Escadaria Selarón, Rio de Janeiro - Brother
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Escadaria Selarón

4.6
·89k reviews·, Brazil

A breathtaking public stairway adorned with thousands of colorful, hand-painted tiles from around the world, a vibrant tribute to Brazilian culture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning (6:00 AM - 7:30 AM)

Empty steps for photos

CrowdLow
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Escadaria Selarón, Rio de Janeiro - Brother

Escadaria Selarón

Best Time

Early morning (6:00 AM - 7:30 AM)

Empty steps for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A breathtaking public stairway adorned with thousands of colorful, hand-painted tiles from around the world, a vibrant tribute to Brazilian culture.

4.6
(89k reviews)

"It's literally a staircase filled up with lots of different tiles from all over the world and colors. It's beautiful and very colorful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Go Early for Empty Steps

Arrive by 6:00 AM for the best chance at empty steps and photos.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking up and down stairs, so comfy footwear is a must.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 94,090 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Colorful Staircase

The Colorful Staircase

The entire length of the steps

A vibrant masterpiece of over 200 steps adorned with thousands of colorful, hand-painted tiles from around the globe.

Global Tile Collection

Global Tile Collection

Throughout the steps

Hunt for tiles representing countries worldwide; a unique artistic tribute to the Brazilian people and global unity.

Artistic Details

Artistic Details

Various sections of the steps

Discover intricate ceramic art and hidden details that make each step a unique visual experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the Tile

To capture those iconic, crowd-free photos at Escadaria Selarón, set your alarm for an early morning. Think 6:00 AM or even earlier! The steps are empty and well-lit by sunrise, offering a much more serene experience than the midday rush. TikTokInstagram+1

Safety & Surroundings: Stay Aware

While Escadaria Selarón is a must-see, it's located in the Lapa neighborhood, which can be a bit gritty. Be mindful of your belongings, especially if you're visiting early or late. Stick to well-lit areas and consider using ride-sharing apps for transport. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Early morning (6:00 AM - 7:30 AM)
Why
Empty steps for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds than weekends
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Travel hacks for Americans coming to Brazil for vacation I just got back from hosting my Nurse Retreat in Brazil! Next up: Virgin Voyagr Cruise in April! #morgansandiego #brazil #travel #traveltiktok #thingstodo #travelhacks #CapCut
@morgansandiego
14.3K likes • 188.9K views

🎯 Go Early for Empty Steps

Arrive by 6:00 AM for the best chance at empty steps and photos. TikTokInstagram+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking up and down stairs, so comfy footwear is a must. Reddit

Te dejo una recomendación para que vayas a las escaleras de señarón no te toque nada de gente y puedas sacar fotos y videos para tus redes sociales. #riodejaneiro #brasil🇧🇷 #escalerasdeselaron #tip #rio
@renancirenato
11.1K likes • 131.1K views
no se qué le ven a esas escaleras pero bueno. tuve que llegar 7am para que estén vacías.
migueljore
179 likes • 0 views

📸 Perfect Photo Spots

Climb to the top and turn right at the Brazilian flag for fewer people and great shots. TikTok

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping Nearby

Find affordable souvenirs like mugs and keychains from vendors across the street. TikTok

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO & PRICES ⬇️ 📍Selarón Steps : best to arrive early - FREE 📍Tijuca National Park : very poor service at visitor center & beyond, download All Trails for offline navigation, it's a HIKE to the visitor center alone - FREE Christ the Redeemer - about $18 USD 📍The Beach : Bring cash for vendors - FREE 📍Sugarloaf Mountain : best on a clear day and/or at sunset but less crowds early in ...
@letterstoyoublog
10.8K likes • 151.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Go Early for Empty Steps

Arrive by 6:00 AM for the best chance at empty steps and photos. TikTokInstagram+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking up and down stairs, so comfy footwear is a must. Reddit

📸 Perfect Photo Spots

Climb to the top and turn right at the Brazilian flag for fewer people and great shots. TikTok

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping Nearby

Find affordable souvenirs like mugs and keychains from vendors across the street. TikTok

🧐 Look for Your Country's Tile

Take your time to find tiles representing your home country or state. Reddit

⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings

Keep an eye on your belongings, especially during busy times. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(89k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Escadaria Selarón is a visually stunning and iconic landmark, celebrated for its vibrant, globally-inspired tile art. Visitors love the unique photo opportunities and the chance to find tiles from their home countries. However, the main drawback is the intense crowds, which can make it difficult to fully enjoy or photograph the steps, especially on weekends.

