sao paulo tourist guide

© rparobe/Getty Images

São Paulo is home to 20 million fiercely proud paulistanos (as residents are known), all of whom will happily tell you at length to you how they'd never live elsewhere. Spend time with them and the reasons will soon unfold. Maybe they will introduce you to the city’s innumerable art-house cinemas and experimental theaters. If they’re gourmands, they’ll focus on the smart bistros and gourmet restaurants that make the city a world-renowned foodie haven. If they’re scenesters, follow them on a raucous tour of underground bars and the 24/7 clubbing scene. Whatever pleasures you might covet, Sampa (the city's affectionate nickname) probably has them.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real São Paulo. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Edifício Copan

Copan was designed by late modernist master Oscar Niemeyer. The building, with its serpentine facade and narrow brises soleil (permanent sunshades), is…

Mercado Municipal

This covered market is a belle epoque confection of stained glass and a series of vast domes. Inside, a fabulous urban market specializes in all things…

Museu de Arte de São Paulo

Sampa’s pride, this museum possesses Latin America’s most comprehensive collection of Western art. Hovering above a concrete plaza that turns into an…

Mosteiro São Bento

Among the city’s oldest and most important churches, São Bento dates to 1598, though its neo-Gothic facade dates only to the early 20th century. Step…

Farol Santander

For one of Sampa’s best panoramas, head to the top of this 161m-high skyscraper, Brazil’s version of the Empire State Building – completed in 1939 and…

This elegant neoclassical museum, formerly known as Pinacoteca do Estado but modernly rebranded 'Pina_Luz' (with the underline!) in 2017, houses an…

Museu Xingu

Relatively unknown and blissfully uncrowded, the unassuming Casa Amarela is part NGO handicraft shop, part two-table romantic cafe and part tiny Museu…

Estação da Luz

Across the street from the Parque da Luz sits one of São Paulo's most stunning structures, a classic late-Victorian train station constructed with…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Brazil

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from São Paulo

Oct 23, 2019 • 6 min read

Home to Earth's biggest river, most immense jungle and 7400km of Atlantic-stroked beaches - Brazil is a sensationally sultry centre of exotic adventure.

Sep 3, 2019 • 5 min read

Feb 21, 2014 • 7 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in São Paulo

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of São Paulo with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Guarulhos International Airport Guide

Public Transportation

Best Hotels

Top Things to Do

Coolest Attractions

Best Museums

Where to Shop

Sao Paulo's Architecture

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Nightlife Guide

Your Trip to Sao Paulo: The Complete Guide

On the Brazilian landscape, one city stands above the rest in gastronomy, shopping, nightlife, street art, and museum offerings: Sao Paulo. Here foodies come to try all the flavors of the regions of Brazil, dishes of its diasporas, and experimental projects by Michelin-starred chefs. Over 50 shopping malls, the most famous high fashion street in South America, and 60 specialized shopping streets for everything from electronics to wedding dresses draw enthusiastic buyers to its stores every day. Paulistinos (the city’s residents) party literally until dawn in its baladas (dance bars) and along the Baixo Augusta. During the day, world-famous museums like the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo opens its doors, while cultural centers like the SESC Pompéia offer free activities for residents and tourists alike. Stroll through the graffiti art of Beco do Batman or see Niemeyer’s massive Modernist building Edifício Copan. Everything can be found here, except a beach, but even those aren't too far away.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : Come to Sao Paulo in the spring (September to November). During this shoulder season, days are long, nights are cool, and the city hosts weeks-long events focused on food, art, and entertainment.
• Language: Portuguese  
• Currency: Brazilian real  
• Getting Around : The Metro, Sao Paulo’s public transit system, will be the easiest and one of the cheapest ways to travel throughout the city; download the Moovit app for simple navigation in English. Avoid renting a car as traffic can be horrendous—especially for those not familiar with the roads. Instead, take an Uber or taxi, both of which are plentiful.
• Travel Tip: Most businesses accept credit and debit cards. Except for buying tickets to ride the Metro and in certain markets, you won’t need cash unless you prefer using it over your card.

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Things to Do

Sao Paulo has bangin’ nightlife, world-class shopping and museums, and live music throughout its streets. See art and learn the history of Brazil, soccer, and the Portuguese language in the city's museums, or cozy up with a good read in one of its many bookstores. Behold the structures of Modernist architects like the massive Edifício Copan and drum-factory-turned-cultural center SESC Pompéia, or walk down Paulista Avenue on a Sunday afternoon when it becomes a giant pedestrian thoroughfare. Sao Paulo has the largest city helicopter fleet in the world, so hire a chopper for an aerial view.

• Wander Mercado Municipal sampling mangosteen, persimmon, dragon fruit, and other exotic produce from its 300 stalls. (Samples are free with no obligation to buy.) Afterwards, climb the stairs to the restaurant portion of the market and order a mortadella sandwich.
• Spend the day at Ibirapuera Park museum hopping between the Afro Brasil Museum , Museum of Modern Art , and Museum of Contemporary Art . Walk along the park paths, rent a bike, or sunbathe with Paulistinos in its extensive green fields. See buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer, like the Oca, and visit the spaceship-shaped planetarium. 
• Visit the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo (MASP) to see the genius of architect Lina Bo Bardi and art work spanning continents and centuries. Works by Picasso and Candido Portinari hang in glass frames in an open floor plan, removing any barriers from the viewers and the art. Check out what’s happening in the pavilion beneath the museum, which acts as a meeting point for impromptu concerts, fairs, and protests.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the top things to do in Sao Paulo , important places to visit in Sao Paulo , and Sao Paulo's best museums .

Where to Eat and Drink

Sao Paulo has one of the most famous (and delicious) gastronomy scenes in the world, known for both its fine dining and street food. Regional dishes from all over Brazil, from the moqueca (seafood stew) of the north to the meaty farofa-topped barreado of the south, can be found here. Bite into a warm, crunchy coxinha full of shredded chicken; pop a cheesy, chewy pão de queijo; or try a flakey pastel. Order a mini-feast of feijoada from any neighborhood restaurant on a weekend, and after you’ve slept it off, refresh your pallet with an ice-cold açai bowl. In addition to offering food from all over the world due to its strong immigrant population, the city is also home to A Casa do Porco , an experimental pork restaurant with onsite butcher shop, and D.O.M ., which highlights regional ingredients from throughout Brazil using French, Italian, and Indigenous cooking methods.

Paulistinos love a cold, creamy chopp (draft beer), especially on weekend afternoons at botecas (neighborhood bars), which are plentiful in the Vila Madelena neighborhood. For something harder, the national liquor is cachaça, a sweet spirit made from sugarcane juice and the base ingredient in another famous Brazilian beverage: the caipirinha. Most bars will have these drinks, but to check out the microbrewery scene, head to a craft beer bar like Emporio Alto dos Pinheiros , one of the pioneers of the craft beer movement in Brazil.

According to Sao Paulo Turismo S/A, the official tourism and events company of the city of Sao Paulo, the tap water is drinkable  . However, it’s recommended to have filtered water instead. You can easily find mineral water at supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.

Explore our articles on the best restaurants in Sao Paulo , the top foods to try in Sao Paulo , and nightlife in Sao Paulo .

Where to Stay

The art-filled Vila Madelena neighborhood offers well-priced Airbnbs and hostels, colorful streets of graffiti murals, third wave coffee shops, local bars, and friendly bohemian artists. Staying along Avenida Paulista in neighborhoods like Bela Vista will give you easy access to the MASP and the city’s best nightlife strip on Baixo Augusta. Centro might be a little rough, but bursts with personality and contains historic sites like Edifício Copan, Mercado Municipal, and Cathedral Sé. Stylish and LGBTQ-friendly Higienópolis is food heaven with swanky hotels and one of the city’s best malls, all only a mile or two from Avenida Paulista. Further out, Brooklin Novo offers luxury hotels and shopping, good for business travelers wanting to relax. Pinheiros has cultural centers with fascinating free activities, art galleries, funky boutiques, and a park great for midday lounging.

Check out our recommendations of the best hotels in Sao Paulo .

Getting There

Sao Paulo’s main airport is Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) , where most international flights will land. Two other airports service the city: Viracopos Airport (VCP) in Campinas for flights in Latin America and Congonhas Airport (CGH) for domestic flights. The Tietê Bus Terminal links Sao Paulo with all major cities in Brazil via clean, comfortable, and cheap long-distance buses.

Culture and Customs

Pickpocketing is a problem in Sao Paulo, especially in crowded, touristy areas. Be aware of your belongings, especially if going to large markets or festivals. While some areas are fine to walk at night, others are not. Check with your accommodation about the safety of where you are staying, and when in doubt, this issue is easily remedied by calling an Uber. Walking during the day throughout most of the city is safe.

This is not the laid-back beach side Brazil you would find in Rio or Florianopolis. Sao Paulo is the financial center of Brazil and one of the largest cities in the world. Expect a much faster pace of life, and people letting loose at night and on the weekends after long work days. When dining out, service will generally be fast, and the tip is already included.

Money Saving Tips

• If you want quick, cheap food with lots of variety, go to a comida por quilo restaurant. Fill your plate from the buffet, then take it to the cashier to weigh it before you eat. You pay by weight rather than a set price, and it usually ends up costing the equivalent of a few dollars.
• Go to the top of Edifício Copan for free by lining up outside gate F any day at 1:30 p.m. You’ll be let in at 2 p.m. to head to the roof where you can see panoramic views of Sao Paulo.
• Take the Metro or a bus to the airport instead of an Uber or taxi. Give yourself a time cushion in case the transfers take a while.
• The 99 Taxi app is usually a little cheaper than Uber and just as reliable.
• Many of the museums like MASP and Pinoteca have free admission days. Others, like MIS and the Museu Afro Brasil, are fee all the time.
• For free, quality entertainment, go to a centro culturai (cultural center). Sao Paulo contains about 40 cultural centers showcasing exhibitions, theater, art, concerts, debates, and more.
• Check out Mamba Negra free music parties in abandoned buildings throughout the city.
• Visit outside of high season (December to March) for cheaper accommodation.

São Paulo Turismo S/A. "FAQ: What is the language that the people of São Paulo (Paulistanos) speak?"

São Paulo Turismo S/A. "Practical Guide: Currency and Exchange."

São Paulo Turismo S/A. "FAQ: Is Tap Water Drinkable?"

Nightlife in Sao Paulo: The Best Bars, Clubs, & More

5 Best Art Museums in Brazil

A Complete Guide to the Architecture in Sao Paulo

15 Top Things to Do in São Paulo, Brazil

The Top 10 Museums in Sao Paulo

The Best Time to Visit Sao Paulo

Important Places to Visit in São Paulo, Brazil

New York City Guide: Planning Your Trip

Cairo Guide: Planning Your Trip

Your Trip to Mexico City: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Shanghai: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Buenos Aires: The Complete Guide

The 9 Best Places to Shop in Sao Paulo

Your Trip to New York State: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to Edinburgh: The Complete Guide

Paris Guide: Planning Your Trip

• United Arab Emirates
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• Puerto Rico
• United States
• New Zealand
• ➨ Choose from World Map
• Budget Travel
• Family Travel
• Getting Around
• Visas & Passports
• Work with Us

Browsing Category

• Czech Republic
• Saint Martin
• Uncategorized

• Latin America & The Caribbean

Sao Paulo Travel Guide: Everything to Know [2023]

· your guide to a sao paulo trip in 2021, including how to get around, what to do, and more ·.

As the largest city in South America and the entire Southern Hemisphere, you’ve probably heard of Sao Paulo. About twice the size of New York City, Sao Paulo’s metropolitan area sprawls further than the eye can see. We didn’t know much about this city before arriving, but it shattered every expectation that we had.

The culinary scene is bustling and extremely international, the city’s infrastructure is incredible, and the people are some of the friendliest that we’ve ever encountered. Did I mention that Sao Paulo has the biggest Japanese community in the world outside of Japan?

If you like Japanese food, love quality art museums, enjoy watching soccer or are interested in visiting one of the largest cities in the world, Sao Paulo is a great place you don’t want to miss!

If you like Japanese food, love quality art museums, enjoy watching soccer, or are interested in visiting one of the largest cities in the world, Sao Paulo is a great place you don’t want to miss!

Our São Paulo Vlog is our most popular YouTube video by far; you’ll be blown away by some of these foods!

The Best Things to Do in Sao Paulo

As the most populous city in Brazil, you’d be right to expect Sao Paulo to have a little bit of everything. The city is massive, historic, high-class, and very international. As a result, Sao Paulo is home to some of the best restaurants, art galleries, streets, and experiences in all of Brazil.

Some people try to say that Sao Paulo is just a giant concrete jungle, but in truth, it is a vibrant metropolis filled with cultural centers, world-class restaurants, stunning public parks, and more. Here are the best things to do in Sao Paulo.

1. Eat Incredible Asian Food in Liberdade

Liberdade is the Asian neighborhood of Sao Paulo. You could kind of think of it as Chinatown, except more Japanese than Chinese and also blended with other Asian cultures, like Korean and Taiwanese. The neighborhood is always worth visiting if you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, but it’s especially great on the weekends.

Many of the local residents and restaurants open up stands on a blocked-off street and sell all kinds of Asian food, including Chinese, Japanese, and sometimes Korean. They serve dumplings, stir-fry, desserts, tempura, bubble tea, and more!

Visiting Liberdade was easily one of the best experiences we had in all of Sao Paulo and we highly recommend making it a priority if you enjoy any kind of Asian food. While you’re there, check out Bubble Kill for some great bubble tea!

Visiting Liberdade was easily one of the best experiences we had in all of São Paulo.

2. Go for a Picnic in Ibirapuera Park

Ibirapuera Park, or Parque Ibirapuera in Portuguese, is massive – like Sao Paulo’s version of Central Park in New York City. There are lakes, trails, museums, picnic tables, running tracks, restaurants, and more! The park is free to enter and is open from 5am to midnight every day of the week.

Some of the best museums in Sao Paulo are in or around the park. The food options range from snack foods and acai to full meals! There are also one- and two-seated bikes that you can rent to go for a bike ride around the park. We chose to take a bottle of wine and some sandwiches and have a picnic by the gorgeous lake while watching the swans swim around.

The park is located in a very safe area, and we could’ve spent days here between the museums, food, and natural relaxation that the park offers. Using professional photography equipment is technically illegal here, but they don’t really enforce this rule. If an officer comes up to you and tells you that you need to put your camera away, you can head over to the park authority’s office to get written consent to use your camera.

3. Admire the Graffiti at Beco do Batman

Beco do Batman, or Batman’s Alley in English, is a really cool corner of Sao Paulo worth checking out. It is essentially a street art park with several streets of elaborate graffiti that are filled with cool restaurants and cafes. The artwork is very impressive, and we went back a second time just to take it all in.

The sheer amount and quality of graffiti is incredibly unique, and we have never been anywhere like it in the world!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angel, Greg, & Nicola | Travel Family (@the.present.perspective)

If you come in the morning, you’ll experience a relaxed, hipster kind of vibe, while the peak hours in the evening and night tend to get a little bit rowdier! If you’re in the Beco do Batman area and looking for a bite to eat, check out AVO . They have really great farm-to-table options and serve fantastic food.

While hipster vibes may not be for everyone, this area in São Paulo is a place that we absolutely recommend visiting. The sheer amount and quality of graffiti is incredibly unique, and we have never been anywhere like it in the world!

4. Get Lost in World-Class Museums and Art Galleries

If you’re a museum goer, Sao Paulo should absolutely be on your bucket list. If you enjoy art museums, you need to check out the Art Museum of Sao Paulo (MASP) , the Pinacoteca , and the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) . All of them house some fantastic works of art, but MASP is the most globally famous.

The Best Art Museums

Art Museum of São Paulo (MASP)

Museum of Modern Art (MAM)

Depending on when you visit, the MASP may house works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and other highly renowned artists. If you’re more into Brazilian culture or history, I’d recommend the following three museums:

Museu do Futebol

This is an awesome soccer museum that also tells a lot of the story of Brazilian history.

Museu do Ipiranga

This museum is all about Brazilian history.

Museu Afro Brasil

This museum goes into detail about the history and present of Africans and African culture in Brazil.

5. Walk Down the Avenida Paulista

The Avenida Paulista, or Paulista Avenue in English, is considered to be the main strip of Sao Paulo. It is lined with skyscrapers, great restaurants, shopping, and parks.

While the Praça da Sé may be the geographical center of Sao Paulo, Paulista Avenue is easily the cultural city center of Sao Paulo. It alone is a big part of what makes Sao Paulo one of the most famous Brazilian cities. On top of that, its numerous shops and stores make it one of the best places to see how Sao Paulo gets its reputation as a major cosmopolitan city.

We don’t really have a favorite thing to do here other than wander. There are plenty of great things to come across, and we just recommend walking up and down the almost 2-mile-long strip to find things that interest you. With so many malls, movie theaters, buildings, parks, and vendors, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest!

On the weekends, this area is especially fun and there is even more street food. The Avenida Paulista is also a springboard that will lead you to countless other cool neighborhoods in Sao Paulo.

6. Spend an Evening in Vila Madalena or Along the Rua Augusta

Speaking of cool neighborhoods and areas, there are two other neighborhoods that we highly recommend checking out. Our hotel room was just a 10-minute walk from the Vila Madalena neighborhood, and we stupidly waited until our last day to check it out.

This area is really close to the Beco do Batman, and it is filled with awesome restaurants, stores, cafes, bars, and breweries. It’s a pretty hilly neighborhood and might take the wind out of you, but you can totally reward yourself with an ice-cold brew for your efforts.

The Rua Augusta is a street that runs perpendicular to the Avenida Paulista and is also lined with awesome food and drink options. You find the best things just by walking up and down the street and seeing what sticks out! This street is loaded with great happy hour specials and the best time to visit is around 3:00 in the afternoon.

We very highly recommend checking out Boardwalk Urbanoide on the Rua Augusta. It’s a gourmet food truck park with Asian, Arab, Brazilian, Mexican, and American foods as well as several drink and dessert options. This is one of the coolest places in Sao Paulo!

7. Fill up on Traditional Brazilian foods

This one goes without saying, as Brazilian food is notoriously delicious. While this is true, we definitely had not heard of some of the most famous Brazilian foods before we arrived.

For example, coxinha (co-sheen-ya) really needs to make your bucket list. It’s basically deep-fried shredded chicken that’s battered in a gnocchi-like covering. It’s hard to describe, but it’s a must-try food.

Also make sure to get to a Padaria (bakery) to try pao de queijo and brigadeiro. Pao de queijo is delicious bread made with cheese in the dough and it’s a Brazilian staple. Brigadeiro is a chocolatey dessert that is worth every single calorie.

Do yourself a favor and try them both.

In addition to these, an experience you absolutely cannot miss out on while in Brazil is visiting a churrascaria. A churrascaria is a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, and they are known for serving all-you-can-eat fine cuts of meat. While Fogo de Chao is the chain that has gotten famous around the world, the local spots in Sao Paulo are usually a better bet.

8. Go to a Soccer Match

Brazil = Soccer. Soccer is one of the most culturally important aspects of Brazil, and there are few better places in the world to watch a match than in Brazil. Brazil has several leagues and Sao Paulo has several different teams, making it the perfect place to catch a match.

We didn’t have the chance to go because the stadiums weren’t allowing fans at the moment because of the pandemic, but I’ve heard that a soccer match in Sao Paulo is an absolute must-do if you enjoy sports of any kind. If you get there early, people have told me that Brazilians know how to throw quite the tailgate!

Brazil was the favorite to win it all in the 2022 World Cup. Despite an earlier than anticipated exit, it was clear how much Brazilian soccer fans love their team, as the stadiums in Qatar were filled with green and yellow jerseys!

9. Grab a Mortadella Sandwich at the São Paulo Municipal Market

The Municipal Market is a large indoor mercantile space in the heart of Sao Paulo. Filled with restaurants and food vendors of all types, this space is a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat. The Mortadella sandwiches here are especially famous, and they are too big to even fit in your mouth!

Visiting the Sao Paulo Municipal Market was one of our favorite things we did on our entire trip to Brazil, and eating a Mortadella sandwich along with drinking a local beer is an absolute must.

10. Go for a Guided Tour of São Paulo’s Highlights

As such a big city, planning an itinerary for your trip to Sao Paulo can be overwhelming. With so many things to do, it is naturally a difficult job to plan out all that you will do during your time in the city!

While we normally love to explore places on our own, Sao Paulo is a place where hiring a tour guide may make a lot of sense. There is history and significance scattered all throughout the city, and tour guides are a fantastic resource as you explore this great city. From knowing the spots with the best live music to recommending the best restaurants to indulge in some Brazilian cuisine, working with a tour guide for a single day or more is almost always worth the investment.

How to Get to São Paulo

If you’re coming from anywhere other than Brazil, you’ll want to fly directly into Sao Paulo. It’s the biggest city in Brazil, and there really isn’t a better city to fly into. Sao Paulo is a day’s drive from the nearest bordering country and a 4-5 hour drive from Rio de Janeiro , which is the only other city that might offer competitive flight prices.

Flights from the United States to Sao Paulo fluctuate greatly depending on where you’re flying from and when you’re flying, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to well above $1,000 for a round-trip ticket. While that might sound steep, it makes a lot of sense, as this flight is very long.

Atlanta to Sao Paulo takes about 10 hours, which is comparable to the flight from New York to Moscow . New York to Sao Paulo is takes 12 hours, which is the same as New York to Abu Dhabi . Scoring a round trip ticket from New York to Moscow for $500 would be a steal.

If you haven’t read my post on tips for finding cheap flights , I’d recommend checking it out before you book your next flight, regardless of the destination. Trust me, it’s worth it – you can save over half the cost of your flight by taking a few easy steps.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Sao Paulo has two airports, but only one of them is internationally focused, and that is Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) . Guarulhos International Airport fairly consistently offers competitive flight options from anywhere in Latin America and North America. If you’re flying from North America, Sao Paulo is probably the cheapest Brazilian city you can fly to.

You may find similar flight prices into Rio de Janeiro, but it’s a long distance from Sao Paulo and doesn’t make much sense unless you also plan on heading to Rio during your trip. If you are considering visiting Rio de Janeiro during your trip to Brazil, we highly recommend doing so.

– R E A D –

How to Get Around São Paulo

METRO | UBER

Sao Paulo is easily the most navigable city we’ve visited in Latin America. This is especially noteworthy given the fact that it’s one of the biggest cities in the whole world. Getting around Sao Paulo couldn’t be easier, and there are several different ways to do it.

The best way to get around Sao Paulo is by public transportation. The metro system is immaculate and incredibly accessible. There are 6 lines in the Sao Paulo metro system, and they’ll get you within minutes by foot of wherever you want to go within the megalopolis.

The Metro stops are announced in both Portuguese and English.

The stops are all named in Portuguese, but the metro narrator announces every stop in both Portuguese and English, and using the system is quite easy. It is also pristinely clean and remarkably safe. We used the metro about 90% of the time we wanted to go anywhere in the city, and it never once let us down.

The Sao Paulo metro also runs from very early to very late – about 5:00am to midnight. As a foreigner, your only ticketing option is to buy individual tickets to use as you go, as the refillable card is only available to locals. Each trip costs less than a dollar, and transfers to other lines are free.

The São Paulo metro runs from 5:00 AM to midnight.

The system simply rocks and is one of the two best systems we have ever used. Panama City’s system is comparable in terms of cleanliness, but the only system we’ve encountered in the whole world that is on the same level of reach, quality, and cleanliness as Sao Paulo is in Shanghai, China .

Your next option is Uber, and you also can’t go wrong here. Uber in Sao Paulo is shockingly cheap, and perfectly safe. We went on several 45-minute, 15-mile rides during our trip that cost around $5 each.

There are always Uber drivers around, and Uber is an awesome option if the metro route isn’t convenient or if your trip is relatively close. A 10-minute trip might only cost you about $2, which is only a few cents more than a metro trip but takes significantly less time and effort. You can’t beat that!

To get from Sao Paulo’s main airport, Guarulhos (GRU) to the city, you can use both the metro and Uber. We’d recommend Uber if you have baggage, as wheeling suitcases through the metro system might not be very fun, and an Uber from the airport to the center of Sao Paulo only costs about $15-20 depending on the time of the day.

The metro is also possible, and if you opt for this route your best bet is to either take the Airport-Express train to Luz metro station or take a bus to either Barra Funda, Republica, or Tatuape metro stations, from which you can connect to the rest of the city. We took an Uber to get from the airport to the city, and then the metro to get back from the city to the airport.

Where to Stay in São Paulo

Sao Paulo, along with the rest of Brazil, has a reputation for danger and violent crime. While that is certainly true in some parts of the city, we didn’t feel in danger once during our visit. To us, it felt perfectly safe, and we only took basic precautions to protect ourselves.

With that being said, it doesn’t hurt to stay in a good neighborhood! We explored the entire city, and we definitely recommend either staying in any of the Jardins neighborhoods, somewhere along or near Avenida Paulista, or Pinhieros.

The Best Time to Visit São Paulo

The best time to visit Sao Paulo is during Brazil’s summer months, which run from December to March. This high season is when the city experiences pleasantly high temperatures, nice weather, and fully open amenities.

The ideal time to visit Brazil is from December to March.

While the summer is optimal, the winter months provide comfortable temperatures as well. We visited Sao Paulo in May, and the weather was immaculate. Remember that the Southern Hemisphere’s seasons are opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer in Brazil takes place during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Because of its latitude, Sao Paulo is fairly pleasant to visit all year round. The summer months from December to March will provide the warmest temperatures, while the winter months from June to August will be the least crowded.

Because of its latitude, Sao Paulo is fairly pleasant to visit all year round.

Is São Paulo Worth Visiting?

Brazil is one of the biggest countries in the world, and Sao Paulo is its biggest city by far. Its size doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a good place to visit, though! With all of the other incredible destinations in Brazil and South America, is Sao Paulo worth visiting?

We would certainly say so.

We visited several cities during our time in Brazil, and Sao Paulo was our favorite by far.

From the diverse Brazilian, Japanese, Chinese, and Italian cuisine to the broad range of fun activities spread throughout the city, Sao Paulo is absolutely loaded with incredible things to do and see. We would return to Sao Paulo in a heartbeat if we had the opportunity!

Sao Paulo is one of the most well-rounded cities that we have ever visited. We even imagine what it would be like living there some day.

Our Final São Paulo Tips

As I said earlier, Sao Paulo is largely a safe city for tourists. We never once had any kind of problem, nor did we feel endangered in any way. While this might not be the case in certain bad neighborhoods on the fringe of the city, you really have no need to visit them anyway.

Beware of Pickpocketers

If you stick to the main things to do in this Sao Paulo travel guide, you shouldn’t experience any threats. Still, you should take the normal precautions that you would take in any big city. There is a pickpocket risk in just about any metropolis on the planet, and Sao Paulo is no different.

Be Cognizant That Sao Paulo Has Major Poverty

Be prepared to see some interesting manifestations of poverty in certain popular areas, too. For example, the Cathedral Square and its surrounding area are notoriously home to hundreds of tents where homeless people are living. While 99% of them are not looking to cause you any harm whatsoever, we were warned that desperate people may do desperate things and that in areas like this you should watch your pockets and keep your phone and other valuables hidden.

Follow the Crowd

We discovered that one of the best ways to get a feel for Sao Paulo was walking around and just following the crowds. By doing this we wound up at open-air markets, awesome street food locations, beautiful parks, and more.

Speaking of parks and doing what the locals do, drinking in the streets is completely legal, but being drunk isn’t. Take your beer with you on your walk or take a bottle of wine to a picnic, but be responsible!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

Bill Sheikh

Excellent writing, good summary and I am planning to visit. Thank you.

Thanks, Bill! Have an amazing trip and feel free to reach out with any questions!

Leave a comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Meet The Author - Greg

Recent Post

How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost: Budget Breakdown

March 10, 2024

Best Time to Visit the India Gate in Delhi [2024]

March 1, 2024

Flying with a Sinus Infection: Tips to Avoid Pain

February 20, 2024

11 Best Things to Do in Breckenridge Besides Skiing

February 12, 2024

10 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families (We Lived Here)

February 3, 2024

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

São Paulo Travel Guide

Last Updated: February 6, 2024

A lot of travelers skip São Paulo when visiting Brazil , choosing to go to Rio de Janeiro and other parts of the country instead.

This sprawling metropolis shouldn’t be skipped.

Originally inhabited by the indigenous Tupi people, Portuguese Jesuit priests colonized the area in 1554. The settlement remained small until the 18th-century gold rush in the northern region of Minas Gerais, during which explorers passed through São Paulo on their way to seek their fortunes. After the gold ran out, sugar and coffee, grown on plantations fueled by the forced labor of enslaved Africans, became central to São Paulo’s development as an economic center.

Today, São Paulo is a major cosmopolitan city and cultural hub that is home to over 22 million people, including the largest Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese diasporas in the world. Each neighborhood is like its own micro-city, from Liberdade (São Paulo’s Japantown) to bohemian Vila Madalena.

This travel guide to São Paulo can help you save money and stay safe, as well as ensure that you have a wonderful visit to this Latin American megalopolis.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Rio de Janeiro

Top 5 Things to Do in São Paulo

1. Take a free walking tour

Free walking tours help you get the lay of the land on your first few days in a destination. Since São Paulo is so big, taking a tour with a local guide can help orient you. São Paulo Free Walking Tour is an excellent option, with tours that explore four different areas: Old Downtown, Vila Madalena, Ibirapuera Park, and Paulista Ave. Check the website before turning up as sometimes certain routes are closed due to the many festivals that occur in the city. (And remember to always tip your guide at the end!)

2. Stroll through Ibirapuera Park

At 158 hectares (390 acres), Ibirapuera is the largest urban park in South America. It’s the perfect place for a stroll or bike ride, lounging around, or watching the locals playing footvolley (a uniquely Brazilian sport that’s a mix of soccer and volleyball). Stop in at the Museu Afro Brasil (Afro Brazilian Museum, located within the park) or the MAC (Museum of Contemporary Art, just outside the park).

3. Watch, listen, and dance to samba

Samba is an institution in Brazil. Each city and region has its own variation on this Afro-Brazilian style of dance and music, and São Paulo is no different. To see some local samba, head to Bar do Baixo, Bar Samba, Vila do Samba, or Casa Barbosa. And if you’re in town in January and February leading up to Carnival, you can watch samba schools practice their performances. During Carnival, these schools all compete at the Sambódromo to try to win the award for best samba school of the year.

4. Eat, Eat, Eat

São Paulo is a city in which to eat and eat well. There’s fantastic street food, restaurants dedicated to all regions of Brazil (including many Amazonian eateries, in case you won’t be making it there on your trip); delicious Japanese, Italian, and Lebanese food (owing to the large diasporas here); and a surprisingly vast vegan food scene for the plant-based and plant-curious. And if you’re into something more upscale, there’s no shortage of fine-dining establishments, including the number one restaurant in South America, Casa do Porco. If you’re a foodie, São Paulo is a must!

5. Admire the street art

Allegedly named after some Batman graffiti that was painted here in the 1980s, Batman Alley is one of São Paulo’s street art hot spots. Head here to meander through the winding, cobblestone-lined alley and take in the colorful murals. Artists consult with each other before painting a new mural over an old one, so there is a constantly changing gallery here, as well as street vendors selling clothing, jewelry, and other souvenirs that are all just as vibrant as the murals lining the street.

Other Things to Do in Sao Paulo

1. visit the ipiranga museum.

Originally created as a monument to the country’s independence, São Paulo’s Brazilian history museum was inaugurated in 1895. Recently reopened after almost 10 years of renovations, come here for a collection of artwork, photographs, objects, furniture, and maps especially focused on the imperial period and Brazilian independence. The building and gardens themselves are impressive as well, designed to emulate the Palace of Versailles in France. Admission is free.

2. Walk the open streets

São Paulo is a fast-paced place, and the traffic here can get overwhelming, so much so that the city has started several car-free, open-street initiatives to give residents a bit of a respite. Vendors of all types often set up along these thoroughfares, and taking a relaxed stroll on what are normally some of the city’s busiest streets is a low-key way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Paulista Avenue, often considered São Paulo’s version of New York’s Fifth Avenue, is a must-visit in general, but especially when it’s closed to traffic every Sunday. Another popular open street is the Minhocão, an elevated highway that’s closed to traffic for the entire weekend. Since it’s elevated, you can get unobstructed views of the many murals that decorate the buildings lining the road.

