Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro on a Budget

Since you’re already planning on visiting Rio, you don’t need me to tell you that there are tons of out-of-this-word beaches, amazing nightlife, and beautiful culture. But when it comes to where to stay in Rio de Janeiro— that part may be a bit more difficult to figure out.

I’ve visited Rio de Janeiro several times, and have been able to stay in a few different neighborhoods throughout the city, so I’ve figured out the best spots and everything you’ll want to know about each area before booking.

This guide breaks down some of my favorite affordable hotel, hostel, and apartment options in Ipanema, Copacabana, Leblon, Lapa, Santa Teresa, and Barra da Tijuca. Each neighborhood offers something slightly different depending on what you’re looking for, but we’ll get into all that in this guide.

My #1 pick, especially if it’s your first time in Rio, is Ipanema, but more on that in just a moment!

Ipanema

Let’s start off with my absolute favorite Rio neighborhood.

When people think of Rio, Ipanema is usually one of the first images to pop up. It’s an iconic beach spot, thanks to its view of the famous Two Brothers Mountains.

For that reason, Ipanema is a great option for your Rio de Janeiro travels, especially if it’s your first visit, and it’s definitely one of the most popular neighborhoods for tourists to stay in. I stayed here for 5 weeks during one of my visits to Rio, and absolutely loved it.

I felt relatively safe walking around (you’ll still want to be cautious regardless of where you are in Rio, though), it’s beautiful, right on the beach of course, and it’s also full of restaurants, bars, and shops, plus the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, a large lake great for biking or just walking around.

There’s also a great market on Sundays that’s a really fun place to shop for souvenirs.

Stay here for: A beautiful area close to lots of amenities; it’s tourist-friendly; and of course, easy access to the beach

Nearby sightseeing: Ipanema, Copacabana, and Leblon beaches, Arpoador (a place to watch the sunset on the beach), Sunday Hippie Market, the Botanical Garden and Parque Lage, two beautiful parks, are just about 3 miles away.

Where to stay in Ipanema 

IPANEMA BEACH HOUSE

Located in a historic home, Ipanema Beach House is a cozy hostel with both private rooms and shared dorms available. With a pool, and an onsite bar and food available (for an additional cost), you have everything you need for a comfortable trip. And it doesn’t get much better than being steps from the beach!

🌴 Historic charm, a pool, and steps from the beach? Ipanema Beach House nails the hostel dream.

BOSSA DESIGN STUDIOS IPANEMA

If a private space is more up your alley, this is an absolutely gorgeous option. You can get your own private apartment, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and air conditioning (which is not always the easiest to come by in Rio, let me tell you).

You can also enjoy some shared spaces as well, including an outdoor pool. And the best part? Ipanema Beach is just a 7-minute walk away.

🏖️ Private apartment, full kitchen, and only 7 minutes to the beach? Bossa Design Studios is perfect for independent travelers.

MANGO TREE HOSTEL IPANEMA

I’ve heard amazing things about Mango Tree Hostel Ipanema from other travelers, and it really looks like the perfect balance between relaxation and a social atmosphere. I love how it’s located in a 1930s colonial-style house in a quiet, residential area, so you a slightly more peaceful, local feel, while still being super close to the action.

It’s rated an impressive 8.5 on HostelWorld with over 1,600 ratings, and guests especially love the location and security offered. You’ll find both dorm beds or private rooms here, and you have the option to get a delicious breakfast in the mornings (not included), and you’ll find other amenities like air conditioning and ceiling fans. They also offer bike and surf board rentals.

🚲 Colonial vibes meet modern comfort at Mango Tree Hostel Ipanema — bike rentals, surf boards, and the beach nearby!

Copacabana

Copacabana is another great option that’s popular for tourists and will ensure lots of quality beach time.

It’s right next to Ipanema, and in my opinion it won’t be a huge difference in your overall experience compared to there. However, I would say it feels *slightly* less safe. I’ve also stayed in Copacabana, and only really noticed a bit of a difference as far as homelessness and police presence, but I still felt pretty comfortable walking around and hanging out at the beach during the day. On the plus side, you’ll also find more affordable hostels and other accommodations in this neighborhood.

Apart from that, it’s a super walkable area with lots of shops, nightlife, and some of Rio’s top restaurants. There tends to also be more music at the beachside bars in Copacabana compared to in Ipanema, if that sways you either way. One con to consider is that this beach tends to be the most crowded, especially in the summertime.

Stay here for: A beautiful neighborhood; an iconic Rio destination, proximity to the beach; tourist-friendly; relatively affordable; nightlife

Nearby sightseeing: Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon beaches, Arpoador, the historic Portuguese-colonial fort Forte de Copacabana, Botanical Garden and Parque Lage.

