipanema to Copacabana, you name it, we have it. And the cherry on top: each hostel rating in this guide is based on real traveller reviews.
Ready to get your Brazilian adventure going? “Partiu!” (aka: Let’s go!)
Jump straight to:
- Best hostels in Rio de Janeiro for solo travellers
- Best hostels in Rio de Janeiro for couples
- Best party hostels in Rio de Janeiro
- Best hostels in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
- Best hostels in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
- More best hostels in Rio de Janeiro
Best hostels in Rio de Janeiro for solo travellers
To all solo backpackers out there: having a hostel in Rio as your playground is going to step up your travel game in so many ways. You’ll be around people with similar interests, you’ll get the best tips and, if you want to make friends, there’s always going to be someone willing to join you on a cool adventure.
Discovery Hostel
I mean, Discovery Hostel’s purpose is to “focus on creating a great social atmosphere for you to meet people and explore this great city!”. What else could a solo backpacker ask for? Well, there’s more: they won the Hoscar for ‘best hostel in Brazil’ three times, their location is super central, they offer a fully equipped kitchen, have friendly staff and A/C (believe me, if you go to Rio during the summer you’ll need it!)
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Free linen
- Perfect atmosphere
Address: Rua Benjamin Constant, 26
Neighbourhood: Glória
Nearest station: Glória (metro station)
Che Lagarto Hostel Ipanema
You know your hostel gets the backpacker vibe right when they offer free caipirinhas every single evening! There’s no better way to make new travel friends than when you can all ‘cheers’ together, am I right? Che Lagarto boasts a great location – just one block from Ipanema Beach and five minutes from Lagoa and Leblon. It’s surrounded by bars, banks, malls and restaurants. They have a shared kitchen, free linen, cleaning three times a day and… A/C! 
Hostel highlights:
- Great location
- Friendly staff
- Perfect atmosphere
Address: Rua Paul Redfern, 48
Neighbourhood: Ipanema
Nearest station: Jardim de Alah (metro station)
Best hostels in Rio de Janeiro for couples
You might not think of Rio as a romantic city, but you’re about to be surprised. Picture this: you and your loved one, sharing a fresh coconut water while listening to a street artist play Bossa Nova (Brazilian mellow jazz) and watching the sunset by Ipanema’s beach… not bad, huh? And of course finishing the day in your private room at your chosen best hostel in Rio de Janeiro for couples. Ah, o amor….
Aquarela do Leme
If the amazing rooftop with a view to Copacabana beach won’t make you fall in love with this hostel, I don’t know what will. No, wait, I do know. Here’s the list: amazing free breakfast, lovely staff, friendly atmosphere, balcony with a view in every single room… Aquarela do Leme has beautiful privates as well, for if you want to treat yourself or your loved one!
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Balcony in all rooms
- Super clean
Address: Ladeira Ary Barroso, 21
Neighbourhood: Leme
Nearest station: Cardeal Arcoverde (metro station)
Selina Rio
Oh-wow-look-at-this-room! Selina is going to take your romantic backpacker trip to a new level with the most beautiful private rooms. Their brand new hostel has recently opened in Lapa, the most bohemian neighbourhood in Rio. If you’re a digital nomad, you’ll find it the perfect spot to catch up with work at their coworking space. Plus they have 24h reception and security, laundry facilities and linen included.
Hostel highlights:
- Coworking space
- Pet friendly
- Bar / Restaurant
Address: R. Visc. de Maranguape, 9
Neighbourhood: Centro
Nearest station: Cinelândia(metro station)
Best party hostels in Rio de Janeiro
If you like to party and have endless fun, get ready to have the time of your life. As the land of Carnaval, Brazil has loads to offer when it comes to partying and Rio has a strong reputation, am I right? Get on your dancing shoes (or flip flops), it’s time to have a blast and choose the best party hostel in Rio de Janeiro for you!
Books Hostel
“Staying in ‘Books’ is definitely not just a stay, but an experience.” – says a guest through his review on our website. The vibe is definitely what makes Books so special, a perfect place to party and make friends with like-minded people from all over the world, including their super friendly staff! Not to mention their central location, free breakfast, kitchen, regular tours and bean bags with Netflix as a hangover cure.
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Bar with happy hour caipirinhas
- Perfect atmosphere
Address: Rua Francisco Muratori, 10
Neighbourhood: Santa Teresa
Nearest station: Glória (metro station)
Lemon Spirit Hostel
If your goal is party + beach, we have THE place for you. Lemon Spirit is a 3 minute walk to Leblon beach and a 10 minute walk to Ipanema beach. They have a bar with cheap caipirinhas and an awesome outside area that is the perfect place to start your night, or recover chilling in one of the hammocks after a night of partying.