3. Enjoy Brazilian art

São Paulo is a museum city. The MASP (Museum of Art of São Paulo) is the most popular. The permanent collection resides all in one expansive open room, with the artwork displayed on large glass pillars, with descriptions on the back so that you see the piece first, before learning its background (or vice versa). It’s organized from contemporary art backward, though the idea of the layout is to encourage visitors to meander through the pieces at their own pace and route, choosing whatever interests them. (After you’re done at the MASP, pop into Parque Trianon across the street. It’s one of the last remaining pieces of the Atlantic Forest that used to cover the city.)

Other major art museums include the Pinacoteca (the oldest art museum in São Paulo, with a huge collection of Brazilian works) and the MAC (Museu de Arte Contemporaria, focused on 20th-century Western art). For more off-the-beaten-path artistic expression, check out the many experimental theaters and art-house cinemas (including CineSala, an independent street theater founded in 1959).

4. Learn at the Museu Afro Brasil

Located in Ibirapuera Park, this expansive museum is dedicated to celebrating and teaching Afro-Brazilian history (with several rooms on the slave trade, one housing the remains of a slave ship), religion, art, and culture. The 6,000-piece collection is massive, including sculptures, documents, engravings, ceramics, paintings, contemporary artwork, jewelry, objects, reliefs, photographs, and textiles. The building itself was designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, so spend some time appreciating it from the outside too. Unfortunately, most of the descriptions aren’t in English (there is free Wi-Fi, so you can use Google Translate to translate the text). Admission is 15 BRL.

5. Peruse the neighborhood markets

Opened in 1933, the Municipal Market of São Paulo is the main one, with all kinds of stalls selling tropical fruits, veggies, and artisanal products (just be careful of the sellers trying to get you to try the different fruits — they’re notorious for giving out “free samples” and then charging high prices). There is also a food court within the market where you can get lunch, a snack, or a drink. While you’re here, make sure to look up to take note of the 72 colorful stained-glass windows that depict food and food production in the region. It’s open Monday to Saturday, 6am-6pm, and Sunday from 6am-4pm.

6. Go on a food tour

While eating your way around town is fun on your own, you can get more cultural and historical context by taking a food tour. Concrete Jungles Walking Tours offers a few, including a breakfast tour, a gourmet tour of the hip Pinheiros neighborhood, and a street food tour in Liberdade . The cost ranges from 160 to 315 BRL, which includes all the food.

7. Visit Liberdade (Japantown)

São Paulo is home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan, dating back to the end of feudalism in Japan which kick-started emigration to Brazil (where there was a labor shortage at the time). Liberdade is the São Paulo’s Japantown. Come here to have some tasty ramen, curry, and sushi, and to shop at the many Japanese stores and street vendors. If you can, come during the week, as the weekends get incredibly crowded here. And to learn more about the Japanese community in Brazil, the History Museum of Japanese Immigration in Brazil is located here as well (16 BRL, free on Wednesdays).

8. Take in views of the megalopolis

To truly get a feel for just how expansive this city is, head to one of the many rooftop terraces to take in panoramic skyline views. Some of the most popular are the rooftops at MAC USP, Farol Santander, and Hotel Unique, all of which have rooftop bars for grabbing a drink while overlooking the cityscape. Hotel Unique is especially famous for its red rooftop pool and overall building design, which resembles a ship.

9. Watch a soccer match

Like in most of Latin America, soccer (called futebol here) is huge in Brazil. Even if you’re not a big sports fan, it can be fun to attend a game and get caught up in the excitement. Palmeiras and Corinthianos are the two main football teams in São Paulo, and you can watch home games at their respective arenas, Allianz Parque and Arena Corinthians. If there’s no game going on while you’re in town, or if you’re an especially big soccer fan, you can also visit the Museu do Futebol, an interactive museum that documents Brazil’s soccer history and culture (though be aware that all the displays are in Portuguese). Admission is 20 BRL.

10. Enjoy the nightlife

If there’s one stereotype that’s true, it’s that Brazilians know how to party. Whether you’re into clubbing, samba, or just having a few drinks at a neighborhood watering hole, there’s something for everyone here. For a fun night out, head to Vila Madalena and Pinheiros, the hipster neighborhoods with tons of bars and restaurants lining the streets.

11. Celebrate Carnival

While Rio’s Carnival gets all the attention, each city and region of the country has its own Carnival traditions and flair, so if you’re here in February, you’ll get to celebrate the world’s biggest party — and at a much lower cost than in Rio. Tickets to the famous samba parades at São Paulo’s Sambódromo (a samba stadium) cost 45-190 BRL for bleacher general admission, compared to 725-1,085 BRL for the same in Rio (plus, tickets sell out much further in advance in Rio). It’s also impossible to miss the blocos (street parties) that take over the streets during the week of Carnival. These free events are the people’s way to celebrate Carnival, so throw on some glitter and join in to make new friends!

  For more information on other cities in Brazil, check out these guides:

• Fernando de Noronha Travel Guide
• Florianópolis Travel Guide
• Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

São Paulo Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a 4–6-person dorm costs 65-90 BRL per night, while a bed in an 8-12-person dorm typically costs 50-65 BRL. A private double room costs about 225-300 BRL, but sometimes you can find rooms for as low as 150 BRL per night.

Typical hostel amenities include free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, air-conditioning, indoor/outdoor common areas, and a bar/restaurant on the premises. A few hostels offer breakfast for free, but most charge an extra fee (if they offer it at all). Unlike other more popular tourist destinations in Brazil (such as Rio or Florianópolis), prices in São Paulo remain consistent throughout the year.

Budget hotel prices – A budget two-star hotel room in the center of town costs 150-200 BRL per night. Typical amenities include air-conditioning, TV, and a complimentary buffet breakfast of bread, cakes, fruits, juice, and tea/coffee.

Airbnb is available in São Paulo, with private rooms starting around 67 BRL per night; entire homes/apartments cost 115 BRL per night. Be sure to book early, otherwise, prices can double.

Food – Brazilian cuisine — like the country itself — is a mix of many cultures, with European, Amerindian, African, and Japanese influences. As it’s such a large country, food varies by region in Brazil, but you can find all of it — and then some — in São Paulo.

In typical Brazilian cuisine, common vegetables include tubers like cassava and yams, tomatoes, red peppers, okra, and more. As Brazil is a subtropical country, there’s also a huge variety of fruits, with the most famous being the superfood açaí, though cupuaçu (related to cacao), mango, papaya, guava, orange, passion fruit, and pineapple are all common as well.

Feijoada , Brazil’s national dish, is a meaty bean stew that is traditionally eaten for Wednesday or Saturday lunch. Other popular dishes include moqueca (fish stew), polenta, and vatapá (a stew of bread, shrimp, coconut milk, and peanuts).

Some popular street food snacks include pão de queijo (cheese bread rolls), acarajé (black-eyed pea and shrimp fritters), coxinha (croquettes), pastéis (savory deep-fried pastries with assorted fillings), and açaí (which you can have pureed, plain, or with toppings).

Street food like pastéis costs around 7-10 BRL, while a coxinha is around 5-7 BRL. A sandwich and drink at a juice bar should be no more than 35-40 BRL, while a combo meal at a fast-food restaurant (think McDonald’s) is around 35 BRL. A meal at a Chinese takeout restaurant costs about the same (35 BRL) as a dish like fried rice.

Buffets are very common throughout Brazil. Expect to pay around 40-65 BRL for a filling meal at one of these (depending on how much you eat, of course).

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant serving typical Brazilian cuisine (known as a boteco ) costs about 25-35 BRL. If you want to splurge, a three-course meal (appetizer, main, dessert, and a drink) at a nicer restaurant costs about 150-200 BRL.

A domestic beer costs 8-11 BRL (draft craft beer starts at 15 BRL), and a cocktail starts at 20-25 BRL for a caipirinha (Brazil’s classic cocktail), though at higher-end places, they can be upwards of 40 BRL. A soda is 10 BRL, and a cappuccino is 10-15 BRL.

Note that most restaurants add a 10% “service fee” (tip) to the final bill so you don’t need to add anything extra.

Some specific restaurant recommendations: Casa Tucupi for Amazonian food, Padaria Bella Paulista (a 24-hour diner/bakery/café), and Tabuleiro do Acarajé, which specializes in acaraje , a typical street snack from the region of Bahia.

For fantastic cocktails, head to Santana Bar or Bar dos Arcos, an ultra-cool underground cocktail bar under the gorgeous Municipal Theatre.

Grocery shopping costs about 200-250 BRL per week for basic staples like fresh veggies, pasta, rice, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking São Paulo Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking São Paulo, expect to spend about 155 BRL per day. This covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating street food, cooking some of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours.

On a midrange budget of about 375 BRL per day, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out for all your meals at cheap restaurants, take the occasional taxi to get around, take buses between destinations, enjoy a few drinks, and do more paid activities, such as a bike tour and museum visits.

On an upscale budget of about 675 BRL per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, enjoy more drinks, take taxis everywhere, and enjoy all the tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in BRL.

São Paulo Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

São Paulo is one of the more expensive cities in Brazil, but prices depend on where you are and what kind of activities you’re doing. It’s still cheaper than Rio, and there are a lot more free and cheap activities here. Here are some other money-saving tips to help you get started:

• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to meet locals and save money if you’re on a tight budget.
• Visit off-season – December to March is a popular time to visit as people from the Northern Hemisphere escape the winter. Try to avoid these months if you want to keep your expenses low.
• Skip Carnival – Carnival might be fun, but it can also get expensive. If you’re on a budget, avoid visiting during Carnival.
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink so bring a water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Snack on street food – There’s a thriving street food culture in Brazil, meaning lots of cheap and delicious food to fill up on.
• Eat at the buffets – Buffet-style restaurants are extremely common and popular here. You take a plate, fill it up with anything your heart desires from the hot and cold buffets, and then pay by weight. It’s an inexpensive way to eat as the locals do.
• Go to free museum days – Many of the museums here are free, and the ones that aren’t usually have a free day each week. Check their websites for details.
• Visit the market – If you’re staying at a hostel with kitchen facilities, stock up on food at the market and eat like the locals. It won’t be fancy, but it will be affordable.
• Get an Airpass – Brazil is a huge country, and if you want to see multiple destinations yet don’t have tons of time, you’ll need to fly. While there are budget airlines in Brazil, if you plan to visit faraway places (like the Amazon), flights can get expensive. If you book your domestic flights in advance, an Airpass can save you money on flights. It’s the cheapest way to fly around the country.
• Take a free walking tour – São Paulo Free Walking Tour offers many different tours, and they’re the best way to see the main sights on a budget. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

Where to Stay in São Paulo

São Paulo is sprawling. When you’re researching your hostel, make sure you find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Otherwise, you’ll be spending a lot of money on taxis or Ubers and sitting in terrible traffic. There are plenty of hostels and budget-friendly hotels here. Here are some suggested places to stay:

• O de Casa Hostel Bar
• Madá Hostel
• Hostel Brasil Boutique
• Comfort Nova Paulista
• Hotel Calstar
• Hotel Amália

How to Get Around São Paulo

Walking – São Paulo is walkable within neighborhoods, but since the city is so large, it would take forever to get from one neighborhood to another.

Public transportation – São Paulo’s metro system is the largest in South America. It’s known for being fast, reliable, clean, and efficient. It costs 4.40 BRL for one ride, which must be paid for in cash. There’s no transit pass for foreigners (Brazilian citizens and residents can get one with a valid ID). Lines operate from 4:40am-12am Sunday-Friday and holidays. On Saturdays, lines run from 4:40am to 1am.

The BRT (bus rapid transit) system is also a very popular, and often a faster, more direct way to get somewhere as compared to the metro, thanks to dedicated bus lanes. You pay your fare (also 4.40 BRL, in cash) as soon as you board to the ticket collector (a worker that sits in a chair to collect money; they’re separate from the bus driver).

Taxis – Taxi fares start at 5.50 BRL, plus an additional 4 BRL per kilometer. There are two fare sets: “1” is for the daytime, and “2” is for evenings/overnights (8pm-6am) and Sundays. The second fare set is up to 30% more than the base rate. You can see which fare set is being used on the meter, which always must be turned on (if it’s not, get out and hail another cab).

You can also use the 99 app (formerly known as 99Taxis) to get a safe, metered taxi. Avoid taking taxis at peak hours, as the traffic here is notoriously bad. During rush hour, taking the metro or buses (which have special dedicated lanes) is usually much faster.

Bicycle – São Paulo is a very hilly city, so keep that in mind if you plan to bike here! You can find the bike-share system here, called bike Itaú, all over the city (the bikes and docks are a recognizable orange). For one ride, it’s 4.39 BRL for 15 minutes, and then 0.40 BRL each minute after that. Electric bikes are 0.40 BRL per minute right from the start. You can also rent bikes in parks, such as Ibirapuera Park, for 7 BRL per hour.

Ridesharing – Uber is available and very common in São Paulo. It usually costs less than a taxi ride too. A typical ride costs around 20-35 BRL.

Car rental – Renting a car generally costs 80-120 BRL per day, though you really don’t need to do so here. It’s unnecessary, the traffic is terrible, drivers are aggressive, and overall, it’s just a hassle.

When to Go to São Paulo

São Paulo is a rainy city. That being said, it usually doesn’t rain the whole day, even in the summer wet season, which is from December to March (with January being the rainiest month). During this time, temperatures are in the low 20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit).

In winter (June–August), you’ll have much less rain, though temperatures are lower, ranging between 12 and 22°C (54–72°F).

There’s really no bad time to visit, though, as the weather is quite mild year-round. However, the shoulder seasons (March–May or September–November), when it’s warmer but less rainy, are ideal.

Accommodation does book up and is more expensive during Carnival (in February), though it’s not nearly as pronounced as in Rio, which is where most foreigners go for Carnival.

How to Stay Safe in São Paulo

Though it’s safer than Rio (the favelas, or shantytowns, are not close to the city center as in Rio), travelers should be careful and on their guard in São Paulo. Pickpocketing and other petty crimes are common here. Don’t flash expensive belongings, and always keep your phone and wallet secure and out of reach. Don’t carry your passport with you when you’re out for the day. If you have multiple credit cards, don’t carry them all with you at once.

Avoid going out alone in the evenings after dark, especially in downtown, where there are large encampments of unhoused persons and more likelihood of petty theft. If you do need to go out at night, have your hostel/hotel call a taxi for you, or use Uber (which is incredibly common).

Solo female travelers should exercise caution here. Avoid walking around alone when possible, particularly at night. Always keep an eye on your drink (even when it’s being poured), and never accept drinks from strangers. Always trust your gut instinct.

Use ATMs inside a bank or have a friend with you to keep an eye out while you withdraw cash.

To learn which scams to be on the lookout for, read this post about common travel scams.

Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you experience an emergency, dial 190 for assistance.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Brazil, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns. Overall though, Brazilians are very friendly and helpful. Don’t let fearful perceptions of the city and country put you off from visiting this vibrant place.

And always buy travel insurance. It will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong.

São Paulo Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

São Paulo Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out other articles on backpacking/traveling Brazil to continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Rio de Janeiro

Is Brazil Safe to Visit?

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The Ultimate Sao Paulo Travel Guide: Top Tips and Must-Visit Spots [2024]

Table of Contents

Sao Paulo TRAVEL GUIDE

Sao paulo brazil: a quick look.

I must confess I never imagined myself writing a travel guide. Although this was less a São Paulo travel guide and more of a love letter to so many wonderful memories. If you want your own, then you’re coming to the right place. Here, you will find everything you need to know, from pre-planning your trip to  staying safe . 

You might be thinking, ‘Do I really need a São Paulo travel guide?’. And the answer to that will come at the end of this article when you realize how much more you’re prepared to take this trip. I hope to help you enjoy this place as much as I do upon each visit.

Be this visit number one, three, or fifteen, there are always new things to learn, so follow me on this São Paulo travel guide for today! Also, for an in-depth country guide, see our complete  Brazil travel guide .

São Paulo Brazil: Quick Travel Tips Before You Go

🛫 Airport: The best airport in São Paulo, Brazil, is called Guarulhos International Airport. Its airport code is GRU.

🤑 Currency: Brazilian Real, shown by the R$ symbol.

🗣️ Language: Portuguese, although English is common in tourist spots and in hotels.

🕰️ Time Zone: Brasilia Standard Time (GMT-3). One hour ahead of EST and 4 hours ahead of PST.

💵 Cost:  Quite affordable if you are coming from a stronger currency such as the US dollar, EURO, or Yen. 

🛜 Internet: Incredibly fast and reliable mobile internet and the subway system has wifi in an emergency. 

📄 Brazil Visa: As of now, If you are traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan, then NO. This could change as of October 1, 2023. Track the status and details here . For EU Nationals, you do NOT need a visa, and you may not be affected by the Oct 1, 2023 change. You can see the details here .

🔌 Power Outlets: In Brazil, we have two associated plug types, C and N. Plug type C is the one with two round pins. Plug type N has two round pins and a larger grounding pin.

🔋 Power Grid:  Wonderful! Brazil operates entirely on a 127/220V supply voltage and 60 Hz. Some newer hotels operate at 220V but don’t count on this.

📳 Brazil SIM Card: If you are considering the necessity of a SIM card for Brazil, trust me: the answer is a loud yes. They are not expensive, and to have one in any country you travel to is a must. 

🚘 Car Rentals: Renting a car in Brazil can be a little overwhelming, and you can be nervous about driving abroad. However, it can be the best way to move depending on the trip you plan after reading this São Paulo travel guide.

São Paulo Brazil: Safety Travel Tips (Use Common Sense)

🍏 Food safety: Food is safe pretty much everywhere. Use your common sense, though, and avoid sketchy-looking things like seafood on the streets.

💧 Water safety: Tap water isn’t indicated for drinking, except for outside use, like washing hands and brushing teeth. Filtered water and ice are safe to consume. Restaurants usually have filters as well. Prefer to filter your water or buy bottled water. Consider using a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels.

👷‍♀️ Daytime safety: The most common thing in any tourist area is petty theft. Here are some tips. Ditch designer clothes, purses, and jewelry (including expensive watches. Don’t bury your head in your phone. Only have your phone out when absolutely necessary.

🦺 Nighttime safety: Use common sense like in any big city you visit. Don’t put valuables in your pocket, don’t walk alone at night, don’t pull your phone out on the street, don’t wear jewelry or watches or expensive purses, and don’t use the metro at night.

👺 Avoiding scams: Make sure your valuables are safe. Buy tickets for sightseeing tours and concerts online, not from street vendors. Taxis or Ubers should be booked directly from apps or through your hotel. Be mindful of where you withdraw your money; do it at banks only. Also, never leave your drink unattended.

São Paulo Brazil Travel Tips: A Local Perspective

🏨 Best neighborhoods for tourists:  Avenida Paulista (best central location and for nightlife), Paraiso and Vila Mariana (families), Jardim Europa (couples), Via Madalena and Pinheiros (solo travelers and groups).

🎄 Top Brazilian holidays and traditions: This São Paulo travel guide recommends you try Carnival, Festa Junina (June Festival), Independence Day (Sete de Setembro), and Christmas around here.

🍜 Local food to try: Some traditional dishes you HAVE to try are Pavê, cachorro quente, brigadeiro, coxinha, feijoda, pão de queijo, and churrasco.

🍹 Local drinks to try (alcoholic): Cachaça, caipirinhas, and Catuaba.

🧉 Local drinks to try (non-alcoholic): In São Paulo, it’s all about the Guaraná and Coffee.

🚶‍♂️ Walkability: Wonderful! You are easily able to walk to most things in a short time or jump on the subway, too.

🎉 Nightlife:  It is AMAZING. Not all São Paulo travel guides will tell you how wonderful it can get when the sun goes down.

😀 Friendly to foreigners: São Paulo is super welcoming. It’s already waiting for you.

🏥 Hospitals: Great, as São Paulo is the main metropolitan area in the country, many renowned establishments are here

🇺🇸 English speaking: Pretty much all over since it is a very touristic and business-led area.

São Paulo TRAVEL GUIDE

Where is são paulo, brazil located, são paulo map .

São Paulo, or Sampa, if you want to sound local, in the southeastern region of Brazil. The city, the capital of its homonymous state, is a beacon for everyone who dreams of making it. Meanwhile, the state boasts everything from coastal areas to beautiful highlands.

What State is São Paulo In? 

São Paulo is a concrete jungle just shy of the coast in a state with the same name. São Paulo, both the state and its capital city, are well worth visiting. A brilliant mix of history and modern times, you are in for a treat by coming here.

What’s the Closest Airport to São Paulo, Brazil?

There are three airports that service São Paulo: Guarulhos International Airport (Code: GRU), Congonhas Airport (CGH), and Viracopos International Airport (VCP). Since you’ll be coming from abroad, you are better off selecting Guarulhos as your final destination.

What is the Best Way to Get to Your São Paulo Hotel?

Once you arrive at Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo’s metropolitan area, there are a few ways to get to where you’re staying.

The simplest and easiest way to do it is by organizing a private shuttle. That saves you the trouble of having to organize it upon landing. But if you don’t really mind, then there are a few things you can do.

You can try a taxi, but BE CERTAIN the meter is turned on to avoid scams. This is a thing to pay attention to in every country, and it is not different in Brazil. 

Renting a car in São Paulo is an excellent option. Rental car agencies are at the airport, making for easy pickup and drop-off. It is the way to go if you plan to drive all around or if it is more of a family trip. But parking in São Paulo ain’t easy, and it’s not cheap either. If you want to save some room in your budget or plan to drink a little, then prefer Uber or shuttles. 

Pro Tip: If you are planning to take an Uber, make sure that you have a Brazil SIM card so that your phone operates properly. You never want to depend on free public WIFI for using your ride-share apps. 

How to Get Around São Paulo?

Ride Sharing (top choice): Ride-share apps like Uber are very used in São Paulo, mainly because they’re cheap and convenient. If you want the least amount of hassle, this is the way to go.

Rent a Car (top choice): A rental car offers the ultimate freedom in your São Paulo adventure. Through this, you will be able to explore nearby history and reach every corner of the town. If that’s in your plans, remember to bring your valid documents and prepare for right-side driving.

Take a Taxi: Taking a taxi is an excellent choice but should not be your main way to get around. São Paulo doesn’t have that many taxis around, and the prices can be a little steep. I generally go for them only when I absolutely have to

Public transportation: Not every São Paulo travel guide will tell you how amazing the subway is here. I wouldn’t say the same for surface trains and buses, but the subway is my favorite way to get around every time I’m there.

When to Go to São Paulo?

Every São Paulo travel guide will tell you something different about when to come here. But this is simply up to you and your goal for the trip, so let me tell you a little about each season here.

São Paulo Brazil Summer (December to March): If you are into sunny days, music festivals, and parties, this is the time to go. Sure, it will be peak tourist season with travelers from Brazil and abroad coming in. From comic conventions to great music and everything in between, it’s the best time to enjoy.

Summer Carnival: Carnival deserves its own spot! It’s the most famous party in Brazil for good reason. People celebrate the joy of being alive in every street for days on end! It usually happens in late February, but accommodations can get booked up far ahead, so plan in advance.

São Paulo Brazil Fall (April and May): If you’re like me and enjoy a more laid-back vibe, then this is the season for you. Autumn/Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy slower days and lower prices, too, since it’s not peak season. 

São Paulo Brazil Winter (June to August): Winter here is when the rain falls, but don’t let that stop you. Colder weather is still wonderful to enjoy most attractions since they are inside. Other than the second half of July, there’s also the major advantage of few, if any, crowds.

São Paulo, Brazil Spring (September to November): Spring is my second favorite time to go. Given it’s not as hot as the summer and it usually has great cultural programs, it’s surely a wonderful time to enjoy these streets.

Keep in mind that there is no wrong time to visit São Paulo!

Where to Stay in São Paulo, Brazil (By Neighborhood)

São Paulo is a massive town, so choosing where to stay depends a lot on what kind of trip you’re planning and who you’re going with.

Your main options are Avenida Paulista (best central location and for nightlife), Paraiso and Vila Mariana (families), Jardim Europa (couples), Via Madalena and Pinheiros (solo travelers and groups). 

I’ve dedicated this next section of our São Paulo travel guide to understanding what each area offers a little better.

Avenida Paulista (Best Central Location And Nightlife)

When it comes to easy access to transit while being within walking distance of several tourist spots, Avenida Paulista is where you want to be. Not only that, it’s also within a short distance of nightlife’s darling Rua Augusta, which I’ll talk about a little further down this São Paulo Travel guide. 

Paraiso and Vila Mariana (Families)

Paraíso and Vila Mariana are both great places to stay as a family since they’re central enough but also a little further down from the chaos Avenida Paulista is on most days. Here, you can easily venture into the subway or get a car to every hotspot in town. In case you rent a car , here a lot of hotels have parking too.

Jardim Europa (Couples)

As a couple, your best bet is staying in the Jardins area, but I’d recommend Jardim Europa out of them the most. It’s a more upscale neighborhood while still being super affordable, full of renowned restaurants and eateries for you to try.

Via Madalena and Pinheiros (solo travelers and groups)

Now, if you’re going as a group or doing solo on a budget, either Via Madalena or Pinheiros are great bets. These neighborhoods are easily accessible through transit, which then leads anywhere you want to go. Accommodations here are also considerably cheaper and calmer.

Best Things to Do in São Paulo, Brazil

• Discover The Museums : There are museums for all tastes here! From typical art to others that expose Brazil’s history amidst a beautiful garden. In case there is a day or two extra in your schedule, try one up!
• Hit Avenida Paulista: Avenida Paulista is one of the main postcards here, and there’s so much to do. On Sundays, the avenue is closed for cars, and everyone can just enjoy the road! 
• Visit Liberdade : Liberdade is a must in every São Paulo travel guide you consult. It’s an entire neighborhood filled with Asian traditions and products with that wonderful Brazilian touch.
• Enjoy Rua Augusta : To me, this is the heart of São Paulo’s nightlife. An entire street is home to several unique bars and restaurants for you to have a blast. 
• Immerse Yourself in Green : Ibirapuera Park is a breath of fresh air in such a vast city. It compares to Central Park with lots of places to be explored. 
• Try Brazilian Food : One of my favorite things about Sampa is how every culture has a spot, and because of that, so many traditional foods can be tasted. 
• Walk Through The Municipal Market: this market reminds me of those fairs in fantasy movies because everything you could want is here. From artisanal foods to handcrafted goods, come and enjoy! 
• Go Shopping: One thing Sampa has are shopping malls. From fancier upscale stores to traditional cuisines, there is some fun to be had here.

Best São Paulo Tours

Tours in São Paulo are one of my favorite ways to get some tourism done in a unique way. You can see sites, surrounding areas, and so much more! Unless your plans include renting a car , taking a tour can be an easy and cost-effective way to get your sightseeing done. You definitely don’t want to be relying on ride apps or cabs because that adds up quickly.

Tours are a streamlined way to really dive into a place without the hassle of planning. Below, I’ve dedicated a section of this São Paulo travel guide to the best kinds of tours in the São Paulo area. They go from walking tours to personal photographers to pub crawls; let’s take a look!

💡Pro Tip:   If I plan to spend more than four days in a new place, I like to first take a broad tour of neighborhoods to get a feel of everything and then decide where I would like to spend more of my time. It is so sad to find a great spot with half a day left in town.

💡Pro Tip: When it comes to booking tours, never get them from people on the street. You are better off doing it online or with your hotel concierge. But hotels act as middlemen and might hike up prices just to take a cut.

Here are the top tours for São Paulo:  : 

• Complete São Paulo City Tour : This kind of tour will take you through an in-depth journey. Along with a professional guide and sometimes even transit costs covered, it is recommended to tick some spots off of your list.
• São Paulo Walking Tour : If you’re a more active person and want to see Sampa from the ground up, taking a guided walking tour is the way to go! You can book them even through Airbnb, and some locals offer them for free.
• Bar Crawling Tour : São Paulo is famous for its vibrant nightlife. Book this tour if you want to have an unforgettable time and lifetime memories.
• Eco Tours : Every São Paulo travel guide will tell you how Ibirapuera Park is a must. Not all of them will tell you to book a tour to check all the best spots in it for a rather reasonable price.
• Photo Tours: Another awesome thing you can do is to hire a tour with a private photographer to register your moments while out in town.
• Metropolitan Area Tours: If you want to explore a little further, schedule a tour for another nearby town. The São Paulo area is full of quaint little towns to explore. 
• Private Custom Tours : If you want to personalize your experience a little further, go for a private custom tour. This way, you’re able to make your own plans and follow your own beat, with the advantage of not having to worry about a group. 

Is São Paulo Safe for Tourists?

In general, every São Paulo travel guide will agree that it is a safe city for tourists. This is not to say there is absolutely no crime; it happens just like in any big city or destination. You should take some precautions as usual.

The main concern is what we call petty crimes, such as theft, pretty much year-round. Be it in Rio, São Paulo, Milan, or Paris, the risk of being caught unprepared is the same. The more planning you do, the less of a target you are. 

💡Here Are My Pro Safety Tips For Every City You Travel To: 

• Valuables should go in two spots in your person when out and about. Small valuables, credit cards, and even your phone are safer in those thin fanny packs to hide under clothing. Other things you ‘don’t mind’ losing should be in other spots. Like this, if pickpocketing or confrontation does happen, you’re at less risk of losing things.
• When in popular spots, especially with crowds, avoid getting your valuables out as much as possible. Thieves pay attention to that kind of behavior!
• Be mindful of chaos. Often, it is just a distraction so that petty thefts can happen.
• As your São Paulo travel guide, I try to be as thorough with research as possible, but things can change super fast. So always check with your accommodation if there are any areas to avoid currently.
• Forget bling at home. Avoid visible brands, fancy jewelry, or watches. All of that makes you stand out as a target.

Normal precautions are important all the time. São Paulo does have a lower crime rate when compared to other cities. Most neighborhoods are well-patrolled, and people love to welcome visitors. 

Its neighborhoods are well-patrolled, and residents are welcoming toward tourists. 

That being said, what matters most is to be aware of your environment, even more during the night or in crowded spots. Remember that you are responsible for your safety, so plan ahead and have a great time.

What is the Best Travel Insurance for Brazil?

This is a question that I get a lot, as travel insurance can get confusing. This is a critical part of your trip though so that you do not have to worry when visiting São Paulo or any other part of the world. 

Figuring out travel insurance can be overwhelming. However, having the right travel insurance coverage is essential for a stress-free trip to São Paulo, Brazil. The key is to make sure it is simple and flexible. 

To streamline this, we have broken down the best travel insurance companies out there in the industry that are all great but also serve different needs.  

Let’s explore what each of them brings to the table: 

✅ World Nomads : Best for comprehensive coverage, flexibility, AND adventure sports. Covers trip cancellation, emergency medical costs, and emergency medical transportation and protects your travel gear. 

✅ SafetyWing : This is for general travelers, frequent travelers,  and long-term digital nomads in Brazil. Provides lots of flexibility as far as start date, coverage extension, and automatic renewals. It also has limited home-country coverage. 

✅ Travel Insurance Master : Brazil travel insurance search tool, this is for people who really want to compare policies. 

São Paulo Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Drink the Water in São Paulo, Brazil?

Straight from the tap is a massive NO.

It doesn’t matter which São Paulo travel guide you consult. Everyone will tell you unfiltered water is a no for drinking. It is typically safe for general use, but don’t even risk drinking it.

You’re good for brushing teeth, showers, and whatnot! But when it comes to drinking, I’d recommend a reusable bottle to refill or just buying bottled water when needed.

That being said, a lot of São Paulo restaurants offer ‘água da casa,’ which is just filtered water to customers and used for ice, so you’re good. Be sure to ask the restaurant, and if they don’t have it, you can go back to bottled water for the time.

Also, always look at the weather because the Brazilian sun can get very strong, so you want to stay hydrated. Getting sick should be the last on your trip bucket list.

So Steps to Stay Safe With the Water Are: 

• In an AirBnb, boil the water if you do not have bottled water or a filter.
• In a hotel with no filter, buy bottled water, but this can get expensive.
• Get a reusable water bottle that you can refill. And since refilling is free, you don’t have to worry about something so simple to solve while in São Paulo, Brazil. Consider bringing along a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels.

What’s the São Paulo Weather Like?

