Escadaria Selarón is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most recognizable landmarks, a vibrant staircase that links the lively neighborhood of Lapa with the bohemian hills of Santa Teresa. The site feels like an open-air artwork rather than a simple passageway, with each step covered in colorful tiles, patterns, and small visual surprises. Its energy is creative, busy, and distinctly local, making it appealing to both first-time visitors and repeat travelers.
The main draw is the handcrafted mosaic surface, built from ceramic pieces collected from many places and arranged into a striking visual composition. There is no ticketed attraction or formal museum setup here; instead, visitors come to wander, photograph, and take in the details at their own pace. Because it sits in the middle of a well-known cultural area, the staircase also works well as part of a broader walk through Rio. A slow visit is the best way to appreciate how much texture and personality the place offers.
Hotels near Escadaria Selarón
The star marks Escadaria Selarón. Tap the map for prices and availability.
Tuesday: 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 09:00 - 17:00
Friday: 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 09:00 - 17:00
From the magazine
Queer Archives: How the Community Preserves Its Own History
Most queer history is not in state archives; it sits in boxes under beds. From the Lesbian Herstory Archives of 1974 to Berlin's Spinnboden and Schwules Museum: who preserves the community's memory, and how you can take part.
HPV Vaccination: Why Men and Queer People Should Get It Too
HPV vaccination is often seen as a women's topic, but it also protects men against throat, anal and penile cancer. Why the shot matters especially for gay and bisexual men, who pays for it and when it still makes sense.
Queer Bookshops and Cafés: The Community's Third Places
Queer bookshops, cafés and community centres were often the scene's first visible spaces. Why they came to be, what they still offer, and where the best-known ones stand.