Where to stay in Copacabana 

MIRAMAR BY WINDSOR COPACABANA

For a luxurious hotel stay that’s surprisingly affordable, the Miramar is literally the best possible choice. First of all, the view from the rooftop pool looks straight out of a postcard.

The rooms of course all look super beautiful too. There’s also a restaurant onsite, which is always super convenient, and this hotel is rated an impressive 9.0 on Booking.com with nearly 5,000 reviews — which is hard to achieve.

Full disclosure, my husband used to work here, so I can confirm that it is in fact just as nice as the pictures look.

🏆 A rooftop pool with postcard views, 9.0 rating, and beachfront location? Book Miramar by Windsor before it’s gone!

B&B HOTEL RIO COPACABANA POSTO 5

This is a really beautiful mid-priced option. It has over 2,000 reviews and you can easily walk to the beach, which is just a block away.

By the way, the Posto 5 refers to a lifeguard station. There are apparently 12 different ones along the coastline, and are used as a reference point when giving directions/meeting up with people, etc.

But back to B&B. All rooms have A/C, private bathrooms, and you can add on breakfast for just $7 a day. You’d be in a great location here, with tons of food options practically at your doorstep, and of course, the beach just a short walk away.

🥐 A/C, private bathrooms, and $7 breakfast? B&B Posto 5 is affordable Copacabana comfort.

PALACE BEACH HOSTEL

Hostels don’t always have the best reputation, but there are plenty that are safe, clean, and honestly on par with a hotel. I’ve definitely stayed in some nice ones in Rio (unfortunately they’ve closed though or I’d be mentioning them), and this looks like another awesome option.

You can opt for a bed in a shared dorm if you’re on a tighter budget, or, opt for a private room with a private bathroom and breakfast included (it’s $6 if you stay in a dorm). You’re about half a mile away from the beach, and you’ll be right near shops, restaurants, and public transportation. The pictures all look beautiful!

💸 Hostel vibes with hotel-level cleanliness — Palace Beach Hostel offers budget-friendly beds just minutes from the beach.

Leblon

Leblon is considered one of the fanciest neighborhoods in Rio.

A downside is that of course, that means everything’s pricier here, from accommodation to restaurants. I haven’t spent as much time here as I would like to, but it does feel very walkable, with lots of restaurants and shops to explore here.

It also has arguably one of the most beautiful beaches, since you have the closest view of the mountains compared to Ipanema and Copacabana. With that said, they’re all right next to each other, so you can easily walk to other famous beach spots like Ipanema and Copacabana for more affordable dining options and nightlife. 

Stay here for: A beautiful neighborhood; one of the safest areas; walkable; luxury

Nearby sightseeing: Leblon Beach; Copacabana and Ipanema; Mirante, a gorgeous viewpoint overlooking the beach; Dois Irmãos Municipal Natural Park, where there are trails and beautiful mountain views; Shopping Leblon, a fancy mall

Where to stay in Leblon 

LEBLON THE BEST OF BRAZIL

You can’t do better than beachfront, and Leblon The best of Brazil is pretty much the best choice out there without being absurdly expensive. This is a cute bed-and-breakfast, rated exceptionally highly at a 9.6 on Booking.com for its amenities, staff, and of course, location, which is given a 10!

Public transportation, restaurants, and again, the beach, are all steps away. The free breakfast is also supposedly amazing, including all types of fruit, freshly made juice, and a focaccia which is honestly making me hungry thinking about. Rooms also come with everything you could possibly need, from A/C, a fan, shampoo, conditioner, etc.

🍓 Beachfront, 9.6 rating, and the best breakfast in town? Leblon The Best of Brazil is as good as it sounds.

LEBLON DESIGN HOTEL

Leblon Design Hotel is another great option in the luxurious Leblon neighborhood. This spot is also within walking distance of the beach, offers breakfast, has private bathrooms, air conditioning, and other amenities.

🧼 Walk to the beach, enjoy A/C and private bathrooms — Leblon Design Hotel offers chic simplicity.

MC FLATS LEBLON INN

This cute and cozy accommodation looks like an amazing place to stay if you’re looking for a basic apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen. You also have a balcony (which I love), A/C, and a rooftop pool, as well as a 24-hour front desk, which I think is super important in Rio.

The one rating that isn’t great is regarding the Wifi, but I can only find one review that specifically mentions anything related. The posting says that there is free Wifi, so I’m not sure if there was just a temporary issue or something. But something to take into consideration if you will be working while here! Otherwise, ratings are all high!

🌿 Want your own apartment with a balcony and rooftop pool? Mc Flats Leblon Inn is cozy meets convenient.

Lapa

Lapa is the party destination in Rio. It’s full of super affordable bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, and at night, streets are filled with party goers and street vendors selling snacks, drinks, and other knick-knacks.

