Things To Do
in São João del Rei
São João del Rei is a well-preserved colonial town in Minas Gerais, set among rolling green hills and linked by scenic rail routes. Its cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and pastel façades tell a history of gold wealth and religious devotion. The city serves as a gateway to nearby Tiradentes and the Serra da Mantiqueira, offering charming plazas, lively cultural events, and easy day trips.
Visitors can wander through history, enjoy local cuisine, and soak up a quintessentially Brazilian small-town atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Brazilian pão de queijo. Afterward, immerse yourself in the rich history of São João del Rei by visiting the stunning Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, known for its intricate Baroque architecture. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the colonial buildings adorned with vibrant colors.
Head to the Museu Regional for a deeper understanding of the region's history, where you can see artifacts dating back to the colonial period. After your museum visit, enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, trying local specialties like feijão tropeiro. Spend your afternoon visiting the iconic Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, with its beautiful altarpieces and serene atmosphere.
As the sun sets, wander to the Praça Dom Helvécio, where you can relax and enjoy the view of historic buildings bathed in warm light. For dinner, indulge in a traditional Minas Gerais meal at a local tavern, complemented by a glass of cachaça. Conclude your evening with a stroll through the square, listening to live music or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Begin your day at the bustling Mercado Municipal, where you can sample fresh fruits and regional delicacies while mingling with locals. Engage with vendors to learn about traditional foods and crafts, and perhaps pick up some handmade souvenirs. Don't forget to try a cup of locally brewed coffee to kickstart your day.
After exploring the market, take a short walk to the nearby Praça da Estação, where you can explore the historic train station and its charming surroundings. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, where you can try the famous pão de queijo and other regional delights. Spend the afternoon visiting artisan shops, where skilled craftsmen showcase their talents in pottery and textiles.
As evening falls, return to the Mercado Municipal for a vibrant food market experience, where you can taste various street foods. Join in the lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter as you sample dishes from various food stalls. Wrap up your evening with a stroll along the picturesque streets, soaking in the local culture and community spirit.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-14 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🥗Lunch for two | $20-40 |
| 🚕Taxi or rideshare ride (short trip) | $3-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich colonial architecture and a walkable historic core
- Excellent day trips to Tiradentes and nearby hill views
- Warm Minas Gerais hospitality and hearty regional cuisine
- Limited English beyond main tourist spots
- Hilly terrain with cobblestones can be challenging for mobility
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Desculpe" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does this cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Eu não falo português muito bem" - I don’t speak Portuguese very well
- "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Saúde" - Cheers / Bless you
Places to Visit in São João del Rei
Visit one of these nice places.
Cobbled lanes and color-washed colonial façades glow in early morning light, offering classic architectural photography moments.
The old railway station and surrounding tracks provide nostalgic rail-era photography with vintage vibes and documentary potential.
Food in São João del Rei
São João del Rei Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty mix of beans, manioc flour, bacon, sausage, and eggs, often served with rice, collard greens, and a fried egg on top.
Must-Try!
Cheese bread made with cassava flour; fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Fresh Minas cheese, commonly enjoyed with guava jam or pão and coffee as a light bite or dessert accompaniment.
A creamy bean dish blended with corn meal, typically served with a side of greens or fried eggs.
Rich milk caramel confection; often paired with queijo or used in pastries and sweets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional market offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, pão de queijo, and snacks; great for sampling street food and ingredients to cook at your stay.
Casual stalls around the historic center offer pastel, coxinha, churros, and seasonal fruit drinks; ideal for a quick bite while sightseeing.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple hello (Olá) and a handshake or a kiss on the cheek in familiar circles; addressing people as senhor/senhora (sir/madam) in formal situations is common.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites; remove hats indoors where requested and keep voices respectful in sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in São João del Rei
Ensure a smooth experience
If a service charge is not included, leaving about 5-10% for average service is common; for excellent service, 10-15% is appreciated. In bars or cafes, tipping for good service is customary but discreet.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops; cash is handy for markets and small vendors. PIX (a popular instant payment method in Brazil) is commonly used for quick transfers and some merchants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot daytime temperatures with frequent afternoon rain showers; carry a light layer and a compact umbrella. Outdoor plans do well in the mornings and late afternoons.
Milder temperatures and drier days; comfortable for long strolls and hilltop viewpoints. Great season for photography with softer light.
Cool to cool-dry nights; mornings can be chilly. Layered clothing is recommended for daytime and evening activities.
Pleasant temperatures with blooming trees; ideal for outdoor exploration, markets, and street photography.
São João del Rei at Night
Hiking in São João del Rei
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate day hike through hillside trails with panoramic valley views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Longer hikes offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and towns, suitable for experienced hikers.
Airports
How to reach São João del Rei by plane.
Main international gateway for the region; about 180-200 km by road; frequent connections to major Brazilian cities and international destinations.
Regional airport serving the Juiz de Fora area; closer than CNF with lesser traffic and fewer international routes.
Smaller regional facility serving the interior; useful for certain domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Universities and language schools bring a youthful energy to the historic center, with cafes and study spaces.
Residents who maintain traditional crafts, markets, and religious and cultural celebrations.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the dominant sport, with local clubs and community matches shaping weekend activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting São João del Rei.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options like feijão tropas (without meat), grilled vegetables, polenta, and queijo Minas. Ask for dishes without lard or meat and consider substituting meat with eggs or cheese for protein.