São Paulo, Brazil, has a mostly subtropical climate, and it’s heavily influenced by monsoon seasons. 

You can expect hot summers with temperatures from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit). Sometimes, there are intense heat waves, so always have light clothing at hand. As for winter, it cools down to between 13 and 22 degrees Celsius (55-72 degrees Fahrenheit).

Most of the rainfall happens during warmer months, so you can expect to have dry weather from June until September/October. With the beginning of the fall season in May and going until the end of spring in November, you should have nice weather for your trip. 

I’d say which season you go in isn’t so important because what matters is your goal. On a daily basis, São Paulo’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s good to have a light jacket or umbrella with you at all times.

Is São Paulo Expensive?

If it’s already an inexpensive destination for locals, for tourists from the US, Europe, or any other stronger currency, it gets even cheaper because of exchange rates. Expenses like accommodations, food, transport, and others end up a lot cheaper than usual.

Eating out happens at a much lower cost, especially at local spots, just because your currency is ‘worth’ more.

Do keep in mind that your costs can add up a lot higher if you want finer things while here. Higher-end hotels, restaurants, and such will be more expensive but still a little cheaper in comparison to your own prices.

I’d like to mention prices will generally go up during peak seasons, especially in the most popular areas. So, if you want to save your budget for something else, plan your trip to other moments, and you’ll be fine.

Is São Paulo Worth Visiting?

A hundred percent yes! São Paulo is not a famous destination in Brazil for no reason. It is a city that contains multitudes and will always have something new to show you.

It has something for all travelers, from nature to musical theatre.

Locals lovingly call it Sampa, and it is so much more than a concrete jungle. You can enjoy nature in the parks, party in unique clubs, enjoy open-air art installations, or catch a play in theaters. There are also so many tours you can take in order to have the trip of your dreams.

I was there three times in 2022, and each time surprised me with new restaurants and foods to try. From traditional Asian cuisine to whatever else you can think of, São Paulo has it all.

Locals are always ready to share their town with you and help you be safe in this enormous place. But if you are not a fan of crowds or prefer a calmer vibe, plan for the shoulder seasons and enjoy!

How Many Days Do I Need in São Paulo, Brazil?

The answer to this question isn’t as simple as one, two, or three. 

Most São Paulo travel guides will tell you anything from three to seven days, but I think it depends a lot on what your plans are.

If you plan a more culture-led visit, then you will need at least four full days in town. After all, there are several great museums, and you will want to take your time. But if you’re more into checking out the sights, then you may need a little over a full week.

I think that the amount of days you will need depends on your goal. Plan your time, then add a couple more days just to be safe.

General São Paulo Brazil Travel Info & FAQ

🌞 São Paulo Weather São Paulo was lovingly nicknamed ‘Terra da Garoa,’ which translates to ‘land of the drizzle.’ Given it is a big city so close to a major river, the weather can be quite humid. 

Depending on the time of year you come, you can experience drier weather, though. During the summer, there are hotter days with little to no rain experience. While winter can be a marathon of drizzles from time to time.

It really is a year-round destination, so it’s only a matter of paying attention to which season you’re going in, but temperatures are mild in general.

💰 Brazil Currency  The official currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real, shown by either BRL or R$. Nowadays, cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it’s wise to have some cash on hand, especially in São Paulo, where street fairs just show up, and you may want to get some food or a souvenir. I’d hate for you to miss out on something amazing because of not having cash.

🗣️ Brazil Language  Since Brazil’s official language is Portuguese, both in São Paulo and all through the country, this is what you’re most likely to hear in the streets.

Yes, English is around in several tourist spots and hotels, but this São Paulo travel guide recommends learning a few things in the native language. Just a few sentences in Portuguese can go a long way toward integrating you with this amazing place.

If you want to learn a bit of Portuguese prior to going, DuoLingo and Pimsleur are great tools to use.

🛫 São Paulo Brazil Busy Season & Slow Season São Paulo Busy Season: Arguably, São Paulo’s busiest season is the Summer, from December to March, and also the Brazilian Winter break, usually the last weeks in July. As these are considered to be super busy times by every São Paulo travel guide, expect to find crowds and hiked-up prices. 

São Paulo Slow Season: If you want to avoid bigger crowds, plan for August to November. Given most of the slow season during the southern hemisphere winter, also plan for colder weather and better deals.

São Paulo Shoulder Season: São Paulo only has three months I’d consider a shoulder season. From April to June, you can enjoy rather mild weather that doesn’t have the extremes of summer and winter go through. São Paulo’s main attractions will be ready to welcome you with fewer crowds in your way!

Do I Need a Visa for Brazil? 

The Short Answer: If you are traveling from the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan, the answer is no, UNTIL October 1, 2023, then the answer is yes. Currently, no visa is necessary from European Union (EU) countries. This looks like it will be the case even after October 1, 2023. 

The Longer Answer: Traveling to Brazil is a great experience, but it is important to make sure you have all your ducks in a row so to speak. That means having the proper documentation needed to enter the country. 

Here’s what you need to know about securing a visa for Brazil, specifically for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and European Union (EU) countries.

Section 1: US, Canada, Australia, and Japan Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan can currently enter visa-free travel to Brazil for tourism or business purposes. 

This applies to stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period. All you need is a valid passport with an expiry date at least six months beyond your intended departure from Brazil.

Brazil is looking to implement the visa requirement again for these four countries as of October 1, 2023, so plan in advance for this. 

Section 2: European Union (EU)  Nationals

For most European Union citizens, including those from the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, also benefit from visa-free entry to Brazil. 

This policy permits EU nationals to stay in Brazil for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within a 12-month period. Like others, they will need a passport that is valid for at least six months past the date of entry into Brazil.

Visa and immigration requirements can and do change. It is always advised to check the latest information from the official government websites of Brazil or your home country’s foreign travel advisory services before making travel plans.

For the most recent and comprehensive information about visa requirements for all nationalities, consult the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or a Brazilian embassy or consulate near you during your pre-planning phase of your trip. 

The October 1st, 2023 update does not look like it will affect EU Nationals, but research accordingly here .

What Do I Need on My Brazil Packing List? 

Perhaps the worst thing ever is accidentally overpacking and having to haul those unnecessary things halfway across the globe with you. It is also equally terrible to desperately need something and not have it. That can put a damper on anyone’s mood. 

Packing for a trip to Brazil, or any international trip, in fact, should be done in advance! I’d say to start by getting one of those digital luggage scales to avoid being overweight.

Here’s a curated list focusing on your primary needs: 🔌 Power Adapters: Brazil has types C and N outlets, which can be a hassle if you don’t plan ahead. You can buy the correct adapters for your devices ahead of time to avoid scrambling around and wasting time to buy one there. Consider bringing a universal travel adapter to ensure compatibility with various outlets during your travels.

📳 Brazil and São Paulo SIM Card: You know that being connected is essential, even more so when traveling abroad. Don’t forget to get a Brazilian or São Paulo-specific SIM card to communicate and access the internet. This is a must-have if you plan to rely on Google Maps, Uber, or similar things.

💧 Filterable Water Bottle: Tap water in São Paulo is generally safe for use but definitely not for drinking. Be like me, and carry a reusable water bottle everywhere you go! Consider bringing a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels.

💊 Anti-Hangover Meds: São Paulo’s nightlife is a sight to see! But you don’t want to waste an entire day out of your time with a hangover. So, include some anti-hangover meds in your first aid kit.

👒 Sun Protection: The Brazilian sun is no joke, so don’t underestimate it! I recommend you pack a high-SPF sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself or budget to get them here. Just a short time in the sun can make your next few days unpleasant; trust a person who’s had sunburns literally in the head.

🦟 Bug Repellent: By now, you know Brazil’s weather is tropical, and depending on where you go, you’ll have many mosquitoes as your company. No matter where you are, this item is necessary. Consider using an eco-friendly bug repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes while minimizing environmental impact.

🩴 Comfortable Footwear: Don’t forget you will cross many terrains here. Pack comfy shoes for walking, sandals, flip-flops, and whatever else you think is going to be necessary.

📄 Travel Documents: If you remember one thing this São Paulo travel guide tells you, remember to take all of your important documents with you. Passport, visa (if required), travel insurance papers, and anything else. I’d go ahead and also make copies of everything just in case loss or theft happens. Without them, you’d be in a nightmare.

As for the rest of your packing, just keep in mind to pack appropriate clothing for the season you’re traveling to São Paulo. You can change this list to fit your heart’s desires so long as you plan to have a great time!

Is it Safe to Rent a Car and Drive in São Paulo, Brazil? 

Of course! It is super safe to rent and drive a car in São Paulo. But also keep in mind this town has a more stressful driving atmosphere and also a lot of traffic. Comfortable experience for visitors.

Brazilian traffic laws are easy to navigate, but São Paulo’s metropolitan area is home to many people, so be attentive. Trust your rental car GPS, which can be in KM, so check the configurations and the key signs, and you’ll be fine.

Remember, in Brazil, we drive on the right-hand side. If you go for renting a car , make sure to have a good insurance policy too for peace of mind reasons. Most rental places have them available, too.

When you park, especially on the street, ensure the car is locked and leave no personal items in sight.

All in all, driving around São Paulo is a safe and cool experience. It offers freedom, flexibility, and bragging rights to an awesome experience. Although it’d not be my first choice, driving in São Paulo is definitely part of my bucket list.

Do I Need to Speak Portuguese to Visit Brazil?

If you go to some places that are a little more of the road, maybe a little. But when it comes to areas like São Paulo, then not at all! Even the subway here has announcements in English, and most people in the hospitality and commerce industries speak it to some degree.

However, learning a little Portuguese can make your travel experience even better by giving you the ability to interact with the culture around you properly. In situations where English isn’t available, tools like Duoling can help you! Not only Duo but some other platforms also have great, user-friendly apps to help you learn the basics for your trip.

But worry not! Even without fluent Portuguese, you will be able to navigate Brazil perfectly. I’m a person who loves to learn some basics before going to another country. So, if you want to be like your São Paulo travel guide, take a shot at some Portuguese before you come over. Here are some great language preparation options for your trip to Brazil:

Learn Basic Portuguese: Using some platforms to learn language basics is great, but I prefer ones like DuoLingo or Pimsleur. They have interactive courses to help you gain confidence and speak a little Portuguese before your trip.

Use Google Translate App:   This one can be a lifesaver when it comes to navigating language barriers. Remember, it works online, so you will also need a Brazilian SIM card with plenty of data available.

Get a Portuguese Phrasebook : It may sound silly, but consider packing a Portuguese phrasebook , for example, the Lonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook . It can be handy to have a non-digital assistant to help with communicating and understanding the local language in a pinch.

You won’t become fluent, but even basic knowledge can go a long way. It will definitely enrich your trip to São Paulo. Locals love it when visitors make an effort, even if it feels small.

Is Brazil Safe for Solo Female Travel? 

Well, Brazil, in general, can be a very safe destination! When it comes specifically to São Paulo, I recommend taking some extra precautions because of it being such a big city.

There are some implicit safety measures I’d say are a must, such as staying in well-reviewed accommodations in areas close to movement, only booking your tickets online since there’s no control if you’re actually going alone, avoiding being out on the street by yourself at night and be watchful of your surroundings.

Also, don’t go out with anything too flashy or visibly branded; leave that in your hotel.

No São Paulo travel guide will point out specific behaviors or dress codes, but we all put a light on using only trustworthy transport. The subway is generally super safe, and during the day, it’s always my go-to. But if I end up out later than 8 p.m., then I get an Uber! This is the app that works best here; don’t forget to have mobile internet to use it!

Keep yourself connected to people, tell them about your plans and when you plan on going back to your accommodation for the night. I usually go as far as sharing my location until I’m safely inside.

As a person who travels alone often and to São Paulo twice as much, trust me as the São Paulo travel guide you’ve chosen: this is the experience of a lifetime! Whether you’re going for a weekend or doing an in-depth exploration, São Paulo is waiting for you!

Hey, everyone! My name is Lu and I’m 24 years old. Although I was born in the state of Rio, life took me around from birth. I grew up in the South of Brazil and now live in the South East, in a town called Juiz de Fora. I’ve lived in the US for a couple of years before coming back determined to meet more of my home country. Besides traveling, I love to work as a teacher and go to as many concerts as possible in the company of my besties and girlfriend!

Catch me at my socials below!

 insta: https://www.instagram.com/lumachowski/

• Attractions and Landmarks

Dreaming of your next trip?

I agree to the Forbes Travel Guide Privacy Policy , Terms , and Cookie Policy . I understand I can withdraw my consent at any time.

Sign up for our newsletter

14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in São Paulo

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers and Michael Law Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The largest city in South America, São Paulo sits on the Piratininga plateau and is surrounded by rivers that fan out into the interior. Almost from its founding in 1554, São Paulo became the gateway to the sertão (Brazil's backcountry), and explorers known as bandeirantes made expeditions from the city into this region. Today's main highways to interior cities still follow the routes of the bandeirantes.

Immigrants from all over the world have always been a part of São Paulo, and you'll still see the influence of Portuguese, Spanish, German, African, Jewish, Arab, and Japanese residents on its life and culture. There is an entire museum devoted to Japanese immigration, for example, and another to the contributions of Africans in Brazil.

Perhaps the most difficult thing to grasp about the city is its sheer size. A good way to get an idea of how far it spreads is from the observation deck of the 46-story Itália Building on Avenida Ipiranga. Many of São Paulo's tourist attractions are widespread, so you'll find the Metro a good way to travel between them.

Discover the best places to visit in this lively metropolis with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Sao Paulo.

See also: Where to Stay in São Paulo

1. Museu de Arte

2. museo do futebol (football museum), 3. parque do ibirapuera (ibirapuera park), 4. museu de arte contemporânea (contemporary art museum), 5. avenida paulista, 6. parque da independància and museu paulista, 7. sé (cathedral), 8. teatro municipal (city theater), 9. beco do batman (batman alley), 10. pátio do colégio, 11. mosteiro de são bento (benedictine monastery), 12. pinacoteca do estado (art gallery of the state of são paulo), 13. nossa senhora da luz, 14. largo de são francisco, where to stay in são paulo for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to são paulo, map of attractions & things to do in são paulo, sao paulo, brazil - climate chart.

The São Paulo Museum of Art, known locally as MASP, only opened in 1968 but has the most representative and comprehensive collection of western art in Latin America. You'll see works by Impressionists and modern masters - Renoir, Van Gogh, Matisse, Manet, Debret, Picasso, Miró, along with 73 works of bronze sculpture by Degas alone.

Although it reaches back to the Renaissance artists, this is one of the first art museums on the continent to focus on artists of the mid-20th century and later, as well as on contemporary artists in Brazil, including Portinari and Di Cavalcanti. Its outstanding collections put it in the league with the Tate Modern, MoMA, and the Centre Pompidou.

The building itself, designed by Brazilian-Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi, is a classic of Modernism. The plaza under its suspended structure hosts a Sunday antiques market and frequent concerts.

Address: Avenida Paulista 1578, São Paulo

Official site: https://masp.org.br

In this football (soccer) mad country, a city like Sao Paulo would be bereft if it didn't have a museum dedicated to the "beautiful game." This fantastic museum provides insight and information on the game and how it occupies a special place in the heart of all Brazilians.

Spread out over 6,000 square meters and 15 galleries are interactive exhibits that are engaging and entertaining. Each gallery focuses on different aspects of the game and the development of sport in Brazil. Jumbo screens mounted on the walls showing famous plays, games, and happenings almost induce a feeling of sensory overload. Other galleries have hundreds of framed photos and other treasured memorabilia.

Think you are a hotshot player? Test your skills by taking a penalty kick against a virtual goalie. The machine will tell you your results, including the speed of the ball. The museum is located at the world famous Pacaembu stadium.

Official site: https://museudofutebol.org.br/en/pagina-inicial-en/

Ibirapuera Park was laid out by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, with buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer. The immense green space with its monuments, museums, playgrounds, gardens, trails, lakes, and performance spaces is a leisure paradise for the people of São Paulo, as well as a showcase of modern architecture and culture. The park is immensely popular, with over 14 million people visiting each year.

Commemorating the pioneers from São Paulo who opened up Brazil's interior, the Bandeiras Monument is a magnificent work by Brazilian sculptor Victor Brecheret, with imposing heroic figures. An obelisk commemorates those who died in 1932 in the struggle for a new constitution.

Auditório Ibirapuera , the ultra-modern music hall designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is considered one of São Paulo's best concert venues. Museu da Aeronáutica e do Folclore , the Aeronautics and Folk Art Museum , displays aircraft models and flight equipment on the ground floor, with nearly 20,000 exhibits devoted to folk art and traditions from all over Brazil filling the remaining floors. The large Museu Afro-Brasil celebrates the contributions of Afro-Brazilians and their social and cultural history.

The Japanese Pavilion dates from 1954 and has exhibits of sculptures, Samurai clothing, pottery, and other treasures. The gardens out front contain volcanic rock from Japan along with a variety of beautiful plants. The fish pond nearby is stocked with colorful carp that are always looking to be fed.

Address: Avenida Pedro Alvares Cabral, São Paulo

Inside Parque Ibirapuera, the Pavilhão da Bienal de Artes , designed by Oscar Niemeyer and completed in 1957, houses the excellent Museum of Contemporary Art along with special exhibitions and shows. The museum's more than 5,000 pieces represent a wide range of art schools, from Picasso, Modigliani, and Léger to leading Brazilian painters Tarsila do Amaral, Anita Malfatti, Portinari, and Di Cavalcanti.

Among Latin America's largest collections of 20th-century Western art, the museum also displays works by Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, and Joan Miró. The Sculpture Garden was designed by Roberto Burle Marx and displays 30 large works in an outdoor setting.

Address: Gate 3, Parque Ibirapuera, São Paulo

Official site: http://mam.org.br/

Avenida Paulista is São Paulo's center of activity, full of things to do and a favorite destination for both tourists and locals. This is an ideal spot for people-watching from one of the numerous sidewalk cafes. The area is home to many shops, theaters, galleries, and museums, including the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP).

Nearby and within walking distance are parks, like Parque Trianon, which provides a foliage-dense oasis right in the city center. This main avenue hosts numerous festivals and celebrations throughout the year, often closing to traffic to become a pedestrian mall.

In São Paulo's Ipiranga district, traversed by the stream alongside which the independence of Brazil was proclaimed by Prince Pedro, Independence Park commemorates that 1822 event. Overlooking the formal gardens of roses, topiaries, and fountains inspired by those at Versailles, is the Museu Paulista, more commonly known as the Museu do Ipiranga.

Its Italian architect, Tommaso Gaudenzio Bezzi, created an eclectic design modeled on Italian Neoclassicism, reminiscent of Renaissance palaces. Inside are large collections of costumes, decorative arts, paintings, and furniture of the Imperial Period.

Address: Parque da Independência, Ipiranga, São Paulo

The neo-Gothic cathedral was built on the site of an earlier cathedral and took from 1913 to 1967 to complete. Its building was interrupted by two world wars, which made it difficult to get the mosaics and other decorative elements from Italy. It was consecrated in 1954, on the 400th anniversary of the foundation of São Paulo.

On the façade are statues of Old Testament prophets and Christ's disciples. Although the rest of the church is neo-Gothic, it is capped by a Renaissance-style dome. The interior has several interesting features, including the 10,000-pipe organ and stained glass windows picturing the history of Catholicism in Brazil.

Be sure to notice the capitals on the columns, carved to represent Brazilian flora (branches of coffee and pineapples) and fauna, including armadillos. You can tour the crypt below the main church to see marble sculptures and tombs. The cathedral sits at the historic center of São Paulo, and is a good place to begin a walking tour of the old town.

Address: Praça da Sé, São Paulo

Architect Ramos de Azevedo modeled São Paulo's Municipal Theater after the Paris Opéra, drawing on an eclectic mixture of Art Nouveau and Italian Renaissance themes. Almost immediately after its completion in 1911, it became a major city attraction. This status was enhanced in 1922, when it was the venue for a landmark event that revolutionized the arts in Brazil.

The Week of Modern Art introduced and spotlighted artists who were to become icons of the Brazilian Modernist Movement, celebrated names including painters Emiliano Di Cavalcanti, Tarsila do Amaral, Anita Malfatti, and Menotti Del Picchia; composer Heitor Villa-Lobos; playwright Mário de Andrade; and sculptor Victor Brecheret.

A major center for the performing arts in South America, the theater has hosted performances by internationally renowned singers, dancers, musicians, and performing artists that have included Carla Fracci, Rudolf Nureyev, Titta Ruffo, Enrico Caruso, Maria Callas, Arturo Toscanini, Heitor Villa-Lobos, and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

The building was completely restored to its original grandeur and re-opened in 1991. It is home to the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, the Coral Lírico (Lyric Choir), and the City Ballet of São Paulo.

Address: Praça Ramos de Azevedo, São Paulo

If you find yourself in the Vila Madalena neighborhood, Beco do Batman is a wild and colorful spot located between Gonçalo Afonso Street and Medeiros de Albuquerque Street. Since the 1980s, spray paint artists have been showcasing their innovative work on the walls.

The artwork is continually changing, and the creative murals make for colorful photos. There is even a good chance you'll see an artist or two at work when you visit.

If you are interested in meeting some of the artists and having your very own photo shoot with a professional photographer who will take your picture against the colorful murals, consider taking a tour. The Photoshoot of Batman's Alley includes 100 photos of you, with the results curated in Photoshop and sent to you digitally in 24 hours.

The square known as Pátio do Colégio, immediately north of Praça da Sé and the cathedral, is the original nucleus of São Paulo. Here, Manuel de Nóbrega and José de Anchieta founded the College of the Society of Jesus, a residence and center of study for Jesuits, and here on January 25, 1554, the first mass in the settlement was celebrated.

The attractive plaza is now occupied by the Historical Museum, a museum of sacred art, and the Capela de Anchieta. All that remains of the 16th-century building are the doors and a stretch of clay wall. In the gardens of the museum is a pleasant café.

The Benedictine monastery and its church were founded in the late 16th century, but the current church dates only from 1910-22. Don't discount it for its modern origin or its rather austere exterior, as the interior is richly painted and includes 17th-century statues of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica carved by Agostinho de Jesus.

A number of other notable Benedictine artists contributed to the decoration of the monastery. Also notable are some impressive stained glass, an image of the Virgin in a robe set with pearls, and a crucifix dating to 1777. This is an active brotherhood, and the monks accompany the morning mass with Gregorian chants. Stop in the monastery shop to buy cakes, breads, and chocolates made by the brothers.

Address: Largo de São Bento, São Paulo

This museum is the oldest in São Paulo, opened in 1905 to showcase the works of Brazilian artists. Its 10,000 works of art include drawings, paintings, and sculpture from the 1800s through the present. Housed in the restored Liceu de Artes e Ofícios building, the architecture itself is a reason to visit.

Part of the collection is housed in the museum's second location at Pina Estação where visitors will find a memorial to the São Paulo Resistance, an extensive library of historic documents related to Brazil's political struggles, and many more examples of Brazilian art.

Address: Praça da Luz, 2, São Paulo

Official site: https://pinacoteca.org.br/en/

On Avenida Tiradentes, which skirts the Parque da Luz, are the convent and church of Nossa Senhora da Luz, typical examples of the traditional architecture of São Paulo: in spite of their fairly recent age – they were built in the 18th century – they are constructed entirely of clay.

The Nossa Senhora da Luz convent now houses a Museum of Sacred Art, which has a large collection of about 11,000 items, including statues, pictures, altarpieces, and furniture from the 16th through 19th centuries. Also on Praça Tiradentes is the Pinacoteca do Estado, the State Picture Gallery, the oldest museum in São Paulo. It contains about 2,500 pictures, drawings, and prints, mainly by Brazilian artists.

Address: Praça da Luz, São Paulo

To the west of the cathedral and the Pátio do Colégio, Largo de São Francisco is a street in the city center named for the monastic complex that faces it. The Igreja de São Francisco de Assis, the church of St. Francis, was built in 1644 and is one of the city's oldest surviving churches. Its interior is clearly based on those of Portugal in that period, with a cheerful, airy feel and plentiful gold flourishes.

It was restored after a fire in 1870 and again more recently. Not so the neighboring church of the Ordem Terceira de São Francisco, the Third (lay) Franciscan Order, built from 1676 to 1791 and so seriously showing its age that it is closed to visitors. The third building in the complex, the Franciscan friary, has been occupied since 1828 by the Law Faculty of São Paulo University. The neighborhood is a little run down and is not a place to visit at night.

Address: Rua Borges Lagoa, São Paulo

Unlike many large cities, where most of the main attractions are clustered near the historic old town, São Paulo's are spread across the city. Luckily for tourists, a good Metro system brings all the sites within easy reach. It's best to choose a location in the Paulista neighborhood, close to the São Paulo Museum of Art or south of it, near Ibirapuera Park, where several other attractions are located. Here are some highly-rated hotels in this area of São Paulo:

Luxury Hotels :

• Several top hotels in the Paulista area surround the São Paulo Museum of Art, close to restaurants and shopping. Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel has a pool and good city views from the upper floors, while InterContinental Sao Paulo offers a large fitness center along with a pool. Some rooms have balconies.
• At the edge of Paulista, a few blocks from Ibirapuera Park, Marriott Executive Apartments also has several good restaurants within walking distance.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Close to the Trianon metro station and Museum of Art, the quiet Royal Boutique Jardins Hotel is near the public gardens.
• Still in Paulista, but only a short walk to Ibirapuera Park and its museums, the 154-room Mercure Sao Paulo Paulista is well worth a look.

Budget Hotels:

• Although it is right in the center of the busy Paulista shopping and restaurant neighborhood, rooms are quiet at Ibis Paulista .
• Melia Paulista is directly across from the Trianon metro station, and the airport bus stop is a block away.
• Also near the art museum, shopping center, and dining, Intercity Paulista has a sauna, fitness room, and small pool.
• Sightseeing Tours : Visitors can see many of the top tourist attractions on the three-hour City Tour of São Paulo , which begins at the P acaembu Football Stadium and includes tours of several significant neighborhoods. Highlights include the Museu de Arte (MASP) in the Paulista neighborhood and the Municipal Theater and Pátio do Colégio in downtown São Paulo. The tour also visits Sé Square and its historic cathedral, as well as several public squares and historic monuments, including the stunning Ibirapuera Park .

More on Brazil

Fully customizable Argentina trips ideas

Tango & Falls 6 Days Buenos Aires, Puerto Iguazú

Argentine Treasures 7 Days Buenos Aires, Puerto Iguazú, El Calafate

Argentina destinations

Fully customizable brazil trips ideas.

Samba & Falls 6 Days Rio de janeiro & Iguazu Falls

Samba, Falls & Tango 7 Days Rio de Janeiro, Puerto Uguazu, Buenos Aires

Brazil destinations

Fully customizable chile trips ideas.

Urban Discovery & Natural Wonders 7 Days Santiago and San Pedro de Atacama

Enchanted Easter Island & Santiago 7 Days Santiago and Easter Island

Chile destinations

Fully customizable ecuador trips ideas.

Inspiring Incas & Great Galapagos 11 Days Machu Piccu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Galapagos Cruise

Galapagos Island Hopping Tour 6 Days Galapagos Islands

Ecuador destinations

Fully customizable patagonia trips ideas.

Capitals & Patagonia 12 Days Santiago, Torres del Paine, El Calafate & Buenos Aires

Best of Patagonia 10 Days El Calafate, El Chalten, Puerto Natales, Torres Del Paine

Fully customizable Antarctica trips ideas

Highlights of Antarctica 8 Days Cruise Antarctica

Crossing the Circle 15 Days Cruise to Cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula

The Best Time to Visit Patagonia in Chile and Argentina

The 20 Best Places to Visit in Ecuador

Tierra del Fuego National Park Travel Guide

Testimonials

More than 5,000 GREAT testimonials

Who we are, and why we love travel

Personalized Service

Handpicked hotels, 5000+ testimonials.

Sao Paulo Guide

Tailor-made Itineraries by Local Experts

São Paulo is the biggest city in South America, the economic heart of Brazil, and amongst the largest metropolises in the world. With a population that has grown to over 20 million (metropolitan area), São Paulo is predominantly a city of immigrants: millions of Italians arrived here in the 19th century, followed by a massive Japanese immigration wave. Smaller groups of Lebanese and Germans, among others, followed. In the second half of the 20th century, mass immigration from rural Brazil, mainly from the northeast, changed the demographic landscape of São Paulo drastically as people sought to escape the drought and poverty of the arid sertão. This ethnic diversity and industrial development has produced Brazil’s largest, most cultured, and best educated middle class.

Travelers in São Paulo will experience a dynamic city, with skyscrapers that spread all over the enormous metropolitan area, restaurants to suit the most extravagant tastes, and a nightlife that lasts until the sun rises.

Geography and Climate

São Paulo is located on the Brazilian highland plateau around 800 meters above sea level though only 70 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean. Towards the north of the city, higher elevations are prevalent with the Serra da Cantareira where the Atlantic rainforest also begins. The two rivers that run through the city – Tietê and its tributary Pinheiros – are now grossly contaminated although a clean-up project is currently underway. Broadleaf evergreens are the native trees to the area, and these have been supplemented by various non-native species, most notably the eucalyptus.

São Paulo has a humid sub-tropical climate meaning that temperatures are rarely scorching. It can be drenched with rain in the summer months (Dec-Mar). Its location on a plateau means that temperatures are usually moderate; they can drop below 15°C, although this is unusual.

Geography & Map

São Paulo is located in the Southeast Region of Brazil on a plateau beyond the Serra do Mar, about 70 km (43 mi) from Brazil's coast at the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the captaincy (state) of São Paulo, the most populous state in the country.

Elevation 760 m (2,493.4 ft)

City Population 12.33 million

Transportation

Getting to são paulo.

São Paulo hosts the busiest international airport of the country; most intercontinental flights depart and arrive at Guarulhus, to the north of the city. There is also an inner-city airport, Congonhas, with direct flights to most Brazilian destinations and short transfers to hotels.

From the main bus station, Rodoviaria Tiete, buses leave to many other destinations in Brazil and also to neighboring countries. To Rio de Janeiro (approximately 6 hours; operated by 3 different companies), buses leave at least every hour. Bus companies are well organized and offer various classes; the luxury class is a good alternative for short (expensive) trips.

Getting Around São Paulo

Travel on the roads of São Paulo can more often than not be hectic. Rush hours are usually from 8am-10am and between 6pm-8pm when the traffic becomes dreadful. Even outside of these hours traffic can easily be stalled by a minor accident or disruption.

Fortunately for the traveler, the major districts are linked by a modern, safe, and reliable subway system (the metrô). The only minor detail is that there aren't extensive number lines although it should be said that the main business district, the historical center, and the bus station are all connected making this a good service for visitors to São Paulo. These underground trains along with trolleybuses (EMTU) should be used as far as possible before resorting to travel by road. For information and timetables, travelers can check the SPTrans website (http://www.sptrans.com.br), which is a good resource for exploring all public transport options within the city.

Also, much of the center is pedestrianized, making walking the best way to explore the inner city districts.

The historical roots of São Paulo lie in the state of Bahia where Jesuit priests settled in the mid-1500s in an attempt to found schools to convert natives. However, with most of their early attempts here unsuccessful, they tried to spread the reach of their mission outside of the region.

Father José de Anchieta and his companion Father Nóbrega were among those who set out to find more suitable regions towards the south. They soon found the very spot: on a plateau between 2 rivers, the Tamanduatei and the Anhangabaú, just 35 miles from the Atlantic coast. Here, in 1554, they established the Colégio de São Paulo de Piratininga, a mission comprised of church and school with the purpose of converting the indigenous Tupi-Guarani group to Catholicism. This was the beginnings of what is now simply known as São Paulo (Saint Paul).

Interest in precious metals, stones, and potential Indian laborers in the region soon led to the increasing importance of São Paulo as a center of transport and communication in the area, with several important routes being forged from here into the interior of the continent. The town began to grow in size with increasing numbers of churches and schools being founded.

São Paulo received a further economic boost in the form of coffee. The land surrounding the city was ideal for growing the crop and with the introduction of African slaves, and later a railway, it soon flourished to become a major coffee producer for the world market.

Not long later, the city saw its first surge of mass European immigration when slavery was abolished in 1888. After this point a fresh wave of laborers were encouraged to work in the plantations and factories now ubiquitous within the city.

