Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa
4.5
About
This quaint bohemian neighborhood of Rio with colonial buildings and cobblestone streets steep on a hillside overlooking the city is earning the interest of tourists wishing to see an alternate Rio away from the beach scene. Art galleries and restaurants add to the local culture of Santa Teresa.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Neighbourhood: 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.
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See what travellers are saying
- SteveLondon, United Kingdom941 contributionsWorth exploring via the tramWe visited the area via the tram, got off at the top and walked back down to the main street then went on to the Parque Das Ruinas and the Selaron Steps. Overall its a worthwhile trip if you are taking the tram but don't expect an abundance of shops and bars. There are a few and what there is we found interesting it's just not a huge place.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten April 18, 2023
- 454lindylouCentral Portugal, Portugal558 contributionsWorth going on just foe the views from that part of Rio......We waited over 40 mins to get on the Carioca Bonde, but it was worth it. Fortunately we arrived there at a reasonable time and the queue was very long by the time we boarded. It's an interesting ride, we decided to stay on and just do the round trip, as did other passengers. You go over the Lapa aqueduct and past part of the favalhas. Fortunately we had great weather the day we went on the tramVisited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten May 9, 2023
- BorntocruiseUKHeathfield, United Kingdom11,192 contributionsQuaint worth a visitWith its cobbled streets winding along Santa Teresa is a pretty location. It has beautiful views towards the city from its elevated position. Lots of little shops, cafes and a museum. We got there by tram with a station stop right in the middle. But I’m sure other tours drive there. Lots of great street art adorns the walls.Visited February 2023Travelled with friendsWritten June 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,622 reviews
Excellent
769
Very good
631
Average
163
Poor
34
Terrible
25
Surrey 13
London, UK1,121 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
It is a v windy path up to the town and can only be accessed by smaller buses eg mini buses.
The walls have a lot of graffiti which is pleasing to the eye and interesting and quirky shops selling lovely items. We had a food tasting walk which was v interesting.
The walls have a lot of graffiti which is pleasing to the eye and interesting and quirky shops selling lovely items. We had a food tasting walk which was v interesting.
Written September 25, 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.
BorntocruiseUK
Heathfield, UK11,192 contributions
Feb. 2023 • Friends
With its cobbled streets winding along Santa Teresa is a pretty location. It has beautiful views towards the city from its elevated position. Lots of little shops, cafes and a museum.
We got there by tram with a station stop right in the middle. But I’m sure other tours drive there.
Lots of great street art adorns the walls.
We got there by tram with a station stop right in the middle. But I’m sure other tours drive there.
Lots of great street art adorns the walls.
Written June 29, 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.
454lindylou
Central Portugal, Portugal558 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Couples
We waited over 40 mins to get on the Carioca Bonde, but it was worth it. Fortunately we arrived there at a reasonable time and the queue was very long by the time we boarded. It's an interesting ride, we decided to stay on and just do the round trip, as did other passengers. You go over the Lapa aqueduct and past part of the favalhas. Fortunately we had great weather the day we went on the tram
Written May 9, 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.
Steve
London, UK941 contributions
Mar. 2023 • Couples
We visited the area via the tram, got off at the top and walked back down to the main street then went on to the Parque Das Ruinas and the Selaron Steps. Overall its a worthwhile trip if you are taking the tram but don't expect an abundance of shops and bars. There are a few and what there is we found interesting it's just not a huge place.
Written April 18, 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.
majorcfc
london8 contributions
May 2022
santa teresa is a safe part of the centro area in Rio
the best way to see santa teresa is by taking the tram up to the top then walking down stopping @ various points of interest
you can hop on hop off the tram but you see less that way
there are plenty of bars & rstaurents along he trams route & a bonus of using the tram is going over the lapa viaduct... lovely part of Rio , highly recommendeed for a day out
the best way to see santa teresa is by taking the tram up to the top then walking down stopping @ various points of interest
you can hop on hop off the tram but you see less that way
there are plenty of bars & rstaurents along he trams route & a bonus of using the tram is going over the lapa viaduct... lovely part of Rio , highly recommendeed for a day out
Written November 11, 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.
Ben F
Bloomington, IN1,470 contributions
Mar. 2022
Part of the charm of artsy Santa Teresa in Rio is the fact that first-timers are bound to get lost and stumble upon gems they never’d have guessed they’d find. Embrace this! It’s the experience. It’s a safe neighborhood atop scenic hills that affords amazing vistas of the central city below, and everywhere you look you’ll find murals and other outstanding street art.
