São João del Rei

Travel Guide

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.

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 Yves Alves Cultural Center.

Matosinhos

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

A historic town with a prominent church featuring two bell towers, surrounded by lush green hills and a clear blue sky.

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 Royal Road Automobile Museum.

Pousada Estação do Trem

Pousada Estação do Trem

2.5 out of 5
Rua Maria Tereza, n 45 São João del Rei MG
$53 nightly
The price is $56 total per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
$56 total
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this pousada in São João del Rei. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Museu Ferroviário and Sao Joao del Rei Municipal ...
Pousada Estação do Trem
vereda bike park hotel

vereda bike park hotel

3 out of 5
R. Padre Machado, 313 São João del Rei MG
$58 nightly
The price is $61 total per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
$61 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in São João del Rei. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Tancredo Neves Memorial and Railway Museum are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (26 reviews)
"Boa estadia, mas falta de tomadas o quarto, o hotel parece um sítio, mas precisa de um pouco de manutenção. Bom café da manhã, silêncio e calmaria. Dá a impressão de estarmos numa fazenda angiga, esquecida no tempo."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026

vereda bike park hotel
Residência Balestra

Residência Balestra

2.5 out of 5
Avenida Governador Israel Pinheiro Sao Joao del Rei MG
$30 nightly
The price is $34 total per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$34 total
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly B&B in São João del Rei. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Museum of Sacred Art ...
Residência Balestra
See all 244 properties in São João del Rei
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Casa Aconchegante em Sao joao del Rei

Casa Aconchegante em Sao joao del Rei

3 out of 5
R. Domingos Eugenio dos Reis, 232 São João del Rei MG
Stay at this vacation home in São João del Rei. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and patios. Popular attractions Museu Regional de Sao Joao del-Rei and Regional ...
Casa Aconchegante em Sao joao del Rei
Vicenza Apart Hotel

Vicenza Apart Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Rua Padre Sacramento 400 São João del Rei
Book a stay at this boutique aparthotel in São João del Rei. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Railway Museum and Museu ...
Vicenza Apart Hotel
Casa Aconchegante em São João del Rei

Casa Aconchegante em São João del Rei

2 out of 5
R. Domingos Eugenio dos Reis São João del Rei MG
Stay at this vacation home in São João del Rei. Enjoy free WiFi and free parking. Popular attractions Museu Regional de Sao Joao del-Rei and Regional Museum ...
Casa Aconchegante em São João del Rei
See all properties in São João del Rei
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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.
See properties

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
Walking Tour del Rei

Walking Tour del Rei

$15
per adult
Walking Tour del Rei
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!
See all activities in São João del Rei

Frequently asked questions

Is São João del Rei worth visiting?
São João del Rei is worth visiting for its historic churches, such as Saint Francis of Assisi Church and Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining options, including Asian and European cuisine, and benefit from convenient train access to explore the area.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in São João del Rei?
The best neighborhoods to explore in São João del Rei depend on what you want to see:


What is São João del Rei known for?
São João del Rei is known for its historical architecture, including the Saint Francis of Assisi Church and Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Travelers can also visit the São João del Rei Municipal Theater, which highlights the city's cultural heritage.
What is a good itinerary length for São João del Rei?
A good itinerary length for São João del Rei is two to three days to explore key attractions like Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Our Lady of Sorrows Church, and the São João del Rei Municipal Theater, perhaps with a Walking Tour del Rei. For an extended stay of three to five days, travelers can delve deeper into São João del Rei Centro or consider the 3-Day Historical Tour from Rio to Minas Gerais' Gold Route. See São João del Rei Activities.
How do you get around São João del Rei?
Travelers can get around São João del Rei using train service, with a central stop at São João del Rei Station. For more flexibility, car rentals are available in the Fábricas neighborhood. Additionally, rideshare services provide a convenient option for exploring the city and its surroundings.
What are the top things to do in and around São João del Rei?
São João del Rei offers travelers a rich history with beautiful architecture and cultural experiences:


How do I plan a trip to São João del Rei?
To plan your trip to São João del Rei, search for hotels in Sao Joao del Rei Centro. Book flights and rental cars in advance, especially if you plan activities like the 3-Day Historical Tour from Rio to Minas Gerais' Gold Route. Explore landmarks such as Saint Francis of Assisi Church and consider a Walking Tour del Rei.
What cuisines can you find in São João del Rei?
In São João del Rei you can find Italian cuisine, with classic dishes like pasta, pizza, lasagna, and creamy risotto. Travelers can also enjoy a variety of other international flavors, including Asian, European, and Latin American options.
Can I book a refundable hotel in São João del Rei?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in São João del Rei by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to São João del Rei with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your São João del Rei trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in São João del Rei?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in São João del Rei can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my São João del Rei trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your São João del Rei trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my São João del Rei trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your São João del Rei trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to São João del Rei?
If it's your first trip to São João del Rei, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my São João del Rei hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your São João del Rei hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near 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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia