One of the most iconic cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro has a world-class blend of urban life and culture. All this sexy stuff is mixed with gorgeous landscapes and famous beaches. Rio is nothing short of a premium destination.
But premium destinations come at a premium price. This is why I wrote this insider guide to the best hostels in Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro is one of the most expensive cities in South America, and accommodation costs can quickly add up.
If you are travelling to Rio, the best way to save money is by staying in hostels.With the help of this list of the best hostels in Rio, you’ll be able to quickly find a hostel that suits your travel style. For every traveller, what constitutes best is subjective.
In order for you to find the PERFECT place I have assembled all of the best hostels in Rio de Janeiro candidates…
I’ve taken the best hostels and organized them by different travel needs. So whether you are looking for the best hostel in Rio for solo travellers, a rooftop terrace or just the best budget hostel in Rio… I’ve got you covered.
Let’s go!
Photo: @sebagvivas
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Rio de Janeiro
- Best Overall Hostel in Rio de Janeiro – Discovery Hostel
- Best Hostels in Rio de Janeiro for Solo Travelers – Rio World Connection Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Rio de Janeiro – Hostel Cade Teresa
- Best Party Hostel in Rio de Janeiro – Books Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Rio de Janeiro – Castelo dos Teresa
Photo: @sebagvivas
The 5 Best Hostels in Rio de Janeiro
If you’re backpacking Brazil, there is absolutely no way around stopping over in Rio. In order to be well-rested for your next adventure, you’ll need a good place to rest your head. Check out the best hostels in Rio below.
Rio isn’t necessarily a small city, so knowing where to stay in Rio de Janeiro can be a big advantage when it comes to booking your accommodation. You don’t want to end up far away from the hotspots you want to explore!
1. Discovery Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Rio de Janeiro
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Private Room: From $42
- Address: Rua Benjamin Constant 26, Glória, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
No doubt about it, the overall best hostel in Rio de Janeiro is Discovery Hostel; this place is fun! Voted as the best hostel in Rio de Janeiro by HostelWorld, Discovery has it all and is a foolproof place to stay. With an onsite bar and cafe with cheap food and drinks deals daily, Discovery is the kinda hostel that you could move into forever.
Discovery is budget-friendly and offers free WiFi and a cracking free breakfast for all. The mattresses are thick and squishy, no pokey springs and bed bugs here! Discovery is a belter of a Rio de Janeiro backpackers hostel and you’ll leave with a whole new group of travel buddies and travel tales.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free wi fi
- Air Conditioning
- Free City Tours
Created by travellers for travellers, Discovery Hostel is one of those Rio hostels that will change your life. There are party vibes, dorm beds and comfy common areas and the whole place feels like a homestay crossed with a boutique hotel. The perfect place to base yourself, whatever your stay in Rio looks like.
The dorm rooms are set up for everything you need for a good sleep. There are thick mattresses on the bunk beds, big lockers to stash your stuff and air conditioning.
There are free city tours and free maps if you want to see the city. I’m sure the 24/7 staff can point you in the direction of the nearest rooftop terrace if you want a birds-eye view of the city.
2. Rio World Connection Hostel – Best Hostel in Rio de Janeiro for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $11
- Private Room: From $44
- Address: R. Taylor, 116 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio World Connection hostel is a big vibe for you solo travellers. You’ll be in paradise in a great location up top of a hill overlooking this wonderful city. Nestled in the heart of Rio de Janeiro on a quiet street in Santa Teresa with that swimming pool, yeah, you’ll be in heaven.
I haven’t even got into the sociability of the place yet… Santa Teresa is a hilltop neighbourhood with an artsy, Bohemian vibe. Here, you’ll find some of the best Carnaval blocos (street parties), wonderful if you’re here for Carnaval party vibes. And, this sort of place attracts a certain sort of people to Rio hostels; fun people!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great Location
- Air Conditioning
- Female Only Dorms
There is a range of rooms to choose from, with dorm beds sleeping between four and 12 people, they have epic views. Each room has air conditioning, and free wifi and some of them have a balcony plus there are wardrobes to stash your stuff and shared bathrooms. Now, the common rooms are stunning, offering a range of spaces and games and books to imbue, you can really soak up Rio.
