Escadaria Selarón
Escadaria Selarón
4.5
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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
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,304 within 3 miles
Attractions
604 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,739 reviews
Excellent
5,038
Very good
3,318
Average
1,170
Poor
149
Terrible
64
gdsn
Cancun, Mexico71 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
This was a highlight of my 3 months in Rio. Brilliant, colourful, alive, and profound, just like the people of Rio! Each tile tells a story about Rio, Brazil, and the people from around the world that have visited. The story and history of the artist is imperative in understanding this place. Lively, bustling, and just beautiful. If you only have a couple of hours in Rio, this is where you should go. Most other attractions are rooted in sprawling videos of the city, which is great, but here you are right in the thick of the very best of Rio
Written April 20, 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.
Lidia K
Poznan, Poland755 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
In my opinion, the attraction 'by the way'
I visited the place on December 2 when the Brazilian football team had a match. So on the evening of my visit there were lots of young people drinking here.
Probably better to go during the day.
People are lazy and do pictures on the bottom. So the bottom of the stairs will probably always be more crowded than the top, but the view from the top isn't that great.
The interesting thing about this attraction are the tiles - different types, different pictures, perhaps from different countries.
I visited the place on December 2 when the Brazilian football team had a match. So on the evening of my visit there were lots of young people drinking here.
Probably better to go during the day.
People are lazy and do pictures on the bottom. So the bottom of the stairs will probably always be more crowded than the top, but the view from the top isn't that great.
The interesting thing about this attraction are the tiles - different types, different pictures, perhaps from different countries.
Written January 5, 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.
AZ-LGE
Prescott, AZ484 contributions
Mar 2023
The tiles on the steps are truly unique. We were so glad that we got to visit them. SInce it was a weekend, they were quite crowded but we still climbed almost to the top and really enjoyed all the artwork and colorful tiles. Because we were on an all day tour, we only had limited time...I would like to have spent more time there but did not have a chance to go back. Next time!
Written March 12, 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.
m4ttieh
London, United Kingdom341 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.
I haven’t been everywhere... yet
Amsterdam, The Netherlands388 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
A definite must see if in Rio. Loads of history behind the making of the stairs and literally in them - porcelain and tiles from across the globe! It’s a busy tourist trap so keep your belongings close to you and we were told not to go past the mid way point of the steps. Plenty of little stalls to buy souvenirs or street art. A couple of cafes for a coffee/ water as well. Some interesting street art if you walk around the immediate area
Written September 4, 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.
Leigh-Traveler2015
Birmingham, AL1,181 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Art. Created by a ceramic artist…it’s jam packed with tiles from all over the world. I loved it and found it to be a fun stop on our tour of Rio. Look for all the different countries…brought to him (the artist) from all over the world to add to the project. Football teams, birds, boats. A great place to take kids. Before you go, look for the videos from Snoop Dog and U2
Do it!
Do it!
Written September 5, 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.
hhhid
Holland, MI33 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
What a great way to spend part of your day in Rio de Janeiro. These stairs have a history to tell. From the story of Selarón to the individuals inspired by his work and donated unique tiles. There are many vendors here where you can get the cheapest and strongest caipirinhas in all of Rio. There is some food vendors, jewelry and other souvenirs to purchase. While you casually climb the stairs spotting a new country or pop-culture icon tile.
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.
Barbara G
114 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
It’s free, nice to see the art around the world exposed along the stars and around, but have in mind that will have a big crowd and the most of people does not respect when you’re trying to get a picture, and don’t pay attention to the line that nice people try to organize. Be patient. We visited on Thursday and was crowded anyway, so be prepared. Although is a nice place to have a picture in Rio.
Written February 10, 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.
Sellest
Bushey, UK5,224 contributions
Apr 2022
Ok, it does get a bit crowded here, so trying to get photos without other tourists in is a bit difficult, but, what a beautiful place. I loved the colours and the overall effect of the tiles. I enjoyed looking at the different tiles and what they depicted and represented and, yes, with a little bit of patience (and I was in no rush - after all I was on holiday) I did manage to get some good photos. If you are in Rio you really can't miss this out.
Written April 28, 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.
Lovin' it on Phuket
1,258 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.
Solange A
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil13 contributions
Qual é o nome da favela? Santa Tereza? Hehehe...
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
Julian N
Los Angeles, Chile19 contributions
Que hora es la mejor para ir en la mañana??
