Rio de Janeiro Hostels

Why stay in Rio de Janeiro?

photo: PedroKirilos

Rio de Janeiro isn't a year-round party, but it's close. That's okay, though, because there's a gigantic statue of Christ on a mountain above the city keeping an eye on things...

Rio is a beautiful city with stunning vistas in nearly every direction, home to a busy beach culture and also where you'll find overcrowded areas called favelas (sometimes slums, sometimes shantytowns) on the mountain slopes surrounding the city. If you're curious about more than just the beaches and bars, you can get a guided tour of the favelas. It's not recommended that you go in alone, as they can be confusing mazes where outsiders could easily get lost.

In Rio you can visit the famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, although the more famous beaches tend to also be crowded and dirty. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, though, so you should be able to find one you like. Away from the beach, Rio has plenty of museums, churches and other historic buildings to keep you occupied during the daytime, and plenty of clubs to keep you up all night long. Rio is also home to one of the largest football stadiums on earth. Above the city you can visit the famous Christ the Redeemer statue for a great view of Rio.

Hostels have become more popular throughout Brazil, though if you want to stay within walking distance of Ipanema or Copacabana beaches you won't find the prices as low as you will elsewhere. Keep in mind that "hostels" aren't just for young people anymore - they're just for savvy travelers on a budget who want to meet fellow travelers. A few notable Rio de Janeiro hostels are highlighted here.

The LightHouse Hostel is within Ipanema, only three blocks from the beach. The Botafogo Easy Hostel limits its dorm rooms to a maximum of six beds and is one subway stop from both Copacabana and Rio's city center.

Tupiniquim Hostel boasts a multi-lingual staff (seven languages are listed) and a 20-foot climbing wall. Alpha Hostel is in one of Rio's most pleasant neighborhoods and is only a block away from a subway stop.

If none of these properties suits your tastes, don't worry - there are plenty more Rio de Janeiro hostels listed here. Just browse the listings until you find the right one.

If you need anything else for your trip to Rio, you're in the right place. You can find international airfare to Rio de Janeiro and read up on what to do and see in our Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide.

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