Santa Teresa

Rio de Janeiro

Santa Teresa showing heritage elements
Santa Teresa which includes outdoor art
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa

Stroll along the winding cobblestone streets of this famous Rio de Janeiro neighborhood to see aging 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

Things to do


Top hotels in Santa Teresa

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 Jul 5, 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 P1,891 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P1,891
P1,986 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
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! (669 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 May 24, 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 P1,749 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P1,749
P1,837 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (2,587 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 Mar 28, 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 P2,555 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P2,555
P2,817 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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! (1,177 reviews)
"Property staff was really friendly, was told TV channels worked however from around 30 channels only 10 or 15 max worked with a questionable quality. Breakfast option was limited but absolutely delicious. Room was as expected, only thing is that bathroom door was kinda rotten from one corner due ..."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 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! (1,362 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 Jul 13, 2025

Américas Granada Hotel
Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro

5 out of 5
Avenida Atlantica, 1020, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
The price is P12,070 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P12,070
P14,016 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"We definitely enjoyed our stay at the Hilton! From the"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Hilton Copacabana Rio de Janeiro
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 which includes 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

Catete is a destination travelers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Largo do Machado Station or Catete Station to explore sights like Largo do Machado.

Catete
Rio de Janeiro showing modern architecture and a pond

Rio de Janeiro Centro

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
Museum of Modern Art which includes 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
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Botafogo

Botafogo is a destination travelers like for its beaches, and you might hop aboard the metro at Botafogo Station or Futura estação Morro de São João Station to explore sights like Botafogo Praia Shopping.

Botafogo

Santa Teresa