One of the most traditional and charming neighborhoods in the whole Rio de Janeiro, Santa Teresa carries the carioca soul through its cobbled streets and historic mansions.
Gastronomy, bohemia and culture merge here in an incomparable way, in addition to providing panoramic views – and Very “Instagrammable” – of the main postcards in its viewpoints.
As it is almost a separate journey within the Wonderful city, the neighborhood deserves a special itinerary to be enjoyed and appreciated. Here, the historic yellow cable car still climbs the slopes and the walls of the houses are stylized with street art, a charm that unites past and present.
With that in mind, the insider Karina Procopio*a resident of Santa Teresa, has a travel Instagram dedicated to her wanderings around the neighborhood and takes tours in various parts of the region – both tourist and lesser-known, even by cariocas themselves.
Between privileged views, squares that look like squares of small towns and typical bars, take note of Karina’s tips and get to know typical programs – and others that are not obvious – to see and do in Santa Teresa:
Wet Rat Lookout
It is a little known place even for cariocas. Among the leaves of the trees, the viewpoint hides a wonderful scenery of Rio de Janeiro and even Niterói, where it is possible to see the Guanabara Bay, Santos Dumont Airport, the Rio-Niterói Bridge and the Modern Art Museum.
With privileged views, Mirante do Rato Molhado is close to Largo dos Guimarães and is a mandatory stop to recharge your batteries and enjoy the peace that surrounds the place. And why does he bear that name? It’s a mystery that to this day no one knows!
Largo dos Guimaraes
It is the most famous square in Santa Teresa. This is where the action takes place: where lively parties take place, where Carnival blocks start, where there are samba meetings and where the main restaurants and shops can be found.
It is one of the stops on the yellow cable car and a bohemian meeting point in the area, with typical architecture and several bars, that is: a mandatory stop in the neighborhood.
Largo das Neves
It used to be a farm before being dismembered and giving rise to the square and the surrounding streets. The most interesting thing about Largo das Neves is that it resembles a square in a small town, with a church, stalls, children playing in the street and an enchanting sunset.
It has even been the scene of films, soap operas and commercials, as it is a different kind of Santa Teresa, calm and charming, with a pleasant atmosphere. It is worth coming in the late afternoon and contemplating this pleasant space.
Ruins Park
It is an old mansion where the lady of Rio de Janeiro’s society, Laurinda Santos Lobo, a great patron of the Belle Époque of Rio de Janeiro, used to gather intellectuals and artists in the mansion’s premises, lived.
Today the park has become one of the most famous tourist spots in Santa Teresa. The ruins carry a special charm, yield beautiful photos and have a beautiful view of the city. The structure of the old mansion is still here, but mixed with renovation works that added a contemporary look to the place.
It is ideal for relaxing and contemplating the views of the center and Guanabara Bay. A cultural event also takes place here, as the Park’s Cultural Center has free programming, with exhibitions, children’s theaters, circus performances and music. There is even special programming for children on weekends.
Miner’s Bar
One of the most iconic in the neighborhood! O Miner’s Bar is famous for feijoada, feijoada cake, feijoada cake. It’s right in the heart of the neighborhood, and since 1992, when it opened, it’s been an attraction not only for its good food, but also for the artwork hanging on the wall.
But, perhaps, the most interesting is Mr. Diógenes, the “Mineiro”, owner who is always at the bar telling a thousand “stories” and stories of life and Santa Teresa. Unmissable.
ride a cable car
It’s not so out of the ordinary, but it’s definitely a classic and enjoyable tour of Santa Teresa. Inaugurated in 1896, it already circulated as a means of transport throughout the city, but from 1968 onwards, only the line that connected the Center to Santa Teresa resisted – thankfully!
Today the yellow cable car it is part of the collective imagination when thinking about the neighborhood and is an opportune chance to get to know various points of Santa Teresa. It passes through Largo do França, Guimarães and Curvelo, main points in the neighborhood and costs R$ 20, and is open every day – including holidays. It is an icon and a history alive in the streets of Rio.
stroll through the streets
Finally, strolling through the streets of the neighborhood, with its old mansions built for high society, is another ideal program to do in Santa Teresa. It is here that we can see posts, walls and houses painted with the most varied images. Colourful, pulsating and alive, the arts reflect the captivating soul of the neighborhood.
*About Karina Procopio
Karina is a business administrator and created the “Travel is the Reason” in the pandemic, an Instagram profile where he shares travel tips and experiences with his followers. A resident of Santa Teresa, she also organizes Santa Experiência, a project in which she opens the doors of her home for a hearty breakfast before taking passengers through the main points of the neighborhood.
Source: CNN Brasil
