What 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.

São João del Rei Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that São João del Rei has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to São João del Rei, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to São João del Rei with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in São João del Rei

São João del Rei is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in São João del Rei, and make it a breeze to explore São João del Rei and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in São João del Rei to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to São João del Rei, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in São João del Rei.

São João del Rei attractions

São João del Rei has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in São João del Rei to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of São João del Rei.

Looking for things to do in São João del Rei can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of São João del Rei or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to São João del Rei attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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

£14
per adult
Walking Tour Alleys of Tiradentes
Walking Tour del Rei

Walking Tour del Rei

£11
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

£4,292
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

9.2/10 (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. 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 Solar da Baronesa de Itaverava.

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 Sao Joao del Rei Municipal Theater and Museu Ferroviário.

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 Sao Joao del Rei Municipal Theater.

Fábricas

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

Bonfim

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Bonfim and surrounding area, you can visit Sao Joao del Rei Municipal Theater and Regional Museum.

 

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.

 

 

Day trip destinations from São João del Rei

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

Tiradentes

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 kms (0.10 miles) from central São João del Rei is Sao Joao del Rei Centro and Jardim Central is 2 kms (1 mile) 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.