"I took an Uber to this place and it was very easy to find. It's literally a staircase filled up with lots of different tiles from all over the world and colors. It's beautiful and very colorful. Attention to the hundreds of people trying to take pictures because on Fridays and weekends it's kinda crowded. The best time to visit it is in the afternoon during week days. It'll make a lot easier to take a nice picture. Wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea. If you go up till the top, you can even take the street over the hill and reach the ruins park."

Caio Martins

"I highly recommend this stop. We went on it with our tour guide, but you can do this one on your own. Find your home country/state. There are great vendors across the street selling jerseys. My husband came back to get another!
No tickets required."

Chelsea T-Reffet

"This spot is crazy. It is packed with tourists. I get the idea of having tiles from across the world but there are so many people taking selfies and climbing on all the steps on the side, it is impossible to really enjoy this area. Might be worth a minute or so of your time. Much better than things to do in this beautiful city."

Jonathan Ding

What People Like

Vibrant and colorful art
Unique photo opportunities
Global tile collection

What People Dislike

Extremely crowded
Difficult to photograph

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way to reach Escadaria Selarón is by Uber or taxi. Public transport options exist but can be less direct. Many visitors combine a visit with other Lapa attractions. Reddit+1

While public transport is an option, many travelers recommend using ride-sharing apps like Uber for safety and convenience, especially if you're unfamiliar with Rio. Reddit+1

It depends on your starting point. It's located in the Lapa neighborhood, which is accessible from other parts of the city, but walking distances can be significant. Reddit

Uber is a popular and generally safe option for getting around Rio. For longer distances, consider using the metro system. Reddit

Escadaria Selarón is located in the Lapa district, which is a vibrant area known for its nightlife and bohemian atmosphere, but it's a bit further from the main beachside tourist hubs like Copacabana and Ipanema. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Escadaria Selarón is completely free! It's a public space open to everyone. TikTok

The steps are accessible 24/7 as it's an outdoor public space. However, for the best experience and fewer crowds, early morning is highly recommended. TikTok+1

There is no admission fee. Escadaria Selarón is a free public artwork. TikTok

Yes, it's always open. However, visiting very early in the morning (around 6 AM) is advised to avoid crowds and get the best photos. TikTok+1

No specific entry restrictions, but be mindful of your surroundings and belongings. Avoid climbing on the tiles themselves. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Experience

The absolute best time for photos is very early in the morning, around 6:00 AM, before the crowds arrive. Weekday afternoons can also be less crowded than weekends. TikTokInstagram+1

While tripods are technically allowed, some Reddit users suggest they might attract unwanted attention or be difficult to use due to crowds. Consider a monopod or stabilizing your phone. Reddit

It's a unique public art installation by Chilean artist Jorge Selarón, featuring thousands of colorful tiles from over 60 countries, creating a vibrant and globally inspired staircase. TikTok

Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the steps, taking photos, and appreciating the artwork. Reddit

Climbing to the top and turning right at the Brazilian flag can lead to areas with fewer people for photos. TikTok

🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining

Yes, the Lapa neighborhood surrounding Escadaria Selarón has many bars and restaurants offering local cuisine and drinks, especially lively at night. Reddit

While there aren't vendors directly on the steps, you'll find street vendors and small shops nearby selling snacks and drinks. TikTok

Lapa offers a variety of Brazilian dishes, from traditional feijoada to grilled meats and seafood, alongside international options. Reddit

You'll find several cafes in the Lapa area, perfect for a coffee break before or after visiting the steps. Reddit

Lapa is famous for its nightlife and dining scene, but it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Reddit

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