Just like in any big city, it might prove challenging to find affordable accommodation in Rio without losing out on local feeling, great location and exciting mingling opportunities. Here are our top 5 hostels in Rio de Janeiro, hand-picked from our updated free Rio city guide, momondo places.
Contemporâneo Hostel
Contemporâneo Hostel is all about ultra-modern, hip design. The 100-year old building is completely white with a bold splash of bright pink on the facade. Inside you’ll find Brazilian designer furniture like the Lattoog hanging chairs and local artwork adorning the walls.
Located just 350 metres from the Botafogo station, you can hop on the metro and relax on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana in 5-10 minutes. There are a variety of rooms – private suites, including one for wheelchair users, and shared dormitories, all equipped with air conditioning, free WiFi and both private and shared bathrooms.
In the courtyard you’ll find a huge metal container adapted to a cosy outdoor bar where you can enjoy your breakfast.
Where: Rua Bambina 158
Tel: +55 21 3495 1014
Nearest station: Botafogo
Find a room at Contemporâneo Hostel
Casa Alto Vidigal
Located at the top of Vidigal, one of Rio’s safest favelas (slums), Casa Alto Vidigal offers wonderful views over Ipanema and many of Rio’s other great sights.
The hostel offers affordable prices for mixed dormitories, private rooms and a separate apartment. The social areas are comfortable and colourful, with hammocks and street-art style paintings on the walls. The adjoining bar hosts regular social events, from screening football games to DJs on weekends.
The hostel is close to the trail that ascends nearby mountains, Morro Dois Irmãos.
Where: Rua Armando de Almeida Lima 2
Tel: +55 21 3322 3034
Getting there: Bus: 556/557/172 to Avenida Niemeyer, stop 333
Find a room at Casa Alto Vidigal
Discovery Hostel
The Discovery Hostel fancies itself a ‘boutique hostel’; though not a commonly used phrase, it gives you an idea of what to expect. Ranked among the best hostels in Rio de Janeiro, Discovery’s location is key: just a two-minute walk to Glória metro station, 20 minutes to the nightlife of Lapa, and a short (but steep!) walk up to Santa Teresa.
Dorms are bright and newly decorated with solid wooden bunks and hotel-grade mattresses. Private rooms and apartments are also available, all cosy and clean. Hostel facilities include a kitchen, living room, bar, chill-out patio and free Wi-Fi.
Overall, Discovery creates a friendly and social environment – perfect for independent travellers.
Where: Rua Benjamin Constant 26
Tel: +55 21 3449 0672
Nearest station: Glória
Read more: 9 unmissable sights in Rio
Find a room at Discovery Hostel
Lemon Spirit Hostel
Lemon Spirit scores high with discerning independent travellers. Located in the wealthy neighbourhood of Leblon, everything you’ll need is just a stone’s throw away: supermarkets, bars, restaurants and clubs. And the best part of all: the beach is within a 5-minute walk.
Dorms sleep four or six, and come equipped with free WiFi, individual lockers, air conditioning, and clean private bathrooms. The hostel has a lively bar and an outdoor patio – the perfect place to enjoy a few ‘Caipirinhas’ and make new friends, before heading out for a night of fun.
As well as organising tours and social events, the hostel also rents out bikes.
Where: Rua Cupertino Durão 56
Tel: +55 21 2294 1853
Getting there: Bus 162/402/404 to Afrânio de Melo Franco, stop BRS 1, 2C, 3
The Maze
Tucked in-between the narrow buildings in the Tavares Bastos favela (slum), The Maze is a unique establishment which confounds expectations. Owner Bob Nadkarni, an English film-maker and journalist, is a big part of the attraction. He garnered a lot of attention when he decided to live in a Rio favela and fought to make the neighbourhood safe.
Accommodation is simple but clean, with private rooms and a dormitory that sleeps nine. Highlights include the location, with wonderful views over Guanabara Bay, popular weekly jazz nights in the lounge and their substantial breakfasts.
This is the perfect place for people who prize adventure over convenience and would like to immerse themselves in a Rio favela.
Where: Rua Tavares Bastos 414
Tel: +55 21 2558 5547
Nearest station: Catete
Read more: Discover the riches of Rio’s favelas
