Skip to main content
Sign In
Centro Histórico de Embu das Artes. cultural center in Embu das Artes, SP
Photo: Google
View of Centro Histórico de Embu das Artes. in Embu das Artes, SP
Photo: Google
View of Centro Histórico de Embu das Artes. in Embu das Artes, SP
Photo: Google

Centro Histórico de Embu das Artes.

4.7(6,481 reviews)Activity
🕑 3 to 4 hours👶 Best for ages 5 and up. Older children and teens will appreciate the art workshops and cultural exhibits, while younger kids enjoy the colorful street performances and open-air market atmosphere. Toddlers can explore but may tire quickly from walking on cobblestone streets.

About

Centro Histórico de Embu das Artes is a vibrant cultural hub where families can explore Brazilian arts, crafts, and heritage through hands-on workshops and colorful street markets. This charming historic center combines colonial architecture with a lively artisan scene, offering kids the chance to watch craftspeople at work and participate in creative activities while parents browse unique handmade souvenirs.

Highlights

  • Weekend artisan fair with hundreds of colorful stalls selling handmade toys, crafts, and art
  • Interactive workshops where kids can try painting, pottery, or traditional Brazilian crafts
  • Street performers and musicians creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere
  • Beautiful colonial architecture and historic churches to explore
  • Local food vendors offering traditional Brazilian treats like pastéis and fresh fruit

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Visit on weekends when the famous artisan fair takes over the streets with hundreds of vendors selling crafts, paintings, and handmade toys that kids love to browse.
  2. 2.Bring cash in Brazilian reais as many street vendors and small workshops don't accept credit cards or foreign currency.
  3. 3.Wear comfortable walking shoes as the historic center features cobblestone streets that can be challenging for strollers.
  4. 4.Stop by the tourist information center near Largo 21 de Abril to ask about free family workshops, which often run on weekends.
  5. 5.Arrive early morning (9-10am on weekends) to enjoy the market before crowds peak and the afternoon heat intensifies.

Best Time to Visit

Weekends, especially Sundays, offer the fullest experience with the famous artisan fair in full swing. Visit in the morning between 9am and noon for pleasant temperatures, thinner crowds, and the best selection of crafts before popular items sell out.

What to Know

Entry to the historic center and most cultural spaces is free, though individual workshops may charge small fees. Street parking can be challenging on busy weekends, so arrive early or use paid parking lots on the outskirts. Many small cafes and food stalls dot the area, serving traditional Brazilian snacks perfect for hungry kids.

Seasonal Notes

The venue is open year-round, with the artisan fair running every weekend. June features special Festa Junina celebrations with traditional music, dance, and food that kids especially enjoy. Avoid visiting during heavy rain season (January to March) as the outdoor market may be limited and cobblestone streets become slippery.

Nearby Eats

Try Empório da Vila for kid-friendly Brazilian cuisine in a casual setting, or grab traditional pastéis (fried pastries) and coxinhas from street vendors throughout the historic center for an authentic local experience.

More Activities Near Embu das Artes

Ice Cream

Sorveteria Saraiva Mendes

$

Sorveteria Saraiva Mendes is a beloved neighborhood gelateria in the charming artistic town of Embu das Artes, perfect for families looking to cool down with authentic Brazilian ice cream. This local favorite offers artisanal flavors that go beyond typical options, giving kids a delicious taste of Brazilian culture in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Restaurant

Pizzaria e Café Famiglia

$$

Pizzaria e Café Famiglia offers a welcoming escape for traveling families in the artistic town of Embu das Artes. With a dedicated kids menu and relaxed vibe, this casual pizzeria takes the stress out of dining out with children, making it perfect for unwinding after exploring the local craft markets and colonial streets.

Amusement Park

Sítio do Pica Pau Amarelo Theme Park

$$$

Sítio do Pica Pau Amarelo Theme Park brings Brazil's most cherished children's literature to life, offering families a magical immersion into stories that have captivated generations of Brazilian children. While the characters and tales may be unfamiliar to international visitors, the park's enchanting attractions, colorful settings, and universal themes of adventure and imagination create a delightful cultural experience that transcends language barriers.

Playground

Jardim Liberdade

Free

Jardim Liberdade is a modern, well-maintained playground in the artistic town of Embu das Artes that offers English-speaking families a chance to experience local Brazilian playground culture. With climbing structures, swings, and slides, this free community park provides a perfect spot for kids to burn energy while parents enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this charming São Paulo suburb.