Things to do in São João del Rei

Activities, attractions and tours

An old stone bridge with a grassy pathway underneath.
An aerial view of a historic town with a prominent church featuring a bell tower, surrounded by residential buildings and palm trees.
A vintage steam locomotive at a railway station with an arched roof and multiple tracks.
A church with a red door, yellow and white walls, and a bell tower.
An ornate church interior with a large altar, floral arrangements, and rows of wooden pews.

Things to do

Visit the oldest Engenho in Brazil

Visit the 18th Century Cachaça, Brazil's oldest invention!

P421
per adult
Visit the 18th Century Cachaça, Brazil's oldest invention!
Experience a unique experience and get to know the backstage of our true story. Many details, tips, exclusive gifts and curiosities will be guaranteed on the Walking Tour Becos de Tiradentes

Walking Tour Alleys of Tiradentes

P1,130
per adult
Walking Tour Alleys of Tiradentes
Walking Tour del Rei

Walking Tour del Rei

P901
per adult
Walking Tour del Rei
3-Day Historical Tour from Rio to Minas Gerais' Gold Route

3-Day Historical Tour from Rio to Minas Gerais' Gold Route

P345,918
per adult
3-Day Historical Tour from Rio to Minas Gerais' Gold Route
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What to do in São João del Rei

Stay near popular São João del Rei attractions

Saint Francis of Assisi Church

9.2/5 (25 reviews)
After visiting Saint Francis of Assisi Church, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in São João del Rei. Experience the area's museums and festivals.
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Where to stay in São João del Rei

Find the best São João del Rei areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
An ornate church interior with a large altar, floral arrangements, and rows of wooden pews.
Photo by Jock Watson
Open Photo by Jock Watson

Sao Joao del Rei Centro

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Sao Joao del Rei Centro. You might want to make time for a stop at Sao Joao del Rei Municipal Theater or Solar da Baronesa de Itaverava.

Matosinhos

While Matosinhos isn't home to many top sights, Sao Joao del Rei Municipal Theater and Solar da Baronesa de Itaverava are some notable places to visit nearby.

Colônia do Marçal

While Colônia do Marçal might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Royal Road Automobile Museum and Sao Joao del Rei Municipal Theater.

Fábricas

Travelers like the museums in Fábricas, and Tancredo Neves Memorial is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Bonfim

While there might not be top attractions in Bonfim, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sao Joao del Rei Municipal Theater and Solar da Baronesa de Itaverava.

A historic church with two bell towers, a central dome, and a cross at the top.

Barbacena

Frequently asked questions

Is São João del Rei worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to enjoy the local charm and cultural highlights or try regional foods and venture into nature, there are many things to do in São João del Rei.
How do I spend a day in São João del Rei?
Tiradentes Train Station and Museu Ferroviário are two great places to start your getaway adventures. Be sure to check out the retail and dining options in São João del Rei while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in São João del Rei?
The top tourist attraction in São João del Rei is Nossa Senhora do Pilar Cathedral, so make sure to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in São João del Rei?
Three days in São João del Rei is more than enough to visit the city's leading attractions. Many travelers stay for two days on average. Nossa Senhora do Pilar Cathedral, Museum of Sacred Art and Museu Regional de Sao Joao del-Rei are among the top-rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Tiradentes.
Is São João del Rei a walkable city?
Some top attractions in São João del Rei, including Nossa Senhora do Pilar Cathedral and Museu Regional de Sao Joao del-Rei, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometers from central São João del Rei is Sao Joao del Rei Centro and Jardim Central is 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in São João del Rei with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all of your group, check out these great ideas for what to do in São João del Rei with kids.

What to do in São João del Rei for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in São João del Rei for adults including Tiradent's Museum and Sant'Ana Museum.
Are there free things to do in São João del Rei?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in São João del Rei is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without taking your wallet out. Nossa Senhora do Pilar Cathedral is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.