São Paulo was cemented as the financial heart of Brazil in the years following World War II when it became a hub for car manufacturing. Investments from Volkswagen, Ford, and General Motors – all of whom erected large auto manufacturing plants here – ensured the city’s place as Latin America’s car capital.

The modern financial district hosts the BOVESPA stock exchange which is the controlling financial center for industries throughout the country such as mining and agriculture. The huge market in São Paulo also attracts several multinational corporations and has led to a boom in the tertiary sector. These factors have led to the rapid modernization of the city with huge skyscrapers, cultural institutions, and entertainment centers burgeoning around the financial district and Paulista Avenue. São Paulo has also expanded geographically outwards with more people being attracted by wealth in the city.

Popular Districts

The Historical Center of the city is an intriguing place to start exploring Sao Paulo. Although not much remains of the colonial past, the historical center is still well worth a visit, where the industrial and commercial development of the last century is most visible.

For those looking to delve into the cultural and artistic heart of São Paulo, a trip to Vila Madalena is indispensable. It is here that artists, actors, musicians, and designers converge into the numerous galleries and studios of modern and contemporary art. The artistic flair of Vila Madalena can be discovered in other mediums as well – winding streets and alleyways are adorned with fabulous graffiti created by the most famous of Brazilian artists. Amongst the most visited sites are a record store with 80,000 vinyl albums and a “green building” which is designed using entirely sustainable concepts – a life form in the midst of a metropolis.

Another compelling district of São Paulo is the Bairro Liberdade (Japanese Quarter) which reveals the strong influence that Japanese people have had on the city. São Paulo has the largest Japanese community outside of Japan.

The Liberdade quarter gained its name the abolition of slavery in 1888, before which it had been the main center for punishing slaves who had attempted escape from coffee plantations. Nowadays, it is often most adequately referred to as “Japan in Brazil” as almost all aspects of the East Asian island’s culture are replicated here in some form. This can firstly be seen in the elaborate red porticos, streetlamps, and pagoda buildings that are crafted in a fashion characteristic of Japanese design and architecture. Beyond the décor, the district has Japanese films, manga, galleries, restaurants, tea shops, theaters, and shops full of Japanese imports, halls brimming from the streets in all directions. On Sundays there is an Asian market with handicrafts and delicious imported foodstuffs.

Southwest of Liberdade is Bela Vista, the Italian Quarter of São Paulo where some excellent Italian restaurants can be found. There is a handicraft fair on the weekend that has a great variety of antiques for sale.

Perhaps the most pleasant and affluent district of inner city São Paulo is Jardins. Portuguese for “gardens,” Jardins is an upscale district of residential houses, so named for the greenery maintained by residents which distinguished the area from the industrial districts of the city. This is a great place for visitors to relax, and the less adventurous can even choose not to leave the area during their São Paulo vacation; there are countless shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, parks, and attractions to keep travelers occupied and a delectable range of hotels to boot.

Attractions and Activities

The Monastery of São Bento (Saint Benedict) is a mandatory stop for those interested in the city’s history, as it is known for its outstanding 17th century architecture. It was restored in the early 1900s in a more Germanic architectural style. It is now home to around 40 cloistered monks who follow the routine of work and prayer. For a truly sacred experience, visitors should attend one of the daily masses, particularly the traditional Sunday mass. There is a delightful little gift shop selling various treats such as bread, jam, cakes, and cookies. Visitors can also relax in the café São Bento and take time to admire the architecture of the building.

The Viaduto do Chá (Tea Bridge) is a wide and long viaduct was the first to be built in the city and inaugurated in 1892. It is named for the large crop of Indian tea that was cultivated in the Vale do Anhangabaú district of the city’s central zone in which the viaduct is located. In 1938 the old wooden foundations of the viaduct were destroyed in order to make way for a new, wider structure of concrete and metal. Today it is a key artery in the city center, linking what was previously considered to be downtown (Rua Directa) with the now more significant area of Rua Barão de Itapetininga. It is lined with street vendors selling various trinkets.

Beneath the Viaduct is the Parque Anhangabaú, a pretty and verdant park in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the center. The oldest parts of the city (Centro Velho) can be found located in proximity to Anhangabaú. Amongst the sites here is the Praça da Sé, which is a wide open plaza containing the magnificent Catedral Metropolitana. Although the current cathedral building dates to 1954, the site has hosted various churches dating back to the foundation of the city. The enormous gothic-style building can hold a congregation of 8,000 people and provides a most peaceful and thought provoking experience.

The São Paulo Igreja de Sao Francisco de Assis, originally built in 1647 and renovated a century later, is one of the few physical remnants of the Portuguese empire that remains standing. This baroque style church is actually home to 2 separate religious institutions; one is run by the Catholic Church whereas the other is controlled strictly by laypeople. The churches play an important role in the community, organizing fundraising events to help to support the poor with food. It is open from 7am to 7pm, and although entry is free, donations are always welcome to help with church restoration and to support church projects.

Moving away from the historical center of the city, the central business districts are always worth a peek; apart from anything else, the view from the 34th floor of the BANESPA building gives an amazing view of the city which spreads underneath your gaze like a vast carpet of roads and white buildings (São Paulo covers an area roughly 3 times the size of Paris). There is a museum also located at the top of what was – at 160 meters – the highest building in the city for decades. Nearby, visitors can also see the globally-influential BOVESPA Stock Exchange in action whilst perhaps even checking up on their portfolios.

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) is a wonderfully modern and famous collection of fine art on Paulista Avenue (No. 1578) held in a gallery with striking geometrical architecture. It has a fascinating collection of over 8,000 works by predominantly European artists of great fame (Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh to name but a few!) alongside a significant handful of Brazilian pieces as well. The sheer quality and variety of the extraordinary works on display mean that many consider this to be the most important collection of western art in Latin America and the Southern Hemisphere. www.masp.art.br

For a more traditional look at Brazilian art, travelers should check out the Pinacoteca do Estado museum. This is a tasteful and broad retrospective of art in the country over the last 2 centuries with more than 6,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings, photographs, and tapestries adorning the walls. Jose Almeida Junior, Cândido Portinari, Oscar Pereira Da Silva, Emilio di Cavalcanti, Lasar Segall, and Anna Maria Maiolini are just a few of the famous artists who have work on display here. The architecture of the building is also splendid: a 19th century mansion with smart perpendicular edges built from rich brown bricks.

One of the 3 important museums at Parque Do Ibirapuera (Portao 3, Avenida Pedro Alvares Cabral), the Museu de Arte Moderna is a great space for some of the more modern artwork produced in Brazil; the 2,000-painting collection dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Their mission is to "collect, study, encourage and diffuse contemporary and modern Brazilian Art, making it accessible to the greatest number of people possible;" well worth a visit for travelers at Ibirapuera.

Bienal Internacional de Arte de São Paulo is another of the museums at Ibirapuera Park designed by acclaimed architect Oscar Niemeyer. This is a wide open and modern space at the Ciccillo Matarazzo Pavilion that is crafted from concrete, steel, and glass into a swish, smooth, and energetic interior of flowing curves. Italian-Brazilian Ciccillo Matarazzo was the founder of the show that started in 1951 and has taken place biannually ever since. The São Paulo Art Biennial is renowned for hosting cutting edge shows of famous International and Brazilian art. The rotating curators of the show are instrumental in ensuring that the art scene in São Paulo remains fresh and internationally recognized.

A visit to the Museu da Imigracãno Japonesa (Museum of Japanese Immigration) in Bairro Liberdade is a great way to explore the strong influence that Japanese people have had on the city and country throughout recent history.

The Mercado Municipal is the main food market in the city and a must-see (and -taste) for those interested in sampling some fresh and gourmet regional produce. It was opened in 1932 and is adorned with stained glass windows and steel girders in all directions. Colorful and fresh produce burst from over 300 stands that are manned by Paulistas some of whom have been involved with the market for decades. The best way to experience the market is to try a little of everything: go and sample the fruits fresh from the Amazon, feast on a giant sandwich of mortadela and cheese, and chill out with a refreshing glass of beer from the tap. The Hocca Bar and Bar do Mané, among others, make the perfect setting where the buzzing atmosphere can be absorbed.

Shopping Iguatemi in Jardins is a favorite shopping mall amongst locals of the city. It is a comfortable, cozy, and secure mall maintaining elegance and sophistication. Many famous brands can be found here and there are ample restaurants in a packed food court.

A fairly leisurely stroll can also be had down the leafy Rua Oscar Freire in Jardims. This is one of the great commercial centers of Latin America with shops ranging from internationally renowned Louis Vuitton and Armani to Brazilian fashion giants such as Alexandre Herchcovitch and Forum.

Food and Drink

Brazilians say that eating is the reason for which Paulistas live and work, in probable reference to the delicious cuisine in the city which rivals any capital in the world. The immigrant influences have fuelled a fusion culture, with Japanese, Arabic (particularly Lebanese), and Italian cuisine all adding to traditional and regional Brazilian fare.

Sao Paulo Restaurants

Antiquarius, Alameda Lorena 1884 – $35-$60 – Tel: +55 (11) 3064 8686

Antiquarias is often rated as the best restaurant in town with elegant artistic and antiquarian decor making a refined setting for sumptuous Portuguese cuisine. Some dishes served here, such as the cataplana (rich seafood and pork stew), are difficult to find outside of Portugal, yet here the care and expertise that goes into the preparation would rival the best restaurants in the parent country. There are even traditional dishes, such as bacalhau (cod), that were relished in Portugal long before Brazil became a part of its empire. This is a well-known haunt for business lunches though the mix of customers is more varied in the evening.

Brasil a Gosto, Rua Prof. Azevedo de Amaral 70 – Tel: +55 (11) 3086 3565

This wonderful restaurant is inspired by the various flavors and recipes that Brazil has to offer – “the exuberance of its meat and fish, the sweetness of its desserts, the acidity of its passion fruit and star fruit, the softness of manioc and bananas, and the zest of its peppers and ginger” can all be found in generous supply here. The colorful and natural wooden tones make a most relaxing atmosphere to enjoy this exploration of Brazil and the vibrant color and history of its cuisine. http://www.brasilagosto.com.br

Figueira Rubaiyat, Rua Haddock Lobo 1738 – $20-$40 – Tel: +55 (11) 3087 1399

This fabulous old restaurant is built around the branches of a fig tree giving a magical touch to any meal here. No less magical is the succulent flavor of the meat served, particularly the beef which is considered the specialty and is raised in the owner’s own personal ranch. The subtle balance of colors and flavors is excellently achieved to create a masterpiece for every meal, finished off by good service in a unique atmosphere. http://www.rubaiyat.com.br

Mestiço, Rua Fernando de Albuquerque 277 – $10-$20 – Tel: +55 (11) 3256 3165

The 2 chefs in this restaurant blend their culinary traditions from Bahia and Thailand to bring visitors something truly special. The menu offers a range of foods with different influences giving the dishes a variety of different flavors—rich and flavorsome Bahian black beans alongside combinations of Thai spices. All of this is packed into a natural wooden interior with exotic and tropical décor such as tribal masks. Great value for money and excellent service—no wonder it is always filled with people. http://www.mestico.com.br

Due Cuochi Cucina – $15-$20 Rua Manuel Guedes, 93 – Tel: +55 (11) 3078 8092 3 Piso, Avenida Magalhães de Castro 12.000 – Tel: +55 (11) 3758 2731

Paulistanos are always most enthusiastic about the quality of Italian food to be found at the bistro Due Cuochi Cucina, and they’re not wrong! This is world-class Italian food and those who are skeptical just have to take one bite of the creamy risotto and crunchy vegetables, a sip of fine Italian wine, or a spoonful of soft tiramisu to be utterly convinced of its authenticity. The ingredients are inspired and the prices are very reasonable compared to other Italian options. Reservations should be made as this restaurant is very popular, especially on weekends. http://www.duecuochi.com.br

La Tambouille, Avenida 9 de Julho 5925, Jardim Europa – Tel: +55 (11) 3079-6277 / 3079-6276

Chef Giancarlo Bolla blends Italian and French cuisine to excellent effect to produce some of the most delicious and high-class food in town. Seafood selections are on the regularly changing menu options amongst which are some simply stupendous mussels with linguini – not to be missed. Along with seafood there are very good meat options such as fillet of lamb in wine sauce with potato au gratin. The wine list, as the food, is also exquisite, with Argentinean Malbec a top pick.

Nagayama, Rua Bandeira Paulista, 369 – Tel: +55 (11) 3079 7553

Perhaps the best Japanese food in town, Nagayama never fails to give guests a taste of the Japanese culture that flows through the city. Sushi and sashimi are the excellent specialties here and they can be enjoyed in a casual and friendly atmosphere. There are a number of experimental dishes also on offer with the chefs mixing Japanese ideas with other influences from around the city. http://www.nagayama.com.br

There is virtually an unlimited amount of hotels in São Paulo; all imaginable accommodation is available. Hotels usually fill up during the week; congresses and professionals ensure that the hotel industry is chiefly focused towards business travel. The best areas for leisure accommodation are in the Jardins (especially around the Avenida Paulista) district and the old center.

Overlooking the lush green Parque do Ibirapuera, the exquisite Sofitel is near the Ibirapuera shopping center and the Modern Art Museum. Stylish rooms offer state-of-the-art technology, wireless Internet, voicemail, and fax solutions. The array of French and international dishes will satisfy your palette, while the tranquil spa is at your disposal for the utmost in relaxation. Excellent service makes your stay at the Sofitel an unforgettable experience.

Offering cozy accommodation and convenient facilities, the Estanplaza Paulista Hotel is a perfect place for travelers. The hotel is located near the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) and theaters, as well as the subway station, dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. The elegant hotel is decorated in modern Brazilian style and features 120 rooms and suites with balconies and full amenities. An on-site restaurant offers outdoor seating and a delectable menu. In addition, there is a lounge bar where you can enjoy drinks and snacks. A swimming pool, sauna, and gymnasium are also available for your enjoyment.

The Tulip Inn Interative Hotel is located near the main financial and business center of São Paulo and a 15-minute drive from Congonhas Airport with a vast selection of shops, bars, restaurants, and cultural activities nearby. Its 123 rooms are well-equipped with cable TV, air conditioning, electronic safe deposit box, telephone with voicemail, high speed Internet access, minibar, pantry bar, and a work table with a desk lamp. Suites also feature a Jacuzzi and outside patios. Additionally, the hotel restaurant serves international food along with local flavors.

Consider staying at a number of other excellent Sao Paulo hotels as well by contacting one of the expert travel advisors at Brazil For Less today.

São Paulo offers a thriving and delectable nightlife that is sure to suit any possible taste and preference. The offerings are quite spread out although clustered within the different neighborhoods and the best boate or boites (nightclub/s) to go out to change with regularity. Check a local newspaper to see what’s going on when you’re in town. A good place to look to keep up to pace with the pulse is Veja magazine’s “Veja São Paulo” Sunday supplement or the newspaper Estado de Hoje.

Sao Paulo Nightlife Districts

Moema Itaim and Vila Olimpia have slick street-side bars, designer restaurants, and European-style dance clubs that make these sophisticated and chic parts of town fantastic places to go out at night.

A little more rustic but no less jumping at night are the districts of Pinheiros and Vila Madalena. Travelers can discover all different sorts of bars and restaurants with vibrant live music and an interesting mix of artistic people.

Sao Paulo Nightlife Venues

For a taste of live music, the Bourbon Street Music Club in Moema (Rua dos Chanes 127) is living and breathing with live tunes. This venue was inaugurated by BB King himself and hosts some smooth jazz and blues bands on a regular basis. http://www.bourbonstreet.com.br

For a little Latin dancing, Azucar in Itaim Bibi (Rua Mario Feraz 423) will keep you on your toes. This spicy Cuban number pumps out some salsa and merengue rhythms to a dynamic crowd. Doors open from 7pm on weeknights but starts to heat up at 1am. http://www.azucar.com.br

Bar Brahma in the center (Av. São João 677) is definitely one of the city’s more cultured watering holes—it has long been a meeting spot for artists, intellectuals, businessmen, and politicians. This bar is a great place for a chat into the wee hours accompanied with a nice cold chopp (beer on tap) with gorgeous interiors of wood and bronze.

Deep in the business district, Manga Rosa is a blast for those into hard-thumping electronic music. A range of house, trance, and techno sets are played by national and international DJs – the house DJs are especially good. The venue usually heats up around 1 or 2am.

Look up to Skye Bar for a clean and classy club experience. This smart venue is on top of the trendy Unique hotel (Av. Brigadeiro Luiz Antonio, 4700) and has a spectacular sweeping view of the city’s seemingly endless twinkling street lights. There is a very nice lounge and restaurant to share a drink with the eclectic group that converges here. Dress code not over-the-top, but dress smart.

Those travelers nostalgic for a typical European bar should head to Republic Pub . This venue is in the style of an English pub and serves various imported beers, beer on tap, and excellent Scotch whiskey among a varied menu of liquor. The décor stays true to warm English ambience and there is live music to complete a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. http://www.republicpub.com.br

Cultural Calendar

São Paulo is a globalized city hosting a multitude of cultural events every year. There is thought to be as many as 90,000 events held in the city every year ranging from corporate business functions to trade fairs to music concerts to art exhibitions—the list is extensive and ensures that there will always be something happening for travelers to see. Up-to-the-minute listings can be found in various locations and publications such the Agenda Cultural de São Paulo (São Paulo's Cultural Calendar) and City of Sao Paulo website. Below are some of the most significant cultural events that take place in the city.

Foundation of the City

São Paulo Fashion Week (January – Fall Collection/ June – Spring Collection) ranks alongside London, Paris, New York, and Milan as one of the most significant fashion weeks in the world. Originally established in 1996 as Morumbi Fashion Brazil, this has become the most significant fashion circuit in Latin America with many Brazilian fashion models increasing in international accolade. The event is also marked by various social campaigns such as campaigns against hunger, AIDS, and other issues affecting those less fortunate in the city.

Carnival is celebrated in São Paulo with samba groups parading at the Sambódromo do Anhembi (Anhembi Sambadrome). Many São Paulo samba schools showcase their best talents, and there are also visits from the best schools of Rio de Janeiro.

March/April:

The Electronic Language International Festival is a non-profit series of exhibitions, seminars, debates, and courses aimed at developing and distributing electronic arts, technologies, and scientific research. The festival brings a range of different electronic artists to São Paulo to exhibit an array of innovative electronic artwork. Mediums include CD-ROM, Internet, and VJs whose works are displayed in exhibitions, installations, and performances. Each event has its own distinct theme and attracts artists from across Brazil and the world. http://www.filefestival.org

The March for Jesus parade is organized by the Evangelical Reborn in Christ Church and takes place every Corpus Christi Thursday in Zona Norte. This is a global celebration of the Eucharist – the body and blood of Jesus Christ – and an important part of Catholic worship. During the event, millions from across Brazil and the world descend on São Paulo to march through the city while enjoying the music of dozens of Christian bands.

The Annual São Paulo Gay Parade is now the biggest gay parade in the world in terms of attendance after overtaking more established parades in San Francisco, New York, and Sydney – the 2008 parade saw 5 million people troop down Paulista Avenue. The parade aims to bring visibility to social discrimination against homosexuals, bisexuals, transvestites, and transsexuals, and strives to promote equality for these groups. http://www.gaypridebrazil.org

October/November:

The São Paulo Art Bienal (see Museums section) is the most important art event in the city: close to one million people attended the 2004 Biennial. It is held every 2 years from October to December.

The São Paulo International Film Festival has been held annually in São Paulo since 1976. Along with its counterparts in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia, it is an important celebration of Brazilian and international filmmaking featuring several awards in various different categories. http://35.mostra.org

As with any part of Latin America, football (soccer) is the most popular sport in São Paulo. The big derby match in the city is between Palmeiras and Corinthians. “The Derby” was created in 1914 when a group of Italians who played for the Corinthians decided to break off and form their own football team, dividing the fans between the 2 clubs. The clubs can play several times a year depending on the number of tournaments in which they are both competing. Anyone making a trip to the match, usually held at São Paulo’s biggest stadium Estádio de Morumbi, should always take utmost care and not bring any valuable belongings.

The São Paulo Formula One Grand Prix is the only race on the annual Formula One circuit to be held in Latin America. Enthusiasts should head down to the Velodromo to experience some invigorating high-speed motor sports. Tickets should be bought well in advance as this event is hugely popular and sells out quickly.

Health and Safety

It is best to drink bottled water while traveling in São Paulo as with anywhere in South America to prevent contracting any harmful parasites or water-borne illnesses. If no bottled water is available, be sure to travel with water purification tablets or boil water for 15 minutes to eliminate any harmful bacteria.

Travelers should be wary of thieves in São Paulo as with any city large or small in South America and the world. Some choose to deploy the usual tricks against tourists, creating a distraction while an accomplice robs an unattended bag or slips a hand into your pocket.

When traveling at night, the safest form of transport is by taxi though travelers are advised to keep even this to a minimum.

As a general rule, only those who have a compassionate interest in the poorer and darker side of São Paulo should even consider entering the favelas – even then, they should contact an organization with experience and knowledge in visiting these deeply impoverished slum towns.

Not quite sure? Explore all our best selling packages

See All Packages

Book with confidence

We're flexible! Postpone your tour with zero cost up to 10 days prior to departure

(Optional. You may choose more than one)

TIP: Tell us the destinations you have in mind.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive recurring customer care text messages from Peru for Less at the number used when signing up. Msg frequency varies. Msg and data rates may apply. View Terms & Privacy .

We sell virtually all services available in Peru, Galapagos, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia

São Paulo   Travel Guide

Courtesy of (c) Conrado Tramontini | Getty Images

13 Best Things To Do in Sao Paulo

Updated February 11, 2021

São Paulo   has no shortage of amazing cultural sites, city vistas and green outdoor spaces. Art lovers may find themselves pulled in many different directions (there are multiple art museums throughout the city); culture hounds should definitely plan

• All Things To Do

Parque do Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera Park) Parque do Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera Park) free

If you get tired of the concrete jungle, make your way to the Parque do Ibirapuera, which offers a spacious, green respite from São Paulo's towering skyscrapers. The land was selected to be a public park in the 1950s to celebrate the city's 400th anniversary and spans around 400 acres; many people liken it to New York 's  Central Park  and London 's  Hyde Park  because of its size and the amount of visitors it sees. Walking and biking paths snake through the lawns, and you can rent a bicycle from a number of vendors nearby. Music fills the air on Sunday mornings, when visitors can enjoy free concerts in the park's Praça da Paz. Many cultural institutions can be found in the park as well, including the  Museu Afro Brasil , Museu de Arte Contemporânea and Museu de Arte Moderna.

Travelers frequently describe Ibirapuera Park as an "oasis" and say it is a relaxing place to spend the day walking through the park, utilizing the running trails or going for a bike ride. Some warn it can get particularly crowded on weekends and when it's sunny.

Pinacoteca do Estado Pinacoteca do Estado

This art museum is the oldest in São Paulo and houses an extensive collection of Brazilian art from the 19th century through today. Established in 1905, Pinacoteca do Estado (the Art Gallery of the State of São Paulo) showcases nearly 10,000 pieces of art ranging from paintings and sketches to the on-site sculpture garden (adjacent to Jardim da Luz). Made up of apricot-tinted bricks, the historic building is a picturesque work of art in its own right.

Locals and visitors alike love this museum, noting the facility offers an impressive roster of permanent exhibits and the rotating exhibits are always diverse and interesting. They also say it's worth taking time to admire the building's architecture. Many called it the best museum in the city. A few travelers suggest stopping by the on-site cafe, which overlooks the garden, to enjoy a cappuccino, snack or lunch.

Theatro Municipal de São Paulo Theatro Municipal de São Paulo

Modeled after the elegant  Palais Garnier  in Paris , São Paulo's Theatro Municipal is a work of art. This grand theater was built between 1903 and 1911, and the design of its detailed facade incorporates Renaissance, Baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau styles. Inside, visitors are greeted with gilded balconies and rich red seats and curtains. The theater is a cultural icon, thought to have sparked the city's vivid interest in the arts (and specifically modern art) after it hosted the Week of Modern Art in 1922. Today, the Theatro Municipal hosts a variety of performances, including operas, plays, symphony orchestras and ballets. If you're unable to make a performance, free guided tours of the venue (in English) are also available.

Recent visitors raved about the building's beautiful architecture, with many recommending you try to get tickets to a show or go on the guided tour to see the theater's interior. Some do warn that the area surrounding the venue is a bit dicey, with homeless people sleeping on the street.

Popular Tours

Amazing São Paulo overview in 4 or 5 hours with a private guide

(116 reviews)

from $ 68.00

São Paulo’s Full Day City Tour: Main City Sights in 7 Hours – (Shared Group)

(908 reviews)

from $ 79.00

Half-Day City Private Tour of São Paulo from GRU airport or any hotel

(60 reviews)

from $ 117.93

Mercado Municipal de São Paulo Mercado Municipal de São Paulo free

Most major cities have impressive markets filled with fresh produce, meats and fish, unique crafts and local treats. In São Paulo, that vibrant, aromatic market is the Mercado Municipal, known simply as Mercadão by locals (the "big market"). Originally the city's very first grocery market, Mercadão first opened in 1933 and hosts around 300 stalls selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to spices, cheeses and sweets to meat and seafood. More than 1,500 people work at this market and handle more than 450 tons of food on a daily basis. The building is also decorated with stunning stained-glass windows (72 windows that make up 32 panels) that depict different aspects of food production in the region.

Visitors and locals alike say you must stop by this market when you're in São Paulo. They suggest taking advantage of the free samples available (vendors generously hand them out) and shopping around for the best price. Travelers warn that the market gets exceptionally busy on the weekends, so come prepared for long lines; even better, try to visit on a weekday. A handful of restaurants and bars operate inside the Mercadão as well – visitors say you should try the famous massive (and tasty) mortadella sandwiches at Bar do Mané or Hocca Bar.

Catedral da Sé de São Paulo (São Paulo Cathedral) Catedral da Sé de São Paulo (São Paulo Cathedral)

This neo-Gothic cathedral may catch your eye with its enormous spires and you'll hear it referred to by many (similar) names, including Catedral da Sé, Catedral Metropolitana and Catedral da Sé de São Paulo. The church is smack dab in the center of the city, near the main square of Praça da Sé. Inside, the venue can hold up to 8,000 people, which means it's the largest church in the city, and visitors can enjoy the intricate details that represent Brazil – from coffee beans to flora to animals – carved into the structure. The church also boasts a beautiful marble interior and colorful stained-glass windows (be sure to snap some photos). As the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of São Paulo's cathedral, it holds Mass daily; visitors can also tour the tombs within the church (for a fee).

Recent travelers said they enjoyed their visit to this cathedral, which garnered superlatives like "beautiful," "lovely" and "impressive" from patrons. Many said you should plan to visit on a Sunday morning for Mass, as it's an incredible celebration. Several visitors warn, however, that the area surrounding the cathedral is a little dicey, noting you'll likely encounter homeless people and aggressive panhandlers; keep your eyes on your belongings and walk with purpose toward the cathedral.

Museu de Arte de São Paulo Museu de Arte de São Paulo

Set on  Avenida Paulista  in a bold red building with dozens of long, rectangular windows, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo is impossible to miss. The museum houses exceptional collections from many world-renowned artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, Picasso, Renoir and Degas, and is touted as offering the most comprehensive collection of Western art in Latin America. MASP has more than 10,000 pieces of art ranging from paintings and sculptures to photographs and period clothing. The museum also hosts talks, temporary exhibits, art classes and music and dance performances.

The majority of visitors said that while this art museum can't compare to MOMA or the Louvre , it is impressive in its own right, thanks to its variety of thought-provoking pieces. Travelers loved the mix of works from well-known and Brazilian artists. Museumgoers also advised visiting on Tuesdays or Wednesday, when it's free to enter.

Avenida Paulista Avenida Paulista free

Filled with shops, hotels, businesses, cultural institutions and restaurants, Avenida Paulista is one of the city's main thoroughfares. Towering skyscrapers populate this street – many of which boast some interesting architecture. Strolling down this avenue is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of São Paulo, and it makes for a convenient jumping off point to see some of the city's other top sights, including the  Museu de Arte de São Paulo , Shopping Cidade São Paulo and Parque Trianon.

Past travelers said walking this wide avenue allows you to get a feel for what life is like in the city. Many suggested planning your visit for a Sunday, when the street is closed to vehicular traffic and features vendors, live music and plenty of people-watching. Recent visitors also said you should spend some time in the adjacent Parque Trianon, which offers walking paths and impressed travelers with its density of trees and foliage in the city center.

Edifício Itália Edifício Itália

Towering 46 stories above central São Paulo, Edifício Itália is one of the tallest buildings in the city. The building itself is a sight to behold – it's narrow and covered with office windows. But the real reason travelers come here is for the spectacular panoramic city views afforded by Edifício Itália's observation deck. You can access the rooftop deck for free between 4 and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you'd rather spend some time savoring the view, you may want to visit the rooftop restaurant Terraço Italia, or its piano bar. Past visitors suggested ordering cocktails and drinking in the views (and beverages); many warned the food was subpar and on the pricey side.

You'll find Edifício Itália in the city center, about a mile northeast of the  Catedral da Sé . The nearest metro stop is República. If your visit occurs outside the daily free hour, you'll have to pay an entrance fee. The fee, which will run you 35 reals (approximately $8.50), includes one drink. (You can get a table at the restaurant and order drinks or food without having to pay an additional fee. Visitors suggest donning nice clothes if you're planning to eat or drink here.) Check out the building's website for more information.

5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup

(405 reviews)

from $ 162.00

4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions

(159 reviews)

from $ 134.00

6-Hour Classic Half-Day Private Tour of São Paulo – Optional Airport Pickup

(289 reviews)

from $ 178.00

Museu do Futebol (Football Museum) Museu do Futebol (Football Museum)

Opened in 2008, the Football Museum celebrates the history of football (soccer) throughout Brazil. The museum is composed of several rooms that showcase different aspects of the game, including framed objects like pennants, buttons and posters; photographs of "heroes" of the game and videos of impressive goals in big games and World Cup competitions, among other highlights.

Avid soccer fans said it's a must-see when in São Paulo and even those who didn't know too much about the game said visiting this museum helped them gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Brazil's love of the sport. Visitors also noted the museum was well organized and said they liked the interactive nature of the exhibits, though some cautioned that some of the information is not in English. Families added this is a museum that kids absolutely enjoy.

Museu Afro Brasil Museu Afro Brasil

This museum gets mixed reviews from visitors. Some say only Portuguese-speakers will be able to get much out of it (few displays are in English). Others say the art speaks for itself – providing an in-depth look into Afro Brazilian culture – and the collection is large. Visitors note there is a free  self-guided audio tour app  (in English) that offers insight, so bring headphones.

The Museu Afro Brasil features more than 6,000 works of art that highlight "the African perspective in the formation of heritage, identity and Brazilian culture," according to its website. Sculptures, prints, documents, paintings and more are on display within the museum. The third-floor collection specifically showcases several centuries of African immigration to South America.

Museu de Arte Contemporanea da USP (Museum of Contemporary Art, University of São Paulo) Museu de Arte Contemporanea da USP (Museum of Contemporary Art, University of São Paulo) free

Read More »

Jardim Botanico de Sao Paulo (Botanical Garden of São Paulo) Jardim Botanico de Sao Paulo (Botanical Garden of São Paulo)

Liberdade Liberdade free

Art Of Wine – Travel Through The So-Called Wine Route Visiting Various Wineries

(24 reviews)

from $ 298.00

Sao Paulo: Private 5 Hour Guided Tour With Fruit Tasting

(41 reviews)

from $ 141.51

Secrets of Downtown São Paulo Bike Tour

(121 reviews)

from $ 85.00

Explore More of São Paulo

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations
• Central & South America

São Paulo Has Become Brazil's Most Stylish City — and There's Never Been a Better Time to Visit

In Brazil’s largest mega-metropolis, there's an insatiable, multicultural energy that feels more modern, more appealing, than ever.

When Avenida Paulista, São Paulo 's most famous thoroughfare, first unfurled across a 328-foot-high ridge south of the city center in 1891, it represented, for the people who settled there, an escape from the bustle and heat of a newly booming provincial town. At the time, São Paulo was home to some 65,000 people, an upstart trading post for the surrounding coffee plantations. But as exports exploded in the late 1800s, the city began to grow. Paulista provided fresh air, a wide promenade, and huge plots of land where coffee barons and industrialists built mansions in an eclectic pastiche of imported styles. It was also, as the architect and photographer André Scarpa told me on a humid summer morning in February, an attempt to “emulate the life of the country inside the city.”

