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Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century (though several indigenous groups have lived in the area for millennia), Rio de Janeiro<\/a> is the second-largest city in Brazil<\/a>.<\/p>\n It’s also one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere and over 5 million people pass through the city each year. Its dramatic natural landscape of lush mountains hugging the sea has been a strong source of creative inspiration for centuries. Many artistic movements and styles were born here, including bossa nova (a style of samba).<\/p>\n Unsurprisingly, there is no shortage of exciting cultural and natural sites to explore in Rio, including the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue (one of the new Wonders of the World), Sugarloaf Mountain, many fascinating museums, and much more.<\/p>\n The buzzing energy of the city makes Rio de Janeiro especially popular with backpackers and partygoers (especially during Carnaval), meaning that there are a ton of hostels to choose from.<\/p>\n Below is my list of the best hostels in Rio de Janeiro. If you don\u2019t want to read the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:<\/p>\n Want the specifics of each hostel? Here\u2019s my breakdown of the best hostels in Rio:<\/p>\n The pod-style bunk beds have privacy curtains (which I always appreciate), individual reading lights and sockets, and large lockers, and every room has an attached balcony. There are also female-only dorms and everything is always kept sparkling clean.<\/p>\n There are various common areas, including a co-working space and a gym (which is a rare perk but definitely one I love). There\u2019s also a rooftop terrace with stunning views over the ocean. If you\u2019re on a budget, there\u2019s a fully equipped kitchen and a complimentary buffet breakfast (including homemade bread).<\/p>\n The only downside is that the hostel is located at the top of a very steep hill, but there are always cheap motorbike taxis waiting at the bottom to take you to the top if you prefer not to walk.<\/p>\n Aquarela do Leme at a glance:<\/strong><\/p>\n The super friendly hostel staff organizes nightly events, so this is definitely a place to be if you want to meet people and party. It\u2019s also easy to save money here, given the extensive buffet breakfast in the mornings and the happy hour in the evenings.<\/p>\n Many of the rooms have three-bed-high bunks (so try to avoid those), though all have privacy curtains as well as individual lights and sockets. Another plus? The water pressure is really good. But the Wi-Fi isn\u2019t always the best, so it\u2019s not a great place to stay if you\u2019re working on the road.<\/p>\n Discovery Hostel at a glance: <\/strong><\/p>\n The metal bunks are basic, with no privacy curtains, reading lights, or individual outlets. But, then again, this isn\u2019t really a place you stay if you want to sleep. Dorm rooms also do not have air conditioning, though private rooms do. There are female-only dorms as well.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth noting that it\u2019s located right at the entrance to one of Rio\u2019s many favelas<\/em>, urban slums in which there is often increased crime. Conditions and safety vary drastically from one favela to another, but it\u2019s still important to take extra precautions around them. Stay alert when returning here at night, ideally not alone (here\u2019s some recommended safety advice for Brazil<\/a> in general).<\/p>\n Pura Vida Hostel Rio de Janeiro at a glance: <\/strong><\/p>\n All rooms are super clean, sleek, and modern, and have air conditioning. The beds are new and the mattresses are quite comfy, with individual lights, power outlets, and lockers under the bed. <\/p>\n All bunk beds have lockers, privacy curtains, individual power outlets, and reading lamps, though keep in mind that some dorm rooms have three-tiered bunk beds. Everything is kept nice and clean by the friendly hostel staff.<\/p>\n There are many indoor and outdoor shared spaces (with hammocks!), including an indoor TV lounge and outdoor sundeck, where you can relax and meet other travelers. It\u2019s a social place, but not a party hostel.<\/p>\n Mambembe Hostel at a glance: <\/strong><\/p>\n For when you do want to get some sleep, the sturdy wooden bunk beds are surprisingly comfy, with great pillows as well. Otherwise, they\u2019re pretty basic, with no privacy curtains, individual lights, or sockets. There\u2019s air conditioning in most rooms, and the water in the showers is always hot (not always the case in Rio). And perhaps most importantly, despite the number of people going in and out of the hostel, it\u2019s always kept clean!<\/p>\n Books Hostel at a glance:<\/strong><\/p>\n Get all my best travel tips as well as FREE planning guides sent straight to you and see more of the region for less!<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\n\nBest Hostel for Budget Travelers<\/strong>:<\/div>\nMambembe<\/a> or Books Hostel<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Hostel for Couples<\/strong>:<\/div>\nSocialtel Lapa<\/a> or Aquarela do Leme<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Hostel for Solo Female Travelers<\/strong>:<\/div>\nAquarela do Leme<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Hostel for Digital Nomads<\/strong>:<\/div>\nSocialtel Lapa<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Hostel for Partying<\/strong>:<\/div>\nBooks Hostel<\/a> or Pura Vida Hostel<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBest Overall Hostel<\/strong>:<\/div>\nAquarela do Leme<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n1. Aquarela do Leme<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Rooftop](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/aquareladolemehostel2.jpg\")
\nThis hostel is located just a few blocks from the world-famous Copacabana Beach and its 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of sand and promenade. It\u2019s perfect for travelers looking for a quieter time in Rio, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The hostel itself is still quite social though, with welcoming staff that organize frequent group activities (like tours and hikes), as well as a hostel WhatsApp group to make friends and plan outings. It really feels like you\u2019re staying with the family here (there\u2019s even a hostel dog!).<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n2. Discovery Hostel<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nThis award-winning hostel is in a restored colonial building and has been voted the top hostel not only in Rio but in all of Latin America year after year. It\u2019s conveniently located, with a metro station at the end of the block and the vibrant neighborhood of Lapa (known for its nightlife) just down the road.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n3. Pura Vida Hostel Rio de Janeiro<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Colorful](\"https:\/\/media.nomadicmatt.com\/2023\/puravidahostel.jpg\")
\nSituated between Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches, Pura Vida is another great place to stay if you\u2019re looking for a party hostel. There are tons of organized events, from karaoke nights to boat tours, a gregarious staff, and an always busy hostel bar, making it super easy to have fun and make friends here. There\u2019s also a huge communal kitchen in which to cook your own meals, as well as a small breakfast each day (for an extra fee).<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n4. Socialtel Lapa Rio de Janeiro<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nSelina is a chain of hostels known for being more like trendy boutique hotels with a coworking space. There are plenty of common areas: a huge rooftop terrace, restaurant, cocktail bar (where you\u2019ll get a free welcome drink), a kitchen, a cinema room, and, like all Selina locations, a coworking space.<\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\n5. Mambembe Hostel<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nMambembe is a homey and artsy hostel located on a quiet street in the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa. The old mansion-turned-hostel is a quirky place, with eclectic d\u00e9cor, art on the walls, a music room filled with instruments to play, and resident cats completing the atmosphere. It is on top of a steep hill though, so keep that in mind if uphill walks aren\u2019t your thing.<\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n6. Books Hostel<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nAlso located in Santa Teresa, Books is a bustling party hostel with an artistic bent (there are murals all over the interior). It\u2019s definitely a (mostly British) partying crowd that stays here, and everyone is super open and happy to meet other travelers. There are many shared spaces that make it easy to do so, including a communal barbecue area, small kitchen, library, and TV room with Netflix and a PS4. The party gets started every night with happy hour at the bar downstairs, and in the mornings, there\u2019s a great free vegetarian breakfast.<\/p>\n\n
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