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 neighbourhood, famous for its bohemian atmosphere, art galleries and bars. Ride the city’s last operating streetcars through this lively neighbourhood. 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 neighbourhood’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 neighbourhood 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 ageing 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 neighbourhood is located above downtown Rio, about 11 miles (17 kilometres) 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 neighbourhoods of Lapa and Centro, Rio de Janeiro’s financial centre.
Many stores selling vintage clothing, locally made handicrafts, artworks and home goods make Santa Teresa an excellent shopping destination.
