Aquarela do Leme

Aquarela do Leme is a hostel on Ladeira Ary Barroso in Leme, the neighbourhood at the northern end of Copacabana Beach. It sits beside the Babilônia community, which the hostel describes as colourful and peaceful, and it was ranked first in Nomadic Matt's 2026 guide to the best hostels in Rio.

The accommodation is varied. There is a female-only dorm with ten beds, mixed dorms with eight or twelve beds, a deluxe mixed dorm with eight beds and a private suite for two. Some shared rooms use capsule-style beds, and Nomadic Matt notes privacy curtains and balconies.

Breakfast is included and has vegetarian and vegan options. The rooftop is the social centre, with a bar, events and a view of the sea, and there is also a free rooftop gym. A coworking area with fast Wi-Fi makes it popular with digital nomads, and the reception is staffed 24 hours. Nomadic Matt also mentions a fully equipped kitchen.

The hostel suits solo travellers, budget-conscious couples and remote workers who want a sociable base close to the beach. Its location next to a hillside community also gives a very different view of Rio from the seafront hotels.

According to the hostel, Leme beach is about five minutes away and Copacabana beach about 15 minutes. For bookings and questions, it lists WhatsApp +55 21 95924-3123 and [email protected].

Leme is the northern end of the Copacabana seafront, with Posto 1 and the old Forte Duque de Caxias, built in 1779, at the end of the beach. From there the sand runs south for about four kilometres, along Roberto Burle Marx's wave promenade, to the Copacabana Fort. Copacabana's three metro stations are Cardeal Arcoverde, Siqueira Campos and Cantagalo, and more than 40 bus routes serve the area.

The Morro da Babilônia beside the hostel is also the hill at whose foot the Sugarloaf cable car starts, in neighbouring Urca, and its rock faces are part of one of the largest urban climbing areas in the world.

For food nearby, Galeto Sat's on Rua Barata Ribeiro serves grilled chicken until the early hours, and Adega Pérola on Rua Siqueira Campos is a classic Copacabana bar. In 2026, Ginga, in Leme, was named the best beach kiosk in Veja Rio's awards.