Audio Guide of Selarón Steps

Selarón Steps is an open-air public space, so it is accessible 24 hours a day, but visiting between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm is recommended for safety. It is located in the Lapa district (R. Manuel Carneiro - Santa Teresa), and you can get there by metro (Cinelândia Station, Line 1) or by taxi/Uber. More location details: Official guide.

No, access is completely free since it is a public monument. However, if you would like to contribute to its upkeep, you can support local artists who display their works nearby.

Ideally, you should allow between 30 and 60 minutes. This gives you enough time to admire the more than 2,000 tiles from 60 countries, take photos, and absorb the details of this ever-evolving work.

The staircase is a tribute by Chilean-Brazilian artist Jorge Selarón to the Brazilian people. He began in 1990 with mosaics made from recycled tiles and donations from around the world, turning it into a symbol of Rio. Selarón called it his "great madness" until his death in 2013.

It can be visited year-round, but there is less rain between May and October. The best time is in the morning (8:00-10:00 am) or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Avoid visiting at night for safety reasons.

It is not wheelchair accessible because of its 215 uneven steps and steep incline. However, from the base on Joaquim Silva Street, you can partially appreciate the artwork with less difficulty.

Within less than 1 km you will find: the bohemian Santa Teresa district (with the historic tram), the Metropolitan Cathedral (Av. Chile, 245), and the Lapa Arches. More suggestions: Official Tourist Guide.

1) Wear comfortable shoes for climbing uneven steps 2) Keep your belongings close because of possible pickpockets 3) Bring water and sunscreen 4) For historical context, consider hiring a certified local guide.