City edition: Brazil 2 week travel itinerary to see the best cities in Brazil

Brazil, the largest country in South America, offers a dynamic blend of culture, architecture, and urban life that makes it a dream destination for city enthusiasts. This two-week itinerary takes travelers through five of Brazil’s most vibrant cities, starting in São Paulo - the nation’s financial hub and the largest city in South America by population, before heading to the iconic Rio de Janeiro, home to the Christ the Redeemer statue and Copacabana Beach. From there, continue to Belo Horizonte, known for its modernist architecture and the Inhotim Museum, an expansive outdoor art gallery and museum. Next, head to Salvador, the capital of Bahia and the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture with the colonial Pelourinho district and distinct seafood-based cuisine. The journey wraps up in Recife, called the "Venice of Brazil" for its network of waterways and the home of Frevo music, before finally returning to São Paulo.

This itinerary offers an immersive look into Brazil’s diverse urban landscapes, with each city contributing its own distinct food, music, traditions, and culture to the experience.

15-Day Brazil Travel Itinerary: The Ultimate Brazil City Tour

São Paulo → Rio de Janeiro → Belo Horizonte → Salvador → Recife → Sao Paulo 

Days 1–3: Sao Paulo

Read my guide to the 10 best things to do in Sao Paulo Find accommodation deals in Sao Paulo

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Morning: Arrive in São Paulo and check into your hotel. For convenience and walkability, consider staying in the Jardins or Avenida Paulista area. After settling in, head to the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP), one of Latin America’s premier art museums, located in a striking modernist building designed by Lina Bo Bardi. Its collection includes European masters, Brazilian modernists, and African art.

Afternoon: Have lunch on Avenida Paulista, where you’ll find a mix of international and Brazilian cuisine, cafés, and bakeries. Afterwards, browse bookstores, shopping galleries, or simply enjoy the street life and occasional cultural pop-ups along the avenue.

Head back to your hotel to freshen up, then in the late afternoon, make your way to Vila Madalena to explore Beco do Batman, an open-air gallery of street art that has become one of São Paulo’s most iconic urban attractions.

Evening: After exploring Dine in Vila Madalena, where creative Brazilian cuisine and a lively bar scene await.

Day 2: Markets, History, and Rooftop Views

Morning: Begin your day at the Pinacoteca do Estado, located in the Luz district. This renowned museum houses a significant collection of Brazilian art, both modern and historical.

Afternoon: Afterwards, walk 15 minutes to the Mercado Municipal de São Paulo, a bustling food market known for its high ceilings and stained glass. Here, enjoy a casual lunch - don’t miss the famous mortadella sandwich or pastel de bacalhau (codfish pastry).

From the market, walk to the Centro Histórico. Visit Catedral da Sé, São Paulo’s largest cathedral, and explore the surrounding historical landmarks such as Pátio do Colégio, the city’s birthplace in 1554. The area offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial and early republican past.

Evening: Walk 5-10 minutes from the cathedral to Liberdade, São Paulo’s Japanese and East Asian district. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant and stroll through the area’s lantern-lit streets, filled with specialty shops and cultural charm.

Head back to the hotel to freshen up. Cap the night with drinks at Skye Bar on the rooftop of Hotel Unique. The rooftop offers sweeping views of the São Paulo skyline and a sophisticated atmosphere.

Day 3: Parks, Museums, and Performing Arts

Morning to Afternoon: Spend the day at Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo’s most beloved urban park. Designed by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx and architect Oscar Niemeyer, the park is a cultural hub as well as a green retreat. Key attractions include:

• Museu Afro Brasil – Showcasing Afro-Brazilian history, culture, and art.

• Museu de Arte Contemporânea (MAC) – Located nearby, featuring modern and contemporary works.

• Oca – A dome-shaped cultural space for rotating exhibitions.

• Auditório Ibirapuera – An architectural gem and performance venue.

You can spend several hours visiting these institutions or simply relaxing by the lakes and tree-lined paths.