To me, there is no city more beautiful than São Paulo, but to call it that is not uncontroversial.

As we slipped through the crowds that flowed down Paulista, surrounded by skyscrapers and traffic, I had to laugh. This boulevard, after all, is the spinal cord of a city of 22 million people that makes Mexico City (where I live) seem quaint. Here was the glass-and-concrete prism of Lina Bo Bardi’s epoch-defining São Paulo Museum of Art , or MASP, suspended over an open plaza. Barely a block away, architect Rino Levi’s pyramidal FIESP Cultural Center leaned coolly back among its straight-shouldered neighbors. Nearby, the slick façade of the Paulicéia building, designed by French émigré Jacques Pilón and Gian Carlo Gasperini (an Italo-Brazilian, like Levi and Bo Bardi), faced off against the sly horizontal stripes of the Torre Paulista building by José Gugliotta and Polish-born Jorge Zalszupin. There may be no metropolis on earth more defiantly modern.

Carmen Campos

That modernity had first announced itself exactly 100 years before my visit at the Semana de Arte Moderna 22. Held during the nation’s centennial celebration of independence from Portugal, the weeklong event gathered together writers, composers, and visual artists, and is said to have launched Brazil’s modernism movement. It included a group show by now-seminal artists like Anita Malfatti, who depicted Brazilian subjects through Cubist abstraction and Fauvist vibrancy.

More Trip Ideas: Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

Six years later, in 1928, São Paulo–born modernist poet Oswald de Andrade opened his landmark “ Manifesto Antropófago ” (“Cannibalist Manifesto”) with a simple declamatory line: “Cannibalism alone unites us. Socially. Economically. Philosophically.” It was a winking cri de coeur that defined modern Brazilian identity by its omnivorous, irreverent appetite for the world, by a cultural metabolism that could synthesize global influences and make them into something singular and new.

Standing there on Paulista, Scarpa and I stared down into a canyon of cement and steel. The towers, some designed by immigrants, some by second-generation Brazilians, opened along the avenue like teeth. The city was a gaping jaw, gulping down sunshine and rain and the endless streams of people from around the country and the world who continue to flow into it each day.

To me, there is no city more beautiful than São Paulo, but to call it that is not uncontroversial. On my first visit in 2011, I arrived with preconceptions formed largely by the glib opening line of a 2007  New York Times  travel story that said that Brazil’s financial capital “may be the ugliest, most dangerous city you’ll ever love.” I went straight to the historic center, a densely packed district of Neoclassical banks and Art Deco skyscrapers, many in disrepair, to visit the observation deck at the Farol Santander, a bulky white riposte to the Empire State Building. The city stretched out infinitely below me like a savanna of concrete, its towers sprouting from a tangle of traffic-clogged streets. Seen from above, São Paulo seemed both monotonous and unhinged.

Like many big Latin American cities, São Paulo has been expanding away from its historic core for years, spreading north and east through middle-class neighborhoods, like Bom Retiro and Moóca, and south through the mansions of Jardins, a wealthy district below Paulista. São Paulo’s most affluent residents sought luxury by leaving the city center behind. They settled in anodyne towers in leafy suburbs and spend weekends at places like the Palácio Tangará resort, which opened in 2017 amid the peaceful jungle landscape of the Parque Burle Marx. There, they sip cocktails by the pool and dine at the hotel’s elegant restaurant, Tangará Jean-Georges, conceived by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and helmed by executive chef Filipe Rizzato.

Old-school  botecos,  casual bars with standing-only counters are the best place for a cold beer or my favorite Brazilian breakfast: a pull of too-strong coffee,  pão de queijo  buns made with cheese and gummy tapioca flour, and an icy glass of lurid purple açaí juice sweating away in the morning heat.

But today, the city’s center of gravity is shifting decisively back north, to reinvigorated neighborhoods clustered around the Praça da República public square. The newly opened Rosewood São Paulo suggests the ascendant pull of the city’s urban core. Set in an Italianate villa that, for 50 years, housed the city’s primary maternity ward, the hotel is a veritable shrine to Brazil’s voluptuous mid-century design, and every corner gleams with installations by some 57 contemporary artists from across the country. At night, the drive fills with BMWs and glinting heels as wealthy city residents clamor for space at the hotel’s bars and restaurants — Rabo di Galo for live jazz and Taraz for pan-Latin cuisine.

Related: The Style-Lover's Guide to Brazil

As in so many of the world’s biggest cities , gentrification in the city center has called uneasy attention to the deep divisions already present in Brazilian society, its inequities often structured around race, class, gender, and sexuality. Those failings are on plain view in neighborhoods like Vila Buarque, Santa Cecília, and República, but so too are infinite possibilities. In July of 2021, a formerly abandoned building abutting an elevated freeway in Vila Buarque reopened as a collection of community-minded businesses. Upstairs at Cora , a rooftop restaurant, chef Pablo Inca, originally from the Andean highlands of Argentina, serves dishes that incorporate traditional ingredients, like okra, beans, and offal ,  that were long stigmatized by high-end kitchens and their clients.

Until a few years ago, Vila Buarque would not have been an obvious place to open this kind of establishment, Inca told me as a torrential summer storm rolled in, turning the corrugated metal roof of the interior dining room into a snare drum. “A lot of people still see this area as a little bit forbidden, a little provocative,” he said. But Inca’s bright and flavorful food could hardly be more welcoming: a delicate crudo of  prejereba  fish with sweet, astringent cashew fruit; decadent  fugazzeta,  like an oozing cheese-and-onion tart; and charred okra fragrant with za’atar. “São Paulo is a city that conquers you, not by its landscapes, but by its movement and chaos,” Inca continued. “Things can transform at any time.”

São Paulo is a city that conquers you, not by its landscapes, but by its movement and chaos. Things can transform at any time.

Leaving Cora that afternoon, I wandered through the residential neighborhood of Higienópolis, which is filled with modern apartment blocks peeking through screens of philodendrons and rubber trees. In the neighboring districts of Santa Cecilia and Vila Buarque, coffee shops and galleries rub shoulders with hardware stores and old-school  botecos,  casual bars whose standing-only counters are the best place for a cold beer or my favorite Brazilian breakfast: a pull of too-strong coffee,  pão de queijo  buns made with cheese and gummy tapioca flour, and an icy glass of lurid purple açaí juice sweating away in the morning heat.

As evening approached, I stopped for a drink and a snack at Bar da Dona Onça , a restaurant on the ground floor of the iconic Copan building, Brazil’s largest apartment complex. (The tilde-shaped tower is so vast it commands its own zip code.) Raised in central São Paulo, chef Janaína Rueda opened Dona Onça as an homage to the classic downtown nightspots where, when she was a child, her mother had worked as a publicist. In the wood-paneled interior, diners order caipirinhas with pitch-perfect  coxinha  (chicken croquettes) and spinach-and-cheese fritters called  bolinhos de espinafre e queijo . When the restaurant opened 16 years ago, the Copan, designed in the early 1950s by Oscar Niemeyer, had only just begun to recover from decades of disrepair and a reputation for criminality. Today, the building’s nearly 1,200 apartments are in high demand, particularly among young creative people, and its 72 storefronts now include a bookstore and a chic cocktail bar, as well as coffee shops and laundromats.

I chatted with Rueda as I finished off the last of eight courses at A Casa do Porco , the fine-dining restaurant she and Jefferson Rueda opened around the corner from Dona Onça in 2015. On the menu: pancetta with guava paste; pork tartare and rice wrapped in Japanese nori; and leafy greens and jewels of yet more pork, this time roasted. If Dona Onça is the Ruedas’ answer to a  boteco,  then A Casa do Porco is a witty, imaginative celebration of the many cultures and communities that give São Paulo, particularly its central districts, its character. Both restaurants speak to the city’s famously freewheeling spirit, to the blurry boundaries between neon nights and dove-gray mornings, as well as to the communities who call it home. São Paulo cuisine, she said, “is based around the idea of mixing, of bohemia, of the dawn.” She flashed a dazzling smile that illuminated her ice-blue eyes, then continued, “You want to eat something very São Paulo? You eat sushi. Because what is food from São Paulo? A bit of everything.”

The next morning, I took Rueda’s advice and met chef Telma Shiraishi at the casual second outpost of her restaurant Aizomê, located in the Kengo Kuma–designed Japan House. Shiraishi is third-generation Japanese-Brazilian, the granddaughter of immigrants who came over in the early 20th century. She’d agreed to show me around the Liberdade district, the historic heart of São Paulo’s Japanese diaspora. Prior to the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent arrival of Japanese immigrants, the area — called, with cruel irony, “Liberty” — was known for public executions and for its  pelourinho,  or pillory, an elevated platform used for centuries for the punishment of criminals and those enslaved by the Portuguese.

The people around me had given themselves over to the city’s insatiable hunger for all things beautiful and new. If no one at the bar that night was from São Paulo, I thought, that meant that anyone could be.

Aside from a handful of inscriptions in a pair of modest colonial churches, that past has been largely erased in what is now the closest thing to a tourist sector the city has to offer. People gather for selfies under arcing red street lamps and eat at  izakaya  and ramen shops. “I like to think that Japanese immigrants gave this place its character,” Shiraishi told me. “From this sad history we made a place that’s vibrant, where people come to try new things.” Freedom has never been a given in São Paulo. Transformation is.

That afternoon, I made my way to the Jardins district to meet the artist and gallerist Maria Monteiro in her gallery, Sé, set in a graceful, sun-washed Art Deco building. Monteiro opened her first space, an artists’ residency called Phosphorus, in 2011 on a narrow lane deep in the city’s historic center. At the time, she says, the neighborhood was virtually uninhabitable, its streets and parks crowded with those left behind by Brazil’s early-21st-century economic boom. Most of the buildings were half abandoned, including the one in which she opened Phosphorus and, a year later, the first iteration of Sé, named for the twin-spired cathedral around the corner. In 2019, Monteiro moved the gallery to Jardins (the Centro is still difficult, and you can only push art collectors so far), but she continues to wax lyrical about the magic of that first space and the careers launched from a room that, the first time she saw it, had almost no roof.

From Sé, Monteiro and I took a car deeper into Jardins to the Casa Zalszupin , home of the Polish-Brazilian architect and furniture designer Jorge Zalszupin from 1962 until his death in 2019. Hidden from a winding street behind towering tropical trees, the house, recently opened to the public by appointment, is a marvel of sweeping wood-paneled ceilings, stone walls, and wooden shutters. The week I was in town, Casa Zalszupin was hosting a show assembled by Monteiro’s friend, the independent curator Germano Dushá, conceived as a response to the citywide celebrations of La Semana de Arte Moderna’s centennial. For all their brilliance, Dushá told me, the artists at the original event were drawn chiefly from the white elite, and their depictions of rural Afro-Brazilians, daring for their time, were also exoticizing and exploitative. Through the show at Casa Zalszupin, Dushá aimed to ask, “How can we approach the legacy of modernism in a critical way?”

Related : Salvador's Afro-Brazilian Culinary Culture Is Thriving — Here's Where to Go

I thought about this question the next day as I headed to Parque Ibirapuera, a spectacular swath of greenery studded with lakes and sinuous Oscar Niemeyer–designed pavilions. At the entrance, I stopped to consider the Monument of the Bandeiras, a 1954 statue by sculptor Victor Brecheret, a participant in La Semana. It valorizes the colonizers — the  bandeirantes — who, throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, launched violent incursions on the interior from their base in São Paulo, at the time a far-flung Jesuit outpost. Like most places fixed on the future, São Paulo often struggles with its past, as the erasure of Liberdade’s traumatic history makes clear. Since at least 2013, the Monument of the Bandeiras has been a site for protest, particularly by Indigenous activists whose ancestors were massacred and enslaved by the men the monument renders as dauntless pioneers. Like Dushá’s exhibition, the monument raises questions not only about colonialism but also about the legacy of modernism — which is to say, the legacy of the city itself.

On my last day in São Paulo, a Sunday, I retraced my steps along Paulista, which closes to traffic once a week and fills with music, dancing, and stalls selling everything from fresh juices to antiques. From there, I wandered down from Paulista’s ridge until I reached the city center. As the heat subsided, I settled in at a raucous  boteco  called Copanzinho . Dozens of plastic tables spilled onto the pavement in the shadow of the Copan, as tightly packed as sunbathers on Ipanema. Rio, I’d been told on previous trips, has its beaches; São Paulo has its sidewalks.

My table was crowded with friends and friends of friends from Ecuador, Chile, and Brazil. We talked in Spanish, English, and Portuguese about art, architecture, and the city itself, already home to some, a dream for the rest of us. Countless empty beer glasses accumulated as the evening wore on. In any other city of São Paulo’s stature — in Los Angeles, London, or Bangkok — a place like this would be swarmed with visitors, gleefully uncertain as to where they were or how they might fit in. But here, everyone seemed at home.

I turned to the friend next to me, whom I’d met just a few days before, a painter named Douglas de Souza who lives and works in the city, though he was born elsewhere. It was remarkable, I said, that everyone around us seemed to be from here. “I’ll bet you,” he said with a laugh, “that almost no one here is from São Paulo.” He may have been exaggerating, but I took his point. São Paulo offers the promise of belonging, the possibility of disappearing and, in the process, becoming oneself. The people around me had given themselves over to the city’s insatiable hunger for all things beautiful and new. If no one at the bar that night was from São Paulo, I thought, that meant that anyone could be.

All Eyes on São Paulo

Where to stay.

Palácio Tangará: Amid the greenery of Parque Burle Marx, this Oetker Collection oasis houses a nature-inspired spa and fabulous dining by Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Rosewood São Paulo : This 160-room resort, which includes a vertical garden planted with indigenous rain forest flora, is just steps from Avenida Paulista.

Where to Eat

A Casa do Porco: Fine dining has a sense of humor (including a walk-up “fast food” window) at this unstuffy shrine to all things pork.

Aizomê: Chef Telma Shiraishi serves dishes like sashimi and buckwheat soba noodles in two venues: a discreet town house and an airy, Zen minimalist space.

Bar da Dona Onça : At this neighborhood classic, order a cocktail and the galinhada, a traditional one-pot stew with chicken and saffron rice.

Copanzinho : A casual streetside dinner spot for burgers, beer, and plenty of caipirinhas.

Cora: A relaxed rooftop venue with creative, flavorful cooking, serving dishes like scorched okra with lemon, chestnut cream, and cilantro.

Architecture Tours: Organize a personalized walking tour with architect and photographer André Scarpa by contacting Superbacana+, a design studio and workshop space.

Casa Zalszupin : Once the home of the seminal architect Jorge Zalszupin, this space offers public tours as well as art and furniture exhibitions.

Luciana Brito Galeria: Contemporary pieces, from photography to wool tapestry, are on show at this gallery, which is located inside the modernist Castor Delgado Perez residence.

Pinacoteca de São Paulo : São Paulo’s oldest visual arts museum, given a spectacular overhaul in the late 1990s by Pritzker laureate Paulo Mendes da Rocha.

São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP): Considered to be Brazil’s first museum of modern art, this iconic building, designed by Lina Bo Bardi, houses more than 11,000 works.

Sé Galeria : Located on an ivy-draped lane in the Jardins neighborhood, this gallery hosts programming from contemporary Brazilian artists.

A version of this story first appeared in the October 2022 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline " São Paulo Steps Up ."

Related Articles

36 Hours in São Paulo, Brazil

By Seth Kugel Updated Nov. 24, 2022

• Share full article

​​​​​​​​São Paulo is a city for city people, where street art, street noise and street food cede, but only occasionally, to high design, high rollers and high-end restaurants. Thriving throughout are cultural institutions like the reopened Museu de Ipiranga , a history museum that questions history. Brazil’s biggest city has long attracted migrants and dreamers, making it a great place to explore the country’s kaleidoscopic variety of regional cuisines and musical genres. If crowded buses, clogged streets and 12 million people living in horizon-obliterating highrises is too mega a megacity for your taste, at least stay a few days, breathe in the culture, spit out the exhaust fumes and be on your way with stories to tell.

Recommendations

• Ipiranga Museum is a history museum with a contrarian twist.
• The Minhocão , an elevated highway, closes to weekend traffic, allowing pedestrians to admire provocative murals.
• Selvagem , a restaurant in a park, specializes in updated traditional Brazilian dishes.
• Ibirapuera Park is the city’s sprawling central park, perfect for people-watching.
• Museu Afro Brasil focuses on Afro-Brazilian history and culture.
• Dpot , which displays sleek Brazilian furniture, is as much a gallery as it is a store.
• Dpot Objeto sells designerly household items like lamps and pillows.
• Doces Santa Teresinha is one place to stock up on Brazilian candy.
• Templo-Bar de Fé offers live music like sertanejo, a Brazilian take on country music.
• Zestzing puts a Brazilian spin on French pastries, perfect for breakfast on the run.
• Casa Tucupi specializes in Amazonian food, including flavorful tacacá soup.
• Jun Sakamoto excels in sushi – in a city with the biggest urban Japanese population outside of Japan.
• Casa Fluida , known for its drag shows, draws a L.G.B.T.Q. and straight crowd.
• Taraz offers pan-Latin food in an elegant setting both inside and outside.
• Rosewood São Paulo , which recently opened in the heart of the city, is filled with Indigenous art, historic photos and other Brazil-centric objects (rates start around 3,000 reais, or about $562).
• At the sleek Renaissance São Paulo , in the trendy Jardins neighborhood just off Paulista Avenue, prices range widely by date, but recently started at around 1,300 reais.
• Vila Galé Paulista , also off Paulista, is a moderately priced option, with comfortable, modern rooms from about 570 reais a night.
• Vacation rentals are popular in São Paulo; look for spots in trendy Pinheiros or homey Vila Mariana for as little as $30 a night.

More From 36 Hours

Have a weekend to explore a destination we’ve got the perfect travel itinerary..

Maui: The beauty and hospitality of this Hawaiian island, still recovering from last year’s wildfires, remain as vibrant as ever .

Toronto: Savor the diversity of this lakefront city through its hidden bars, small-but-fascinating museums and vibrant restaurants .

Cape Town: Take a food and storytelling tour, cruise one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives and see contemporary African art  in this city with stunning views in every direction.

Sarasota:   Kayak through mangroves, take a Black history trolley tour and spot dolphins  from a white-sand beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Mérida:   Rich in culture and history , this young and artsy Mexican city is an antidote to the wall-to-wall all-inclusive resorts of the Yucatán coast. ​​

Advertisement

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

23 Top Tourist Attractions in Sao Paulo

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

As it is the largest metropolis in the Americas, Sao Paulo offers an intense cultural experience. Tropical plants, charismatic people, and lively, bright colors, sounds and scents surround every traveler here, from the moment they step from the plane.

A concrete jungle punctuated by picturesque parks, the sprawling Sampa is the commercial, cultural, and culinary capital of the country. It is a melting pot city, and has large, integrated populations of Italian and Japanese cultures among others. This fusion of culture has created beautiful combination art, culinary scene, and music that are well worth exploring.

Along and around Avenida Paulista, its main thoroughfare, are tons of tourist attractions with terrific shops and top cultural institutions like MASP to explore.

With famous football teams and world-class concerts to watch, there are always exciting and new things to do in Sao Paulo. Often overshadowed by other cities in Brazil, Sao Paulo’s thriving cultural scene, pounding nightlife, and the range of international cuisine available make it well worth a visit.

23. Independence Park

Home to some of the most important monuments and museums in Sao Paulo, Independence Park lies just a short public transport journey southeast of the center. One of the largest green spaces in the city, it has lots of lush, landscaped gardens to wander around.

Remarkably enough, it was along the park’s small stream that Brazil’s independence was proclaimed by Prince Pedro in 1822. A marvelous monument adorned with dozens of sculptures and bas-reliefs now commemorates this auspicious event. These depict key moments and figures from the country’s history with the later emperor and his wives being buried in a crypt below all the dramatic scenes.

To learn more about Brazil’s fascinating past, head to the excellent Ipiranga Museum in the park. Its Eclectic-style palace houses all kinds of artifacts and exhibits, furniture, and photos, mainly relating to its empire. The highlight though is definitely its Independence or Death painted by Pedro Americo.

22. Batman Alley

While the city, country, and even continent as a whole is known for its awesome street art, the best place to visit in Sampa for it is certainly Batman Alley. Named after an early piece of artwork that is now long gone, its many colourful, creative murals are ever-changing.

Located in Vila Madalena, Beco do Batman (as it is called in Portuguese) formerly contained a rather sweet mural of the fierce crime fighter hugging world-famous football legend Pele. Long since spray painted over, the alley feels like an open-air gallery with new works displayed all the time. Expect to see everything from brightly-colored animals and flowers to social commentary, lucid scenes, and of course comic book heroes.

Once you’ve snapped some photos and new, cool profile pics, make sure to explore the surrounding neighborhood. As well as trendy restaurants and bars, there are yet more murals to stumble across in the streets nearby. Its bohemian vibe and, of course, the brilliant Batman Alley made it one of our favorite parts of the city to amble around.

21. Instituto Tomie Ohtake

Not far away too is the Instituto Tomie Ohtake which also displays loads of thought-provoking pieces. Housed in a very intriguing-looking skyscraper, the cultural center puts on countless art, design, and architecture exhibitions.

First opened in 2001, the outstanding institute is named after the renowned Japanese-Brazilian artist who’s architect son also actually designed the eye-catching building. Its distinctive curved shape is only fitting considering his mother was a key representative of informal abstractionism in the country.

Now a landmark of the city’s skyline, its two towers also contain a convention center, restaurant, and theater. In its seven spacious exhibition halls, guests can inspect avant-garde sculptures, interesting visual art installations or award-winning photo displays. Very highly rated for its rotating exhibits, the institute is one of Brazil’s most important contemporary art venues.

20. Italian Building Observation Deck

For some of the best views imaginable over the sprawling metropolis, head up to the Italian Building Observation Deck. From the 46th floor, you can gaze out over its vast sea of skyscrapers spreading endlessly away toward the horizon.

One of the tallest buildings on the continent, Edificio Italia stands a staggering 165 meters in height, having been built between 1956 and 1965. Designed by Brazilian architect Franz Heep, it is located within the Republica district of the city center.

Up high, you really appreciate the immense size and scale of the city with sunset being a particularly memorable time to visit. The enormous office tower also has a fancy restaurant and piano bar where you can enjoy a drink or meal. Make sure to check all the entrance requirements beforehand though as there is a dress code and only online bookings are allowed…

19. Cycle or Walk the Minhocao

One of the most fun things to do in Sao Paulo and a wonderful way to take in its vibrant atmosphere is to walk, run or cycle along the Minhoção. At weekends and after 8 PM on weekdays, the elevated highway is closed off to traffic. At these times, pedestrians and cyclists take over, creating a lovely laidback ambience.

Literally translated as ‘Big Worm’, the busy highway is often described as an urban planning disaster. Stretching three kilometers in length, it winds its way above the congested streets of the city center, passing right next to apartment block windows for most of the route.

In the evenings and during both weekends and holidays, the vibe of the viaduct changes completely. Instead of honking and fumes, skateboarders, cyclists, dog-walkers, and families flock to the highway en masse. Here they exercise and picnic or simply hang out, sunbathe, and enjoy the silence.

18. Afro Brazil Museum

Packed with interesting artifacts and exhibits, the Afro Brazil Museum offers a fascinating look at the history, culture, and heritage of black people in the country. Across its two huge floors, there are tons of paintings and photos, traditional costumes, textiles, and statues to peruse.

Part of the very popular Ibirapuera Park, it was only established in 2004 with its humongous building having been designed by revered architect Oscar Niemeyer. Its exhibits focus on everything from the impact of slavery and Afro-Brazilian cultural spheres to religion, work, and famous figures.

While we really enjoyed all its incredible artifacts and artworks, the museum maybe could have been a bit better laid out. You’ll also want to pick up an audio guide as barely any exhibits are explained in English. We’d highly recommend the collection though and were a bit sad that there were almost no other visitors around when we stopped by.

17. Galeria do Rock

For a fun shopping experience and an alternative vibe, hit up the Galeria do Rock in the Republica part of town. An absolute must for rockers and metalheads, its six floors are full of stores selling CDs and skateboards, band t-shirts, sneakers, and other music-related merch.

Built back in 1962, the massive mall now has roughly 450 shops crammed across its floors to check out. As well as all the endless stores catering to skaters, goths, and hip-hoppers, others specialize in anime, piercings, and tattoos.

While it lies just around the corner from the chic, sophisticated Municipal Theatre, the atmosphere of the streets surrounding the shopping center couldn’t be more different. Quite run down, they have a sketchy feel though are safe enough – just keep an eye on your possessions.

Just two minutes walk from the Galeria do Rock is the absolutely brilliant Brazil Tattoo Museum. Well off-the-beaten-path, the renowned Polaco Tattoo Shop has lots of super cool artworks, paintings, and old pieces of equipment to examine. We really loved seeing all the amazing ink designs after having wandered around the heart of Sao Paulo’s underground scene.

16. Butantan Institute

Lying just across the Pinheiros River from Vila Madalena, Batman Alley, and Instituto Tomie Ohtake is the Butantan Institute. One of the world’s most important scientific centers, it has three museums and a never-ending number of reptiles, spiders, and snakes to see.

Now the largest immunobiological and biopharmaceuticals producer in Latin America, the research institute was established in 1901. At its expansive site in western Sao Paulo, guests can learn about microbiology, vaccines, and how venom is extracted and used in experiments. Other parts also cover the history, achievements, and evolution of the prestigious science center.

The highlight though has to be seeing all its venomous scorpions, snakes, and creepy crawlies. After ogling at its brightly-colored insects and lizards, you can stroll around its leafy, landscaped grounds.

15. Paroquia Nossa Senhora do Brasil

With its two terrific onion domes, fine facade, and exquisitely decorated interior, the Paroquia Nossa Senhora do Brasil is definitely worth stopping by if you have the time. Located just up the road from the Museum of Image and Sound, it is a very popular place to host baptisms and weddings.

Dating to 1940, the beautiful Baroque church has some very pretty Portuguese tiles placed above its already ornate entrance. Yet more of the distinctive blue and white scenes cover its walls inside and the borders around its stunning stained-glass windows. Hand-painted, these depict various religious figures and famed stories from the Bible.

Particularly eye-catching is its phenomenal ceiling painting of a starry sky above the glittering golden altar. Leading up to it too are dozens of delightfully painted scenes that are styled after those of the Sistine Chapel. Many multi-colored tiles and artworks also decorate parts of the lovely little church.

14. Jardim Botanico de Sao Paulo

Sprawling across a ginormous area in the city’s South zone is the gorgeous Jardim Botânico de São Paulo. Full of colourful plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs, its winding paths and reflective ponds are a treat to amble about.

Once a state park, its lush green confines and vast swathes of Atlantic Forest were transformed into a botanical garden back in 1928. Amidst all its towering trees and dense undergrowth there are now plenty of paths to explore. While moseying along, you may spy some monkeys playing in the canopy or adorable armadillos and agoutis at ground level. There are also a couple of greenhouses home to orchids and aquatic plants to enter.

After the hustle and bustle of the center and all its endless concrete, the picturesque gardens make a very pleasant change of pace and scenery. To make the trip more worthwhile, you can always visit the city zoo right next to it too.

13. Mosteiro De Sao Bento

In between Sao Paulo’s Municipal Theater and Municipal Market is the magnificent Mosteiro De Sao Bento. Exhibiting some astounding architecture and artworks, its church is often listed as a must-visit with glorious Gregorian chanting also taking place on Sunday mornings.

Although the Benedictine Monastery was founded in the sixteenth-century, the current complex only dates to the early 1900s. Almost certain to be unlike any other church you’ll come across in Brazil, its dark, atmospheric interior is coated in muted murals inspired by the Beuron Art School. Only adding to its awe-inspiring look and feel are its wonderful wood statues of saints and its hulking great organ. Sparkling stained-glass windows let in some light while graceful arcades look out over its long nave.

The church’s rather austere yet imposing facade also makes for some fabulous photos as do all the artworks inside. Still a working monastery home to a brotherhood of monks, its memorable Sunday morning masses are accompanied by Gregorian chanting and organ music. You can also dine at the religious complex afterwards or pick up some cakes, biscuits, and bread at their bakery.

12. Museu Catavento

Yet another interesting and unique building to see is the Museu Catavento which lies just across the Tamanduatei River. Long a firm favorite with families and school trips, it now houses lots of thrilling science and technology exhibits.

While the museum was only opened back in 2009, the Eclectic-style palace was completed almost a hundred years earlier. After having originally hosted industrial exhibitions and later even a legislative assembly, it served briefly as the City Hall. The building certainly is grand enough as its lofty, turreted tower overlooks an imaginative-looking facade and old trains and planes dotted around its grounds.

Although we really came for the museum’s extraordinary exterior, its hands-on exhibits, and activities were good fun too. These shine a light on everything from Earth and the universe to subjects like the human body, electricity, and engineering. Despite only being explained in Portuguese, they were very well-done with tanks full of fish and butterflies also on show.

11. Sala Sao Paulo

If after all the museums, historic sites, and nature spots you want to see a show, then Sala São Paulo is one of the best places to go. Renowned for its excellent acoustics, the irresistible auditorium puts on a packed schedule of top-class classical concerts and orchestra performances.

Absolutely jaw-dropping, its majestic main concert hall actually occupies what was formerly the Julio Prestes Train Station. Built between 1926 and 1938 by the coffee barons, the enormous neoclassical building was renovated in 1997 to host the Sao Paulo State Symphonic Orchestra.

The plan certainly succeeded as the cavernous ‘shoebox-style’ hall both looks and sounds out of this world thanks to its adjustable ceiling. Warmly lit, the colossal columns lining its walls are set between fine wooden balconies and mezzanines overlooking the stage. Wherever you sit, you’re guaranteed marvelous music in a stunning setting.

10. Mercado Municipal

Back towards the river is the massive Mercado Municipal de Sao Paulo. Loads of fun to explore, its stands and stalls sell all kinds of fruit, vegetables, and artisanal food products. Numerous little cafes and restaurants are also scattered here and there.

Similar in style to the Sala, the vast 1933 market building is noted for its soaring columns, vaults, and stained-glass windows. Once past its fetching facade, you’ll find rows and rows of endless shops to wander about, all delightfully presented. From its rather boisterous vendors, you can buy exotic fruits and spices or cheeses, meats, and regional wines.

Must-tries here include its signature mortadella sandwich – packed with an absolutely absurd amount of meat – and the bolinhos de bacalhau (fried balls of cod). While the lively atmosphere and artisanal products from the Amazon are fantastic, watch out for the seemingly friendly fruit sellers. As you can see from all the reviews online (and as we experienced!), they are experts at scamming tourists and selling fruit for scandalous prices.

9. Museu da Lingua Portuguesa

Located right next to the Sala and Pinacoteca, the Museu da Lingua Portuguesa covers the origins, history, and evolution of the lovely language. Across its three floors are tons of interactive exhibitions, images, and sounds with talks and film screenings sometimes taking place.

Founded in 2006, the museum is housed in the very busy Estacao da Luz – the former headquarters of the Sao Paulo Railway. The reason this location was chosen is that thousands of immigrants used to arrive here, ready to start their new lives in the Portuguese-speaking country.

After admiring its formidable facade and famous clock tower, you can learn all about accents, idioms, and cultural influences inside. The museum also contains a small cafe and viewing platform that lies above the station and its adjacent park.

Be aware before heading here though that almost all of its exhibits are only in Portuguese. If you do speak the language, we’d also recommend the moving Memorial da Resistência de Sao Paulo along the same road. The small museum mainly focuses on resistance and repression in the city under the Brazilian dictatorship.

8. Museu do Futebol

As no other country is so synonymous with the sport as Brazil, you just have to check out the Museu do Futebol if you have the chance. Set within the Art Deco Pacaembu Stadium, it boasts a veritable treasure trove of classic shirts, flags, photos, and trophies.

Inaugurated in 2008, its galleries look at the huge impact football has had on the nation’s history and culture. Giant screens play out famous World Cup wins with other rooms covering legendary players like Pele, Garrincha, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho. All its emotive images and radio interviews perfectly highlight why it is such a key part of Brazil’s identity,

Although its exhibitions are again mostly only in Portuguese, its epic videos, photos, and memorabilia still make it a must. There is also a fun shooting game to try and tours to take of this iconic stadium. Die-hard fans of the beautiful game will find it impossible to leave the museum shop without at least a couple of retro jerseys in hand.

