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

Walking Tour del Rei

Walking Tour del Rei

€13
per adult
Walking Tour del Rei
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

€16
per adult
Walking Tour Alleys of Tiradentes
3-Day Historical Tour from Rio to Minas Gerais' Gold Route

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

€4,972
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

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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 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 Brazilian Expeditionary Force Museum.

Colônia do Marçal

While Colônia do Marçal may 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 may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Museu Ferroviário and Sao Joao del Rei Municipal Theater.

Jardim Central

While there might not be top attractions in Jardim Central, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Museu Ferroviário and Sao Joao del Rei Municipal Theater.

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

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

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.16 kilometres from central São João del Rei is Sao Joao del Rei Centro and Jardim Central is 2 kilometres 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 neighbourhoods, 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.