Escadaria Selarón
Escadaria Selarón
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is a bohemian enclave hosting many local artists’ studios. The narrow, winding streets of this neighbourhood were revitalised years ago, and visitors can now stroll through this area to view magnificent mansions dating back to the late 19th and early 20th century. A highlight not miss: Museu Chacará do Céu, a former mansion turned museum which houses works by prominent Brazilian modern artists.
How to get there
- Cinelândia • 8 min walk
- Glória • 8 min walk
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Restaurants
2,342 within 3 miles
Attractions
681 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Belia WasikGreece5 contributionsEscadaria SelarónEscadaria Selarón, located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, is a mesmerizing artistic masterpiece. Comprising over 2,000 tiles from around the world, this iconic staircase is a vibrant and captivating work of art. Transformed into a stunning mosaic by artist Jorge Selarón, it's a visual spectacle. Each tile tells a unique story, reflecting the multicultural essence of Rio. The lively neighborhood of Lapa surrounding the steps adds to the atmosphere, with live music and a bustling local culture. While some areas may need maintenance, Escadaria Selarón stands as a powerful testament to art's ability to unify people and celebrate diversity, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and travelers.Visited August 2023Traveled soloWritten October 21, 2023
- AlexSwallowSheffield, United Kingdom1,653 contributionsAmazing to see the work put into this!These beautiful steps are definitely worth a visit if you are in the centre of Rio. They were steeper than I expected! Not only the stairs themselves but the areas on either sides are decorated too. It feels like you could just pop here for a little bit or spend hours looking at the different tiles.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 14, 2024
- Steve DDivonne-les-Bains, France849 contributionsUnique placeThis is a very bid tourist attraction and the story of the creator who committed suicide is fascinating. The steps are longer than I expected and certainly steeped with no hand rails, If you look carefully you will see tiles from all over the world as when it got more famous people would bring tiles especially so they could be displayed. It’s a unique experience because I cannot think of anything similar. Loved it.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 28, 2024
- VickiLondon, United Kingdom709 contributionsBeautiful & Colourful Steps!This is one the attractions in Rio that you must not miss. Very colourful steps covered with tiles from all over the world. Crowded most of the time but this comes with the territory! If you are brave enough, climb the steep steps to the top where you can take beautiful photos as well. Highly Recommended!Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 17, 2024
- sfarlandFlagstaff, Arizona163 contributionsStones are Beautiful at Escadaria SelaronA little crowded in the middle of the day to the evening. Definitely come earlier or late (warry of your surroundings). I definitely enjoyed seeing this as it's one of Rio's most famous spots to visit. It's still a must see! The stones were absolutely beautiful!Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 26, 2024
- Skeney57Sydney, Australia25,011 contributionsOn the Tiles but Sober.In the same vein as the Spanish steps, Montmartre and many other cities steps, this is Rio's version and I think it works well. One man's dream & obsession and thousands of tiles! The creator, Jorge Selaron, a Chilean artist began the work in 1990 & continued renewing till his death in 2013. Very colourful creation and like a lot of Rio, absolutely packed with tourists! Puts a different meaning on hitting the tiles? I could imagine Fred & Ginger dancing up & down the Lapa tiles.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 15, 2024
- moviegeekjnPhoenix, Arizona2,350 contributionsBeautiful Art and CultureI hadn't visited this 10 years ago when I spent 3 weeks in Rio, so I was eager to venture here this time during my one day visit. So glad I did. It's beautiful....as art and as a tribute to world cultures. Our guide said we could find tributes to virtually Every country. He pointed out Florida for me to represent the U.S. but I also found art representing three indigenous cultures from America. We visited at night. The best time-- it is lighted and there are fewer people.Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 26, 2024
- ArchieGlenmoore, Pennsylvania7,760 contributionsTouristy spot but beautiful conceptBe here as early as possible if you want any possibility of looking at the tiles on the steps! Its gets absolutely insane with so many tourists taking pics there is no way around the steps. Tiles are from around the world, steps are so colorful. We loved the ones from the dutch and Egypt. The red color tiles are vibrant. There are so many places for souvenirs and pictures on the tiles. Its a wonderful visit.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 25, 2024
- sjm73Cardiff, United Kingdom65 contributionsGo earlyWe went at 8 am (due to jet lag) and we were the only ones there. We took some great photos and were able to take our time looking at all the different tiles. No hassle from anyone selling tourist merchandise as they weren’t open yet. The area itself is a little run down would recommend but I would go earlyVisited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 5, 2024
- Eileen108Mount Shasta, California5,618 contributionsVery Crowded but Definitely InterestingIt was extremely crowded when we went in the afternoon on a Sunday in March 2024. We walked all the way to the top, it was funny how it was completely empty on the street at the top. Would have liked more time to read the tiles, but probably like most people, we were busy on a tour checking the boxes of things to see in Rio.Visited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,873 reviews
Excellent
5,109
Very good
3,361
Average
1,187
Poor
150
Terrible
66
Kim G
Toronto, Canada1,877 contributions
Jan 2020
While this location is extremely busy and hard to really appreciate due to the crowds of people trying to get the perfect Instagram picture, it is still worth going to see.
