Centro Histórico Embu das Artes
A charming historic town near São Paulo, famous for its vibrant weekend art fair, unique handicrafts, and outlet shopping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant art fair atmosphere
Centro Histórico Embu das Artes
Best Time
Vibrant art fair atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming historic town near São Paulo, famous for its vibrant weekend art fair, unique handicrafts, and outlet shopping.
"Perfect place to visit on a Sunday; many artisans selling jewelry, leather goods, clothing and household items."
🎯 Arrive Early for Fair
Beat the crowds and snag the best artisan finds by arriving at the weekend fair before noon. :moneybag:
🚌 Public Transport Friendly
Easily accessible from São Paulo via metro/train and bus. A great budget-friendly day trip option. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Feira de Artesanato
Centro Histórico
A bustling weekend market showcasing unique jewelry, leather goods, clothing, and art from local artisans.
Outlet BBB
Various locations
Discover discounted fashion, home goods, and makeup from popular brands at surprisingly affordable prices.
Capela de São Lázaro
Centro Histórico
A historic chapel offering a glimpse into the town's past with its simple yet significant architecture.
Viela das Lavadeiras
Centro Histórico
A charming, narrow street known for its picturesque setting and often featured in photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekend Art & Craft Fair
Getting There by Public Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Fair
Beat the crowds and snag the best artisan finds by arriving at the weekend fair before noon. :moneybag:
🚌 Public Transport Friendly
Easily accessible from São Paulo via metro/train and bus. A great budget-friendly day trip option. :bus:
🛍️ Outlet Shopping Deals
Hunt for bargains at the BBB outlet for fashion and home goods. Great for budget-conscious shoppers. :shirt:
🚶♀️ Explore Charming Streets
Wander through the historic center's cobblestone streets and discover hidden gems. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Fair
Beat the crowds and snag the best artisan finds by arriving at the weekend fair before noon. :moneybag:
🚌 Public Transport Friendly
Easily accessible from São Paulo via metro/train and bus. A great budget-friendly day trip option. :bus:
🛍️ Outlet Shopping Deals
Hunt for bargains at the BBB outlet for fashion and home goods. Great for budget-conscious shoppers. :shirt:
🚶♀️ Explore Charming Streets
Wander through the historic center's cobblestone streets and discover hidden gems. :camerawithflash:
☕ Enjoy Local Cafes
Take a break at one of the many charming cafes for a coffee and a snack. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Embu das Artes for its vibrant weekend art fair, diverse handicrafts, and charming historic center, making it a delightful day trip from São Paulo. The outlet shopping and variety of food options are also highlights. However, some find a lack of variety in stalls and repetitive items at the fair.
"Perfect place to visit on a Sunday; many artisans selling jewelry, leather goods, clothing and household items. Lots of shops with furniture, specialty food items and restaurants too. My only complaint is there are many repeat stalls selling the same items and most with same prices, so might be la king in variety. You can even find a street with pets, plants and gardening items. I loved the hand painted murals on all the buildings!"
Maria McCabe
"Plenty to see buy and eat a must while you're in Brazil"
Rob the Foodie
"Amazing place 40 minutes outside Sao Paulo. Find everything, from the mass produced to artisanal. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings made by indigenous Brazilians using materials such as "pau brasil" the wood Brazil is named for. It is of a reddish color resembling live embers, hence the name. Their creations are exquisite and beautiful. Also find bags, backpacks in authentic local leather, fashion from India(they are gone global); hammocks in beautiful colors, art both traditional and abstract. And most impressive, a street painter who uses a plastic white dinner plate to create amazingly beautiful nature scenes in just about 20 minutes or less. Musicians performing Brazil's vibrant sounds undiluted samba. The crowds are truly representative of Brasil's multicultural and multicolored population. Definitely worth the trip from the Americanized/Europenized parts of Sao Paulo"
Maria Pereira
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Embu das Artes from São Paulo using public transport. Take the metro to the Capão Redondo station and then catch a bus (e.g., 056) to the city center. Alternatively, some routes involve a train ride followed by a bus. The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Driving to Embu das Artes is straightforward, with the city located about 30 kilometers from São Paulo. Parking can be found in designated areas, especially near the historic center, though it might be limited during peak weekend hours.
The travel time to Embu das Artes from São Paulo is approximately 30-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic. By public transport, it can take around 1 to 1.5 hours.
While there might not be direct intercity buses, you can connect via metro and local bus lines. For example, taking the metro to Capão Redondo and then a bus is a common route.
Yes, Embu das Artes is an excellent day trip destination from São Paulo, offering a blend of art, culture, and shopping, all within a short travel distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The historic center of Embu das Artes and its main attractions, like the art fair, are generally free to enter. You only pay for any purchases you make or for food and drinks at restaurants and cafes.
The art and handicraft fair in Embu das Artes typically runs on weekends and holidays. On Saturdays, it's usually open from 9 AM to 7 PM, and on Sundays and holidays, from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Most attractions in Embu das Artes, such as the art fair and exploring the historic streets, do not require tickets. However, some museums, like the Museu de Arte Sacra dos Jesuítas, may have an admission fee.