As the city is home to some of the biggest teams in Brazil – Corinthians, Sao Paulo, and Palmeiras – it is a great place to catch a match. Thanks to the heaving crowds of passionate fans, the atmosphere promises to be utterly intoxicating and unforgettable.

7. Sao Paulo Cathedral

Certainly one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, São Paulo Cathedral’s gigantic dome, and tall twin towers rise up dramatically above the large square and palm trees below. Exhibiting some gorgeous Gothic Revival-style architecture, it also has a cool crypt for you to enter.

Slowly completed over the course of four decades, it was eventually consecrated in 1954, right in the heart of town. Remarkably enough, a church has now stood in the exact same spot since 1589 when only a small settlement existed. Both from up close and afar, it makes for some phenomenal photos, what with the leafy palms all around it.

Inside is just as spectacular as fine religious artworks and superb stained glass windows decorate its walls. We really liked seeing the cathedral’s atmospheric crypt which contains marble sculptures and the tombs of influential figures. This includes the final resting place of Tibirica – the friendly local chief who made the city’s founding possible.

Despite the large police presence around the cathedral, the surrounding area is still decidedly dodgy to walk around. Watch out when taking photos outside and keep an eye on your possessions.

6. Teatro Municipal De Sao Paulo

Rivaling the cathedral in terms of its splendor though has to be the Teatro Municipal De Sao Paulo. One of South America’s most important venues for the performing arts, it hosts outstanding operas, ballets, and concerts.

As most of the Brazilian bourgeoisie lived in the city in the twentieth century, the decision was made to build an opulent opera house. In 1911, the lavish theater was unveiled with everyone admiring its arresting mix of Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau architecture. Over the decades, big names such as Bidu Sayao, Tito Schipa, and Carla Fracci have all graced its hallowed stage.

Now home to the city’s ballet, choir, and symphony orchestra, its lobby, Noble Room and Great Hall are resplendently decorated. If you don’t manage to grab a ticket to a show, you can take tours of all their rich red and gold interiors instead. Besides learning about the landmark theater’s past, you can see all its sumptuous stuccowork, sculptures, and stained-glass windows.

5. Pinacoteca do Estado

Another of both the city and country’s main arts institutes is the prestigious Pinacoteca do Estado. At the very highly-rated museum, you can examine some of the best Brazilian paintings and sculptures from the nineteenth century.

The oldest art museum in Sao Paulo, the Pina was established back in 1905. Its extensive collection of some 10,000 or so artworks now occupies what was once the headquarters of the Lyceum of Arts and Crafts. The renovated building’s exposed brickwork, airy central atrium, and impressive staircase already make it memorable to visit.

On display in its light-filled rooms are wonderful masterpieces by Tarsila do Amaral, Anita Malatti, and Lasar Segall among others. With drawings, engravings, and photos also featured, the Pinacoteca is a must for many. It also conveniently lies right next to many of the city’s other main sights, just behind the Estacao da Luz in a green park.

4. Avenida Paulista

Running its way right through the city is the iconic Avenida Paulista. The pride of Paulistas, the busy thoroughfare is lined by countless shops, restaurants, galleries, theaters, and museums. Overlooked by glinting glass high-rises, it is both an important center of finance and politics and an entertainment and cultural hub.

Connecting numerous neighborhoods together, the seemingly endless, straight avenue stretches almost three kilometers in length. Its bustling sidewalks bristle with cafes, bars, and shopping centers with exclusive private schools and financial institutions also dotted about. At any time of day, it has a very vibrant ambience with something always going on. Along here, we really enjoyed the Itau Cultural Centre’s old maps and drawings of the country and Sesc’s spellbinding viewpoint.

While we didn’t really get all the fuss above the avenue, we admittedly didn’t visit on Sundays when it is closed off to traffic. As with the Minhoção, people exercise, picnic, and listen to street performers or shop and hang out with friends and family. Avenida Paulista also hosts some very popular events with both New Year’s Eve parties and Pride taking place here.

3. Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo (MASP)

Along it too is the must-see MASP which is yet another of the continent’s most celebrated museums. With its distinctive building, delightfully different layout, and hundreds of thought-provoking art pieces, it was definitely one of the best places we visited in Sao Paulo.

Internationally recognized for its collection of European art, the magnificent museum was founded in 1947 with Brazilian, African, and Asian works also featuring. Displayed in its large, open galleries are fabulous paintings by Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh alongside many others. As they are all mounted on glass in the middle of the floor, you can inspect them from every angle.

Immediately recognizable, the museum’s gigantic glass construction is suspended in the air between two bright red concrete supports. One of Brazil’s best-known Brutalist structures, it was designed by architect Lina Bo Bardi. Almost as interesting as all the artworks themselves, the imposing modernist building makes for some fantastic photos.

2. Liberdade District

One of the coolest parts of the city to explore has to be the Liberdade District which has a distinctly Japanese look, feel, and identity. As well as all its sushi joints and specialist supermarkets, countless cramped shops sell cheap electronics, manga comics, and souvenirs.

Believed to be home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan, its origins date to around 1912 when thousands of families moved here for the cheap rent. Loads of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Koreans now also live in the area. As a result, you can find shops and restaurants selling tasty food and traditional products from all three countries.

Although we really liked the Japanese District’s different flavor, we did expect the neighborhood to be a bit bigger. It was fun though walking beneath its torii gate along lantern-lined streets and seeing all the cute, colourful eateries. On Sundays, there is also a little street market where you can pick up arts, crafts, and artisanal food products.

1. Ibirapuera Park

Sampa’s answer to Central Park, Ibirapuera Park serves as a major recreational site and is one of the main tourist attractions in Sao Paulo. An oasis of peace and calm, its gorgeous green grounds have lots of paths to walk, run or cycle along. Some of the metropolis’ best monuments and museums can also be found here.

One of the largest urban parks in Latin America, it covers a ginormous part of the city’s south side. In addition to the Afro Brazil Museum and Ibirapuera Auditorium, there are a handful of other excellent museums to check out, many designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Among its most photographed sites are its enormous obelisk and the Monument to the Bandeiras.

Other than seeing all its statues, artworks, and the Japanese Pavilion, there are plenty of picturesque nature spots to enjoy. Many locals also picnic in the park or practice capoeira, yoga, and play football.

Amidst all its lush woodland and reflective ponds, you can relax and unwind after a hectic time spent exploring the largest city in all the Americas.

Best Time to Visit São Paulo

As Sao Paulo is such a massive metropolis and has just so much to see and do, it’s a great year-round destination. That said, there are of course better times to visit weatherwise with all kinds of exciting events also drawing large crowds to the city.

While the summers are hot and wet, most people still visit between December and February (the seasons in Brazil are opposite to those in the Northern hemisphere). Aside from all the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, there is of course Sampa’s fun-filled carnival to take part in. Prices and temperatures are at their highest with averages of 26 to 28°C (79 to 82°F).

If you want to avoid the worst of the crowds and humidity, then both autumn and spring are better bets. Much drier, March to May has massive events like Fashion Week to attend. While wetter, spring (October and November) instead has its exciting Grand Prix going on.

June to September (winter in Brazil) sees average temperatures of 22 to 24°C (71 to 75°F). Both domestic and international tourists flock here as the dry weather is ideal for sightseeing and strolling around Ibirapuera Park. Parades are also held for Sao Paulo Pride and concerts for the Festa de Sao Vito.

Map of Things to Do in Sao Paulo

Share this post:

27 Top Tourist Attractions in Brazil

10 Most Amazing Destinations in Southern Brazil

5 Most Beautiful Regions in Brazil

10 Best Things to Do in Manaus, Brazil

17 Best Cities to Visit in Brazil

17 Best Places to Visit in Brazil

14 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Brazil

11 Most Awesome Places to Stay in Brazil

10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Brazil

10 Best Beaches in Brazil

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sao Paulo travel guide

Sao paulo tourism | sao paulo guide, you're going to love sao paulo.

Busy, cosmopolitan Sao Paulo has everything - and anything - that you're looking for. There are cutting-edge museums, art galleries, arts venues for culture addicts, and a foodie scene renowned the world over.

Sao Paulo is one of the biggest cities in the world, with a population of over 12 million and about 20 million in the greater Sao Paulo area. It's a very diverse, multicultural mix with large Arab, Italian, and Japanese communities, and one of the biggest urban Jewish populations in the world.

The city was founded in 1554 by Jesuit priests, and you can still visit the site of that founding at the ornate Pátio do Colégio church. Today, Sao Paulo is the economic powerhouse of Brazil. There are also many world-class events that draw visitors to the city during the year, including the Brazilian Grand Prix and the ATP Brasil Open.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Sao Paulo

1. history and architecture.

Sao Paulo is a place of fabulously ornate neo-Gothic and colonial architecture, including the spectacular Theatro Municipal, where you can also see orchestra or ballet performances. At the Pinacoteca do Estado de Sao Paulo, you can enjoy Brazilian art in a museum founded in 1905.

2. Subtropical Beauty

Ibirapuera Park is where you can escape the chaos of the city in a stroll along the lake. In addition to walking and jogging, you can rent and ride a bike, or attend free yoga or capoeira lessons as you enjoy more than a square mile of lush green parkland.

3. The Food

With more than 12,000 restaurants to choose from, you can truly say there is something for everyone's palate in Sao Paulo. The dining scene represents over 120 cultures at every price point, from sizzling street food to fine dining.

4. Party All Night

There are more than 15,000 bars in this city, and you can literally drink and dance 24/7 somewhere in the city. Sao Paulo is a mecca for EDM and the dance music scene, with many large dance clubs that compete with each other for the trendiest, most outrageous decor.

5. Culture Fix

From the famous street art of Cambuci and the graffiti of Vila Madalena to the gleaming red concrete and glass Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo and its stellar collection, plus a raft of private galleries that showcase modern artists, there is a lively arts scene waiting for your pleasure.

What to do in Sao Paulo

1. museu de arte de são paulo: the masters and their masterpieces.

Along the enormous Avenida Paulista, standing out among the giant municipal buildings and fashion outlets, is the world-famous São Paulo Museum of Art. Behind the great glass walls of the contemporary headquarters, visitors will find endless galleries, home to the most comprehensive art collections in South America. Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir and friends complement the great display of local artwork, a contrast of styles that ground you in Brazil while celebrating culture from around the globe.

2. Theatro Municipal de São Paulo: Fanciful Grandeur

This baroque masterpiece of architecture has been the city's theater for a century and continues to host world-class performances by the Symphony Orchestra and Ballet. The building itself is a historical jewel among the surrounding contemporary development, and worth visiting whether to see a show or just to visit the building itself - the halls are lavish, the walls and balconies gold-plated, and the seats lush with red velvet.

3. Parque Ibirapuera: Recreation meets Culture

The fantastic Ibirapuera Park is an oasis in the urban sprawl of the city, host not only to vast grassy plains and miles of jogging trails but also to some of Sao Paulo's greatest attractions. Mosey beneath indigenous trees and past the beautiful lake on your way between sights like the Museum of Modern Art, the city Planetarium, and the Museu Afro Brasil. The park holds delightful surprises along the way too, from the Japanese pavilion to the Obelisk of São Paulo.

4. Catedral Metropolitana: At the Center of the City

This Cathedral rises exquisitely above the Praça da Sé, the social center of downtown São Paulo and one of the city's most famous landmarks. Beneath arrangements of distinctive Latin American trees, reflecting pools and contemporary landscaping lead the way to the Neo-Gothic focal point. Inside, the fascinating columns are carved with staples of Brazilian produce and beloved local animals, in tribute to the nation. Beneath the altar, a subterranean crypt comes as an exciting surprise.

5. Parque da Independência: The Birth of Brazil

Nearly two centuries ago Brazilian Independence was proclaimed in this park, and it has become a beloved public forum and monument to the country. On the banks of the Ipiranga Brook, visitors will find the Altar of the Fatherland, a great commemorative memorial ornamented with impressive bronze sculptures. Take in the expansive green space as you wander to the other end of the park, where the Museu Paulista awaits you for a fix of Brazilian history. Don't miss the perfectly groomed French Gardens out front.

Activities & attractions in Sao Paulo

Where to Eat in Sao Paulo

D.O.M. has been on the list of the world's best restaurants for several years. Run by renowned chef Alex Atala, an imaginative menu of Brazilian fusion cuisine starts at about R$110 for main dishes. One of the city specialties is pizza, and Sao Paulo is home to a vast number of pizzerias. Bráz Pizzaria is the place to find gourmet pies with fresh local ingredients like catupiry cheese starting at R$50. Home to the largest urban Japanese population outside Japan, the city is a hotbed for Japanese cuisine. Lamen Kazu is a favorite with locals, with a menu of authentic Japanese dishes starting at R$25 or so.

When to visit Sao Paulo

Most visitors come to Sao Paulo during the drier and more temperate months of April to November. Located on an elevated plateau just 43 miles from the Atlantic coast, Sao Paulo is known for its variable weather, which can fluctuate at any time. Average temperatures between January and March range between about 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit between June and August, with the most rain falling during the summer.

How to Get to Sao Paulo

There are two airports in Sao Paulo. The Congonhas-Sao Paulo Airport (CGH) handles domestic and regional flights from Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, and other major centers. International flights arrive and depart from Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), located about 15.5 miles from the center of town. There is a bus service that makes several stops downtown, with connections to the subway service, for R$30. Airport taxi service is provided exclusively by Guarucoop air-conditioned cabs. Flat fares are negotiated and paid in advance, with a ride to most places in the downtown area running around R$100.

Two highways approach the city, called the Anchieta and the Imigrantes, along with eight other major highways that connect the city to major centers in all directions. Despite the number of roadways, however, you can expect congestion and traffic jams, particularly during morning and late afternoon rush hours, making driving one of the more challenging ways to get to Sao Paulo.

The Rodoviária Tietê is the largest of three bus terminals in Sao Paulo. Each of the three has direct connections to the subway system. Intercity routes link the city with most centers in the state of Sao Paulo, the south coast, Rio, and beyond to Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.

Airports near Sao Paulo

Airlines serving sao paulo, where to stay in sao paulo.

Hotel Emiliano, located on Oscar Freire Street, the city's most stylish address, wraps you in minimalist luxury, with an orchid garden in the lobby and rooftop pool to add to the appeal. At the other end of the scale, a room at the Golden Tulip, located near Jardim Paulista, has clean modern rooms and furnishings at budget prices.

Popular Neighborhoods in Sao Paulo

Jardins - this is an upscale neighborhood where you'll find chic designer boutiques and stylish crowds within walking distance of many major attractions. Rua Augusta is where you'll find many of the city's upscale hotels and restaurants, and Rua Oscar Freire is a shopping mecca.

Vila Madalena - this is the city's bohemian side, with an artsy flair and a raft of bars and nightclubs. It also has a popular dining scene along Rua Aspicuelta.

Itaim Bibi - this neighborhood at the edge of Ibirapuera Park has a hopping dining scene, and a good selection of mid-priced hotels like the Clarion and TRYP locations. It's also a popular residential neighborhood with a mostly younger crowd.

Where to stay in popular areas of Sao Paulo

Most booked hotels in sao paulo, how to get around sao paulo, public transportation.

The Sao Paulo subway rail system has six lines that cover the city and suburbs, and it connects with an above-ground bus system that uses the fast lane - called Passa Rápido in Portuguese. A combination of public and private companies run more than 17,000 buses and trolley buses through the city as well. A one-way fare costs R$3.80. One caveat: The public transportation system is extremely busy and probably best avoided during rush hour.

There are two types of taxis in Sao Paulo. A conventional taxi charges roughly R$8.00 to R$10.50 for 1.25 miles. Luxury taxis are larger, and feature air conditioning and premium sound systems along with a uniformed driver. You can expect to pay about 40 to 50 percent more for these.

Traffic jams are a daily reality in Sao Paulo, and driving a car in the city is often a chore and an inefficient way to get around. A compact rental costs about R$50.00 per day and local providers include Avis and Budget. Street parking is somewhat risky in Sao Paulo and not recommended in some areas. There are many parking lots in the city, with average hourly rates starting at about R$11.50.

Best car rental deals in Sao Paulo

2 Adults, 2 Bags

The Cost of Living in Sao Paulo

Shopping streets.

You'll find the international luxury brands and other upscale goods in the Jardins district on Oscar Freire, Lorena, or Haddock Lobo streets. The Cidade Jardim and JK shopping malls are alternatives with multiple brand name stores.

Groceries and Other

There are many supermarkets in Sao Paulo. Look for Casa Santa Luzia, which includes a section of prepared meals for cheap eats. Supermercado Pastorinho is also in the city's downtown area, along with many Asian markets like the Korea Mart. A quart of milk costs about R$3.45, and a dozen eggs is about R$6.55. Shop in beautiful style in the Mercadao Municipal, an Art Deco building from the 1930s outfitted with gorgeous stained glass windows and full of cafes and gourmet food stalls.

• 1 Subdivisions
• 2.1 History
• 2.3 Orientation
• 2.4 Climate
• 3.1.1 Guarulhos International Airport
• 3.1.2 Congonhas Airport
• 3.1.3 Viracopos International
• 3.3 By train
• 4.1 Bilhete Único
• 4.2.1 Fare and hours of operation
• 4.2.2 Peak hours
• 4.4 By bicycle
• 4.5 On foot
• 4.6 By taxi
• 4.7 By e-hailing
• 6.1 Avenida Paulista
• 6.2 Historic center
• 6.3 Rio Pinheiros river area
• 6.5 Museums and cultural centers
• 6.6 Panoramic views
• 7.1 Theaters and concert halls
• 7.2 Ciclofaixa de Lazer
• 7.3 Fun for the family
• 7.4 Watch football
• 7.5 City tours
• 8.1.1 Institutions
• 8.2 Learn Portuguese
• 9.1 Central shopping areas
• 9.2 Shopping malls
• 9.3 Suburban shopping areas
• 13.1 By phone
• 13.2 Internet
• 14.1 Business etiquette
• 14.2 Gay and lesbian travelers
• 14.3 Traffic
• 15.2 Natural disasters
• 15.3 Football (soccer)
• 15.4 Tourist police stations
• 16 Stay healthy
• 17.1 Electricity
• 17.2 Consulates
• 18.2 Countryside
• 18.3 Theme parks
• 18.4 Metro area (Grande São Paulo)

São Paulo , or Sampa as it is also often called, is the largest city in Brazil , with a municipality population of 12.1 million, and about 21.3 million in its metropolitan region - the most populous of the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. It is the capital of the Southeastern state of São Paulo , and also a beehive of activity that offers a jovial nightlife and an intense cultural experience.

São Paulo is South America 's major economic center and possesses the 10th largest GDP in the world, though poverty, especially in the suburbs, is still widespread due to the blatant social inequality. Historically attractive to immigrants and to Brazilians from other states, it has a unique cultural identity formed by combining Portuguese and African roots (common to the entire country) with other influences, in particular Italian, Arab and Japanese.

São Paulo is probably one of the most underrated cities tourism-wise, often overshadowed by other places in the Brazilian sun & beach circuit such as Rio de Janeiro and Salvador . It is in fact a great city to explore, with an impressive (and almost intimidating) skyline, unpredictable neighbourhoods and architecture, a vibrant culture and arts (in particular street art) scene, not to mention the world-class restaurants and diverse regional and international cuisine available to all tastes. If there is a major attraction to this city, it is the excellent quality of its restaurants and the variety of cultural activities on display.

Just south of the city lies the Parque Estadual Serra do Mar (part of the Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves , a UNESCO World Heritage Site ), a mountain range covered by lush rainforest that faces the coast and provides various ecotourism options.

Subdivisions [ edit ]

Understand [ edit ]

São Paulo is the most visited city of Brazil, but mostly because of business and event tourism, with many of the visitors not taking much effort to explore the city. Those who do so may, however, discover one of the most complex and fascinating cities of the world, where even nearby areas may look and feel like a different city, due to São Paulo's staggering social inequality and variety of cultural influences, and its hard to understand urban planning.

For instance, if you walk from one end to another of Rua Augusta (which later becomes Rua Colômbia and Avenida Europa), starting from Downtown, you will pass through:

• One of the city's hottest nightlife areas in Baixa Augusta
• A vibrant cultural and business area surrounding Avenida Paulista
• A variety of shopping options in the area surrounding Rua Oscar Freire
• The green, affluent low-rise neighbourhood of Jardim América
• A stream of expensive car shops in Jardim Europa
• The modern business district in Av. Faria Lima and the ultra-affluent neighbourhood of Itaim

Although the first impression might be that of a grey concrete jungle, soon it becomes apparent that the city has a great number of pockets of beauty, and fantastic places (and not always expensive) to dine, drink and hang out.

History [ edit ]

Native American Chief Tibiriçá and the Jesuit priests José de Anchieta and Manuel de Nóbrega founded the village of São Paulo de Piratininga on 25 January 1554—Feast of the Conversion of Paul the Apostle. Along with their entourage, the priests established a mission named Colégio de São Paulo de Piratininga aimed at converting the Tupi-Guarani native Brazilians to the Catholic religion. São Paulo's first church was constructed in 1616 at the site where the Páteo do Colégio stands now (metrô: Sé or São Bento station).

São Paulo was designated a city in 1711. In the 19th century, it experienced a flourishing economic prosperity, brought about chiefly through coffee exports, which were shipped abroad from the port of neighbouring city Santos. After 1881, waves of immigrants from Italy, Japan, and other European and Middle Eastern countries, such as Syria and Lebanon immigrated to São Paulo State due to the coffee production boom. Enslavement of Africans was coming to an end, due to British pressure, as the British Empire wished to introduce its machinery and industrialized products to Brazil. The government was also concerned with the fact that the population of black people was greater than that of whites, and, in an effort to "bleach the race," gave incentives to European nationals of countries such as Italy, Germany, Lithuania, Ukraine, Poland, Portugal, and Spain to immigrate. Thus, after Emancipation, with the influx of European labor and failure on the part of the racist system to include African-Brazilians, black people became increasing unemployed and discriminated against. By the beginning of the 20th century, the coffee cycle had already plummeted due to, among other factors, a sharp decline in international coffee prices and competition from other nations. The local entrepreneurs then started investing in the industrial development of São Paulo, attracting new contingents of overseas immigrants to the city. Many of those entrepreneurs had Italian, Portuguese, German, and Syro-Lebanese Christian descent such as the Matarazzo, Diniz, and Maluf.

However, due to competition with many other Brazilian cities, which sometimes offer tax advantages for companies to build manufacturing plants in situ , São Paulo's main economic activities have gradually left its industrial profile in favour of the services industry over the late 20th century. The city is nowadays home to a large number of local and international banking offices, law firms, multinational companies, advertising firms and consumer services.

Many major international and Brazilian companies have offices in São Paulo, and the Bovespa stock exchange index (Ibovespa) is considered one of the most important Latin American market indices abroad.

People [ edit ]

Don't be surprised at the diversity of Paulistanos. For example, São Paulo is home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. It is not uncommon to see businesses and churches being conducted by Chinese and Korean-Brazilians in Liberdade , which began as an Italian district, became Japanese, and is now heavily populated by Koreans and Chinese. The city's Italian influence is also very strong, with about 6 million people in the metropolitan area having Italian background. The large Arab and Jewish communities are also well represented in all levels of society, from art to real estate businesses, and notably in politics.

The citizens of São Paulo have a reputation as hard-working and industrious or shallow money-grubbers. It is common to hear that the people in São Paulo work while the rest of Brazil relaxes; even though many say this, it is plainly wrong. It is a fact, nonetheless, that the city of São Paulo alone actually contributes 15 percent of the country's gross national product (45 percent if the entire São Paulo state is taken into account).

But when Paulistanos are not working, they are clubbing. The city nightlife is as intense as it gets, which makes going to a club a total must-do.

Orientation [ edit ]

São Paulo's basic spot for orientation should be Avenida Paulista. From there, it's pretty easy to reach every single spot in town, be it by bus or underground transport. It lies between the neighborhoods of Bela Vista and Jardim Paulista. Av. Paulista is also within walking distance to Centro and Ibirapuera Park, which makes it the perfect place to start a walking tour.

However, central São Paulo is a very large area, and travelling from one spot to another may require that you take a cab or public transport. To find out the general direction where you are, see the street signs, as it is colour-coded:

• Sé/República (in Downtown ): White street plate.

All other areas have blue street plates, and a bottom stripe on the following colours:

• Expanded Center: Grey ( Expanded Center means the area limited by the Tietê river on the North, the Pinheiros river on the West, Avenida dos Bandeirantes on the South and Avenida Salim Farah Maluf on the East)
• Northwest: Light Green
• North: Dark Blue
• Northeast: Yellow
• Southeast: Dark Green
• South: Light Blue
• Southwest: Purple
• West: Orange

To find the direction of Downtown (most precisely Praça da Sé ), just follow the direction of decreasing street numbers. That doesn't work, however, in the Santo Amaro subprefecture ( South Central ), neither in the Far South region; in these areas, decreasing numbers lead to Largo 13 de Maio .

Climate [ edit ]

The city of São Paulo has a temperate and highly variable climate. Like in Melbourne , in Australia, the locals say that all the four seasons can be enjoyed in a day in São Paulo. Despite being on the Tropic of Capricorn, São Paulo is located at 760 meters (2493 ft) high, which makes the city cooler than normal. Ocean winds keep the air always humid during the year.

Rainfall is heavy in the summer, causing flooding in parts of the city and some rivers overflowing at that time. January is the wettest month, with an average of 237 mm (9.3 inches) of rainfall. The driest month is August, with an average of 40 mm (1.6 inches) of rainfall.

Due to the city's altitude, temperatures are not usually very hot. In February, the hottest month, temperatures are between average highs of 28º C (82º F) and average lows of 19º C (66º F). In winter, temperatures are average minimums of 12º C (53º F) and average highs of 22º C (71º F) in July. However, due to the high concentration of buildings, it may seem warmer in some regions of the city.

Get in [ edit ]

• Check the official Brazil tourism website and the get in section of our article on Brazil for general information regarding visas and customs, and the Cidade de São Paulo [dead link] homepage for updated events and art exhibitions around town.

By plane [ edit ]

São Paulo ( SAO  IATA ) has three major airports: Guarulhos International ( GRU  IATA ) and Viracopos ( VCP  IATA ) for international and some domestic arrivals, and Congonhas ( CGH  IATA ) for most medium and short haul domestic flights.

If the flights to São Paulo are high-priced, you can check flying to the airports of Campinas , Rio , Curitiba , Ribeirão Preto or Belo Horizonte . From there you can take an intercity bus to São Paulo.

Guarulhos International Airport [ edit ]

Non-airline shuttle buses are available from Guarulhos to Congonhas Airport ( CGH  IATA ), Praça da República (Downtown), Paulista/Jardins region, Barra Funda bus station and Tietê bus station (fastest access to the subway). All lines except Congonhas connect to the Metrô. R$42 one-way.

Line 257 is a regular urban bus, which goes every 15-20 min to and from Tatuapé Metro station (line 3, red). The ride takes about 35 min and costs R$6.15 (Feb 2018), paid as you board. The bus driver provides change. Exit on the arrivals level at any terminal and follow the signs for the bus. The bus starts at Terminal 2 before heading to Terminal 3 and then 1, and it's recommended to board at Terminal 2 during peak times. Less comfy than the shuttles, but can prove faster way to Paulista (and elsewhere) on days with dense traffic, as it goes for the closest Metro station. While the bus has baggage racks, you might be denied access with luggage that won't fit on your lap.

LATAM, Gol and Azul, the three main Brazilian airlines, offer free shuttle buses for their passengers with flights to/from Guarulhos International Airport and Congonhas Domestic Airport. Check the schedules for LATAM and Gol [dead link] . If you're on a budget trip and have enough time, you can ride those buses to Congonhas airport (you must show your boarding pass or printed reservation to the bus driver) and then get a taxi to your destination. It will be much cheaper than getting a taxi directly from Guarulhos airport. The trip between those airports takes between 1 and 1½ hours. No reservation is required.

A taxi co-operative, Guarucoop (tel: +55 11 2440-7070), has a monopoly on cabs leaving Guarulhos. They are plentiful and the queue is outside the arrival terminal. Credit-card users can pay for their journey in advance at the booth, although it's useful to have local currency as not all international credit or debit cards will work at all businesses in Brazil. Passengers can ask to see the tabela , which shows the fares for each neighbourhood. A taxi ride into the city can take up to two hours during peak times, or around 45 minutes late at night or early in the morning.

Also, you can use the "Airport Express" direct service to/from Luz station. Railway station is not right near the terminals of the airport. Take a free shuttle bus .

Congonhas Airport [ edit ]

The easiest (and cheapest) way to get to Congonhas is by taking any of the "Aeroporto" regular line buses that run along Avenida Paulista . After some 40-60 min in modest traffic you'll be dropped right in front of the airport and the fare is the regular R$4 (Bilhete Único accepted). It is mostly faster to take the metro to the São Judas subway station, and then the bus from there (10 min). Take bus number 609J/10 just outside of São Judas station to the airport and when getting off at the airport you walk just outside and look for the 607J bus stop.

Cab drives from downtown or Paulista should be used after checking how is the out of control São Paulo traffic. Check the CET [dead link] website (only in Portuguese), which is the traffic administration department of the city.

Viracopos International [ edit ]

Viracopos International (CPQ or VCP) is in Campinas , 100 km (62 mi) from downtown São Paulo. It is sometimes used when weather conditions prevent landing in Cumbica. Brazilian airline Azul [dead link] has its hub here and they offer free bus transport to São Paulo for their passengers, it might be convenient depending on your exact location. TAP flies from Lisbon three times a week to São Paulo.

Air taxi Rotorfly is an air taxi company located at the Carapicuíba Helipark in São Paulo. Transport by air by helicopter throughout São Pauo. Could be a great option for quick commutesR. Fortunato Grilenzone, 417 - Sala 8 - Helipark, Carapicuíba - SP, 06333-230 - Telefone: 0800 591 9056

By bus [ edit ]

There are three main bus terminals in São Paulo, all of them served by the Metrô (Subway) network.

• Terminal Rodoviário do Tietê , Av. Cruzeiro do Sul 1.800, Santana ( Tietê metro station, Blue line ), ☏ +55 11 3235-0322 (reachable from 06:00-23:30) . Tietê bus terminal is the second largest terminal in the world, hence an enormous building, but there is an information desk in the middle of the main lobby. Buses arrive in São Paulo from destinations throughout Brazil and from international destinations including Asunción in Paraguay (20 hr), Buenos Aires in Argentina (36 hr), Montevideo in Uruguay (30 hr), Santiago in Chile (56 hr), and Lima in Peru (108 hr). Guarulhos International Airport shuttles also depart and arrive from this terminal.  
• Terminal Rodoviário da Barra Funda , Av. Auro Soares de Moura Andrade 664, Barra Funda district, Expanded Center ( Barra Funda metro station, Red Line ), ☏ +55 11 3392-1878 . It's west of São Paulo's downtown, and carries departures and arrivals to and from western cities in the São Paulo state, to Mato Grosso, Foz do Iguaçu (15 hr, R$230-260, around 13/19:00) and west Paraná cities. About 30 min from Paulista Ave by Metrô. You can also reach it by boarding the "Barra Funda" (875P) bus in Paulista Ave. Guarulhos International Airport shuttles also depart and arrive from this terminal.  
• Terminal Rodoviário de Jabaquara , R. dos Jequitibás s/n, Jabaquara district, South Side ( Jabaquara metro station, Blue Line ), ☏ +55 11 3235-0322 . The Jabaquara Terminal serves cities in São Paulo state's south coast such as Guarujá , Santos and Bertioga . It is 30 minutes away by Metrô from downtown. There is a baggage storage ( Guarda Volumes ) in the Jabaquara Metro.  

An inexpensive alternative (R$130) for bus travel between Foz do Iguaçu and São Paulo are freight bus companies that handle freight of merchants buying in Paraguay and bus travel at the same time. See the Foz do Iguaçu article for more details. From São Paulo, call ahead to find out from where they start. The companies are the following:

• MD Tour , São Paulo, Rua João Teodore 628 , ☏ +55 11959068201 , +55 1138071157 . 17-18:00 to/from Sao Paulo, but you should get your ticket already at 15:00 or the day before . R$130 . ( updated Jun 2018 )
• Trans Muleke , São Paolo, Rua Carlos de Souza Nazaré 526 , ☏ +55 1132270461 , +55 1122071921 , +55 11985805021 , +55 11997299818 . 17-18:00 to/from Sao Paulo, but you should get your ticket already at 15:00 or the day before . R$130 . ( updated Jun 2018 )

By train [ edit ]

Besides the extensive commuter rail system, there are no passenger trains of any kind into São Paulo. A proposal to relieve the extremely busy São Paulo - Río de Janeiro air route through a high-speed rail link is being planned. It is also expected that Brazil's first intercity passenger train will link São Paulo to Campinas by 2031.

Get around [ edit ]

Transport in São Paulo can be anything from joyful to complicated. Usually, the fastest and less stressful way to get around is by bicycle and public transportation, while the experience with cars can be hellish. Peak hours are normally roughly 06:00-09:00 and 16:00-19:00, but since city roads are constantly at maximum capacity, any little incident can cause major queues and delays. The cheapest way for tourists to get around is to use the subway/metro, trains and buses/trolleybuses as much as possible, and then take a taxi for shorter distances. Even these means of transport can be uncomfortably crowded during peaks, and only a very limited carry-on is recommended. You can check the SPTrans website, which is the city's transport administration department. There you can get itineraries using all the city's public transportation options. São Paulo has an extensive network of cycleways and a strong bicycle culture, and riding bikes can be quite enjoyable. Walking can also be very enjoyable depending on the routes.

Bilhete Único [ edit ]

The Bilhete Único is a transport smartcard that is used for paying fares on buses, subways, and trains. In essence, a single billing of the card grants a person up to four trips in São Paulo's public transportation system with free transfers between the subway system and buses within 3 hours. Since September of 2021, only personalized Bilhete Único cards are accepted in the entire transport system. Online emission of cards is only available for Cadastro de Pessoa Física (CPF) holders, which means foreign tourists can only obtain a Bilhete Único by going to a SPTrans store with a passport in hand. The stores are listed here . To check if a store can emit a card click on "Ver serviços disponíveis neste posto" (Check available services) and look for "Emissão da 1ª e 2ª via". But be wary that your card might not be available immediately, so plan accordingly.

Fare charging rules are as follows:

• On buses : upon boarding a bus, you'll be charged R$4.40 and can board up to three other buses in a three-hour period without being charged a second time.
• On the Metro or CPTM trains : for a single trip in the underground train system, you'll be charged R$5.00.
• First Metro/CPTM train then bus : you'll be charged R$5.00 when passing by a Metro or CPTM station's turnstile. Once you board a bus, you'll be charged an extra R$3.20 and will be able to board two other buses in a two-hour period - starting from the first validation at the train station - without any further payment.
• First bus then Metro/CPTM train : once you board a bus, R$4.40 is charged from your card. Upon entering the Metro or CPTM systems, you'll be charged a further R$3.80. It's possible, after leaving the Metro or CPTM system, to board up to two other buses without any further payment in the two-hour period that starts from the first validation, depending on whether you boarded one or two buses before entering a train.

The discounts do not typically apply to intermunicipal buses (usually in blue and operated by the EMTU company), although there are some exceptions.

By metrô and train [ edit ]

The rail network, composed of metrô (subway) and surface trains, is the method of transportation a tourist is likely to use the most while visiting São Paulo. The metrô is modern, safe, clean and efficient; the quality of surface trains varies, but those in more tourist areas area as good as the metrô. An up-to-date map of the rail network can be found in this link [dead link] .

Lines 1-5 and 9 are probably most useful for tourists.

The metro lines are operated by ViaQuatro (Line 4), ViaMobilidade (Line 5), or Metrô (all other lines):

• Line 1 (Blue): Runs north-south through the Historical Center. Also serves Tietê and Jabaquara bus terminals.
• Line 2 (Green): Runs west-east through Avenida Paulista. An extension is under construction.
• Line 3 (Red): Runs west-east (north of Line 2) through the Historical Center. The Barra Funda bus terminal is on the west end of this line.
• Line 4 (Yellow): Connects the Historical Center to the West (mostly south of Line 2), passing through the western portion of Avenida Paulista.
• Line 5 (Lilac): Connects the southwest regions (including Capão Redondo and Santo Amaro) to Lines 1, 2, and 9.
• Line 15 (Silver): A rapid transit monorail line, runs in the eastern suburbs.

In addition to the metro, there are a number of suburban trains operated by ViaMobilidade (Lines 8 and 9) and CPTM (all other lines):

• Line 7 (Ruby): Serves the northwest suburbs, ending at Luz station downtown.
• Line 8 (Diamond): Serves the west suburbs, ending at Júlio Prestes station downtown.
• Line 9 (Emerald): Runs north-south (west of Line 1), crossing the entire West. Does not enter the city center.
• Line 10 (Turquoise): Serves the southeast suburbs, ending at Bras station downtown.
• Line 11 (Coral): Serves the eastern suburbs (parallel to Line 3). Ends at Luz station downtown.
• Line 12 (Sapphire): Serves the eastern suburbs, ending at Bras station downtown.
• Line 13 (Jade): Connects Guarulhos Airport to Line 12, which you can then take to downtown. Also offers an express service directly to Luz station from the airport and back, with one train departing every full hour from each termini.

Surface trains can also be used to reach a number of other cities in the metropolitan area of São Paulo and even beyond. The fee is the same, making some of these trips incredibly cheap depending on where you want to go.

Fare and hours of operation [ edit ]

If you don't have a Bilhete Único smart card ( see above ), trains use a simple flat-price ticketing scheme - you can get only one-trip tickets, which cost R$4.40, and allow you to go as far as you wish. Free train transfers appear as white links on the map; paid transfers as black links; grey links are free transfers during off-peak hours only.

The single tickets can be bought at the counters or automatic machines, which can be found in every station. Buying multiple tickets will not save you money but will save time locating a vending machine or waiting time in line, which can both be bothersome. Single tickets are available in paper format or as a QR code. The former is only sold at the counters inside the stations, while the latter can be bought from the automatic machines inside the stations, which are labeled TOP , or from the app with the same name. The app, however, only accepts registrations for Cadastro de Pessoa Física (CPF) holders, meaning foreign tourists cannot but them through the app. If you plan to take buses together with trains, using a Bilhete Único card is highly recommended.

There are plans to add contactless payment with credit and debit cards on every station, but as of March 2024 only a few turnstiles are enabled for contactless payments in a minority of stations. These can be identified by the global contactless symbol and a list of accepted networks.

Typical operating hours for trains are Sunday to Friday, from 04:40-00:00 (or Sa to 01:00) or, depending on the station, up to 00:40. Connections on the network operated by Metrô are guaranteed only for boardings before midnight (Sa 01:00), regardless of the station. Check the operating companies' website for more updated information.

Peak hours [ edit ]

Daily use of public transport may be quite stressful to Paulistanos; many take more than 2 hours to get to work or school! As a consequence, manners are often left aside on train and metro, and on peak hours, pushes are common. When boarding, walk as far as possible into the train after the door opens, and if you wish to wait for the next train, step outside of the boarding area immediately. Otherwise, you may end up being forcefully pushed into the train.

Inside of the train, it is not uncommon to have a lot of people blocking the way to the door, even if they are not leaving the train in the next station. Unless it is a hub station, politely ask Vai descer aqui? ("are you going to step out here?") to make people move on for you to get out.

Paulistanos do not typically wait for people to get out of the train before getting in. If you are confronted with a mass of people outside when stepping out, walk vigorously, otherwise they may end up pushing you back.

Do remember to keep on the right side of a metrô escalator in order to give way to other people in a hurry - you may be pushed aside if just standing on the left side of it, especially on the busiest hours. Also, should you sit in the assento reservado (reserved seats), be kind enough to give them up for the elderly, pregnant women, parents with babies and disabled people.

Buses are the most popular way to get around the city. Even though drivers really step on it through the bumpy streets of São Paulo, buses are not the fastest way to get around. In addition, they can get really crowded. However, unlike the metro/train, they do reach every neighbourhood.

Some lines around the city are serviced by trolleybuses, which, despite using overhead wires for power instead of diesel, work just like regular buses. Trolleybus line 2002-10 runs in and around the city's historic center, and, for that reason, probably is the most useful for tourists. (If you are going to visit Ipiranga Museum, line 4113-10 is also a trolleybus line, and may be useful for you).

The bus lines that serve the city of São Paulo are divided into 9 areas, all with different bus lines and boarding and disembarking platforms, passengers can plan the urban bus trip on the SPTRANS official website , however it is not very functional when this offline, so the best alternative is the Bus Route website.

ÁREA 1 - NOROESTE Bus Terminal Jardim Britânia Bus Terminal Pirituba ÁREA 2 - NORTE Bus Terminal Casa Verde Bus Terminal Vila Nova Cachoeirinha ÁREA 3 - NORDESTE Bus Terminal A. E. Carvalho Bus Terminal Aricanduva Bus Terminal Penha Bus Terminal São Miguel ÁREA 4 - LESTE Bus Terminal Cidade Tiradentes Bus Terminal Itaquera II Bus Terminal Vila Carrão ÁREA 5 - SUDESTE Bus Terminal Metropolitano São Mateus Bus Terminal Sacomã Bus Terminal Sapopemba/Teotônio Vilela ÁREA 6 - SUL Bus Terminal Grajaú Bus Terminal Parelheiros Bus Terminal Varginha ÁREA 7 - SUDOESTE Bus Terminal Água Espraiada Bus Terminal Capelinha Bus Terminal Guarapiranga Bus Terminal Jardim Ângela Bus Terminal João Dias Bus Terminal Santo Amaro ÁREA 8 - OESTE Bus Terminal Campo Limpo ÁREA CENTRAL Bus Terminal Amaral Gurgel Bus Terminal Bandeira Bus Terminal Lapa Bus Terminal Mercado Bus Terminal Parque Dom Pedro II Bus Terminal Pinheiros Bus Terminal Princesa Isabel Bus Terminal Vila Prudente

The lines that serve the metropolitan regions of the State of São Paulo can be consulted on the official government EMTU website , which does not help much when it is offline, for that there is an alternative that is the Bus Schedule website that constantly updates bus schedules from each of the lines available to passengers.

Tickets are R$4.40 one way. You can pay for the ride inside the bus, or use a Bilhete Único card topped up with credits before boarding. If paying for the ticket on the bus, simply hand over the money to the teller sitting by the turnstile or directly to the bus driver - some lines no longer have tellers -, and he or she will let you pass through. Children under 5 years old are allowed by law to slip under the turnstile for free! If you have the Bilhete Único card, then a single fare payment allows you to take other buses for free for the next 3 hours after touching in the card. Scan the card in front of the card reader, and the turnstile will be released. The fare can also be paid with contactless credit or debit cards in select buses. To see if the fare can be paid this way look for a yellow sticker with the global contactless symbol in the front door of the bus.

If you are carrying large suitcases, try to avoid rush-hour traffic as buses can become incredibly packed. It is not always wise to take the bus late at night, especially if you find yourself all alone waiting at the bus stop - consider calling a cab instead, or asking someone you know for a lift. If you really need to use the public transport system at night, especially after midnight, there's a special nocturnal service, called "Noturno" SPTrans' Noturno service , with bus lines running close to the rail system, which closes for maintenance at this moment, and other high-capacity lanes, providing service between well-lit bus terminals spread across town.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Cycleways in São Paulo have been vastly expanded, and the city has about 500 km (310 mi) of bicycle-only paths. A full map of the city's permanent cycling infrastructure can be found in the CET official cycleway map [dead link] .

One of the most popular cycling routes is the Ciclovia Rio Pinheiros , surrounding the Pinheiros river. It has 21.5 km (13.4 mi) on the East side of the river (it is considerably shorter on the West side). The cycleway is a bit tricky to access - check the cycleway's official website for a listing of access points. The cycleway offers great views of the city, including the city's main business district in Brooklin and Vila Olímpia (see São Paulo/West ) but the terrible smell of the Pinheiros river can be hard to cope with.

Despite the growing bicycle infrastructure, São Paulo is hardly one of the easiest places in the world to get around by bike. Many drivers have little respect for cyclists and accidents aren't rare, such that helmets are a must, and extra attention must be taken when making turns or riding outside cycleways. Use bike boxes and dedicated cycling lanes whenever possible. Many cycleways are heavily under-utilised, such that pedestrians rarely pay attention on them when walking, so a cyclist must also watch out for them. Finally, long distance cycleways can lead to dangerous areas of the city; as a rule of thumb, if you won't go to a certain part of the city on foot, don't go with a bicycle! Don't take expensive bicycles to poorer areas of the city or to desolated, sparsely habited areas (like for example the Tietê river cycleway in the east of the city), as you might be assaulted.

For those without much adventure spirit, a leisure-oriented and safe option is the Ciclofaixa de Lazer on Sundays (see #Do section), where several of the city's main roads are open for cycling.

Cyclists with bicycles are allowed in the metro/train network at the following times:

• In the metro (Metrô/Via Quatro/Via Mobilidade) : Monday-Friday starting from 20:30, Saturday starting from 14:00, Sundays and holidays the whole day
• In surface trains (CPTM/Via Mobilidade) : Saturday starting from 14:00, Sundays and holidays the whole day

There are public bicycle parking lots in many metro stations (06:00-22:00 daily), and in some it is also possible to borrow a bike using a credit card. Check the Metrô website [dead link] for an up-to-date list of stations with infrastructure for bicycles. Parking lots (mainly the ones designed for cars) may not accept your bicycle, so if you are to chain yours to a pole, use a good chain with a strong lock. In metro/train stations, cyclists are allowed to put their bicycles on escalators to go up , but not to go down .

Since May 2012, a scheme called Bike Itaú , a partnership between the city hall and Itaú Bank, inspired by a similar initiative in Rio de Janeiro, allows for renting bikes from one of the standing rails for a fee, please check the official website for up-to-date prices. The rental price can be quite expensive, especially if you take one of the service's new electric bikes. Users must first download Bike Itaú's mobile app to use the system.

On foot [ edit ]

Walking is certainly the best way of exploring and feeling the urban life of São Paulo. The Historic Center area and Avenida Paulista are definitely places to be explored on foot, but there are many others such as Jardins and Vila Madalena . Check the individual district listings for other nice walks.

Compared to other metropolises in emerging countries, São Paulo is actually not the hardest place to walk. Pedestrian paths are plenty (although sometimes poorly maintained) as are zebra crossings with semaphores. Zebra crossings without semaphores are completely ignored by drivers. Despite the reasonably good pedestrian infrastructure, care is advised whenever crossing the streets; watch out for cars that may come unexpectedly, even if the pedestrian lights are green. Do not try to cross large roads with a high volumes of car traffic: usually there will be a pedestrian viaduct or bridge at some point in the sidewalk. Some parts of town, especially the Historic Center, can be dangerous to visit on foot, due to a recent rise in street violence (notably 2022). Check with a tour guide to make sure which places are best for you.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxi ranks in São Paulo are white, with a distinctive luminous green "TAXI" sign on the roof top. Check out for the white color of the taxi rank (unless it's a radio taxi), the official license sticker with the driver's name and photo on the passenger side of the control panel, and the red license plate.

There are two kinds of cabs: cheaper street-hail and radio taxi. White taxis are often found at stands near city squares and big venues. Radio taxis can be ordered by telephone; ask reception at your hotel for help to call a radio cab, or just call a company. Some companies, such as the radio taxi company São Paulo Airport Transfers [dead link] , now provide an online, fixed price, quote and book service. Taxis in São Paulo are relatively expensive compared to other large cities worldwide and, depending on the neighborhood, there is a risk of being overcharged if you're a foreigner.

By e-hailing [ edit ]

São Paulo is covered by some e-hailing services, Uber being the largest of them. Notable e-hailing services in the city, are:

• Uber (covers neighbor cities, like Guarulhos and Osasco as well)
• T81 (Brazilian service)
• Easy (Brazilian service)
• 99 Taxi (Brazilian service)

By car [ edit ]

Renting a car in São Paulo is typically neither practical nor cost-effective. The daily rent plus fuel and parking fees typically far exceeds what you would spend with taxis or e-hailing. Even when you can borrow a car for free from a friend or your company, getting around by car is borderline crazy if you're not used to São Paulo. Traffic can be chaotic and parking is a nightmare. It is also not so straightforward to find your way in certain neighbourhoods where streets can get windy. Usually, taxi or e-hailing, or a combination of taxi/e-hailing and public transportation, provides you all the commodity of cars with much less stress, so much that many car owners in São Paulo prefer to leave their cars at home during weekdays. However, if you plan to visit places outside the São Paulo city proper (in the Grande São Paulo or beyond), renting a car might be worthwhile.

If you're comfortable enough to adventure yourself and feel more like a paulistano , feel free to explore the city from behind a steering-wheel. There is some information about driving in town that you should know beforehand:

Rotating transit policy ( Rodízio ): In order to reduce the congestion and the air pollution in São Paulo, the city council has adopted a mandatory rotating transit policy: cars whose license plate number ends in 1 and 2 cannot circulate on Mondays; if it ends on 3 or 4, Tuesday is off; 5 or 6, stay home or take a cab on Wednesdays; 7 or 8, Thursday is the unlucky day; 9 or 0, on Fridays you can walk. The prohibition is valid only on the so-called Expanded Center (blue street plates with grey bottom stripe), and for peak hours: 07:00-10:00 and 17:00-20:00. During the remaining hours, cars are allowed to circulate freely.

Parking fees ( Zona Azul or "Blue Zone"): The city council charges a parking fee of R$5 for up to two hours parking in several points of the city, the so-called "Zona Azul" areas, so be careful not to be fined for not paying the charge. Parking tickets for Zona Azul can only be obtained digitally, by purchasing credits via the DigiPare , Vaga Inteligente and SP Cartão Azul Digital Android/iOS apps, and filling the car plate number. Credits can also be purchased via several authorised shops, newspaper stands, and snack bars typically located near the Zona Azul parking spots.

Driving at night : Buses stop at 01:00 (except for the Noturno service) and the metro around midnight, so it can be tricky to get to many of the famous bars and night clubs unless you take a taxi, or... drive. If you go out at night by car, expect to pay a small fee to unofficial "car keepers" in order to park your car along the streets. This is a common use in many busy outing hubs around town, which may seem unfair given that parking your car in the streets is free of charge after 19:00, but they occasionally may check your car against stereo robbers (and may damage your car if you refuse to pay). If the neighbourhood seems a bit dodgy or deserted, try to find a parking lot rather than parking on the streets.

Valet services : Most bars and restaurants offer non-compulsory parking and valet services to customers, for which you will be charged a fee. These services are often covered by insurance, nevertheless, whenever using valet services, do not leave valuables such as handbags, wallets, electronics and sunglasses in the car, as these items are usually not covered by the insurance policies in parking spaces.

See Driving in Brazil for other useful information.

Talk [ edit ]

As in the rest of Brazil , most Paulistanos are effectively monolingual Portuguese speakers, although a number of well-educated people will have some command of English, especially in main business areas like Avenida Paulista, Faria Lima and Berrini. English is generally spoken at main hotels, youth hostels, upmarket bars and restaurants and tourism-related businesses, although a menu in English is a rare find. Spanish is generally nonexistent.

Most Italians, Japanese and Arab descendants are not able to fluently speak the language of the country where their ancestors came from, with the exception being generally the older generation. Many younger Japanese-Brazilians can speak or understand some Japanese but are unable to read or write it. Later immigrants like Koreans and Chinese are more likely to speak their language of origin.

See [ edit ]

Avenida paulista [ edit ].

Avenida Paulista ( Paulista Avenue ) is one of São Paulo's most popular postcards, as it is the pride of Paulistanos. It is one of the largest business centers, and probably the largest cultural region in the city. Its architectural contrast reflects the fact that the avenue is located between the "old" and "new" parts of the city.

The avenue and its surroundings, such as Rua Augusta, Alameda Santos and Rua Oscar Freire, contain numerous shop galleries, art galleries, theatres, movie theaters, pubs, hotel, coffee shops, bookstores, and gourmet restaurants. Gay nightlife is intense on Consolacao and Haddock Lobo Streets.

Historic center [ edit ]

São Paulo's Historic Center met a period of degradation, but it is gradually recovering with recent projects and investments. Even through it still has some problems, it is an area to not be missed due to its historical and cultural value for the city. Here you can find many constructions and landmarks from glorious moments of São Paulo's history, ridiculously crowded commercial areas, and a multitude of theatres and cultural activities.

Rio Pinheiros river area [ edit ]

The Pinheiros river crosses the West of São Paulo in North-South direction, and although heavily polluted, the neighbourhoods surrounding the river are among the most beautiful and interesting areas of the city. The East shore is filled with skyscrapers that compose the business centers of Faria Lima , Brooklin Novo and Vila Olímpia , and contains the longest cycleway of the city, as well as one of the most vibrant nightlife areas. The West shore is home to University of São Paulo and exhibits a stereotypical portrait of São Paulo's social inequality, contrasting luxurious apartments and mansions with low class suburbs and favelas. In the middle of the river, stands the magnificent Ponte Octavio Frias , more known as Ponte Estaiada . The Line 9-Emerald train line runs alongside the river, making all spots quite easy to reach.

Parks [ edit ]

Although São Paulo is commonly associated with gray, concrete, and lack of green space, the Atlantic rainforest still covers large portions of the city and even of the municipality. These green areas are constantly under threat by irregular occupation, so the government has turned many of them into public parks in order to better protect them.

Parks in the city can be divided into three types:

• Leisure parks are those with plenty of recreational, sport and cultural facilities, but do not contain considerable amounts of original vegetation. Parque Ibirapuera (see São Paulo/South Central ) is certainly the most famous park of this type in the city, hosting various museums, monuments, and cultural activities. There are also plenty of activities for tourist with guided tours for birdwatch, tree's identification and a general and popular one Discovering the Ibirapuera Park , all managed by Parque Ibirpauera Conservação;
• Ecotourism parks are those which are mostly covered by the Atlantic rainforest and other natural ecosystems, and contain limited recreational facilities. They are suited for those seeking an adventure. These include Parque Estadual da Cantareira (see São Paulo/Northeast and Guarulhos ), APA Capivari-Monos (see São Paulo/Far South ) and Parque Estadual do Jaraguá (see São Paulo/Northwest ).
• Mixed parks are a mix between the two above types: they have both leisure facilities and preserved nature areas. They are a nice option if you think that nature is best enjoyed with the company of other people, or if you want to do something more relaxing and less adventurous. These include Parque do Carmo , Parque Ecológico do Tietê (see São Paulo/Far East ) and Horto Florestal (see São Paulo/Northeast ).

Check the individual district listings for a more comprehensive list of parks and more detailed information.

Museums and cultural centers [ edit ]

As the art center of the country, São Paulo offers many museums and cultural centers.

Two museums to not be missed, due to their size, architecture, and historical importance, are Museu do Ipiranga ( Southeast ) ( closed as of May 2019 ) and Memorial da América Latina ( West ).

Appreciators of art should also check Museu de Arte de São Paulo ( Paulista ), Pinacoteca do Estado ( Downtown ), Instituto Tomio Ohtake , Museu de Arte Contemporânea ( West ) and Museu de Arte Moderna ( South Central ).

Check each district section of this guide for a comprehensive list of museums.

Panoramic views [ edit ]

São Paulo is a beautiful city seen from above, so spare some time to go to one of the few points where you'll be able to see how far this city extends to, specially at sunset.

• Banespa Tower , Rua João Brícola, 24, Centro. São Bento Metrô station , ☏ +55 11 3249-7180 . M-F 10:00-17:00 . The observation deck is on the 34th floor, 160 m above ground. For many decades, it used to be the highest building in town. There is a small museum on the top of the building. Make sure and bring ID (passport) because it is required for entrance. 35R$ .  
• Restaurant Skye, Hotel Unique , Avenida Brigadeiro Luiz Antônio, 4700 . On the rooftop of posh Hotel Unique, Skye serves excellent fusion food under the supervision of chef Emmanuel Bassoleil. Good for night views of the area around Ibirapuera Park. Free .  
• São Paulo Jockey Club , Av. Lineu de Paula Machado, 1263 . There are two bars and a couple of posh restaurants with a great view of the River Pinheiros, especially around 18:00, when you can go straight from work or a busy day walking about to watch the sun set above town. Free .  

Do [ edit ]

Theaters and concert halls [ edit ].

The two most important concert and opera houses of the city are Theatro Municipal and Sala São Paulo (see São Paulo/Historic Center ). São Paulo has a great number of theaters, most of which feature plays in Portuguese. The British Cultural Centre , Goethe Institute , Instituto Cervantes and Alliance Française occasionally have plays in English, German, Spanish and French, respectively; check individual District listings.

Ciclofaixa de Lazer [ edit ]

The Ciclofaixa de Lazer ( Leisure Cycling Lane ) comprises dozens of kilometers of interconnected cycling lanes, in the central, south and west areas of the city, that are available on Sundays and some holidays, between 07:00-16:00. It interconnects most places of interest of the city - Downtown, Avenida Paulista, Parque do Ibirapuera, University of São Paulo, the Pinheiros river business centers and the Guarapiranga reservoir, although certainly not using the shortest paths. Bicycle borrowing and renting is available at Parque das Bicicletas (in Parque do Ibirapuera) and at Praça do Ciclista (at Avenida Paulista), but try to get a bicycle in advance if possible.

Since the cycling route is family-oriented, signaling and safety standards are high. The route is stricly intended for recreational, not sportive cycling, so set your speed accordingly in the presence of other cyclists. A full map of the route, as well as other useful information, are available here [dead link] .

Fun for the family [ edit ]

Both adults and kids are ensured to have fun by seeing the animals in the São Paulo Zoo and in the São Paulo Aquarium (see São Paulo/Southeast ). São Paulo also has educative spaces aimed both at adults and children, including Catavento Cultural (see São Paulo/Downtown ) and Espaço Ciência (see São Paulo/West ). Finally, Mundo da Xuxa (see São Paulo/South Central ) is a theme park only for the small ones.

Watch football [ edit ]

Football (soccer) is an inherent part of Brazilian culture, and São Paulo is no exception, being home of four football teams that generally run in the 1st division: Corinthians, São Paulo, Palmeiras and Portuguesa. The five large football stadiums in the city are Morumbi , Allianz Parque (see São Paulo/West ), Pacaembu (see São Paulo/Historic Center ), Arena Corinthians (also popularly known as "Itaquerão") and Canindé (see São Paulo/Southeast ). A word of warning, however: although most matches are safe and fun events, games between the biggest local rivals (Corinthians, São Paulo, Palmeiras and, to a smaller extent, Santos) have had episodes of violence flaring up (in the majority of cases, such incidents happen outside of the stadium), due to a number of violent fans (ultras). The Derby Paulista in particular being Palmeiras and Corinthians is ranked among the most intense in the world. Going to such games can be a risky proposition. Portuguesa games are safe, have few supporters, and are very peaceful and curious (meets the Portuguese community in the city).

City tours [ edit ]

• São Paulo Historical City Tour is a panoramic tour for those keen to have an introduction to the history, culture, and the lifestyle of the biggest city in the Southern Hemisphere. The city tour takes about 3 hours, during which the visitor will pass by places in São Paulo's Old Centre and get familiar with attractions such as the Cathedral of Sé, Pátio do Colégio (short stop at the square, the site where the city was founded), Monastery of São Bento, the Banespa Building (São Paulo’s answer to the Empire State Building), the Martinelli Building (the first skyscraper in South America), Viaduto do Chá (Tea Viaduct), the Municipal Theater, Sala São Paulo concert hall, Estaçao da Luz train station and the Municipal Market.
• TurisMetrô . Offer a variety of city tours every weekend. These are mostly walking tours but with some use of the metro. The tour is free of charge, but you will need to take some cash with you to buy metro tickets during the tour as necessary. The tours start at the TurisMetrô desk in Sé metro station at 09:00 and 14:00 on Saturdays and Sundays; you will need to arrive half an hour earlier to sign up. The desk is inside the ticket turnstiles, so if you arrive by metro don't exit the station past the turnstiles while looking for the desk or you'll have to pay for an extra ticket to get back in. If you are already around the station, you will have to pay for a ticket to gain access to the desk, although you can use it to make the first journey of the tour so it's not wasted. The guides speak English.  

Events [ edit ]

According to the São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau, São Paulo hosts 90,000 events a year, from meetings and conferences to sports and cultural events. Events tied to a particular region are listed in the individual district sections. The following events are considered important to the city as a whole:

• São Paulo Carnival , Avenida Olavo Fontoura, 1209, Santana ( at the Sambódromo from Parque Anhembi, near Armenia and Tiete stations ), ☏ +55 11 2226-0400 . If you're in São Paulo during the annual Carnival, a national bank holiday between the end of February and March. This is where the typical Carnival parade takes place, with dancers dressed up in costumes and musicians play samba songs on the top of fancy cars. If you can afford it, get tickets closest to the "pista" (standing area, close to the parade itself). This will give you a premium view of the parade, and the possibility of comfortably sitting down on benches. Waiters pass to and fro selling chocolate, chips, beer, soft drinks and booze. Another option is to visit one of the various samba schools in town, where you can see the rehearsal concerts of musicians and dancers. You can even have the opportunity to join the parade at the time of Carnival holidays by acquiring the costume from a samba school and getting in touch with the people organising the event in one of the schools. However, São Paulo is not a traditional Carnaval destination for Brazilians, like Rio. The city will usually be less crowded on Carnaval then usual, as Paulistanos leave for the Paulista Coast or other states.  
• Gay Pride Parade , Avenida Paulista . Every year, during Corpus Christi holidays (usually between May and June), around 3 million people take part in the largest Gay Pride parade in the world. It takes place on a Sunday, and Avenida Paulista is the spot to head to. Floats bustling with electronic music parade from MASP to República, while every type imaginable marches along. The drinks are plenty and the rave party feel keeps the paraders dancing way pass sunset.  
• Virada Cultural ( Downtown ). Virada Cultural is a round-the-clock cultural marathon that takes place in various parts of the Historic Center ( Downtown ), happening yearly around April–May. It is a free event that gathers an audience of several million of people circulating during a 24-hour, non-stop cultural party. Exceptionally, the metro and train work uninterruptedly during the event. During the 2012 edition, there were about 1,300 shows and 15 km (9.3 mi) of streets were occupied. Free .  
• Brazilian Grand Prix is a Formula One motor race held at Autódromo José Carlos Pace in the Interlagos district to the south. It's held in November.

Learn [ edit ]

University of São Paulo (USP) is Brazil's most important university in terms of academic research and international reputation, with its main campus located in the West . It was considered the top university of Latin America according to the QS Ranking . Other important public universities present in the city are Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) (see São Paulo/South Central ) and Federal University of ABC (UFABC) (see Santo André ).

The city also contains many traditional private high education institutions. Check the individual district sections for a comprehensive list of them.

Information for students [ edit ]

Brazil has exchange programmes with many internationally-recognized universities. In order to register at a Brazilian university as an exchange student, you must obtain a student visa at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. After you have arrived in Brazil with a valid student visa, then you must register in the Departamento da Polícia Federal (Federal Police Department) within 30 days of your arrival and obtain the RNE ( Registro Nacional do Estrangeiro ), which is the national ID card for overseas citizens. This is also where you can renew your visa with the Brazilian authorities. It is located at Rua Hugo Dantola, 95, Alto da Lapa, near Ponte do Piqueri (Piqueri Bridge). It is open M-F 08:00-14:00.

By bus :From Avenida Paulista to the Policia Federal department, you can take the bus line "669-A/10 Terminal Princesa Isabel" in front of Trianon-Masp Metro station (on the same side of MASP museum), get off at the final stop, then take bus "978-J Voith" and get off at Rua Hermano Marchete, 1030. Walk up the street until you see the Policia Federal. To return, take the same bus "978-J" to Terminal Princesa Isabel. Then, take bus "669-A/10 Terminal Sto. Amaro" to return to Avenida Paulista.

By train : From Metro station Barra Funda (Linha 3 - Red), take the CPTM metropolitan train (Linha 7 - Ruby) to Lapa station.