The artist decided to tile the steps out of his own pocket and as people visited they started to send tiles from all around the world. He incorporated them into the design and it is an amazing piece of artwork.
Unfortunately the artist suffered from serious depression and eventually when his project was finished took his own life. Not a happy story but certainly a lovely legacy he left.
Worth a quick stop. Make sure you look closely at some of the tiles to see the enormous variety of countries they are from.
The artist decided to tile the steps out of his own pocket and as people visited they started to send tiles from all around the world. He incorporated them into the design and it is an amazing piece of artwork.
Unfortunately the artist suffered from serious depression and eventually when his project was finished took his own life. Not a happy story but certainly a lovely legacy he left.
Worth a quick stop. Make sure you look closely at some of the tiles to see the enormous variety of countries they are from.
Written April 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveling_n_Eating
Chicago, IL63 contributions
Dec 2019
A couple thousand glazed tiles cover this outdoor staircase and it was an amazing site to see. It was fun to walk up the steps and see all the different tiles. Similar to other attractions, be prepared for the crowds and wait in line if you want to have a picture with "Escadaria Selaron Rio de Janeiro". These steps are located in a bad area so make sure to visit during the day.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucia Rocha
Villa Maria, Argentina6 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Escadaria Selaron is a very colorful and usually crowded place. I spent a lot of time looking at countless tiles from around the world. Guided visits are great!
I highly recommend going off season - September is a good month to visit Rio in general, and this place in particular.
I highly recommend going off season - September is a good month to visit Rio in general, and this place in particular.
Written September 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
8304WB
Wallisellen, Switzerland53 contributions
Jan 2020
Located in the famous Santa Theresa district of Rio de Janeiro, I would recommend to combine the visit to Escadaria Selaron with a ride on the historic (and very noisy and shaky...) old tram. Buy a return ticket and go all the way to the top. Lots of beautiful old buildings and spectacular city views along the way. However, you might never see the Escadaria as deserted as on the attached picture, since it is always crowded with visitors
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eileen T
Leeds, UK107 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Yes there are 200 steps. But take your time to climb. You only climb a few, rest by having a close look at the tiles from all over the world. We went after sunset and it was dark. There is good lighting. To think it was one man's passion to start this and the time he took to do it. He inspired people around the world who sent him the tiles.
Going back to climb it in the daytime.
Going back to climb it in the daytime.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovin' it on Phuket
1,288 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
At first glance you may find this attraction a bit bland. As with everything in Rio, do not let the first appearance deceive you. This is an enjoyable hike up a hill on fairly even surfaces and if you go early in the morning you will see monkeys running across the power lines above the stairs. The most interesting part of this artwork is the story behind it and the man who created it. If you take the time to google the history and read it you will appreciate the stairs much more. You will also find art created by Selaron all over Lapa if you take a stroll through the area. I lived there for 3 months and every time I went out I doing a door or a wall or something where this man had left his mark in an area he loved so dearly. You really need to appreciate the sentiment behind this gift to Brazil to understand what it is you are looking at when you are there.
Written December 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
priya gupta
Mumbai, India577 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Designed in the Brazilian flag colours, green, yellow & blue by Chillian designer Selaron who mysteriously also was killed on the same steps finally. He also placed tiles from different countries across the world around the steps. Stunning and worth a visit!!!
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SF Guy
San Francisco, CA1,029 contributions
Dec 2020 • Solo
Beautiful stairs and so many unique tiles. It’s worth taking the time to look at the different unique tiles from all over the world and walk to the very top. It’s a great picture location but there are many people fighting for the perfect picture.