The staff at reception are there 24/7 and there’s an onsite restaurant and bar to indulge in if you fancy. There are restaurants and a supermarket a short walk away but there aren’t any cooking facilities here. Good to keep in mind but also a great excuse to make the most of the wonderful food on offer.
3. Hostel Cade Teresa – Best Cheap Hostel in Rio de Janeiro
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Private Room: From $30
- Address: Rua Almirante Alexandrino 501, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Hostel Cade Teresa is the best place to stay for a social atmosphere and to be close to the action. It’s the kind of hostel that has everything you need, all for a tiny price! This is one of the Rio hostels in Santa Teresa, a traditional neighbourhood on top of a hill with incredible harbour views.
Staying in Santa Teresa, you can still feel what the city used to be like in its golden days. This hostel is in a beautiful historic building that’s been newly renovated to have all the mod cons and amenities we’re used to these days. There’s a full kitchen set up which is my favourite way to save money on the road; make my own meals.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free wifi
- Great Location
- Female Only Dorms
Lots of rooms at Hostel Cade Teresa have their own balconies for fresh hot air and street views. Epic if you’re here for Carnaval, the Bloccos are likely to pass right under you. The dorm beds sleep four to eight people, a nice intimate size – way better than going cheap and having to stay with 30 other bodies!
There’s the option of booking private rooms too. This can be a sweet respite and if you’re travelling with a crew they can sleep up to four so this can be another great way to cut costs. So kick back in the garden, splash out in the pool and enjoy living the budget-friendly dream in Rio.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Books Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Rio de Janeiro
- Dorm (mixed): From $13
- Private Room: From $40
- Address: Rua Francisco Muratori, 10, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Books Hostel has it all and is without a doubt the best party hostel in Rio de Janeiro. Books Hostel has its own pumping bar but is super close to Rio de Janeiro’s best bars and clubs; giving you the best of both worlds. Books Hostel is a phenomenal youth hostel in Rio de Janeiro and is in part due to its amazing staff.
Attracting a party-focused crowd Books Hostel gets pretty pumping, especially during the Carnival, one of the most famous festivals in the world. They have great drinks deals throughout the week but guests are welcome to BYOB. Who doesn’t love saving money on booze?!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free wi fi
- Communal Kitchen
- Female Only Dorms
It’s time to see why Rio is one of the best party cities in the world! I stand by the fact that it’s largely in part due to places like Books. Books is part community centre, part family home, part party hostel and full wrap-around services of all these things combined.
You can go on organised activities like hikes and football games during the day, fuelled by the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. Get turnt at the happy hours at the onsite bar and play beer pong and other fun games that get the people going. Go out to discover the wilderness of Rio nightlife with your new crew (that you feel like you’ve known forever) and rinse and repeat.
5. Castelo dos Teresa – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Rio de Janeiro
- Dorm (mixed): From $18
- Private Room: From $46
- Address: Rua Fonseca Guimaraes, 55 – Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Castelo dos Teresa is the type of hostel you want to live in. Epic garden, stunning pool, fabulous people around all the time in well-designed spaces. The best thing about being a digital nomad…? YOU CAN!
I mean, it’s literally in a heritage castle in Santa Teresa with private rooms so you can have your own space. Live your best life and make yourself at home or book a dorm room if you want to be in the mix. There’s a stunning lounge full of natural light where you can co-work or plugin at a table and get in your own zone.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Breakfast
- Free Wi fi
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
One thing you should know about Santa Teresa is it’s on top of a hill and the most famous beaches aren’t super accessible. So the swimming pool comes in handy when you’re working away and need to beat the heat and have a quick refresh. The outdoor terrace area is mint off-duty hangouts and there’s a churrasco area, to get the full South American grill experience.
Not having to think about breakfast is such a bomb deal to get that good morning routine flowing into a great workday. Enjoy the free breakfast provided and there’s a fridge/freezer available if you want to stash snacks too.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Rio de Janeiro Hostels
As if that wasn’t enough you ungrateful shrimp?! Relax, I’m joking, there are so many to choose from, and I want to give you all the juice so read on amigos.