It’s also where the Lapa Arches (Arcos da Lapa) are, a famous historic aqueduct, as well as Escadaria Selarón, a gorgeous mosaic of tile-lined steps that lead up to the neighboring Santa Teresa neighborhood.

Lapa is technically part of Rio’s Downtown, which has lots of other sightseeing too, from the historic Municipal Theater, and Banco do Brasil Cultural Center, one of my favorite Rio museums that also so happens to be free.

If you’re not looking for nightlife, however, you may not love it here, as it can be crowded and loud at night.

It’s also not the safest area, and you’ll want to be particularly cautious with your wallet, phone, etc (although honestly good advice throughout Rio).

I stayed here my very first time in Rio, when I was traveling solo. While I quickly got the sense that I should be on guard here, I still loved staying in this area.

Being close to much sightseeing, and with lots of affordable options close by, really made all the difference for me. There are also way more affordable accommodation options here, which is a huge plus, for me at least.

Stay here for: Affordabiloity; close proximity to a number of sightseeing destinations; hub for nightlife (depending on your interests — this could definitely be a con if you’re not into this)

Nearby sightseeing: Escadaria Selaron, beautiful mosaic steps that lead to Santa Teresa; lots of museums and historic sightseeing in nearby Centro like the Royal Portuguese Reading Room and the Museum of Tomorrow; Lapa Arches

Need to plan your budget still for your Brazil trip? You’ll want to check out this guide that breaks down average costs of accommodations, plus food, transportation, and sightseeing in Brazil.

Where to stay in Lapa 

VILA GALÉ RIO DE JANEIRO

I have to admit my jaw dropped a bit when I saw photos of this place. The building looks absolutely gorgeous, and with spacious, thoughtfully decorated rooms, and a palm tree-lined pool, this hotel literally looks like it belongs in a movie.

Its ratings are also amazing, at an 8.7 on Booking with nearly 7,000 reviews, which is kind of unheard of, to be honest.

With breakfast included, private bathrooms, an onsite fitness center, and a restaurant and bar, how rooms are under $100 per night is truly beyond me.

🌴 Gorgeous rooms, pool, and under $100 a night? Vila Galé Rio is pure magic in the heart of Lapa.

HOTEL MONTE ALEGRE

Hotel Monte Alegre is a great option right in the heart of Lapa. The hotel I stayed in is no longer, but I would definitely consider this place if I was looking to stay in Lapa again.

I love the pool and the beautiful tiling throughout the space, and I would feel more than confident booking here with over 5,000 ratings.

Past guests especially point out how great the staff is, and how they enjoyed the included breakfast. All rooms also have A/C.

🏊 5,000+ reviewers love the pool and breakfast — Hotel Monte Alegre is a downtown gem.

AMÉRICAS GRANADA HOTEL

This is another beautiful hotel option in the Lapa area. (Honestly as I’m writing this, I’m a bit surprised by how many stunning and shockingly affordable options I’m stumbling upon! This list was hard to narrow down.)

Rooms like spacious and comfy, and the fitness center looks great. There’s a really nice rooftop pool, and breakfast is also included!

With nearly 7,000 reviews here too, I’d definitely feel confident booking. Past visitors say the staff is great and rooms are really comfortable. It overall seems like great value here.

🎨 Rooftop pool, beautiful views, and unbeatable value — Américas Granada Hotel makes city stays unforgettable.

Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is an artsy, bohemian neighborhood located right behind Lapa. It’s full of amazing music, art, and some of the best food in Rio, making it one of the top places to soak in Brazilian culture during your visit. I haven’t had the opportunity to stay here or spend as much time here as I’d like, but it’s still one of my favorite areas in Rio, and I’m definitely planning to explore more on my next visit!

Although you won’t be right on the beach here, it’s not far from the Flamengo Beach, and is also close to Downtown Rio, where there are a number of tourist destinations like the Museum of Tomorrow and historic sites.

The one downside is that it can be a bit hard to get in and out of Santa Teresa. You either have to walk up and down lots of steps to get into this neighborhood, or alternatively, you can take a tram or an Uber, which can be annoying to do every time you want to go to the beach or sightseeing.

Even if you end up not staying here, it’s worth it to visit Santa Teresa for a day or afternoon. You can take a historic, yellow tram up for a super scenic and enjoyable ride.

Stay here for: Lots of great food, music, and culture, a bohemian atmosphere, slightly more secluded and less touristy than some other areas of Rio

Nearby sightseeing: The tram in and out of Santa Teresa; Escadaria Selarón; Mirante do Rato Molhado, a beautiful viewpoint where you can see nearby Niterói, Lapa and Centro

Where to stay in Santa Teresa

CASA DE GENTE

With a bohemian feel, quirky art, and a cute garden, if you’re looking for a homey vibe, this is it. Staying here “feels like staying at [a] friend’s house,” as one reviewer put it.

