Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro on a Budget

Rio de Janeiro is one of the most exciting cities in the world — but if it’s your first time visiting, figuring out where to stay in Rio de Janeiro on a budget can feel overwhelming. The city is giant, with so many different neighborhoods — my very first time in Rio, I had no idea how far from the beach I’d be, or that the neighborhood I chose wasn’t actually the safest.

Since then, I’ve returned to Rio several more times (I’m now married to a Rio local), and have stayed all over the city. so I’ve learned not only which areas are safe, affordable, and close to the action — but what exactly to look for when picking a hotel.

This guide breaks down the Rio’s best budget-friendly neighborhoods, and top places to stay in each area — with my personal tips on safety, vibe, and what makes each one unique. Whether you want beaches, nightlife, or a local experience, you’ll find the perfect place to stay.

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

Ipanema

When people think of Rio, Ipanema is usually one of the first images to pop up. It’s an iconic beach neighborhood, thanks to its view of the famous Two Brothers Mountains, and is super walkable, with lots of restaurants, bars, and shops. For that reason, Ipanema is a great option for your Rio de Janeiro travels, and it’s where I would suggest most first-time visitors stay.

I spent five weeks here during one of my visits to Rio, and absolutely loved it. I always say that if I lived in Rio, I would probably want to be 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.

After comparing guest reviews on HostelWorld, Expedia, and Booking, I can confirm that 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 right next to Ipanema, and in my opinion it won’t be a huge difference in your overall experience compared to there.

I’ve also stayed in Copacabana, and spent a lot of time there in general, and have noticed a bit more homelessness, but I still felt pretty comfortable walking around and hanging out at the beach during the day. Although its reputation for safety is a bit worse than Ipanema, the trade-off is that it’s slightly more affordable, which is especially important if you’re visiting during Rio’s peak tourist season, when accommodations are priced higher.

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, and a bit more of a party vibe on the beach, if that sways you either way. One con to consider is that this beach tends to be the most crowded, especially in the summertime.

(The hostel where I stayed for a couple of weeks during one of my trips has since closed. But I’m confident you’ll love one of the three options I’m including here!)

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 9.6 on on Expedia with over 1,400 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. I’ve also stayed in two different Windsor hotels in Rio, and can definitely attest to their high standard!

🏆 A rooftop pool with postcard views, 9.6 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 nearly 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 R$ 45 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 affordable 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.

WINDSOR LEME HOTEL

Ok, this is technically in Leme, which is the neighborhood right next to Copacabana. This neighborhood is a little on the calmer side vibe-wise, and is still right on the beach. You won’t find quite as many restaurants and whatnot as in Copacabana and Ipanema, but still a fair amount of options, and it’s just a short walk to Copacabana.

I stayed at Windsor Leme Hotel during my last trip to Rio — and it’s also where my siblings and friends stayed when they visited, so I 100% had to share it with you.

While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the value you’re getting for the money is amazing (and I wrote a whole review about it here!)

With beautiful, spacious rooms, a luxurious-feeling bathroom, and a rooftop bar and pool with another postcard-worthy view (check it out below), I 100% recommend this hotel for first-time visitors, couples, or people who want a little luxury without a crazy high price.

Breakfast is an additional add-on, and while it’s kind of pricey, it was one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve had, with tons of options including meats, cheeses, lots of fruits, types of bread, eggs, and even an omelette station.

🌊 I’d stay here again in a heartbeat — if you’re ready for that rooftop pool and beach view, click to see today’s prices for Windsor Leme.

Leblon

Leblon is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Rio, as well as the fanciest.

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, mainly for that reason, but it is extremely walkable, with lots of really nice restaurants and shops to explore here, and an overall luxurious vibe.

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. 

LEBLON THE BEST OF BRAZIL

You can’t do better than beachfront, and Leblon The Best of Brazil is pretty much the top 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.

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 really 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. I made sure to never walk alone at night, and remained on guard throughout. But overall, I still really enjoyed staying here. I went on a bar crawl in this neighborhood — which is actually how I met my husband — and I just overall had so much fun exploring the area.

Being so close to sightseeing also made it really easy to explore, since I was way less familiar with Rio at the time.

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 I almost never see.

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 its high ratings across multiple booking platforms.

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

🏊 1,000+ reviewers love the pool and breakfast — Hotel Monte Alegre is a downtown gem.

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.

While I haven’t stayed here, I make it a point to visit every time in Rio.

Since it’s located up in the hills, it’s not a beach neighborhood, but it’s not far from Flamengo Beach. You’re also pretty close to Downtown Rio, where there are a number of tourist destinations like some Rio’s top museums 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, take a tram (which can have a long wait to get on and is fun to do once, but not ideal over an entire stay), or alternatively, Uber, which can be annoying to do every time you want to go to the beach or sightseeing. (Uber drivers may also give you a hard time and not want to accept the ride.) This is why I haven’t actually stayed here before – I just haven’t found it practical for a longer stay in Rio.

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. 

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 by locals. I didn’t even know about it until my second trip to Rio.

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 farther away from a lot of the main sightseeing like Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, so if there’s a lot you’d like to do in Rio, it isn’t super convenient. But if you’re just looking to relax by the beach, or you don’t mind the drive, Barra da Tijuca is a really underrated choice.

I chose this area for my wedding, and had my guests stay around here too. (They did relocate closer to sightseeing after the wedding weekend, though.) Also keep in mind that it’s a fancier area, so accommodations and restaurants tend to be a little pricier here.

WINDSOR TOWER HOTEL

I’m a big fan of the Windsor hotels, and I actually stayed at Windsor Tower for a few days for my wedding! The rooms were really spacious, the bed was super comfortable, and we were literally right across the street from the beach, which you just can’t beat.

And it’s not just me who loved it — with over 6,000 reviews and an 8.9 rating on Booking, you can count on a great stay!

It has a rooftop swimming pool with an absolutely unreal view, plus other features like an onsite restaurant and gym. Since I was here during my wedding weekend, so I didn’t have as much time to enjoy the hotel as I would’ve liked, but if you have time to enjoy the pool, I’d say you’d definitely be getting your money’s worth.

Prices depend on the month — if you’re visiting in January, for instance, costs are a little higher, but at the time of writing, the rest of the year, rooms start off from $102 to around $120 a night. So yes, this isn’t exactly hostel prices. But if you’re looking for a luxurious stay without a luxury price tag, this is it!

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

LAGUNE BARRA HOTEL

A rating of 9.0 on Booking.com with over 4,700 ratings, and a 9.2 on Expedia with 1,000 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 Rio’s peaceful getaway.

Planning your Rio de Janeiro trip

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, that I’ve saved after years of visiting Rio.

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• 6 Best Museums to Visit in Rio de Janeiro
• Best Weekend and Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro
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