Piracicaba combines urban attractions with a picturesque riverside setting. Visit local history museums, relax in waterfront parks and get lost in bustling Brazilian markets. The Rio Piracicaba flows past the city and provides a picturesque backdrop for walking, cycling and picnics.
Things to do in Piracicaba
The past and present collide at Engenho Central, a 19th-century sugar mill reimagined as a cultural centre. The historical site is beautifully preserved and offers a glimpse into the city’s agricultural past. Stroll around the flower-filled gardens and check the schedule for festivals, markets and cultural events.
Explore Mercado Municipal de Piracicaba, a bustling market where local vendors sell rainbow-coloured produce. Stock up on Brazilian favourites like acai berries, guava and cupuacu. Food stalls will tempt you with freshly squeezed juices and snacks like “pão de queijo" cheese bread, “mandioca frito" cassava chips and “bolinhos de bacalhau" fried cod cakes.
Visit Museu Histórico e Pedagógico Prudente de Moraes and learn about the first civilian president of Brazil. The museum is housed in the former home of the president and celebrates his life and political legacy. Museu da Água de Piracicaba Francisco Salgot Castillon is another engaging museum housed in a historic pump station. Learn about the city’s water management practices, peer into fish-filled tanks and walk around the palm-shaded grounds.
Ride the elevator up Alto do Mirante, where you’ll unlock panoramic views of Piracicaba. The 24-metre-high lookout is perched on the Caio Tabajara Esteves de Lima bridge and commands sweeping vistas over the Piracicaba River and city skyline.
Getting around Piracicaba
Piracicaba's city centre is easily navigated on foot. Public buses are a fast and affordable way to cover longer distances and visit local sights and attractions. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available for quick and comfortable transport. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore the city and surrounding area at your own pace. Guarulhos International Airport in Sao Paulo is a two-hour drive away.