Chapter 21 — Santa Teresa & Selarón Steps · Rio de Janeiro Guide
Santa Teresa & Selarón Steps: What to Know Before You Go
This hillside, colonial-era neighborhood is Rio's arts district, home to the famous Selarón Steps — a staircase covered in over 2,000 tiles from more than 60 countries.
Visit Santa Teresa by day via Uber, walk the main streets and the steps, then head back down before evening — it's a daytime neighborhood for first-time visitors rather than a place to wander after dark.
💡 Guide Tip
Visit Santa Teresa by day via Uber, walk the main streets and the steps, then head back down before evening — it's a daytime neighborhood for first-time visitors rather than a place to wander after dark.
In the full guide, this chapter also covers:
- Why this is a daytime-only neighborhood for first-time visitors
The full guide explains how to combine this with nearby Lapa nightlife safely if you want to extend into the evening.
Frequently asked questions
Is Santa Teresa safe to visit?
Yes during the day — it's recommended as a daytime neighborhood for first-time visitors. Requires more street awareness at night than the beachfront Zona Sul.