Evening: Conclude your trip with a night at the Theatro Municipal, one of Brazil’s grandest performance venues. Whether attending a symphony, opera, or ballet, the building itself is adorned with marble, stained glass, and gold leaf, and is a cultural highlight in its own right. Be sure to check the performance schedule in advance and reserve tickets if needed.

Days 4–7: Rio de Janeiro

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Day 4: Arrival in Rio and Coastal Icons

Morning: Take a quick flight or early-morning bus (6+ hours) to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, check into your hotel - ideally located near Ipanema or Copacabana for easy access to the city’s iconic beaches. If you arrive early, spend some time relaxing on the beach or taking a leisurely walk along the beachfront promenade.

Afternoon: Try feijoada for lunch, a Rio specialty that is only served for lunch. Then head out to visit the Museu do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow), an innovative science museum housed in a dramatic, futuristic building by Santiago Calatrava. Stroll along the revitalized Orla Conde waterfront area, which offers views of Guanabara Bay and public art installations.

Sunset: Just before sunset, catch the cable car to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). The ascent is made in two stages: first to Morro da Urca, then on to the summit of Sugarloaf. Time your visit for sunset, when the city glows beneath you and panoramic views take in Guanabara Bay, the beaches, and the distant silhouette of Christ the Redeemer.

Evening: Head out for dinner. Zazá Bistrô Tropical in Ipanema is known for its inventive tropical cuisine and bohemian atmosphere housed in a charming blue colonial house. If you feel like a drink afterwards, head to Leblon to Liz Cocktail Co, or head out dancing to Pedra do Sal on Mondays.

Day 5: Christ the Redeemer and Historic Rio

This is a big day of sightseeing! You can also take the stress off by booking a full-day tour to see all of Rio's best sites:

Morning: Start early with a visit to Corcovado Mountain. Take the scenic cog train through the Tijuca Forest to reach the Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Aim to arrive shortly after opening hours to avoid crowds and maximize visibility.

After descending, make your way to Centro and visit the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, a stunning 19th-century library filled with carved wood, stained glass, and thousands of rare Portuguese-language books.

Afternoon: Have lunch in the Centro area, then join a walking tour - either a private guided or one of the many popular free options, to explore downtown Rio’s main cultural and historical sites. Highlights include the Escadaria Selarón (the colorful Selaron Steps), the Arcos da Lapa aqueduct, the Catedral Metropolitana, and more.

Evening: Return to your hotel to rest and change for dinner. Consider dining at a traditional Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue restaurant) such as Churrascaria Palace, where you can enjoy a full rodízio experience with grilled meats and a buffet of sides.

Day 6: Hiking, Nature, and Samba

Morning: Begin the day early with a guided hike up Morro Dois Irmãos, starting in the Vidigal favela. The hike is moderately challenging, culminating in one of Rio’s most breathtaking views overlooking Leblon, Ipanema, and Rocinha, and an incredible sunrise, if you wake up early enough.

If you hiked before sunrise, return for breakfast at Forte de Copa, then spend some time relaxing on the beach.

Afternoon: After lunch, visit the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Gardens), home to towering imperial palm trees, orchid collections, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a stroll. Alternatively, nearby Parque Lage offers scenic gardens, an art school, and a café housed in a colonial mansion with views of Corcovado.

Evening: Head out for a sunset boat trip to explore Guanabara Bay

Afterwards, enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice, then head to Rio Scenarium in Lapa, a vibrant multi-level venue filled with antiques, where you can dance to live samba and soak in the city’s nightlife.

Day 7: Artistic Santa Teresa and Departure to Belo Horizonte

Morning: Spend your final morning in Rio exploring Santa Teresa, the city’s bohemian hillside neighborhood. Walk along its cobbled streets lined with colonial mansions, art studios, and cafés. Visit the Parque das Ruínas, a partially restored mansion turned cultural center with panoramic views over downtown and Guanabara Bay.

Afternoon: Have a late lunch in Santa Teresa. Enjoy the relaxed, artsy vibe of the neighborhood before preparing for your onward journey.