Casa da Gente is rated an impressive 8.9 on Booking.com. Breakfast is included, and reviews rave about the host and her team, as well as overall value for the price.

🌺 Bohemian garden vibes, homey hospitality, and a solid 8.9 rating — Casa da Gente is your artsy escape.

CASA BELEZA

I am personally obsessed with the architecture at this spot. It’s a super beautiful bed-and-breakfast in a 1930s mansion. This spot also includes a tropical garden, and a swimming pool, and is steps away from lots of restaurants, museums, and cultural centers.

Past guests rave about the breakfast, and they say that the location is all around quiet, while still being within walking distance of restaurants and bars.

Casa Beleza really looks like a hidden oasis, and is definitely one of my top picks!

🏠 Stay in a 1930s mansion with a pool and tropical garden — Casa Beleza is a dream for culture lovers.

BOUTIQUE HOTEL CASTELINHO

Santa Teresa seems to be full of peaceful getaways, and this is another beautiful boutique hotel option.

A highlight of the Santa Teresa neighborhood is its beautiful views, and past guests say you get a great look at the city from here. They also say that the rooms are gorgeous and spacious, and the hosts are so kind and helpful.

I’m personally already sold, but in case you aren’t yet, breakfast is included and there’s also a pool.

🖼️ Gorgeous rooms, pool, and amazing views? Boutique Hotel Castelinho is a peaceful, art-filled stay in Santa Teresa.

Barra da Tijuca

Barra da Tijuca (pronounced like “ba-ha”) is a sprawling beach neighborhood in the west of Rio de Janeiro. (It’s unrelated to the Tijuca neighborhood that we talked about earlier — at first, I was confused too!)

This is where you can find the longest beach in Rio de Janeiro — and notably, one of the calmest. Apart from the main beach, you should definitely explore even further west too, where there are gorgeous hidden beaches — seriously, probably the prettiest I’ve ever been to.

Unlike the crowded tourist meccas of Copacabana and Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca is mainly beloved more by locals. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing spot to recharge, staying here may be your best bet. It’s also super beautiful, which definitely doesn’t hurt.

Just keep in mind that you’ll be further away from a lot of the main sightseeing. So if you’ve never been to Rio and are hoping to hit top sites like the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, it may not be the most convenient. But if you’ve already been to Rio, or just really want to maximize your relaxing beach time, then Barra da Tijuca is one of the best choices out there.

I haven’t actually stayed here, but I’ve visited this beach area a few times, and I’m actually planning on having my wedding in this region, so you can be sure that it’s a beautiful place to stay!

Stay here for: A calmer environment, a safer area, lots of beach time, less touristy and more local vibe

Nearby sightseeing: Barra da Tijuca beach, other beach areas in West Rio like Recreio and Praia do Secreto (Secret Beach)

Where to stay in Barra da Tijuca 

WINDSOR TOWER HOTEL

Windsor Tower Hotel is a luxurious four-star hotel that has some rooms available for less than $100 a night. With nearly 6,000 reviews and an 8.9 rating on Booking, you can be sure that it’s amazing! Honestly, I’m eyeing this one for my next time in Rio!

It has a rooftop swimming pool with an absolutely unreal view, plus other features like an onsite restaurant and gym, staying here seems like a dream. And best of all, it’s all just steps from the beach.

🌊 Rooftop pool, gym, and beach access — Windsor Tower Hotel is four-star relaxation under $100.

IBIS RIO DE JANEIRO BARRA DA TIJUCA

This beachfront gem has an onsite restaurant, and bar that’s open 24/7. The view here is gorgeous, and past guests particularly rave about the breakfast! (It’s included with some room options or $11 otherwise.) If you really want to optimize your beach time, this should be your pick!

🍹 Beachfront simplicity with onsite dining? Ibis Barra da Tijuca gives you comfort without the cost.

LAGUNE BARRA HOTEL

A rating of 9.0 on Booking.com with over 4,700 ratings is what immediately caught my eye, and the price really sealed the deal.

You’ve got another gorgeous rooftop swimming pool with a view, and an onsite Brazilian restaurant and bar with breakfast included.

This also looks like an awesome choice if you’re planning to really lean into the “relaxation” element, since there’s a fitness center, a sauna, a games room, and a sun terrace, which is just another chance to take in the beautiful view here.

🧖‍♀️ Rooftop views, sauna, games, and sun terrace — Lagune Barra Hotel is the ultimate chill-out zone.

Whichever neighborhood you decide to stay in, you’ll have an amazing time. Rio is my favorite place in Brazil (and on Earth, tbh) and I know you’ll love it too.

Before you head to Rio, make sure you save my free Google Map! Just drop your email below and it’ll go straight to your inbox. It’s filled with all the best sightseeing, bars, restaurants, beaches … basically all the best places that Rio has to offer.

Happy traveling,

Tess

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