Santa Teresa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa

Stroll along the winding cobblestone streets of this famous Rio de Janeiro neighbourhood to see ageing 19th-century mansions and haunts of local artists.

Santa Teresa is a bustling hillside neighborhood, famous for its bohemian atmosphere, art galleries and bars. Ride the city’s last operating streetcars through this lively neighborhood. The area contains many excellent tourist attractions, including the mansion ruins of Brazilian heiress Laurinda Santos Lobo.

The Santa Teresa Tramline features unsurpassed views of the neighborhood’s mansions and jungle areas. Ride the “bonde,” Rio’s last streetcar line, from Centro to Santa Teresa. The line crosses Arcos da Lapa, one of Rio’s famous aqueducts and a symbol of the nearby neighborhood of Lapa.

With its welcoming atmosphere, Santa Teresa is a great place to relax when visiting Rio de Janeiro. Admire striking examples of colonial architecture while on a stroll and enjoy Brazilian beer and wine in local bars. During the 1960s and ’70s, an influx of artists, musicians and writers restored many of the aging mansions. The buildings now function as restaurants, artists’ studios and guesthouses.

Walk Santa Teresa’s bustling streets to see many examples of its burgeoning creative life, such as Afro-Brazilian drumming performances. The Largo dos Guimarães is the heart of Santa Teresa and can be reached via the “bonde.” The small square is also used as a meeting point for carnivals and street parades.

Visit Ruins Park (Parque das Ruinas), one of Santa Teresa’s main attractions. The ruins contain the shell of a mansion once owned by Brazilian mate heiress Laurinda Santos Lobo. The mansion was a meeting point for many influential Rio de Janeiro artists and intellectuals in the early 20th century. Admire the magnificent views as you explore Ruins Park, now operating as a public park, gallery, bar and café.

The friendly hillside neighborhood is located above downtown Rio, about 11 miles (17 kilometers) from Rio de Janeiro - Galeão International Airport. Stay in a historic mansion in Santa Teresa. Alternatively, luxury hotels and self-catered apartments are available in the nearby neighborhoods of Lapa and Centro, Rio de Janeiro’s financial center.

Many stores selling vintage clothing, locally made handicrafts, artworks and home goods make Santa Teresa an excellent shopping destination.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Santa Teresa Hotel Deals

Boutique Hotel Castelinho

Boutique Hotel Castelinho

3.5 out of 5
R. Triunfo 38, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Boutique Hotel Castelinho
Hotel Monte Alegre

Hotel Monte Alegre

3 out of 5
Rua Riachuelo, 213 - Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is AU$53 per night from 8 Aug to 9 Aug
AU$53
8 Aug - 9 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Christ the Redeemer ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (670 reviews)
"The property was completely fine, but neighborhood was dirty, stinky and noisy, there’s a bar selling alcohol until early mornings playing loud music… Ig you don’t care about it hotel is great for you"

Reviewed on 24 May 2025

Hotel Monte Alegre
Hotel Atlântico Prime

Hotel Atlântico Prime

4 out of 5
Rua do Resende 87, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is AU$44 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$44
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,604 reviews)
A Wonderful Stay at Hotel Atlântico Prime!
"I recently had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Atlântico Prime, and I can honestly say it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the modern, stylish décor and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The staff at the hotel truly made the difference. Every team member ..."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2025

Hotel Atlântico Prime
Hotel Atlântico Rio

Hotel Atlântico Rio

3.5 out of 5
Rua Xavier da Silveira, 112, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is AU$89 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
AU$89
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,187 reviews)
"I would definitely stay here again. Its clean. The staff I encountered were professional and efficient. It's not perfect but very good!"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Hotel Atlântico Rio
Américas Granada Hotel

Américas Granada Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Avenida Gomes Freire, 530 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,372 reviews)
"🇺🇸 As an American visiting Brazil, I felt very safe and welcomed. Everyone was super nice, helpful, and friendly. The nightlife here is 🔥 busy — especially since you’re right in the city center. If you’re hoping for a quiet, relaxing night, just know this area stays active late 🌃. 📍 You’re walking ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Américas Granada Hotel
Hotel Atlântico Travel

Hotel Atlântico Travel

4 out of 5
Rua Barata Ribeiro nº 544, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro
The price is AU$80 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
AU$80
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,223 reviews)
Good
"Normal . Nothing excepcional ."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Hotel Atlântico Travel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Santa Teresa

Lapa showing street scenes and a city

Lapa

You'll enjoy the churches and live music in Lapa. You might want to make time for a stop at Circo Voador or Arcos da Lapa.

Lapa
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Catete

You might enjoy the beaches while in Catete. Largo do Machado is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Largo do Machado Station or Catete Station to see more of the city.

Catete
Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro Centro

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

You might enjoy the museums while in Rio de Janeiro Centro. Saara Rio is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Tiradentes Tram Stop or Colombo Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Rio de Janeiro Centro
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Laranjeiras

Well liked for its monuments and parks, Laranjeiras is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Largo do Machado and Tijuca National Park, and jump on the metro at Funicular RioArte Tram Station to get around the city.

Laranjeiras
Museum of Modern Art showing interior views

Glória

You might enjoy the museums while in Glória. Museum of Modern Art is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Gloria Station or Russel Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Glória
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Flamengo

Well liked for its beaches and breweries, Flamengo is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Catete Palace and Flamengo Beach, and jump on the metro at Flamengo Station to get around the city.

Flamengo


Santa Teresa Travel Guide

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