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If you’re planning a visit to Escadaria Selarón, the most famous steps in Rio, you’re going to need to know a few things before you go. I’ve got you covered with tips to have the best experience at the Selaron Steps.
I recently spent five days exploring the vibrant culture in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the Selaron Steps were a highlight that I just couldn’t miss.
Join in on my firsthand insights and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit to this iconic attraction.
Whether you’re drawn to its colorful mosaic tiles, intrigued by its fascinating history, or simply seeking the perfect photo op, let’s explore all the ways to make sure your time at the Selaron Steps is nothing short of memorable.
The year is 2003, and you’re watching 106 & Park to catch the premiere of “Beautiful” by Snoop Dogg, Pharrell, & Charlie Wilson as the “New Joint of the Day.”
As the music video reveals all the best views of Rio de Janeiro, you start imagining yourself (manifesting, if you will) experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere and sunny weather firsthand.
This moment marked my initial introduction to Brazil and the Selaron Stairs, creating a fascination that would eventually lead me to explore this must-visit destination.
But this is not nearly where its history begins.
Let’s take it back to 1990 (before my time).
It all began with Jorge Selaron, who built the Selarón Stairs.
He was a Chilean artist who relocated to Brazil.
There was a great staircase that led up to his house.
He saw this as the perfect blank canvas to release his artistic designs.
He began the renovation of the stairs in 1990 using colorful tiles representing the colors of Brazil (green, yellow, and blue) and Chile (red).
As time went on, different visitors from around the world brought tiles representing where they came from to add to the steps.
This essentially became an international art project.
If you pay close attention, you’ll realize the tiles aren’t just colorful tiles, they represent different places all over the globe.
You might find one from where you’re from.
I saw New York a couple of times.
Funny enough, I even found one with my name on it.
You can see more than 2000 tiles from 60 countries all along the stairs.
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How to Get to the Selarón Steps
To reach the Escadaria Selarón, also known as the “Lapa Stairs,” you'll first need to know where they are located in Lapa.
While there are various transportation options in Rio, I found Uber to be affordable and convenient.
However, if you're looking for the most budget-friendly option, consider using the city's subway system, known as the metrô.
To use the metro, start by purchasing a Giro card from the self-service terminals at the main stations.
The initial cost of the Giro card is R$10.90 ($2.19 USD), which includes a R$4.00 ($0.81 USD) deposit for the card itself and R$6.90 ($1.39 USD) loaded onto the card for rides.
A single journey on the MetrôRio costs R$6.90 ($1.39 USD).
The metro system is known for its cleanliness, air-conditioning, and safety.
Additionally, during peak hours on weekdays (6 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 8 pm), women-only cars are available for added comfort and security.
Once you've gotten your Giro card, take the metro and get off at either the Gloria or Cinelândia stations, both conveniently located near the stairs.
For those who prefer a guided experience, booking a tour to the Selaron steps is also an option and usually includes other top sights to see in Rio, as well, such as Christ the Redeemer.
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Best Time to Visit Rio de Janeiro Stairs
The best time to visit the Selarón Steps depends on what vibe you’re going for.
If you're aiming for a quiet, exclusive experience and want to capture photos without crowds, consider arriving early in the morning, ideally right after sunrise.
I arrived at 6:30 am and found only a few people there, allowing us to take turns getting the perfect shots without interference.
However, if you're not an early riser, be prepared for crowds if you arrive after 8 am.
You can still walk up the stairs until you find fewer people behind you, but it becomes increasingly challenging as the morning goes on.
Now, if you enjoy a lively atmosphere and don’t really care about getting an empty photo, visit during midday.
By then, vendors will have set up their shops, offering various souvenirs, and many people will be hanging out, enjoying music, and dancing into the evening.
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What to Wear
Keep in mind that Rio can get blazing hot.
When I visited the stairs early in the morning, it was over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and HUMID.
It’s essential to wear breathable, comfortable clothing.
While you don’t have to climb all 215 steps, even a short 1,2 step may have you drenched in sweat.
Take it from me.
To make sure you stand out in your photos, avoid wearing overly patterned outfits that might blend in with the colorful tiles.
And last but not least, protect your skin from the Rio sun by wearing sunscreen.
You want to leave with a healthy glow, not burnt.
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What to Bring
You don’t need to pack much for your visit to the Selaron Stairs since admission is free.
However, there are a few things you won’t want to forget.
- Make sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Trust me, the heat is intense even in the early morning and you might want to stock up on some hydration multipliers.
- Consider bringing a sun visor or sun hat to shield yourself from the sun's rays. I wore one throughout my visit to stay cool and comfortable between photo sessions.
- Lastly, don't forget your camera to capture the beautiful memories of this unforgettable staircase.
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Is Escadaria Selaron Safe?
The Selaron Stairs, also known as the Lapa Steps, are located in Lapa, which is generally considered a safe area.
However, our Uber driver let us know that we should exercise caution if we venture into neighboring Santa Teresa.
Keep your valuables, such as cameras, phones, and wallets, securely put away when exploring.
Areas that are popular with tourists can also harbor pickpocketers, so just be careful.
If something seems suspicious, don't stick around.
Additionally, I highly recommend investing in travel medical insurance for added peace of mind.
Safety Wing is our top choice for travel medical insurance, offering comprehensive coverage at affordable rates.
We don't go anywhere without it.
Nearby Attractions
Check out the attractions around the area like Parque das Ruinas which offers amazing views of Rio; Arcos da Lapa to see the iconic white aqueducts; or the Rio de Janeiro cathedral dedicated to Saint Sebastian.
There are a lot of extremelyyyyy steep hills.
A 12-minute walk to the ruins turned into a 30-minute walk for me.
If you would prefer convenience like I do, just call an Uber from the Selaron Stairs to wherever you want to go next!
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Final Thoughts: Escadaria Selarón
Now, it's your turn to visit the Selarón Stairs.
Remember, arriving early can help you avoid crowds and get the best photos.
Dress comfortably for the hot weather, and don't forget sunscreen.
Whether you prefer the quiet morning or the lively afternoon, these tips will help you enjoy your trip based on your preferences.
Viagens felizes!
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That music video added these stairs on my bucket list too, and thankfully Brazil is visa-free for me with my Jamaican passport. Thanks for sharing! It sounds super doable