6. Mambembe Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Private Room: From $36
- Address: Rua Joaquim Murtinho, 251, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
An intimate affair, Mambembe Hostel has just four dorm rooms which creates just the right amount of buzz without feeling too chaotic and overcrowded. As a highly recommended hostel in Rio de Janeiro Mambembe gives backpackers access to free WiFi throughout their stay and a decent breakfast too. Nestled in the cultural hub of Santa Teresa, Mambembe is within walking distance of bohemian Lapa, culture vultures should flock to Mambembe Hostel for sure!
7. Che Lagarto Suites
- Dorm (mixed): From $10
- Private Room: From $69
- Address: Rua Paul Redfern N41, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The best hostel for couples in Rio de Janeiro is Che Lagarto Suites. This highly recommended hostel in Rio de Janeiro deserves all the praise that it gets and is the perfect place for couples to retreat. You will find Che Lagarto Suites right in the heart of the action, literally a matter of metres from world-famous Copacabana Beach!
The suites themselves are not only super affordable but light, clean and rather modern. The beds are comfy AF and will break your fall after a long day exploring Rio. If you and your bae want a piece of the flashpacker lifestyle without the price tag Che Lagarto Suites is the place for you.
8. Gaia Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $12
- Private Room: From $40
- Address: Rua Mena Barreto 18 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Modern, spacious and bright Gaia Hostel is a great mid-budget hostel in Rio de Janeiro. Modern hostels can often feel sterile but not Gaia, this place has character aplenty. The dorms are roomy which means you can totally unpack if you wish.
The tiny sun-trapped courtyard is the perfect spot to plan your onward travels from Rio de Janeiro thanks to Gaia Hostel’s free Wi Fi. The staff are really helpful so if you have any questions don’t be afraid to ask! Sandwiched between Copacabana and Flamengo, Gaia Hostel can be found in bohemian Botafago.
9. Villa 25 Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $17
- Address: Rua Gago Coutinho, 25, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Free breakfast, a hostel bar and a swimming pool… When can I move in? Villa 25 is a top hostel in Rio de Janeiro with a boutique feel without the boutique price tag. Offering mixed, male-only and female-only dorms, as well as luxury suites Villa 25 has something for everyone.
Warm and welcoming Villa 25 has a modern design, is super clean and very well maintained. The staff are great, happy to help and on hand 24/7 should you so require them. Although Villa 25 is in a more residential area the sights and sounds of Rio de Janeiro are only a subway stop away.
10. Maracana Hostel
Maracana Hostel is a classic Rio de Janeiro backpackers hostel that has something for everyone. Offering guest access to free Wi Fi, the brilliant hostel bar, a community kitchen and tours and a travel desk, Maracana Hostel has it all. No curfew means that you can stay out until the early hours partying Rio-style and roll home whenever you are ready.
Do heed the Maracana staff’s warnings on safety though. Rio de Janeiro is an amazing city but you’ve gotta keep your wits about you. You can’t leave Maracana’s without trying their homemade Acai sorbet. To. Die. For.
11. Kaza Rio
Solo nomad on a shoestring budget? Say hello to Kaza Rio, a top hostel in Rio de Janeiro for budget solo travellers. Sitting right next to an estació station Kaza Rio makes life for the solo traveller super easy and stress-free.
There is a real laid-back vibe at Kaza Rio and you genuinely feel right at home the moment you walk through the door. FYI, if you wanna meet your hostel buddies your best bet is to head up to the rooftop terrace bar and get chatting. The staff at Kaza Rio could not be nicer if they tried. Holla if you need a hand!
12. Ocean Hostel
Ocean Hostel is the best budget hostel in Rio de Janeiro, especially if you want to stay around Ipanema. As you would expect from a cheap hostel Ocean Hostel keeps it simple. The staff are helpful, the place is clean and bright and you are just two blocks from the most famous beaches.
What more could you ask for?! Ocean Hostel may be basic but they are not lacking in amenities; air conditioning, laundry facilities and a little guest kitchen too. You can make your own meals or there are dozens of great places to eat and drink close to Ocean Hostel.
Look out for the hipster juice bars of Ipanema. Super fresh and super healthy.