I visited in an electric wheelchair, and the journey was definitely bumpy and uncomfortable. I was fortunate enough to be able to drive myself on the actual road, though, avoiding the curbs on the sidewalks—there’s no traffic here. I took it slow, and I had a great time. Stop off at different restaurants/cafes, shops, and overlooks whenever you can.
I highly recommend Santa Teresa, if at least for an hour out of your day!
I visited in an electric wheelchair, and the journey was definitely bumpy and uncomfortable. I was fortunate enough to be able to drive myself on the actual road, though, avoiding the curbs on the sidewalks—there’s no traffic here. I took it slow, and I had a great time. Stop off at different restaurants/cafes, shops, and overlooks whenever you can.
I highly recommend Santa Teresa, if at least for an hour out of your day!
Written May 29, 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.
MalinsWorld
Ko Chang, Thailand55 contributions
Nov. 2021
We love the Santa Teresa part of Rio de Janeiro, it's galleries and the good bars and the delicious food. Great for an afternoon in the galleries and the afternoon turning into night with bars and dancing.
Written November 30, 2021
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.
Flitz8-A foodie travels
Amsterdam, The Netherlands2,988 contributions
Dec. 2020 • Solo
Walked around neighborhood to see stairs, food street vendors on nearby streets, didn't feel unsafe but wouldn't go alone at night
Written December 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.
PrestonGuild
United Kingdom55,187 contributions
Oct. 2019
We came here in the walking tour. I have no doubt that part of it is sketchy.
The bits we saw had some old grand buildings, plenty of street art and the Selaron Steps to climb.
I actually wish I had more time to explore but it was getting dark.
The bits we saw had some old grand buildings, plenty of street art and the Selaron Steps to climb.
I actually wish I had more time to explore but it was getting dark.
Written August 28, 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.
kdeli
Agia Paraskevi, Greece1,653 contributions
Nov. 2019
All touristics guides propose to visit this neighborhood of the Rio De Janeiro. We went there with a group. Not suggested to go there alone, or at night. You will see a lot of stairs, decorated with tiles from all over the world. There are also a lot of people going up and down in the stairs, trying for a photo. We think that is overrated.
Written February 6, 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.
LeandroCruzC
Sao Paulo, SP340 contributions
Alguém poderia me informar se o caminho entre o Parque das Ruínas e a Escadaria Selaron costuma ser tranquilo e com algum tipo de policiamento? Li algumas coisas sobre o bairro, e confesso que fiquei meio receioso.
Soninha de Souza
Belo Horizonte, MG199 contributions
Parque das Ruínas e a Escadaria Selaron, são bem próximos. O bairro não é mais como antigamente. Relatei que eu e meu namorado fomos assaltados por um motoqueiro a mão armada e levou nossos celulares. Não acontece com todos, ainda bem, mas todo cuidado é pouco. Tome cuidado com pessoas que oferecem passeios no carro deles, tome cuidado ao andar com câmera e celular. Infelizmente o Rio não é mais aquele Rio antigo. Santa Tereza, que é o bairro dos pontos turísticos que vc citou, está com altos índices de assaltos. Pesquise bastante na internet sobre os pontos turísticos que vc quer conhecer.
rosol1609
Santa Clara del Mar, Argentina17 contributions
Hola! Viajo a Río en una semana. Alguien que haya estado recientemente podrá decirme si el tan famoso Bondinho es gratuito o pago? O son dos diferentes: uno turístico y otro como.medio de transporte para quienes viven en Sta. Teresa? Es posible tomar este último si es que existe?
Por otra parte, la parada para visitar La Casa de las Ruinas es anterior a la de la zona gastronómica?
Muchas gracias x cualquier dato que puedan darme!
Rocío
ElisabetTigre
Tigre28 contributions
Hola Rosol, el bondinho que es el tranvia lo usan locales y turistas y sale R 20 ida y vuelta para turistas, en realidad es R 20 la ida, porque de vuelta es gratis, o sea si llegas por otro medio podes regresar con el tranvia sin pagar. Saludos
Malena U
Montevideo, Uruguay6 contributions
Hola! Quería saber si puedo bajar del bondinho pasear y luego tomármelo de vuelta o si hay que estar siempre encima del bondinho. Gracias!
