The Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) are a 215-step public mosaic staircase linking Rio de Janeiro's Lapa and Santa Teresa districts, covered in more than 2,000 tiles, ceramics and mirror fragments gathered from over 60 countries. Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón began the work in 1990 and continued it until his death in 2013, treating it as his ever-evolving 'tribute to the Brazilian people,' with vivid blue, green and yellow tiles echoing the Brazilian flag and roughly 300 hand-painted tiles of a pregnant woman that became his signature. As of 2026 it remains a free, open-air public artwork that anyone can climb at any hour, though it sits in the busy heart of touristy Lapa, so petty-theft awareness is essential. Come early in the morning for softer light and thinner crowds.
The full sweep of all 215 steps flowing in the Brazilian flag's blue, green and yellow
Selarón's roughly 300 hand-painted 'pregnant woman' tiles — his personal signature across the work
Donated tiles from 60+ countries; hunt for fragments representing your own homeland
Selarón's self-portrait tiles and the house near the top of the stairs where he lived
The setting between Lapa's arched aqueduct (Arcos da Lapa) and the winding lanes of Santa Teresa
Good to know
SafetyLapa is generally fine by day but pickpocketing and phone-snatching are common. Keep your wallet in a front pocket and don't rest your phone or camera on the railings or leave valuables on display.
SafetyAvoid visiting after dark or late at night, and go with company when possible. Lapa's bar strip gets lively at night but the risk from drunk crowds and thieves rises sharply.
SeasonRio's summer (Dec–Mar) is hot and humid with sudden downpours that leave the tiles very slippery. July is southern-hemisphere winter — cooler and drier — but wear flat, grippy shoes and take care after rain.
SeasonDuring Carnival (Feb–Mar) the surrounding Lapa area gets extremely crowded and pickpocketing spikes, so carry as little of value as possible.
RulesThe tiles are a protected artwork and public property — do not pry them off, deface or damage them. The staircase is also a working thoroughfare used by residents, so don't block it for long photo sessions.
MannersThis is a residential area. Keep noise down, don't block foot traffic for photos, and avoid photographing residents' homes, windows or private life without consideration.
CautionEntry is completely free. Beware of anyone demanding an 'entrance fee' or 'guide fee,' self-appointed guides, and overpriced taxis or street vendors. Use ride apps like Uber or 99 for safer, fair-priced transport.
Practical info
The nearest metro stations are Cinelândia and Glória on Line 1, about a 10–15 minute walk away; you can also take the VLT light rail to Cinelândia or ride the Santa Teresa tram (bonde) and walk down from the top. It is an open-air public space, free and accessible 24 hours with no ticket, but always confirm current transport and local conditions before you go.
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