Escadaria Selarón | Selaron Steps

I came here twice, solely because it was so ridiculously busy the first time I thought it deserved a second go. The first was on a Saturday around 12. It was so insanely busy you could barely move let alone get any sort of pictures or enjoyment. The second was on a Monday around 10:30 it was still very busy but far less people. You could walk without getting in the way of to many people's photos and find a spot to take your own. Well the stairs are very beautiful, and it is completely free. I wouldn't say it is an absolute must see. If it's a stop on your tour, or nearby where you're staying I think go for it. But I wouldn't go out of my way to see it.
Izzy Edey - 2 weeks ago

As stairs they work like 99% of the time. I saw a few people struggle but I dont think we can blame the architects. Really busy most of the time when I was there but that's probably because someone decorated them with some really lovely tiles. I didnt get a guided tour (because if I'm honest I have used many stairs in my lifetime and feel somewhat of an expert so didn't want to pay someone to teach me what my parents did many moons ago, ie, how to walk up, and not showing off here, but also down steps)... anyway with a lack of tour guide on my excursion to the stack of steps I was left guessing at why the steps were decorated so. Various stickers have bewn added and I dont think they convey much of a message. Highlight: the do not cycle sign. Really added some clarity to the safety of the stairs. I fear that too many people have come a croppa due to not realising that stairs are not in fact ideal terrain for the bicycle. I dread to think of the injuries and I hope minimal fatalities that occurred before the instalation of this sign. It does need a bit of a redo, it's red colour is fading thus endangering it's ongoing completion of its sacred task. If I'm honest making it larger might also help make it more visible for those dare devil cyclists who dont see all the small signs designed to help them on their environmentally friendly endeavours. Conclusion: lovely stairs, fairly well organised with minimal disparity between step height and depth. Worth a visit just expect crowds and as a pedestrian you should always keep an eye out for the cyclist but here you should be able to relax in the knowledge that they have installed the correct signage to protect you, whilst you too, wonder why someone has decorated these steps. As a final thought, probably best to start at the bottom for best and ease of viewing pleasure. If you so happen to start at the top, make sure you look over your shoulder or you might miss lots of the decoration someone or one's have painstakingly added to the steps. Furthermore to my final thought, if you are going to attempt the stairs on a bike, probably best to start at the top because stairs in general and these in particular are definitely designed to make cycling up them, somewhat more difficult than going down (which might just be slightly bumpy depending on the diameter of your wheel, suspension and tyre air pressure; check your tyres for the most idea air pressure as it is usually printed on the side. Also make sure if the grip is worn down these stairs, being made of slippy tile have minimal grip so definitely have fresh tyres on). For pedestrians, be careful in the rain.
Samuel Evans - a week ago

The stairs themselves are stunning but the sheer number of people trying to pose on them makes it overwhelming and takes away from the art. Go early or in the rain for the best chance at a decent view. The street leading up to the steps is full of souvenir stalls that are actually pretty well priced compared to the same stuff at Christ the Redeemer or Ipanema.
Maris Cockrell - a month ago

Easy to miss if you're going from up top. The stair view can be enjoyed from tje bottom only. They're located on a 5-10 minute walk from the cathedral and are definitely worth a visit.
Filip Mishevski - a month ago

Avoid peak hours after 9 am, come early in the morning of you can. Otherwise it's almost impossible to take a clean photo at the iconic step with the crowd and people waiting in line to take turn. But if you are in Rio, you have to come here.
Fahmey Eusoff - a week ago