Ride or spot the Santa Teresa tram
The yellow tram is one of the neighbourhood’s defining sights. Check the official operation on the day before planning around it.
A different side of Rio
Things to do in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro
Historic trams, hillside streets, art, viewpoints and easy access to Lapa make Santa Teresa a neighbourhood worth exploring rather than simply passing through.
Why explore the neighbourhood
Rio at a slower, more local rhythm
Santa Teresa sits above central Rio, with cobbled streets, historic architecture and a strong cultural identity.
Essential experiences
Four ways to experience Santa Teresa
Selarón Steps and Lapa
The tiled staircase sits at the meeting point of Santa Teresa and Lapa, making it easy to combine both areas.
Parque Glória Maria (formerly Parque das Ruínas)
Architecture, culture and elevated views make this one of the neighbourhood’s most characteristic stops.
Museu Chácara do Céu — An art collection in a modernist house with a garden and city views; easy to combine with Parque Glória Maria.
Walk the historic streets
Studios, old façades, small businesses and street art appear between destinations. Largo dos Guimarães is a useful reference for cafés, bars, restaurants and neighborhood life.
Practical tipsWalking Uber and 99
Getting around Santa Teresa
The hills are part of the neighbourhood’s character, so most visitors find that a mix of walking and transport works best.
Best for short neighbourhood stretches and discovering the streets between attractions. Expect hills and uneven paving.
Useful for door-to-door trips, especially after a full day of walking or later in the evening.
Stay in Santa Teresa
Explore Santa Teresa, then come back to Villa Dourada
Villa Dourada is a small family-run guesthouse in Santa Teresa with six private suites, breakfast, a veranda and garden.
Check availability on Booking.com