The Cheapest Hostels For Christmas And New Year In Rio De Janeiro

If you’re looking to escape the bitter winters of the furthest points of the hemispheres, then Christmas and New Year in Rio de Janeiro could be your answer. While Christmas may be more of a leisurely affair with ambles through the forest and beach chilling, New Year is one of the country’s largest celebrations, second only to Carnival. Expect all-night parties and an unforgettable firework show. On a budget? Then check out these cheap spots to stay.

1. Che Lagarto Hostel Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

Hostel, Hotel

Copacabana beach is just minutes away from Che Lagarto

Che Lagarto is a highly successful chain of hostels throughout South America known for its great value. The one in Copacabana is just a couple of blocks away from the beach and near to major bus and subway routes, making the location ideal. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace next to the main street, and Friday evenings offer free caipirinhas to complement the socializing opportunities. Small yet comfortable rooms make it a cozy place to stay and the friendly staff are an added bonus.

2. Walk On The Beach Hostel, Rio de Janeiro

Hostel, Hotel

Walk on the Beach Hostel is a bright and airy place just a few minutes walk away from Copacabana beach. If you plan to watch the fireworks on Copacabana beach for New Year, being within walking distance will save you from the crowds on the public transport as people from all over the city head to the famous beach. The mixed dorms sleep up to 12 people and come complete with air conditioning, free wi-fi and individual lockers for storing your belongings. Other features include a communal kitchen, a bar for drinks and mingling and a chilled-out lounge area. Prices are reasonable, even during peak season periods such as New Year and Carnival.

3. Hostel by Hotel Galicia, Rio de Janeiro

Bed and Breakfast, Hostel

The common room at Hostel by Hotel Galicia

Located in Centro, Rio de Janeiro’s downtown, Hostel by Hotel Galicia is actually in a stellar location. Near to major bus and subway links, the beach is about 20 minutes away by subway which goes directly from Centro to any point at Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beach. It is also just a stone’s throw away from Lapa, Rio’s lively party district, and is surrounded by museums, art galleries and restaurants. The hostel is cheap and cheerful with basic yet comfortable rooms, free wi-fi and a buffet-style breakfast served every morning.

5. Bamboo Rio Hostel, Rio de Janeiro

Hostel

In addition to free wi-fi, breakfast, a communal kitchen, barbecue grills, a terrace and outdoor pool, Bamboo Rio Hostel is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the main party and fireworks on Copacabana beach at New Year. Rooms here include mixed dorms that sleep between four and 12 guests, some private rooms and all-women dorms. Some rooms are en-suite. The nearest metro is just five minutes away, providing access to all major points across the city.

6. Gaia Comfort Hostel, Rua Mena Barreto

Hostel

The Gaia Comfort Hostel is among the best value for money accommodation in town. The hostel provides spacious rooms that are either private or dorms at reasonable prices, even during peak season. The common area is light and breezy with books to read and an easy, laid-back atmosphere to strike up conversation with fellow guests or simply relax in your own world. The hostel is surrounded by some of Rio’s best bars and sublime restaurants as well as having great transport links to sightseeing spots and the southern beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema.

7. Villa Budget Hostel, Rio de Janeiro

Hostel

Featuring free wi-fi and a daily breakfast, Villa Budget Hostel is just a few minutes away from Copacabana beach, perfect for seeing the fireworks at New Year. It is surrounded by several popular restaurants and bars, and is near to the subway and major bus links. The hostel offers several room options including mixed dormitories and private rooms. It is clean and cozy, and the shared garden outside is a great place to mingle with fellow travelers.

8. Chill On The Beach Hostel, Rio de Janeiro

Hostel

This convenient location near to Copacabana beach is perfect for those looking to be in the heart of it all for the New Year celebrations. In addition to free wi-fi and a daily buffet-style breakfast, there is also a bar that serves a mean caipirinha and is a great place to socialize and meet people. The hostel is surrounded by bars, restaurants, transport links and supermarkets. The friendly, helpful staff are delightful.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.