Rio de Janeiro hostels and cheap hotels: Where to stay on a budget.

You won't find Rio de Janeiro listed among the world's most expensive destinations to travel. With free access to beaches, nature, and cultural activities, an enjoyable trip is very possible on a tight budget, even during big events. I have a full post on that.

But regardless of your travel style, accommodation is usually where the biggest chunk of your budget goes. Rio de Janeiro is no different, but with one detail: finding an affordable place to stay is directly connected to where it's located.

That's why in this guide, I'm not just listing hostels and cheap hotels in Rio de Janeiro. I'm curating the highest-rated options and organizing them by area, focusing on the South Zone and Central neighborhoods. That's where the things that brought you to Rio actually are.

Here's where to look, area by area.

Where to find hostels and cheap hotels for your trip to Rio de Janeiro

A quick look at each neighborhood. You'll find the full hotel and hostel picks listed below.

Copacabana — The widest range of prices in the city, right on the beach and close to the city’s main attractions by public transport.

Ipanema & Leblon — The pricier hostels in Rio de Janeiro, but the value holds up: quieter streets, easy beach access, and a slightly more upscale feel.

Flamengo, Glória & Largo do Machado — A strong concentration of hostels with easy access to the rest of the city, at some of the most affordable prices around.

Botafogo — A practical, well-connected base with a laid-back bar scene and some good-value chain hotels.

Lapa — The heart of Rio's nightlife and samba scene, with hostels built around going out.

Santa Teresa — Artsy, hilly, and full of character, with boutique hostels and easy access to Lapa's nightlife.

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Copacabana

Copacabana is the classic choice for first-time and budget travelers, and for good reason: it has the largest number of hotels in the city, with a wide range of prices, right along one of Rio's most famous beaches. You're walking distance from the sand, a short metro ride from most other neighborhoods, and surrounded by the restaurants, bars, and everyday street life that make the area feel alive at any hour.

Copacabana is huge, and the area you choose within it makes a real difference. For the full breakdown of its different areas, check out the complete guide to Copacabana.

Here are my favorite budget accommodations in Copacabana:

Solar Hostal Beach Copacabana - From $21/night for shared dorm

Palace Beach Hostel - From $30/night for shared dorm

Ibis Budget RJ Copacabana - From $70/night

Windsor Martinique Copacabana - From $90/night

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Ipanema & Leblon

Ipanema and Leblon are Rio's most upscale beach neighborhoods, so hostels here run at a higher price tag. But if being in the most desirable parts of the city is what you're after, the trade-off is worth it.

For more details and what to do on both areas, check out the guides to Ipanema and Leblon.

Here are some of the best hostels and budget hotels in Ipanema and Leblon:

Mango Tree Ipanema - From $31/night for shared dorm

El Misti Ipanema - From $35/night for shared dorm

Leblon Beach Hostel - From $45/night for shared dorm

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Flamengo, Glória & Largo do Machado

This trio of neighborhoods sits between Downtown and Copacabana, and it's where budget travelers who still want a central base tend to end up. Flamengo has a leafy, residential feel and the waterfront Flamengo Park; Glória and Largo do Machado are more local and less touristy, but both sit right on the metro line, putting the rest of the city within easy reach.

Here are some of the best hostels and budget hotels in the area:

Villa 25 - From $20/night for shared dorm

Discovery Hostel - From $28/night for shared dorm

Hotel Monte Castelo - From $50/night for a private room

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Botafogo

Botafogo is a practical choice: well-connected by metro and home to a laid-back bar scene that locals actually use, not just tourists.

To understand more about what the neighborhood offers, check out my complete guide to Botafogo.

Here are my picks for Botafogo, considering good location and reviews:

Opa! Hostel - From $20/night for shared dorm

Ibis budget Praia de Botafogo - From $55/night for a private room

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Lapa

Lapa is where Rio's nightlife and samba scene come alive, especially around the Lapa Arches on weekend nights. Staying here means you're a short walk from the bars, live music, and street parties.

For the full breakdown of the area, check out our guide to Downtown and Lapa.

Here is my list for the best budget hotels and hostels in Lapa:

Mambembe Hostel - From $18/night for shared dorm

Art Lapa Hotel - From $55/night for a private room

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Santa Teresa

Perched on a hill above the city center, Santa Teresa has a bohemian, artsy character and a big number of hostels. It's quieter than the beach neighborhoods, but Lapa's nightlife is just a short tram or Uber ride down the hill.

Here is my list of best budget accommodation regarding location:

Castelo dos Tucanos Host - From $32/night for shared dorm

Rio Forest Hostel - From $38/night for shared dorm

Lobie Armazém São Joaquim - From $69/night for a private room

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Hostels worth a special mention in Rio de Janeiro

A few hostels in Rio stand out enough to deserve their own spotlight, wherever they happen to fall on the map.

JO&JOE Rio de Janeiro (Largo do Boticário)
Set inside a preserved historic property with a modern design twist, and a pool surrounded by forest. The hostel regularly hosts events like samba nights and feijoada, making it one of the best spots in the city to socialize with other travelers.

Aquarela do Leme
A boutique hostel just steps from Copacabana beach, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean.

How to get good prices on accommodation in Rio de Janeiro

Book as far ahead as you can, especially for Carnival, New Year's Eve, or Rock in Rio as prices can double or triple within weeks of the date.

Factor in location and reviews when choosing hostels and budget hotels, not just photos. Some of the best value stays in this guide are the ones with the fewest frills and the strongest reviews, not the flashiest listing photos.

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FAQ

Are hostels in Rio de Janeiro safe?

Yes, especially in the areas covered in this guide. Stick to well-reviewed hostels in South Zone or Central neighborhoods, and use the same common sense you would in any big city.

How much does a hostel cost in Rio de Janeiro?

Shared dorms typically start around $20–30 a night, while private rooms in budget hotels run $50–90 a night, depending on the neighborhood and season.

What is the cheapest area to stay in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro?

Flamengo, Glória, and Largo do Machado tend to offer the lowest prices among the areas covered here, while still being well-connected by metro.

Is it better to stay in Copacabana or Ipanema on a budget?

Copacabana has more hostels and a wider price range, making it easier to find a deal. Ipanema's hostels run pricier, but it's a quieter, more upscale area if that trade-off matters to you.

Do I need to book hostels in advance in Rio de Janeiro?

Outside of Carnival, New Year's Eve, and Rock in Rio, you usually don't need to book far ahead. During those events, though, book as early as possible as prices and availability change fast.

Written by Karina

Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Karina spent over a decade working in the tourism industry, with experience in some of the world's leading travel destinations. She created Going to Rio to bring that same standard of practical, traveler-first guidance to visitors exploring Rio de Janeiro. Learn more about Karina