Afternoon/Evening: Travel by flight or bus to Belo Horizonte. If you want to spend a little more time in Rio, you can take a comfortable overnight bus.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel in the Savassi neighborhood, known for its fine dining, nightlife, and boutique shops.

Days 8–10: Belo Horizonte

Check out my full 3-day Belo Horizonte itinerary Find accommodation deals in Belo Horizonte

Day 8: Culture, Cuisine, and Local Markets

Morning: Start your day in  Belo Horizonte with a traditional Minas Gerais breakfast. Try a fresh pão de queijo (cheese bread) and a strong Brazilian coffee at A Pão de Queijaria (map), a local favorite known for its unique stuffed pao de queijo.

After breakfast, head to Praça da Liberdade, a historic square surrounded by palm-lined gardens and elegant architecture. Spend the morning exploring the Circuito Liberdade, a cultural complex of museums housed in restored government buildings. Highlights include the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB) with rotating free exhibitions, the Memorial Minas Gerais Vale (focusing on the state's cultural heritage), and the Museu Mineiro, home to religious and historical artifacts from Minas Gerais.

Afternoon: Visit the Mercado Central, one of Belo Horizonte’s most iconic markets. Here, you can taste and buy local products such as cheeses, homemade doce de leite (caramel), regional snacks, and small-batch cachaças. Stock up on your favorites to take home.

Evening: For dinner and drinks, head to Mercado Novo, a mid-century commercial building recently transformed into a lively hub for food, craft beer, and artisanal cocktails. Head up to the top floors and explore the revamped market corridors filled with small eateries and bars. Try regional drinks like Xeque Mate (a mix of rum, guaraná, tea, and lime) and Lambe Lambe (a fruit-based spiked punch).

Day 9: Inhotim Open-Air Museum

Full Day: Take a shuttle bus to Inhotim, the world’s largest open-air contemporary art museum. This unique cultural space blends large-scale art installations with lush botanical gardens across a vast estate. Spend the day walking among sculptures and immersive pavilions. Must-see works include installations by Yayoi Kusama, Olafur Eliasson, and Tunga. With so much to see, pace yourself and stop for lunch at one of the onsite restaurants.

Important: You must book tickets for Inhotim in advance. Entry is free on Wednesdays, but it’s popular, so plan ahead. For practical details like bus times, what to bring, and how to get there, see my guide to Belo Horizonte.

Evening: Return to Belo Horizonte in the early evening. For a relaxed end to your day, stop at Ponto da Picanha, a casual and affordable churrasco (BBQ) restaurant near the museum shuttle drop-off point. It’s a great place to unwind with grilled meats and local sides.

Day 10: Pampulha Lake Architecture

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then head to the Pampulha Modern Ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the pioneering work of architect Oscar Niemeyer. Visit the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, famous for its curved design and azulejo (blue tile) panels by artist Cândido Portinari.

Continue to the Pampulha Art Museum, housed in a modernist building beside the lake. Enjoy a scenic walk along the lakeside promenade, and if time allows, rent a bike or stop at a café for lunch with a view of the water.

Afternoon/Evening: Depart for your flight to Salvador. Upon arrival, check into a cozy pousada in the Barra or Rio Vermelho neighborhoods, both known for their vibrant atmospheres and for being safer areas of the city for visitors to stay.

Head to Rio Vermelho for a late dinner. Grab a bite of acarajé from one of the local street vendors and explore the neighborhood’s cool, laid-back bar scene with live music and caipirinhas.

Days 11–13: Salvador

Read my guide to the 10 best things to do in Salvador Find accommodation deals in Salvador

Day 11: Pelourinho and Capoeira

Morning: Consider joining a walking tour of Pelourinho, the colorful colonial heart of Salvador. Wander cobblestone streets lined with baroque buildings, visit the ornate São Francisco Church, and stop by the Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado to learn about one of Brazil’s most iconic writers. Pop into small galleries and artisan shops for handcrafted souvenirs, and to taste local Cachaca Gabriella, infused with cloves and cinnamon.

You can also catch capoeira performances in one of Pelourinho’s main squares, or, if you're interested in trying it for yourself you can take a class!