Absolutely! Wandering through the historic center, browsing the art fair, and enjoying the street art are all free activities. Many of the shops and galleries are also free to enter.
Shops in the historic center generally open on weekends and holidays to coincide with the fair. Some may also open on weekdays, but it's best to check individual shop hours if you plan a weekday visit.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Embu das Artes is renowned for its diverse handicrafts, including intricate jewelry, leather goods, wooden furniture, sculptures, ceramics, paintings, and textiles. You can find both mass-produced items and unique artisanal creations.
The 'Outlet BBB' is a popular spot for finding discounted items from well-known brands, including fashion, home decor, and makeup. It's a great place for bargain hunters.
Yes, you can find many unique souvenirs, such as jewelry made with 'pau brasil' wood, handcrafted leather bags, indigenous art, and custom-made decorative items.
Prices can vary significantly. While some artisanal pieces can be expensive, you can also find affordable items, especially at the weekend fair and the Outlet BBB. Haggling might be possible for some handcrafted goods.
Yes, the fair and various shops offer a wide range of clothing, from casual wear and accessories to more unique fashion pieces. The Outlet BBB is also a good source for discounted apparel.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Embu das Artes offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Brazilian cuisine and regional specialties to cafes and snack bars. You can find restaurants serving dishes like 'baião de dois' and 'costela de chão'.
Yes, many restaurants are family-friendly. Places like Sítio Cana do Reino offer a rustic dining experience with wood-fired cooking, and others provide live music on weekends, creating a pleasant atmosphere for all ages.
While not always explicitly advertised, many restaurants offer vegetable-based dishes or can adapt meals to be vegetarian or vegan upon request. It's always best to ask your server.
Meal prices can range from affordable snacks and cafe items to more substantial meals at restaurants. Expect to pay around R$30-R$70 per person for a main course at a mid-range restaurant.
Yes, numerous cafes and snack bars are scattered throughout the historic center, perfect for a quick coffee, pastry, or light snack while exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire historic center is very photogenic, with its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and the art fair. Don't miss the Viela das Lavadeiras, the Capela de São Lázaro, and the hand-painted murals on buildings.
Absolutely. The vibrant atmosphere of the art fair, the diverse crowd, street musicians, and the unique architecture provide excellent opportunities for street photography.
Generally, artisans are happy for you to take photos of their work, especially if you are a potential customer. It's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up shots of individuals.
The Museu de Arte Sacra dos Jesuítas and the Capela de São Lázaro offer historical context and unique architectural elements that are great for photography, capturing the town's past.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer beautiful soft light for photography. Weekends during the fair are lively but can be crowded, while weekdays offer a more serene photographic experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a unique family experience, consider visiting the Cidade das Abelhas (Bee City), a thematic park that combines an apiary with a mini-park, offering an educational and fun outing. It's a great way to introduce children to nature and the world of bees in an engaging way.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for affordable food options like street snacks or cafes, and take advantage of the Outlet BBB for discounted shopping. Many of the artisanal crafts, while beautiful, can be pricey, so focus on smaller items or enjoy window shopping if on a tight budget.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Beyond the fair, explore the numerous galleries and antique shops scattered throughout the historic center. The Museu de Arte Sacra dos Jesuítas provides a historical perspective on art in the region, while the general ambiance of the town, with its artistic murals and charming streets, inspires creativity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Craft Fair Experience
Many creators highlight the diversity of items available, noting that while some pieces are mass-produced, there's also a significant presence of truly artisanal work, including items made from 'pau brasil' wood, a material that gives Brazil its name. The atmosphere is lively, often accompanied by street musicians playing samba and other Brazilian rhythms, adding to the sensory experience.
To make the most of the fair, it's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid the largest crowds and have the best selection. Be prepared to browse, as the sheer volume of stalls can be overwhelming, but the reward is finding those special pieces that capture the spirit of Embu das Artes.
Shopping Beyond the Fair: Outlets and Antiques
Beyond the outlets, the historic center is dotted with antique shops and galleries. These establishments offer a different kind of treasure hunt, where you might find vintage furniture, decorative items, and unique collectibles. Wandering through these shops provides a glimpse into different eras and styles, complementing the contemporary art found at the fair.
For those looking for specific items, the variety ensures there's something for everyone. From everyday wear and gifts to decorative pieces for the home, Embu das Artes caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets, making it a comprehensive shopping destination.
Exploring Embu's Historical and Cultural Roots
The Museu de Arte Sacra dos Jesuítas further delves into this historical narrative, housing sacred art that reflects the region's colonial past. While the main draw for many is the vibrant art fair, these historical sites provide a deeper understanding of Embu's evolution from its indigenous and Jesuit origins to its current status as an artistic hub.
Walking through the cobblestone streets, you can still feel echoes of its past. The Viela das Lavadeiras (Washerwomen's Alley) is a picturesque spot that evokes a bygone era, and the overall ambiance of the historic center, with its charming architecture and narrow lanes, transports visitors to a different time.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit