The forest-backed north-western nook of Zona Sul comprising Jardim Botânico and its neighbour Horto is undoubtedly one of the most under-explored and serene corners of the city. Its beautiful homes and leafy streets once more become the focus for art-lovers and nosey-parkers alike when local artists throw open the doors to their homes and studios to the public for the 16th edition of the Circuito das Artes.

A celebration of creativity (and shopping) in all its forms, across the two weekends painters, engravers, photographers and sculptors will be accompanied by music, cookery and theatrical productions all celebrating their glorious little world. Over 50 workshops and studios will display more than 9,000 works of art, all supplemented nicely by the Circuito Gastronômico, itself in its 7th year, with the likes of Lorenzo Bistrô, Bar do Horto and Yumê creating menus to help fuel the foraging

Rodas de samba, historical guided tours of the area and ecologically-minded toy workshops for kids complete the attractions, just grab one of the free maps and let it guide you. In and around the two main streets of Pacheco Leão and Lopes Quintas and their arteries, uncover everything from Thereza and Paula Lino's jewellery and accessories to the furniture workshop of Fernando Jaegar, as well as some parts of the city that otherwise remain largely unexplored.