Afternoon: Have lunch in Pelourinho, then, head to the Mercado Modelo for some souvenir shopping. Afterwards, head to Porto da Barra for a swim and relax before an exciting evening activity. Don't miss the sunset at the Barra Lighthouse, where there is daily live music and a great atmosphere.

Evening: Head out for a cultural evening of entertainment, full of Capoeira, Samba, and traditional drumming. The event takes place at the historic first Capoeira school in Brazil, founded in 1937 by Mestre Bimba.

Day 12: Explore Salvador's cuisine and culture

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Museu de Arte da Bahia to see a diverse collection focused on the works of Bahian artists, showcasing everything from colonial-era paintings to contemporary masterpieces.

Afternoon: Afterwards, take a short walk to the famous restaurant Dona Suzana, as featured on the Netflix series Street Food: Latin America, for a moqueca lunch. Moqueca is one of Bahia's most iconic dishes, a seafood strew rich with coconut milk and dendê oil.

After your meal, stroll to nearby Gamboa Beach. From there, take a short row-boat ride to Bar da Monica, a beloved local seaside bar. Spend the afternoon relaxing with a cold beer, try their must-try shrimp pastel, take a swim in the ocean, and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the bay.

Evening: After freshening up, head out to hear some live music. Check my Salvador nightlife guide for ideas!

Day 13: Candomblé and local traditions

Morning: Begin the day with a guided cultural tour focused on Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian roots. Visit key historical sites tied to the transatlantic slave trade and African heritage, including the Tororó Dike, where sculptures of orixás (deities) honor Candomblé traditions. You'll also explore an authentic terreiro (Candomblé temple), gaining insight into Afro-Brazilian religions and the spiritual and cultural legacy of African peoples in Bahia.

Afternoon/Evening: Fly to Recife and check into a hotel in Boa Viagem, a beachside area known for its lively promenade and natural tide pools. Head out for a quick dinner upon arrival.

Days 14–15: Recife

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Day 14: Explore Recife Antigo and a Medieval Castle

Morning: After breakfast, head to Recife Antigo, the city’s historic district located on an island at the mouth of the Capibaribe River. Walk along cobbled streets lined with restored colonial buildings, visit Marco Zero Square, the symbolic heart of the city. Stop by the Santa Isabel Theater, the Sao Pedro dos Clerigos Cathedral, and Casa da Cultura, a former prison turned into a craft market, where each cell now houses a small shop selling regional handicrafts.

Optionally, those interested in Carnival culture could visit the Museu Paço do Frevo, a dynamic museum dedicated to frevo, the dance and music style born in Pernambuco’s Carnival.

Afternoon: Have lunch at a scenic riverside restaurant in the city center. In the early afternoon, visit the Instituto Ricardo Brennand, a world-class cultural complex housed in a medieval-style castle. Its collection includes European and Brazilian art, rare books, armor, and sculpture. Note that the museum opens only for a few hours in the afternoons.

Evening: Return to Boa Viagem Beach for a relaxing end to the day. Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant and take a sunset stroll along the palm-lined boardwalk.

Day 15: Day trip to Olinda

Morning: Take a short 20-minute drive north to Olinda, a UNESCO-listed colonial town perched on the hills overlooking Recife. Explore the cobbled streets, colorful 18th-century buildings, and the town’s many ateliers and galleries. Begin at the Casa dos Bonecos Gigantes, home to the giant puppets paraded during Carnival.

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Oficina do Sabor, a renowned restaurant that puts a creative spin on regional flavors like jackfruit, sun-dried beef, and shrimp. Afterward, visit Alto da Sé for panoramic views of Recife and the Atlantic coast. Explore Igreja da Sé and other baroque churches scattered throughout the town, or browse local artisan shops for ceramics and woodwork.

Evening: Transfer to Recife International Airport for your flight out, or head back to Sao Paulo for more flight connections.

More resources for planning your trip

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. For more information on traveling by bus, read my full guide to taking long-distance busses in Brazil.

• Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone

• Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil

• Finally, read this post to find out 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil!