Santa Teresa is one of only a few neighborhoods in Rio that’s retained its colonial charm. The neighborhood can be a bit difficult to navigate, especially for first-timers, so it’s a good idea to visit with a guide.
Walking tours of the barrio typically provide a more intimate glimpse into the area’s belle époque mansions, art studios, and street art. These tours almost always stop at Ruins Park for views over the city, as well as the colorful Selarón Staircase, where Pharrel Williams and Snoop Dogg filmed a music video.
By taxi, Santa Teresa is five minutes from downtown Rio and 15 minutes from Ipanema and Copacabana. The best way to get to the neighborhood is to ride the bonde, a historic streetcar, from Centro to Largo do Guimarães.
If you can time your visit to June or July, you might overlap with a weekend arts festival called Arte de Portas Abertas, which features live music, jazz performances, art, and food stands held in the open air.
One of the most recognizable symbols of Santa Teresa is the colorful ceramic steps, created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón between 1990 and 2013. The 125-step staircase features mosaics in the colors of the Brazilian flag, which comprise 2,000 tiles sourced from more than 60 different countries. The steps are one of the most-photographed attractions in the entire city.