Hostel highlights:
- Great location
- Bar and outside area
- Perfect atmosphere
Address: Rua Cupertino Durão, 56
Neighbourhood: Leblon
Nearest station: Jardim de Alah (metro station)
Pura Vida
Pura Vida knows how to have fun so well that they host events and parties all year round. The hostel is located in a building that used to be a small castle from the beginning of last century – you can imagine how spacious it is! They obviously have a bar and cool staff that will help you book activities, and it’s just a 5 minute walk to Copacabana beach.
Hostel highlights:
- Bar
- BBQ area
- Great location
Address: Rua Saint Roman, 20
Neighbourhood: Copacabana
Nearest station: Cantagalo (metro station)
Best hostels in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro
“Tall and tan and young and lovely, the girl from Ipanema goes walking and when she passes, each one she passes goes ah…” The neighbourhood that inspired one of the most iconic Brazilian songs of all time, Girl from Ipanema, will melt your heart too. Pick your hostel, choose your favourite beach spot and just relax.
Ipanema Beach House
A hostel with spacious, clean rooms, a pool and a great location, in the trendy heart of Ipanema with easy access to the metro, amazing shops, bars and restaurants. This hostel is welcoming and their super chilled vibe will make you feel like extending your stay. Not to mention the friendly staff, who are always there to help!
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Wheelchair friendly
Address: Rua Barao da Torre, 485
Neighbourhood: Ipanema
Nearest station: Nossa Senhora da Paz (metro station)
Bonita Ipanema
This pink house though! How could you not fall in love? Plus you’ll be in the heart of Ipanema with plenty of things to do, 5 minutes from the beach and with easy access to public transportation. Count on the kindest staff to give you tips on less crowded places to go and the best spots to drink and eat.
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Outdoor swimming pool and BBQ area
- Laundry facilities
Address: Rua Barao da Torre, 107
Neighbourhood: Ipanema
Nearest station: Nossa Senhora da Paz (metro station)
Best hostels in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
I’m sure you’ve heard about the glorious Copacabana beach and its iconic sidewalk. If you want to stay in Rio’s most famous neighbourhood, look no further – we have options for all types of backpackers. Welcome to Copacabana!
Che Lagarto Suite Copacabana Santa Clara
I’ll pass the ball to one of our reviewers, a backpacker just like you. “We absolutely loved our stay here. The staff went out of their way to help us and were super friendly. We were taken aback by how lovely they were and it really made our experience here special. I couldn’t recommend it enough! Breakfast was also good. It’s just a short walk from Copacapana and the street feels pretty safe.” Not bad at all!
Hostel highlights:
- Great location
- Free towels
- Helpful staff
Address: Rua Santa Clara, 304
Neighbourhood: Copacabana
Nearest station: Siqueira Campos (metro station)
Walk on the Beach Hostel
If you’re looking to have a great time and meet the friendliest, kindest staff, this is your hostel. The location is a highlight, with many restaurants, shops and supermarkets nearby. You can save a bit buying your own food and cooking at the hostel kitchen. And have we mentioned it’s located less than 5 minutes away from the famous Copacabana beach?
Hostel highlights:
- Bar
- Book exchange
- Great location
Address: Rua Dias da Rocha, 85
Neighbourhood: Copacabana
Nearest station: Siqueira Campos (metro station)
More best hostels in Rio de Janeiro
You know you’ve got your backpacking destination right when the great hostels are just endless! The Marvellous City won’t cease to amaze you with its beauty, culture, vibe – and of course just the right places to stay. Here are our final tips for more best hostels in Rio de Janeiro.
Mambembe Hostel
A quiet and small hostel, yet still super close to the vibrant Lapa, just a few metro stops from beaches and famous landmarks. At Mambembe you’ll have the ideal place to meet other travellers, make friends and have a great time. The vibe will make you feel like home. And they offer free breakfast!
Hostel highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Laundry facilities
- Games room and terrace
Address: Rua Joaquim Murtinho, 251
Neighbourhood: Santa Teresa
Nearest station: Cinelândia (metro station)
Villa 25 Hostel & Suites
Who doesn’t love a nice, clean space? The guys over at Villa 25 know how to roll and they make sure this boutique hostel is always super clean and tidy, while still keeping a friendly atmosphere. They also have a pool, a bar and a restaurant. To make it even better, the staff are A class! According to one of our reviewers, “Staff were incredibly helpful and went out of their way to help you and make your stay more comfortable.”
Hostel highlights:
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Super clean
- Wheelchair friendly
Address: Rua Gago Coutinho, 25
Neighbourhood: Largo do Machado
Nearest station: Largo do Machado (metro station)
Terra Brasilis
A moment of appreciation for this cool wooden deck with a beautiful view of Rio’s city centre – a real gem not everyone gets to experience. Terra Brasilis has free breakfast, good public transportation connections to take you anywhere, friendly staff and is a 5 minute walk to Santa Teresa, a lovely artistic and bohemian neighbourhood in Rio. Very chill.
Hostel highlights:
- Bar
- Free breakfast
- Terrace with a view
Address: Rua Murtinho Nobre, 156
Neighbourhood: Santa Teresa
Nearest station: Glória (metro station)
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