Salidas en Baires
Buenos Aires, Argentina11 contributions
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 😉
Como chegar na escadaria seleron
Patricia Takahama
Sao Paulo, SP185 contributions
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.
Bonjour, quel est le meilleur moment pour y aller sans trop de foule ? merci
Mauro Ricci
Buenos Aires, Argentina42 contributions
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!!!!
Jimmy O
Cleveland, OH70 contributions
Does anyone know if there is still had painted art for sale?
simply-peregrinating
Waddington, UK2,758 contributions
Yes lots of art work for sale there especially at the foot of the steps.
Jimmy O
Cleveland, OH70 contributions
Does anyone know if there is still had painted art for sale?
jd3sai
Houston, TX392 contributions
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!
Ezequiel Nicolas Arnes
Lomas de Zamora, Argentina336 contributions
Es peligroso ir domingo al mediodía? Solo? Hay mucha gente o poca un domingo al mediodía y si por seguridad que es más conveniente? Gracias
Valeria F
Mar del Plata, Argentina89 contributions
Siempre que viaje a Río de Janeiro me decían que era peligroso. Jamás pase un mal momento. Tomé recaudos de no ir con pulseras, cadenas, reloj a la vista. Lo mismo con una mochila diminuta, llevaba celular o cámara de fotos digital. No me pareció peligroso el lugar. Las escaleras son hermosas!!! Nos quedamos un buen rato y disfrutamos del paseo.
UkCharlee
uk32 contributions
Please do not go to the top!!!? We just witness a man being held at gunpoint and his bag got taken. Please please spread the word so people know not to go to the top!!!
sgt_sid16
Dubai, United Arab Emirates145 contributions
did the one you saw happened yesterday (aug 21) around 2pm? asian guy with black shirt, black shorts, and black backpack with a baseball cap? if it was, it's me. if not, then it's worse coz it only means it happen way too often, regardless of time and crowd. I was able to keep my bad with me as I fought back, but they took my camera. I went to a public hospital for emergency, then went to a private hospital for tomography. God blessed as there's nothing serious. Just had to take painkillers & antibiotics and had a shot of anti-tetanus, as I had two wounds that had to be stitched. I posted this morning as a public service announcement but still pending approval. I'm going to our embassy later, and make a police report. Thanks a lot for the concern!
Susana Pussacq
24 contributions
como voy por transporte publico de Copacabana a escalera selaron
Romilio Gutierrez
Santiago, Chile33 contributions
efectivamente el.metro de Rio es muy seguro, te bajas en la estacion mas proxima a la catedral y el acueducto y tomas luego el tranvia que esta a una cuadra de la catedral, te bajas arriba en la segunda parada y luego bajas caminando, esta bien señalizado. Te recomiendo bajar una app del metro de rio que es excelente para los turistas.
Escadaria Selarón (Rio de Janeiro) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Escadaria Selarón
- We recommend booking Escadaria Selarón tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 197 Escadaria Selarón tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Escadaria Selarón:
- Full Day in Rio: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, Maracana and Selaron with Lunch (From $144.00)
- Santa Teresa, Lapa, and Cinelândia with Tram Ride and Selarón Steps (From $51.00)
- Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and Selarón Steps 6-Hour Tour (From $114.40)
- The Best of Rio in a Full Day Tour - Corcovado, Sugar Loaf, Selaron and more (From $84.50)
- Rio de Janeiro Day Trip - All Inclusive - By Ok Rio Tour (From $100.00)
- Hotels near Escadaria Selarón:
- (0.01 mi) Hospedagem Joaquim Silva
- (0.02 mi) Hotel Marajo
- (0.02 mi) Fridays Hostel
- (0.02 mi) Casa Joaquim Silva
- (0.03 mi) SelaHost
- Restaurants near Escadaria Selarón:
- (0.01 mi) Os Ximenes
- (0.02 mi) Adega Flor de Coimbra
- (0.02 mi) Casa da Escada Colorida
- (0.03 mi) Baby Galeto
- (0.03 mi) Bandolim Vegan Cult Bar
- Attractions near Escadaria Selarón:
- (0.01 mi) Rio Tour Guide Daniel Cabral Private Tour
- (0.01 mi) Madson - Rio de Janeiro Tour Guide
- (0.02 mi) Casa da Escada Colorida
- (0.03 mi) Lapa e Arte
- (0.10 mi) Sala Cecília Meireles