Embu das Artes is a municipality in the State of São Paulo, part of the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, and it has built an identity around its artistic tradition. The Feira de Artes and Artesanato do Embu, launched in the late 1960s, has been drawing visitors and revenue to the city ever since, and the artistic vocation of the place goes back to the santeiro Cássio M'Boy and the circle of artists around him.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself. Embu das Artes sits within the São Paulo metropolitan region, so it can be visited as a day trip from the capital or used as a base in its own right, and the historic centre with the Igreja do Rosário and the arts and crafts fair is the natural anchor for a stay. This guide covers the areas worth considering, what each suits, and how to think about budget, mid-range and splurge options. It does not recommend individual hotels, hostels or guesthouses.
Best areas to stay in Embu das Artes
1. The historic centre and the fair area
The nucleus of the original village, where the Igreja do Rosário was begun in 1690, is the heart of Embu das Artes and the focus of its artistic life. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the arts and crafts fair and the streets where the city's artistic tradition is concentrated, which is the main reason most visitors come.
This area suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants the fair, the church and the historic streets on foot rather than by car. It is also the most convenient base if you are visiting Embu das Artes as a day trip from São Paulo and want to make the most of a short stay. Expect the centre to be busiest when the fair is running, and quieter on other days.
2. The wider municipality, within the São Paulo metropolitan region
Embu das Artes is a municipality in its own right within the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, and staying in its wider area rather than the historic nucleus gives you a quieter, more residential base while keeping the city's sights within reach.
This suits travellers with a car, families, and anyone who prefers space and calm over being in the middle of the fair. The trade-off is that you will need transport to reach the historic centre and the fair, so plan your days around that rather than assuming everything is walkable.
3. São Paulo city, using Embu das Artes as a day trip
Because Embu das Artes forms part of the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, basing yourself in the capital and travelling out for the day is a workable option. You get the full range of accommodation and transport that a large city offers, and you treat Embu das Artes as an excursion rather than a place to sleep.
This suits visitors who are already staying in São Paulo, those who want nightlife and city amenities in the evening, and budget travellers who find more choice in the capital. The practical point is that you will be travelling in and out, so build the journey into your day and check connections before you commit.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple rooms and guesthouse-style accommodation, often in or near the historic centre or in the wider municipality. Book early around fair weekends, when demand is highest.
- Mid-range: comfortable hotels and pousada-style stays with more space and amenities, a good fit for couples and families who want to be close to the fair without paying premium rates.
- Splurge: the largest and most comfortable options are found in São Paulo city, where you can combine a high-end base with a day trip to Embu das Artes. Within Embu das Artes itself, choice at this level is limited.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the historic centre and fair area. It puts the Igreja do Rosário, the arts and crafts fair and the streets that carry the city's artistic tradition within walking distance, which is what most people come to Embu das Artes for. If you are coming from São Paulo, staying in the capital and treating Embu das Artes as a day trip is the simpler alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Is Embu das Artes a good base for visiting São Paulo?
It can work, since Embu das Artes is part of the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, but most visitors do it the other way round: stay in São Paulo and visit Embu das Artes for the day, because the capital offers more accommodation and transport choice.
When is the busiest time to stay in Embu das Artes?
The arts and crafts fair has been drawing visitors to the city since the late 1960s, so expect the historic centre and fair area to be at their busiest when the fair is running. Book ahead for those dates and expect quieter streets at other times.
Do I need a car to stay in Embu das Artes?
If you stay in the historic centre and fair area, you can cover the main sights on foot. If you stay in the wider municipality, you will need transport to reach the centre, so plan accordingly.
What is there to see near the historic centre?
The Igreja do Rosário, begun in 1690, is in the original village nucleus, and the arts and crafts fair is the other main draw. Both are in the same part of the city, which is why the centre is the most practical place to stay.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.