Things to Do in Petropolis

Neo-Gothic cathedral and final resting place of Emperor Pedro II and his family. The stained-glass windows and marble altar are striking, and it's a calm spot in the city centre.

🕐 Mon-Fri 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00; Sat 08:00-12:00; Sun 09:00-12:00

💡 Visit during a weekday morning to have the place almost to yourself. The crypt with the imperial tombs is open to the public and free.

An open-air street market held on weekends along Avenida Getúlio Vargas. It sells local crafts, cheese, honey, and cachaça, plus snacks like pastel and caldo de cana.

🕐 Sat 09:00-17:00; Sun 09:00-14:00

💡 Go on Sunday morning for the best selection and fewer tourists. The handmade lace and wooden toys are good souvenirs, and prices are negotiable if you buy multiple items.

Former summer residence of Brazilian presidents, built in 1889. It now operates as a museum with period furniture and temporary exhibitions about presidential history.

🕐 Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00

💡 It's small and can be seen in 30 minutes. Check if the guided tour is running—it adds context about the building's role during the Vargas era.

The former summer palace of Emperor Pedro II, now a museum showcasing imperial furniture, jewels, and the crown. The building and gardens are in the centre of Petrópolis.

🕐 Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00; closed Mon

💡 Entry to the museum costs R$10 on most days, but the gardens and exterior are always free. For free interior access, visit on the first Wednesday of each month, when it's open to all without charge.

A large nature park with well-marked trails through Atlantic Forest, waterfalls, and viewpoints. Good for hiking and birdwatching, about 10 minutes by car from the centre.

🕐 Tue-Sun 08:00-17:00

💡 Arrive early (by 8am) to secure a parking spot and avoid crowds. The trail to Cachoeira do Palácio is the easiest and ends at a waterfall where you can swim.