13. Alma de Santa Guesthouse
Should you and your lover be after a home away from home in Rio de Janeiro, look no further than Alma de Santa Guesthouse. Customer experience is at the heart of everything the Alma de Santa team do. They’ll give you a rundown on how to stay safe in Rio, where to visit first and arrange your trip if you so desire.
Some of the private rooms at Alma de Santa even have a balcony which is just charming and lovely. There is something quite classy about Alma de Santa. Not short on welcoming hostel vibes, there is a calmness that shrouds Alma de Santa Guesthouse that will make you feel right at home.
14. Walk on the Beach
Brilliant bar, awesome staff and fantastic value for money; Walk on the Beach is one a big vibe in Rio de Janeiro. If you want to party by night but chill out during daylight hours it doesn’t get better than Walk on the Beach. The WOTB bar is where the action is at!
Should you find yourself a tad hungover in the morning, spend a day curled up in the TV room flicking through the channels on offer. If you wanna get out and about then the WOTB team are always on hand to give you directions. They’ll help you book taxis and arrange entry tickets to Rio de Janeiro’s hottest attractions.
15. Bonita Ipanema
Are you a digital nomad who is more of a flashpacker than a backpacker? What is great about earning an income while you travel is that once in a while you can splash out. If you wanna do that on a fancy hostel, Bonita Ipanema Beach is just the ticket.
Whether you want to work at the hostel bar, in the communal dining room-come-office or even by the poolside, you can. Bonita Ipanema Beach offers the perfect environment for digital nomads plus, Ipanema Beach is a hip and happening area of Rio de Janeiro. There is no shortage of great coffee bars and juice joints to work in if a change of scenery is in order.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable and guests have free use of the communal kitchen. You’ll also be close to Rio’s most famous beaches; Ipanema Beach and Copacabana Beach.
16. Ghetto Rocinha Hostel
New kid on the block Ghetto Rocinha Hostel is creating quite a stir. With just three rooms Ghetto Rocinha Hostel is cosy and intimate, ideal for travellers who like to retreat at the end of a long day exploring. That’s not to say there is no atmosphere here, far from it.
Simply that travellers are free to do their own thing, there is no pressure to socialise if you don’t want to. The rooftop terrace at Ghetto Rocinha Hoste is the perfect place to hang out, catch up on the travel journal or simply take in the view. A genuine home from home.
17. Kariok Hostel
Kariok Hostel is a highly recommended hostel in Rio de Janeiro that can be found in the city’s historical centre. Within easy reach of all the must-visit sights and attractions, Kariok Hostel is what we would call a good all-rounder. Their free breakfast and free Wi Fi only serves to increase the epic value for money you get by staying here.
Kariok Hostel offers guests use of the guest kitchen and the common room too. Not a party hostel but not lacking on the laid back Rio-vibes either, Kariok Hostel has something for everyone.
18. Cafe Rio Hostel
Cafe Rio is a great youth hostel in Rio de Janeiro that is not only super affordable but really accessible too. You’ll find Cafe Rio in the Laranjeiras district where traditional Rio de Janeiro meets the modern world. Being in Laranjeiras district means that Cafe Rio is often overlooked by travellers, unfairly so.
This is a safe neighbourhood with great transport links. The staff here consistently go above and beyond for their guests. Need last-minute carnival tickets? Done. Need a lift to the airport? Sorted. Dorms are basic but comfortable and cosy.
19. Dezenove Guesthouse
What a find! Denzenove Guesthouse is a total hidden gem! Digital nomads, Insta-addicts and flashpackers listen up, Denzenove Guesthouse is quite possibly Rio de Janeiro’s best-kept secret. This place oozes charm and is fantastically chilled out and welcoming.
Each room of the guesthouse has been lovingly designed and is super photogenic. Both the dorms and the private rooms are clean and spacious and have incredibly comfy beds. Reflecting the bohemian nature of the neighbourhood in which is it placed, Botafogo.
Denonve is the kinda place where you can grab a beer or two and settle down for an evening of travel story exchanges and adventure planning with your hostel cohorts.
