Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro

The Santa Teresa neighborhood is like a town of its own inside historic Rio. The district occupies a hill in the heart of the city and opens to a magnificent view over Rio. For decades it has preserved its old architecture from colonial Portugal and retains a bit of history on every corner.

The neighborhood came to be around the Santa Teresa Convent, built in the 1750s, on the Desterro hill. At the end of the 19th century, it became an area for the upper class, covered by its numerous mansions, many of which are still standing on the hill. Its narrow, winding streets are also home to the old trams – the only ones still running in Brazil, which give the neighborhood an added peculiar attraction.

Why You Should Visit:
Ideal if you're looking for a village-feel experience! Historic mansions and street art are the highlight but you will also find good restaurants, a few cafés, and crafts shops.