Selarón Steps

Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) is a vibrant mosaic staircase linking Lapa and Santa Teresa in Rio. Created by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón from 1990 until his death, the 215 steps are covered in thousands of tiles sourced from over 60 countries. It’s free, easy to access, and best visited early to avoid crowds. Visitors come for colorful photos, street-life atmosphere, and to see an evolving artwork—the artist continually replaced tiles. Combine with nearby arches and Santa Teresa’s viewpoints. Note: it’s a busy urban area; keep belongings secure. Ideal for art lovers, photographers, and casual city explorers.