Elevado Presidente Joao Goulart

Elevado Presidente Joao Goulart, commonly known as Minhocão, is a controversial elevated highway in central São Paulo that transforms into a vibrant public park on weekends and holidays. During weekdays, it serves as a major thoroughfare for cars, but from 7 PM on Fridays until 7 AM on Mondays, and on public holidays, the road closes to traffic and opens to pedestrians, cyclists, and skaters. This unique urban space stretches about 3.5 kilometers, offering panoramic views of the city's skyline and a chance to experience São Paulo from an unusual vantage point. The park features pop-up food stalls, street art, live music, and impromptu gatherings, making it a lively social hub. Locals and visitors alike come to jog, bike, or simply stroll while enjoying the open air. The elevated structure itself is a concrete behemoth, and its transformation reflects São Paulo's creative use of infrastructure for recreation. Despite ongoing debates about its future, Minhocão remains a symbol of the city's adaptive urban culture.

Don't miss

• Walk or bike along the car-free highway with city views
• Enjoy street art and murals on nearby buildings
• Sample local snacks from food vendors
• Join spontaneous dance or music performances

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Elevado Presidente Joao Goulart

Cheapest way inVisit São Paulo with a local guide4.8★ · 128 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →Best full dayAmazing Waterfalls of the Amazon - Presidente Figueiredo4.4★ · 152 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$90 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleWalking Tour São Paulo Center: Historical Process Of The Largest City in Brazil5★ · 24 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$113 per personSee dates →

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How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Check the official closure schedule, it's closed to cars on weekends and holidays only.
• Bring sunscreen and water, as there is little shade.
• Bike rentals are available nearby if you don't have your own.
• The best photo spots are near the middle of the route, where the skyline opens up.

A bit of history

The Minhocão was inaugurated in 1971 during the military dictatorship to ease traffic, but it quickly became controversial for its noise and shadow. Over time, community activism led to its weekend closure as a park, a practice formalized in the 2000s.