Things to do in São João del Rei

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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

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

$19
per adult
Walking Tour Alleys of Tiradentes
Visit the oldest Engenho in Brazil

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

$7
per adult
Visit the 18th Century Cachaça, Brazil's oldest invention!
Walking Tour del Rei

Walking Tour del Rei

$15
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

$5,690
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

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in São João del Rei? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular São João del Rei attractions

Saint Francis of Assisi Church

9.2/10 (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. Learn more about São João del Rei
Learn more about São João del Rei
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 Brazilian Expeditionary Force Museum.

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 Tiradent's Museum.

Matosinhos

While Matosinhos isn't home to many top sights, Museu Ferroviário and Sao Joao del Rei Municipal Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.

Jardim Central

While Jardim Central isn't home to many top sights, Museu Ferroviário and Sao Joao del Rei Municipal Theater are some notable places to visit nearby.

Panoramic view of the historic center of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Featuring colonial architecture, baroque churches, and red-tiled roofs against a stunning backdrop mountains.

Fábricas

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from São João del Rei

A cobblestone street leading to a historic church with a bell tower and a statue.

Tiradentes

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

Barbacena

A white church with two bell towers and a red roof, surrounded by greenery and a cloudy sky.

Santa Cruz de Minas

A historic church with two bell towers and a statue in front.

Madre de Deus de Minas

A panoramic view of a town nestled in a valley with surrounding hills, featuring a dense cluster of buildings and a prominent church.

Ibertioga

Frequently asked questions

Is São João del Rei worth visiting?
Whether you plan to discover the cultural attractions and local charm or sample unique foods and explore the outdoors, there are many things to do in São João del Rei.
How do I spend a day in São João del Rei?
After you've checked off major attractions like Tiradentes Train Station and Automobile Museum, spend the rest of your day exploring São João del Rei's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in São João del Rei?
You can't go home without visiting Museum of Sacred Art, rated the top tourist attraction in São João del Rei.
Is three days enough to stay in São João del Rei?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off the leading city attractions, such as Museum of Sacred Art, Nossa Senhora do Pilar Cathedral and Automobile Museum. The average stay in São João del Rei is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, Tiradentes isn't far away.
Is São João del Rei a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to do and see in São João del Rei. Several key sights, like Nossa Senhora do Pilar Cathedral and Museu Regional de Sao Joao del-Rei, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of São João del Rei's best neighborhoods, Sao Joao del Rei Centro is 0.1 miles away from downtown, while Jardim Central is 1 mile away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in São João del Rei with kids?
If you're searching for attractions and activities for all ages, we've got some excellent ideas for what to do in São João del Rei with kids.

What to do in São João del Rei for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in São João del Rei, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Tiradent's Museum or Sant'Ana Museum.
Are there free things to do in São João del Rei?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in São João del Rei. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Nossa Senhora do Pilar Cathedral is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.

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