Kelly Medeiros
Petropolis, RJ1,173 contributions
Hola, Si quieres puede subir le bario a pie por las escaleras de Selarón, visitar el parque de las Ruinas y después bajar em el bondinho. Así, vas a subir por un lado y bajar por el otro.
Tengo viaje ahora el 10 de enero y reserve a través de boocking el hospedaje y queda en Santa Teresa... que tal es? Es muy peligroso? Ire solo con un primo? O mejor me voy a otro sector? Que ne recomiendan ?
Para quem vem de São Paulo para o bairro de Santa Tereza ,tem perigo em passar por entrada de algum morro e sofrer algum tipo de violência ,como acontece frequentemente com quem usa os aplicativos de gps?
Ronaldor_cps
Campinas, SP116 contributions
Na minha opinião o risco de quem vem de São Paulo (via Dutra) independe se vc vai ou não para Santa Teresa. Passar pela avenida Brasil, linha vermelha etc tem seus riscos, mas para exemplificar imagine que você está chegando em São Paulo (via Dutra) e pergunta se há perigo de ir na praça da República (por exemplo), ou seja, o risco de passar pelas regiões cercadas pela estrada/marginal independem se você vai ou não para a região Central. De qualquer forma, a região de Santa Teresa tem sim vários assaltos. Evite andar ostentando bolsas, mochilas, celular, máquinas etc e fique atento dentro do bondinho. Tomando certos cuidados, recomendo o passeio
jansyvertsen
auburndale,florida21 contributions
Oops, hit the wrong button.....are parks safe? Perhaps a private guide is the answer?
TerjeHoegberg
Oslo, Norway506 contributions
In daytime the parks are general safe, but remember to take your precautions. Don't wear expensive things, like jewelery, fancy watches and that kind off stuff and of course not a lot of money. If you happen to be robbed don't act like a hero just give away what they are after. A privat guide in Santa Teresa can do, but you also manage by your own as long as you are a bit streetwise.I
jansyvertsen
auburndale,florida21 contributions
Considering a hotel in Santa Teresa next month for 3 nights. Sounds like a nice area away from the crowds but does that mean we are bigger targets for thieves? Perhaps it is better to be down near the beaches and try to be in the center of the school of sardines....? I have never been a nervous traveler but my husband is so what is the safest area to base ourselves? We will of course do Sugarloaf and the Christ but also the more natural areas of Rio. Are parks
Nic1920
2 contributions
Pousada Casa Aurea is very nice place to stay.You will have to take a taxi to the metro everyday to get in and out of the area. It will be 10 to 30R depending on the metro station. You can take the metro to most places. Get the single day 25R or 3 multi day passes 70R.
Travelswkidz
Decatur, GA3 contributions
My husband made several reservations ahead of time for places to stay during the Olympics. When he arrived, the proprietors of the guest houses are telling him they do not accept credit cards and he has to pay cash, even if he has already paid 50% of booking via card beforehand. Seems weird. Any advice?
FranB68
Cape Town, South Africa126 contributions
Hi there
I have experienced a similar experience in South America before in Argentina . Depending through which website /app you have booked. Especially Olympic times I will just go with the flow ! Most of the places I have stayed have asked for the balance in cash in the local currency .
Cash still stays King for some ! This may not be very helpful but it has been my experience in South America to just sometimes accept this .
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Claim your listingSANTA TERESA - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Teresa
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Santa Teresa:
- Santa Teresa, Lapa, and Cinelândia with Tram Ride and Selarón Steps (From C$58.14)
- Rio de Janeiro Main Landmarks Tour Including Christ the Redeemer and Selaron Steps (From C$58.14)
- Christ Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and Selarón Steps 6-Hour Tour (From C$157.19)
- ️ Lapa + Santa Teresa + Selaron Stairs + Electric Scooter ️ (From C$110.74)
- Ancient Rio and Santa Teresa Tour with Hotel pick-up and drop-off (From C$62.29)
- Hotels near Santa Teresa:
- (0.05 km) Casa Cool Beans B&B
- (0.10 km) Santa Teresa Hotel RJ - MGallery
- (0.19 km) Casa Beleza
- (0.06 km) Villa Laurinda
- (0.22 km) Casalegre Art Vila B&B - Santa Teresa
- Restaurants near Santa Teresa:
- (0.15 km) Armazém São Thiago (Bar do Gomez)
- (0.11 km) Térèze
- (0.21 km) Bonde Boca
- (0.09 km) Bar dos Descasados
- (0.16 km) Esquina de Santa