Written December 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
m4ttieh
London, United Kingdom337 contributions
May 2022
Its part of the Rio experience and you have to go there, see the pretty steps and have a photo. But due to good marketing the area is very very busy full of others also wishing to have the experience.
To get a decent shot head towards the top of the stairs , the further up the better as the crowds thin out.
The area is perfectly safe , the worst thing is there are some rude, pushy tourists who expect you to climb up the public stair case not via the empty steps that they are sitting on for "that" photo but rather you have to keep well clear of their special place and the public throughfare and you must ascend by clinging to the side walls and gutters to make your way up to the much quieter areas close to the flag mosaic .
Here close to the top you can at least enjoy a reasonable view of things and get a decent photo without the madness of those too lazy to leave the first flight of steps.
On returning to the town take your time and enjoy the colourful murals on the adjoining streets
To get a decent shot head towards the top of the stairs , the further up the better as the crowds thin out.
The area is perfectly safe , the worst thing is there are some rude, pushy tourists who expect you to climb up the public stair case not via the empty steps that they are sitting on for "that" photo but rather you have to keep well clear of their special place and the public throughfare and you must ascend by clinging to the side walls and gutters to make your way up to the much quieter areas close to the flag mosaic .
Here close to the top you can at least enjoy a reasonable view of things and get a decent photo without the madness of those too lazy to leave the first flight of steps.
On returning to the town take your time and enjoy the colourful murals on the adjoining streets
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damien H
Melbourne, Australia119 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
What a marvel this is, we were taken her by our tour guide as a scheduled stop but I'd have to say that you need probably an hour or so here to really appreciate what it is, as we had limited time heading to sugarloaf afterwards. The steps are colourful and show a real passion and go along way up. Lots of photo opportunities and just appreciating the work of art that it is. The negative would be fighting the crowds for that perfect "Instagram" photo.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Posso levar o meu pet pequeno porte que sempre fica no colo para Escadaria Selaron?
Written May 25, 2024
Consulta es seguro ir a a escalera selaron entre 8 y 9 de la mañana? o es muy solitario e inseguro?
Written June 12, 2023
Hola. Es seguro. Lo más probable es que obtengas unas fotos envidiables ya que no habria tanta gente. Los findes se ven policias por la cantidad de turistas, si es dia de semana no sabria decirte, pero en gral con buenos recaudos en seguro.
Written June 13, 2023
Vou ao Rio de Janeiro 26/12 a 30/12
Gostaria de visitar o arco da lapa, escadaria e o museu de arte moderna durante o dia.
Posso ir de carro e procurar um estacionamento na região? É seguro? Do hotel que devo ficar até a região da lapa é cerca de 1 hora, fica na barra da Tijuca.
No mais nos outros dias pretendo ficar próximo o hotel mesmo aí uso o Uber. Mas esse passeio é mais longe. Gostaria de saber se é seguro ir de carro de dia nessa região
Written December 15, 2021
Que hora es la mejor para ir en la mañana??
Written January 24, 2020
Si cuanto más temprano vayas es mejor! Luego se empieza a llenar de gente y te demorad haciendo la cola para la foto!! Igual mientras esperas te podes comprar una cerveza helada 😉
Written January 25, 2020
Eu fui de metrô até a Estação Cinelândia e de lá fui caminhando até a Escadaria que é próxima aos Arcos da Lapa.
Era um dia de semana, então a caminhada foi tranquila porque o caminho estava movimentado.
Written November 4, 2019
Bonjour, quel est le meilleur moment pour y aller sans trop de foule ? merci
Written March 14, 2019
Hola!
creo que la mejor hora es temprano por la mañana. La multitud no es mucha por lo que creo que puedes ir en cualquier momento.
Nosotros estuvimos en la semana de carnaval y en esa semana hay muchos turistas en río.
Que disfrutes tu estadía!!!
Puedes seguirme en Tripadvisor?
Gracias!!!!
Written March 17, 2019
Does anyone know if there is still had painted art for sale?
Written March 8, 2019
Yes lots of art work for sale there especially at the foot of the steps.
Written March 9, 2019
Does anyone know if there is still had painted art for sale?
Written March 8, 2019
If you mean hand painted tiles for sale- no. There are replicas at the gift shops around the steps. However, like the others said, there are lots of local vendors that sell their personal art!
I bought 2 sea shell necklaces where the gentleman hand wrote names on it in calligraphy. They are beautiful and the gifts are loved!
Written March 11, 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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