20. BotaHostel
Newly renovated and a highly recommended hostel in Rio de Janeiro, there is a lot to love about BotaHostel. Location-wise BotaHostel is one of the best hostels in Rio de Janeiro for it is within walking distance of famous beaches. To be specific, Copacabana Beach, Sugar Loaf and Botafogo Beach. #Winning! The free breakfast is a total bonus, as is the free WiFi.
Once your adventures of the day are over be sure to hang out at the BotaHostel bar and get planning tomorrow’s big day out! Drinks are cheap and the vibe is on… It’s pretty darn brilliant to be fair. The dorms are cosy and comfortable, good night’s sleep is guaranteed!
21. Lemon Spirit
Rio de Janeiro is probably one of the best cities in the world for solo travellers to find friends. With such a phenomenal party atmosphere you’re part of the family the moment you step off the plane. Lemon Spirit is the best hostel for solo travellers in Rio de Janeiro as it takes the community vibe to the next level.
Located in the super safe neighbourhood of Leblon, Lemon Spirit has a smiling face and welcoming hug for all. As a top hostel in Rio de Janeiro Lemon Spirit has its own hostel bar which is fun. Did I mention free buckets of caipirinha every Saturday night?
22. Solar Hostel
If you are looking for a basic AF, cheap and cheerful hostel in Rio de Janeiro, head to Solar Hostel. As the best cheap hostel in Rio de Janeiro Solar has cut the frills but not the facilities. You have access to free WiFi, and a basic kitchen and the dorms have air conditioning. Hallelujah!
We all know that when in Rio de Janeiro the hostel is pretty much just a place to crash out in your dorm beds. And freshen up which is why Solar Hostel is so great. The staff are super helpful and will point you in the direction of all the touristy hotspots.
23. Terra Brasilis
The best hostel for digital nomads in Rio de Janeiro is Terra Brasilis Hostel. Digital nomads are generally on the lookout for a hostel with a great community vibe that doesn’t get too rowdy and distracting. Whether you book a dorm or one of their super affordable private suites you will be welcomed into a calming and productive space.
The Terra Brasilis rooftop bar makes for a great office and with views out over Rio de Janeiro, you will not be short of inspiration. If anything, the view will make you even more motivated to get the workload smashed so you can get out and explore! Terra Brasilis has a self-catering kitchen, essential for the modern digital nomad.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Rio De Janeiro
Stay safe homes, get good hostel travel insurance before your trip, always.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Rio de Janeiro.
What to Pack for your Rio De Janeiro Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Rio De Janeiro?
The average price of hostels in Rio De Janeiro can range from $13 – $18+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds. And, amenities come into the picture so if you’re gunning for air conditioning rather than a ceiling fan, you’ll be paying for it.
What are the best hostels in Rio De Janeiro for couples?
My favourite hostel for couples in Rio is Che Legarto Hostel Ipanema. Romancing your boo thang on the classic Copacabana beach will never get old!
What is the best hostel in Rio De Janeiro near the airport?
Discovery Hostel, an epic overall best hostel in Rio de Janeiro, is 2.5 km from Santos Dumont Airport. It offers airport transfer for an additional fee. Get in touch with your accommodation to help you suss getting to and from the airport in the best way.
Final Thoughts on Rio De Janeiro’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Rio De Janeiro has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! This city is full of wonder and joy and sexy beach moments and saucy city night moments. Simply put; Rio de Janeiro has it all.
There’s been a lot in here, I’ll admit, if you’re overwhelmed and still on the fence, I’ve still got you. Stay at Discovery Hostel – it’s the best for a reason. Plus, it’s close to the airport so it’s easy to get to.
If you’re on the cheap, book at Hostel Cade Teresa, it’s also in Santa Teresa, easy to get to, easy to leave. Get yourself out of the burbs and down to Rio’s most famous beaches, conveniently neighbours, Ipanema Beach and Copacabana Beach.
Wherever you stay in Rio, I’m sure it’ll be a treat and your now Brazilian bum will enjoy it! Whether you get tanned on the famous beaches or toned up the mountains, you’ll have fun.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Photo: @monteiro.online
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Brazil for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Rio De Janeiro before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate South America backpacking guide.
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