Institutions [ edit ]

• British Council , Rua Ferreira Araújo, 741, Térreo, Pinheiros , ☏ +55 11 2126-7526 , fax : +55 11 2126-7564 .  
• Aliança Russa de Ensino Superior , Av. Eng. Luiz Carlos Berrini 962, Conjunto 102, Brooklin , ☏ +55 11 5505-5898 , fax : +55 11 5505-3988 .  

Learn Portuguese [ edit ]

There are a number of language schools where you can learn Portuguese, for as short as two weeks or for a longer period of time. These include both private lessons and classes with more students.

• Fast Forward [dead link] .
• Alumni , Rua Padre João Manoel, 319 , ☏ +55 11 5644-9700 .  
• University of São Paulo , Ave Prof. Luciano Gualberto, nº 403 (Prédio de Letras) - Sala 263, Cidade Universitaria , ☏ +55 11 3091-4851 , [email protected] .  
• Uniao Cultural Brasil-Estados Unidos , Rua Teixeira da Silva, 540 , ☏ +55 11 3885-1022 .  
• Senac São Paulo , Rua Dr. Plinio Barreto, 285, 4º andar, Jardins , ☏ +55 11 2182-6900 , fax : +55 11 2182-6941 , [email protected] .  
• Cultura Espanhola , Rua Pamplona, 818 3º andar Cj 32 ( Metrô Trianon Masp ), ☏ +55 11 3266-5855 . [email protected]  

Buy [ edit ]

You can find practically anything in São Paulo. Imported goods can be expensive, but look out for Brazilian-made bargains in all categories. Spend some time in one of the many "shoppings" (as Brazilians call the shopping malls) and also look out for areas with shops catering for specific interests.

Remember that street shops usually operate 10AM-6PM, including Saturdays (when they close earlier), but are closed on Sundays. The countless shopping malls operate M-Sa 10AM-10PM and Su 10AM-8PM.

Central shopping areas [ edit ]

The area between Avenida Ipiranga and Parque Dom Pedro II ( Downtown ) is the closest to what São Paulo has from a "central shopping area", with various pedestrianized and non-pedestrianized shopping streets. The exceptionally crowded Rua 25 de Março , with its diverse range of bargains, is perhaps the most famous commercial street of the area.

Avenida Paulista and Rua Augusta ( Paulista ) form a smooth transition between the popular commerce of Downtown and the affluent commerce of Rua Oscar Freire ( West ).

São Paulo has also many specialized shopping areas, such as Rua Teodoro Sampaio ( West ) for furniture and musical instruments, Rua José Paulino ( Downtown ) and Brás neighborhood ( Southeast ) for bargain and wholesale clothing, Liberdade neighbourhood ( Downtown ) for cosmetics and Asian products, and Rua Santa Ifigênia ( Downtown ) for electronic equipment.

Shopping malls [ edit ]

Paulistanos, especially those with higher income, have an indoor shopping culture. The fear of criminality, traffic and São Paulo's unpredictable weather are strong factors to this. Shopping malls in São Paulo are not only centers of "shopping" but also leisure areas, typically offering spaces for kids, cinemas, food courts, and sometimes even theatres, expositions, and sport areas. Many shopping malls in São Paulo also offer miscellaneous services such as banks, laundry, repairs, and sometimes even police stations and doctors.

The selection of shops of a mall depends on the type of public predominant in the surroundings: at shopping malls located at working-class neighborhoods, it is easier to find bargain department stores, while shopping malls in wealthy areas may be the only way to have access to exclusive designer stores. Check the individual district listings for a comprehensive list of shopping malls in the city.

Some shopping malls that deserve special mention are Morumbi/Market Place ( South Central - with more than 600 shops and dozens of restaurants), Eldorado ( West - with an immense food court), Iguatemi ( West - the oldest shopping mall of São Paulo, with very upscale profile), JK Iguatemi ( West - the newest shopping mall for the wealthy Paulistanos), Cidade Jardim ( West - famous for its internal gardens), Aricanduva ( Far East - the city's largest and most famous working class shopping mall), and Frei Caneca ( Downtown - the favorite of the LGBT public).

Suburban shopping areas [ edit ]

Far from Downtown, there are many suburban shopping areas. The busiest of them is probably the area around Largo 13 de Maio ( South Central ), the "central shopping area" of the former city of Santo Amaro, now part of São Paulo.

There are also the open markets ( feiras livres ) and municipal markets (where you can buy fresh and cheaper fruit, vegetables and meat), supermarkets and atacados (a type of supermarket where you pay less if buy at least a certain quantity, very convenient for families).

Most of these local commerce centers are not listed in this guide, but they are of extreme importance in the daily life of Paulistanos.

Costs [ edit ]

São Paulo has the highest living cost in the Americas, and it's the 10th most expensive city in the world, according to the Mercer Worldwide Cost of Living 2011 Survey . However, it should be remarked that such rankings are based on averages, which hardly describe a city as huge and with so many contrasts as São Paulo.

It is absolutely possible to enjoy the city's attractions while spending a moderate amount of cash in both accommodations and food. Ask locals for tips how to make the best out of your money if you're on a tight budget.

Eat [ edit ]

São Paulo is home to a superb diversity of restaurants and cuisines, where you can enjoy typical dishes from literally all over the world. The price range is as wide as the diversity of the restaurants in the city, from cheap snacks and meals in simple and cozy restaurants and food tents in popular markets, to the hugely expensive high end cuisine and internationally recognized restaurants, such as D.O.M , which was (in 2012) named the 4th best restaurant in the world and the best in South America by The World's 50 Best Restaurants .

The city is also home to a vast array of Brazilian and international fast-food chains, offering varying options ranging from burgers, to sushi and kebab. The fast-food chain Habib's , which originated in São Paulo, is the favorite of lower class Paulistanos due to its cheap "Arab-Brazilian" snacks.

In São Paulo, the ever-present beans-and-rice accompaniment typically involves brown beans instead of black beans, as in Rio. Another local specialty in São Paulo is the Virado à Paulista , which consists of rice, tutu de feijão (a paste of beans and manioc flour; sometimes made of corn flour, in order to be drier than the manioc flour one), kale sautéed with garlic ( couve ) and pork chops, typically bisteca . It is usually accompanied by pork rinds, bits of sausage, a fried egg and a fried banana.

One dish that claims its local character is the bauru sandwich, allegedly created by a druken student from the University of São Paulo's law school at the Ponto Chic restaurant after a long night out. It consists of four types of melted cheese and sliced roastbeef, and it still endures as one ubiquitous snack in padarias (Brazilian-style eateries).

Japanese restaurants of the rodizio style are found pretty much everywhere, but mainly in the past decade, São Paulo became world famous for its excellent Japan-like and fusion restaurants, including ramen and udon shops and exquisite sushi and sashimi sets, which sometimes even come at a reasonable price. Many of these types of restaurants can be found down rua Tomaz Gonzaga in Liberdade, where connaisseurs of good food have already found their way in. On weekends, these restaurants can be packed, so arrive early to avoid queues.

Another typical type of restaurant in São Paulo are the world-famous churrascarias , where an enormous range of meats and cuts comes to your table by the stick; they also offer a range of sides and salads. In those places, you can eat as much as you want. This system is called rodízio , and it has been very successful in the city, spreading to other types of cuisine like Italian, where you can find the rodízio de pizza and Japanese, with the rodízio de sushi .

The cuisine of São Paulo shows the influence of European, Middle Eastern and Asian immigrants. The majority of immigrants in São Paulo arrived from Italy, and other European countries like Portugal, Spain and Germany. There are also large numbers of Asian and Middle Eastern immigrants from Japan, Lebanon and many other countries. Therefore, it is possible to find a wide array of cuisines in the city of São Paulo. Pizza is a particularly popular dish, which can be found with an endless range of toppings, and paulistas will swear their city has the best pizza in the country, if not in the world.

When eating out, a tip of 10 percent on the value of the bill is usually included. Some restaurants don't include this service charge (when you may come across the message "Serviço não incluso" at the end of the bill), but unless the staff are upsettingly rude, do pay the standard 10 percent tip as it is usually part of their wages.

Drink [ edit ]

You will have no trouble finding bars in São Paulo, where you can enjoy an ice cold beer, a shot of cachaça or a caipirinha - or anything else for that matter. Vila Madalena and Itaim have a very high concentration of bars, and are great spots for an all-nighter. For specific suggestions of bars, check the district section.

Clubs [ edit ]

This city has an unbelievably rich and diverse night life, and is able to provide entertainment for all tastes, from traditional samba-rock live music to electro-pop night clubs, raves and even some fetish clubs. It is worth planning at least one night out while you're in town. On the other hand, São Paulo's nightlife can be quite expensive; most clubs charge an entrance fee.

The main areas for nightlife in the city are Vila Olímpia, Vila Madalena, and Barra Funda ( West ), Moema ( South Central ), Tatuapé and Mooca ( Southeast ), and Santana ( Northeast ). The Downtown has also experimented an impressive revival of nightlife. Be sure to check the individual District listings.

Visit this website or buy one of the paper editions to have the latest clubbing updates.

Sleep [ edit ]

If you plan to explore the city and cannot rely on car/taxi, staying near a Metro or train station is a very wise choice. Just be sure to avoid degraded areas. For lists of recommended hotels in the city, see the individual District listings. If you wish to stay close to the airport, please see the article on Guarulhos .

Connect [ edit ]

By phone [ edit ].

• Public telephone booths can be found on almost every corner of town. They work with phonecards only, which can be bought at any newspaper stand. Regular phonecards allow you to make local and national calls, but the credits fall at an incredible rate if the call is directed to another city or to mobile phones. There is a special phonecard for international calls, so make sure you ask the clerk for the correct one if that's the case.
• The city code (also known locally as the DDD code) for São Paulo is 11), hence local telephone numbers have the following format: +55 11 0000-0000. If you are making local calls, the +55 11 prefix should be dropped.
• When making national calls from SP, you have the option to choose your telephone provider: dial 0 followed by (15) Telefónica, (23) Intelig or (21) Embratel, plus the two-digit DDD code and telephone number.
• When making international calls from São Paulo to abroad, you also have the option to choose your telephone provider: dial 00 followed by (15) Telefónica, (23) Intelig or (21) Embratel, plus the country code and telephone number.
• To make reverse charge calls within the same city code area, dial 90 90 + the telephone number (do not use the city code (11)).
• To make reverse charge calls to other cities, dial 90 followed by (15) Telefónica, (23) Intelig or (21) Embratel, plus the 2-digit DDD code and the telephone number.

Internet [ edit ]

Internet cafés (also called cyber cafés or lan houses ) can be easily found in every neighborhood.

Also, São Paulo has many open WiFi spots—often you just need to login with Facebook.

Respect [ edit ]

People from São Paulo kiss on the right cheek once when they say hello, goodbye and nice to meet you. Some will kiss twice, once on each cheek, a kiss in the air. Men kiss women on the cheek and women kiss women as well, but two men won't give the kiss out unless they're gay or with intimate long-time friends or family. If you feel the occasion is a bit formal, especially on business occasions or if you don't know the person too well, a handshake will do the job. However, if a Paulistano takes the initiative to kiss, make sure you turn your face to the left side to avoid embarrassment.

Business etiquette [ edit ]

• Paulistanos do appreciate if you are on time. However, given the infamous traffic congestion that prevails in town, a 15-30 min delay in a meeting is usually tolerated, and you shouldn't worry too much if you or someone else turns up a bit late. In general, do not plan more than two meetings per day, with a possible lunch meeting in between, due to the traffic delay in getting from place to place.
• Office hours are usually from 9AM-6PM, and banks are open M-F 10AM-4PM. However, don't be surprised if a meeting is scheduled after 6PM, as the business culture in São Paulo is a bit workaholic.
• Small gifts are usually gladly accepted, but exchanging presents is not the general rule.
• It is always safer to first adopt a business attire to a meeting—suit and tie for men, business suit for women—even if you turn out to be a bit overdressed in a more informal business environment.
• Before a meeting starts, it is not unusual to have some 5-10 min of informal chat, not related to the business to be discussed (traffic, weather forecasts, and football matches are accepted example topics). To cut short this informal chit chat might appear slightly rude and potentially embarrassing.

Gay and lesbian travelers [ edit ]

São Paulo is the host of one of the biggest Gay Pride parades in the world, attracting every year about 4 million people. Although paulistanos are relatively tolerant to homosexuality, openly public displays of affection between people, especially of same sex are uncommon and likely to attract attention, with the exception of places such as Frei Caneca and Rua Augusta , and at some bars, coffee shops and night clubs. Such displays of affection should be completely avoided in poorer neighborhoods and on public transport, where prejudice is more likely to be openly manifested.

Traffic [ edit ]

While most people will drive carefully and respecting the rules, you are sure to see some paulistanos cutting you off, crossing where there's no zebra crossings, using bus-exclusive lanes and taking lefts or rights without signalizing their intentions. Bear in mind that if you do this to someone, they might just not care, but some could sound the horn, show you the finger, or even get out the car to physically confront you. That said, it's always best to avoid arguments.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Crime [ edit ].

São Paulo, once one of the most violent cities of Brazil, has managed to drastically reduce crime during the 2000s. According to the Sangari Institute, São Paulo was the safest capital city of Brazil in 2011, in terms of homicide rate.

Unfortunately, that doesn't mean that a visitor can really relax about safety, because São Paulo is simply too large and diverse to be described by average statistics. In fact, two of the most visited areas, Downtown and the Pinheiros subprefecture (in the West), have respectively 150% and 50% more violent crime than the city average. Check the individual district listings for safety advice in each area of the city. The general advice is as follows:

• Visitors should avoid walking in deserted areas at night, or at least avoid walking alone. Buses are reasonably safe, but waiting alone at a bus stop at night is not. The metro is always safe, but commuter trains that go to peripheral areas can be dangerous late at night. Be extremely careful when using ATMs at night (or better, do not use them if they are in deserted and dark places. If you really need one, try searching in places like shopping malls, theaters and cinemas and gas stations).
• Driving can sometimes also be risky, especially when you are alone and/or in an upscale bars/clubbing area, like Vila Madalena or Vila Olímpia. If you are driving at night, when stopping for whatever reason (even at a traffic light), check your surroundings. Keep your doors locked and windows closed during the night. If possible, when going back late to the hotel, take a cab or ride with a group of friends. During the day, keep valuable objects away from the window (even if you are using a taxi).
• Some areas can be dangerous even during the day. These include run-down areas, like favelas and areas populated by drug addicts. The last can be easily recognized by the presence of poorly maintained buildings, bad odor, and dirty streets - there are many of those in the Historic Center. Most drug addicts are harmless, but a few may resort to violence to get money to buy their drugs. Contrary to popular belief, nowadays poor neighbourhoods in São Paulo aren't usually dangerous, at least not more dangerous than an ordinary neighborhood. Still, some of them can be dangerous, so if you are in doubt, don't go or have the company of a local.

And naturally, every safety recommendation that applies to big cities in general also applies to São Paulo:

• Don't trust strangers, especially those who seem excessively helpful;
• Always prefer the help of an identified officer or employee to that of a stranger;
• Watch your belongings all the time in crowded streets or public transportation;
• Be careful with your phone on streets, young people on bicycles can snatch the phone from your hands, when you inside your phone and aren't paying attention to what’s happening around;
• Avoid withdrawing and carrying large amounts of money;
• Avoid using expensive clothes and jewelry that make you stand out.

Natural disasters [ edit ]

In the summer, severe storms affect São Paulo and the potential for torrential rain, dangerous lightning, overflowing rivers and the possibility of flooding must be acknowledged.

Football (soccer) [ edit ]

São Paulo is home to three major football teams in Brazil: Corinthians, Palmeiras and São Paulo FC. There is also a considerable number of Santos supporters. Minor teams include Portuguesa and Juventus.

Wearing one's favorite club's jersey as casual clothing is usual in São Paulo, even when it's not a match day. While walking by someone wearing a rival's jersey means nothing, being in the "wrong" place at the "wrong" time and with the "wrong" jersey during a match day may be extremely dangerous. For example, if you wear a São Paulo jersey and walk by a group of Corinthians supporters when the two clubs are about to face each other, they may provoke you. Some supporters go as far as to schedule street fights on the internet, so it's always best to avoid being near large agglomerations of supporters.

Tourist police stations [ edit ]

Familiarize yourself with the location of the police stations specializing in tourist service and protection. These stations offer information on public safety and are staffed with qualified professionals to meet your needs.

• Headquarters of the Specialized Tourist Police – Deatur Delegacia Especializada em Atendimento ao Turista [dead link] . R. Cantareira, 390. +55 11 3120-4417.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

• No vaccination is required for São Paulo, unless you are planning to travel to central-western (Mato Grosso) or northern (Amazon) regions of Brazil afterwards, for which you should take a shot against yellow fever, and carry anti-malaria medication (quinine).
• If you're arriving from Peru, Colombia or Bolivia, the vaccination of yellow fever is required only if you need a visa (i.e., if you are going to stay for longer than 90 days). Check the requirements of any country you will travel to from Brazil.
• Tap water in São Paulo is generally safe, at least when straight from the water supply system. However, several buildings can be lacking in the periodic cleaning of their cisterns and water tanks (the locals themselves tend to avoid tap water and drink bottled or filtered water instead).

Cope [ edit ]

Electricity [ edit ].

In the city of São Paulo the voltage is usually 127V, unlike many other parts of Brazil and even of the São Paulo state. Most electronic products sold in São Paulo are now bi-volt, but always check carefully.

Consulates [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

The city of São Paulo is only one hour driving from the Paulista Coast , which is a typical Brazilian region full of splendid beaches and great seafood. The young and the old of São Paulo alike head there on the weekends to enjoy the sand, sun and fun. The rich agricultural state offers winter destinations, upscale retreats and large Rodeos.

In parenthesis the typical duration of the journey by car (using the fastest route in good traffic conditions) is listed. During long holidays (like Carnival and New Year), expect to be much more.

Coast [ edit ]

You find hostels and private rooms in:

• Santos (1 hr) - Estuary city near São Paulo, home to Pelé's famous football team Santos F.C. and Brazil's most important seaport.
• Guaruja (1 hr) - Many Paulistanos have their beach houses in this town, which becomes packed with tourists during the summer months of December, January and February.
• Bertioga (2 hr) - Just NE of Santos and Guaruja, this beach town hosts a variety of annual festivals, including a Japanese, an Italian and a Native Brazilian. Don't miss the waterfall on the way down the mountain (via Mogi das Cruzes ), as there's no access on the return trip.
• São Sebastião (2½ hr) - Second in preference for summer houses, the beaches of São Sebastião are a mixture of rustic paradisiac nature with first class night life. Contains one of the most famous beaches of the São Paulo coast, Maresias .
• Ubatuba (3 hr) - Beautiful beaches are the main attraction of this place, as well as its well-preserved nature. Hotels sometimes provide leisure activities such as scuba diving, mountain biking and trekking. The city is known for providing a good surfing environment.
• Ilhabela (3½ hr) - Accessible only from São Sebastião by ferry, it is an archipelago with various savage beaches and ecotourism options.

Private rooms are available in:

• Peruíbe (1½ hr) - Last south coast city nearby São Paulo, home of the Juréia-Itatins Ecological Station , the biggest Atlantic jungle in the state.

Countryside [ edit ]

Hostels and private rooms have:

• Bragança Paulista (1hr 45 min) - Famous for its traditional sausages, with several establishments claiming to sell the "real Bragança sausage". One of the town's main attractions is Taboão Lake.
• Boituva (1 hr 45 min) - The "National Skydive Capital". It is also known for ballooning.
• Botucatu (3½ hr) - It is known as the Land of Adventure. There are more than 70 waterfalls in its region, some with easy access, others with extreme difficulty. For those who enjoy extreme sports, this is the right place to venture out.

You find private rooms in:

• São Roque (1 hr) - A small city mainly regarded as a wine tourism destination, but also containing interesting historical constructions and beautiful nature.
• Itu (1 hr 15 min) - Historical city that was the birthplace of Brazilian Republic, and with a theme of "oversized things".
• Campos do Jordão (2 hr) - Charming little town in the mountains, at 1,600 m high. Well-off Paulistanos buy their winter house in Campos do Jordao, due in part to the famous winter classic music festival in July, when the high season takes place in town. Many upscale club and bar owners go up the mountain and promote events and parties at this time of the year.
• São Luiz do Paraitinga (2 hr) - City in the Serra do Mar, offering ecoutourism options and an impressive historic center, a national heritage site.
• Aparecida (2 hr) - A major Christian pilgrimage destination, containing the second largest Catholic temple in the World.

Theme parks [ edit ]

• Hopi Hari (1 hr) - A big theme park located in the city of Vinhedo , one hour from São Paulo. It offers many rides, from those for children to the radical ones. Various food, from snacks to à la carte . You can get there by car or shuttle buses from many places.
• Wet'n Wild São Paulo (1 hr), Itupeva (see the Vinhedo article). A water park of the American Wet'n Wild chain, just beside Hopi Hari, with 12 rides and many food shops.

Metro area ( Grande São Paulo ) [ edit ]

For the cities below, driving times vary widely according to where the journey begins in São Paulo. Private rooms are available in:

• Mogi das Cruzes - A popular destination for rural and ecotourism, with hiking trails, a peak, rocks, parks, and small waterfalls.
• Guararema - Small town with the old railway station as its symbol, you can take the tourist train, go to the park, walk through the preserved areas, hike and see the waterfall, appreciate the local unique cuisine, or just relax in the laid-back atmosphere.
• Embu das Artes - Town just Southwest of São Paulo, known for its talented local artists. If you are looking for authentic Brazilian art, handicrafts, furniture, or just want to browse around some really cool shops, this is the place to go.
• Pirapora do Bom Jesus - Destination of a Catholic pilgrimage that is one of the oldest state's traditions.
• Santana de Parnaíba - City with a valuable Colonial historical center and strong religious traditions.
• Santo André - Containing the English-built village of Paranapiacaba and ecotourism options in the area.

• Has custom banner
• Huge city articles
• Has mapframe
• Maps with static images
• Maps with non-default size
• Verbose Climate graphs
• Articles with dead external links
• Airport listing
• Has map markers
• Go listing with no coordinates
• See listing with no coordinates
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Has routebox
• Has Geo parameter
• Grande São Paulo
• All destination articles
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• Cities with categories
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

São Paulo city

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• South America
• sao-paulo-city
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Just wanted to say that it was incredible. Trip Provider was also incredibly good, and really made their best effort to solve any problems. We were very im...

Rio is a beauty. But São Paulo – São Paulo is a city.

Immigration and São Paulo

The são paulo bienal, around são paulo, avoiding trouble in são paulo, accommodation in sao paulo city, eating in sao paulo city, sao paulo city bars and late night entertainment, shopping in sao paulo city, north of praça da sé.

– Marlene Dietrich

Nicknamed “Sampa” – the title of a well-known Caetano Veloso song about the city, in which he admits that, “When I arrived here I didn’t understand the hard concrete poetry of your streets and the discreet casual beauty of your girls” – São Paulo does not have an immediately appealing aesthetic. It’s a place most people come for business; residents of the city, paulistanos, boast frequently of their work ethic, supposedly superior to what dominates the rest of Brazil, and speak contemptuously of the idleness of cariocas (in reply, cariocas joke sourly that paulistanos are simply incapable of enjoying anything – sex in particular).

Increasingly, though, visitors are also coming to São Paulo to play. Often described, not inaccurately, as “the New York of the tropics”, the city lays claim to having surpassed Rio as Brazil’s cultural centre, with a lively and varied programme of exhibitions and shows; its food is often excellent, in part thanks to immigrants from so many areas of the world and a new wave of imaginative cooks; its wide range of stores make it Latin America’s best place to shop; and its vibrant nightlife has put it firmly on the international clubbing map. With over 70 museums, 120 theatres, 50 parks, dozens of cinemas – and not forgetting 15,000 bars – you certainly have no excuse for being bored in São Paulo.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Brazil, created by local experts

9 days  / from 2042 USD

Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more

Begin at Foz do Iguaçu, where you will stand in awe of the huge Iguaçu Falls. Next up, we'll head to the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the legendary Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, and of course, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

10 days  / from 1700 USD

Blissful Brazil

Welcome to a lavish journey that marries adventure with style, featuring stays in carefully chosen four-star hotels. This reinvigorating trip will have you sightseeing in São Paulo, gazing at the spectacular Foz do Iguaçu falls and relaxing on Rio's finest beaches before you know it.

10 days  / from 2683 USD

Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls

Explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system; immerse yourself in cultural Salvador, the magnificent former capital of Portugal’s New World colony.

São Paulo is a city built on immigrants; largely due to new arrivals, São Paulo’s population grew a hundred-fold in 75 years to make it the country’s second-largest city by 1950. Besides sheer numbers, the mass influx of people had a tremendous impact on the character of the city, breaking up the existing social stratification and removing economic and political power from the traditional elite groups at a much earlier stage than in other Brazilian cities.

Although there had been attempts at introducing Prussian share-croppers in the 1840s, mass immigration didn’t begin until the late 1870s. Initially, conditions were appalling upon arrival; many immigrants succumbed to malaria or yellow fever while waiting in Santos to be transferred inland, where they were to work on the coffee plantations. In response to criticisms, the government opened the Hospedaria dos Imigrantes in 1887, a hostel in the eastern suburb of Brás, now converted to a museum (see São Bento).

Immigration to São Paulo is most closely associated with the Italians, who constituted 46 percent of all arrivals between 1887 and 1930. In general, soon after arriving in Brazil they would be transported to a plantation, but most slipped away within a year to seek employment in the city or to continue on south to Argentina. The rapidly expanding factories in the districts of Brás, Moóca and Belém, east of the city centre, were desperately short of labour, and well into the twentieth century the population of these bairros was largely Italian. But it is Bela Vista (or, in popular parlance, Bixiga ) where the Italian influence has been most enduring, as catalogued in the Museu Memória do Bixiga. Originally home to freed slaves, Bela Vista had by the early 1900s established itself as São Paulo’s “Little Italy”. As immigration from Italy began to slow in the late 1890s, arrivals from other countries increased. From 1901 to 1930 Spaniards (especially Galicians) made up 22 percent, and Portuguese 23 percent, of immigrants, but their language allowed them to assimilate very quickly. Only Tatuapé developed into a largely Portuguese bairro.

The first 830 Japanese immigrants arrived in 1908 in Santos, from where they were sent on to the coffee plantations. By the mid-1950s a quarter of a million Japanese had emigrated to Brazil, most of them settling in São Paulo state. Unlike other nationalities, the rate of return migration among them has always been small: many chose to remain in agriculture, often as market gardeners, at the end of their contract. The city’s large Japanese community is centred on Liberdade, a bairro just south of the Praça da Sé and home to the excellent Museu da Imigração Japonesa.

São Paulo’s Arab community is also substantial. Arabs started arriving in the early twentieth century from Syria and Lebanon and, because they originally travelled on Turkish passports, are still commonly referred to as turcos. Typically starting out as itinerant traders, the community was soon associated with small shops, and many Arabs become extremely successful in business. Numerous boutiques in the city’s wealthy bairros are Arab-owned, but it’s in the streets around Rua 25 de Março, north of Praça da Sé, that the community is concentrated.

The Jewish community has prospered in São Paulo, too. Mainly of East European origin, many of the city’s Jews started out as roaming pedlars before settling in Bom Retiro, a bairro near Luz train station. As they became richer, they moved to the suburbs to the south of the city, in particular to Higienópolis, but some of the businesses in the streets around Rua Correia de Melo are still Jewish-owned and there’s a synagogue in the area. As the Jews moved out, Greeks started moving in during the 1960s, followed in larger numbers by Koreans. The area has long been known as a centre of the rag trade and in the Korean-owned sweatshops the latest immigrant arrivals – Bolivians and Chinese – are employed, often illegally and amid appalling work conditions.

The São Paulo Bienal (w www.bienalsaopaulo.globo.com) has been held in the Parque do Ibirapuera every two years since 1951. It’s widely considered to be the most important exhibition of contemporary visual art in Latin America and is only rivalled in the world by the similar event held in Venice. Each country sponsors work by its most influential contemporary artists, while a select few artists (living or dead) are also chosen by the Bienal’s curators. At best, the Bienal can be an exhilarating venue to see important retrospectives and experience a wealth of innovative art, but at worst it can be little more than an embarrassing – or amusing – showing of fourth-rate global art. The Bienal is now held in October and November in even-numbered years.

What only a few years ago were clearly identifiable small towns or villages are today part of Greater São Paulo. Despite the traffic, however, escaping from the city centre is surprisingly easy, and there are even some points on the coast that can make for good excursions (see Santos).

Paranapiacaba

For most of its history, communications from São Paulo to the outside world were slow and difficult. In 1856 the British-owned São Paulo Railway Company was awarded the concession to operate a rail line between Santos and Jundaí, 70km north of São Paulo city, in what was then a developing coffee-growing region. The 139-kilometre line was completed in 1867, remaining under British control until 1947. Overcoming the near-vertical incline of the Serra do Mar that separates the interior of the state from the coast, the line was an engineering miracle and is gradually being restored.

Paranapiacaba, 40km southeast of São Paulo and the last station before the rack railway plunges down the coastal escarpment, was the administrative and engineering centre for the rail line and at one time home to four thousand workers, many of them British. Neatly laid out in the 1890s in a grid pattern, the village has remained largely unchanged over the years. All that remains of the original train station is the clock tower, said to be a replica of London’s Big Ben, but the workers’ cottages, locomotive sheds (which house old British-built carriages and steam engines) and funicular cable station are in an excellent state of preservation; some are even open to the public. On a hilltop overlooking the village you’ll find the wooden Victorian-style Castelinho; once the residence of the chief engineer, today the building houses the Centro Preservação da História de Paranapiacaba, which displays old maps and photographs of the rail line’s early years.

You don’t have to be a railway buff to appreciate Paranapiacaba, however. The village is set amidst one of the best preserved areas of Mata Atlântica in the country and most visitors use it as a starting place for fairly serious hikes into the thickly forested Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, notable for its amazing orchids and bromeliads. Employing a guide is strongly advised as trails are unmarked, often very narrow and generally hard going, and poisonous snakes are common. There’s an office of the association of licensed guides as you enter the settlement from the station; expect to pay around R$60 for a day and bring food, drink and sturdy footwear. The weather in this region is particularly unreliable but, as a general rule, if it’s cloudy in São Paulo you can count on there being rain in Paranapiacaba.

Getting to Paranapiacaba is easy. Take a train from São Paulo’s Luz station to Rio Grande da Serra (every 15min; 45min; R$2.50), where, if you’re lucky, there’ll be a connecting service continuing the two stops to Paranapiacaba. If there’s no train, take a bus from outside the station (R$2.40), or a taxi (about R$15). Most visitors return to São Paulo the same day, but guides can point you towards villagers who charge around R$25 per person for simple bed-and-breakfast accommodation.

Assaults and robberies are favourite topics of conversation amongst paulistanos, with the city’s crime statistics consistently higher than those of Rio. Nevertheless, by using a little common sense you’re unlikely to encounter problems. With such a mixture of people in São Paulo, you’re far less likely to be assumed to be a foreigner than in most parts of Brazil, and therefore won’t make such an obvious target for pickpockets and other petty thieves.

At night, pay particular attention around the central red-light district of Luz, location of the city’s main train stations and – though not as bad – around Praça da República. Also take care late at night in Bixiga (also known as Bela Vista), or if you venture into Praça Roosevelt. Always carry at least some money in an immediately accessible place so that, if you are accosted by a mugger, you can quickly hand something over before he starts getting angry or panicky. If in any doubt at all about visiting an area you don’t know, don’t hesitate to take a taxi.

Although São Paulo’s Carnaval is not as spectacular or glamorous as its carioca sister, neither is it low-key. São Paulo has its own enthusiastically supported samba schools, which spend all year preparing for the festival and collectively form the union of paulistano samba schools, UESP (t 11/3171-3713, w www.uesp.com.br). As in Rio, the samba competition takes the form of a massive parade, held in the Oscar Niemeyer–designed sambódromo, a 530m-long stadium that can accommodate around 26,000 and is part of the huge Parque Anhembi leisure complex, near the Tietê bus terminal north of the city centre. Ticket prices are cheaper than their Rio counterparts, starting at around R$15 for a bench seat up in the gods – where you’ll get a flavour of the event but won’t see very much – and rising to around R$1000 for a seat in a VIP box. In general, the closer you are to the ground, the better the view and the more you pay. Many local travel agents sell tickets (see Around São Paulo); alternatively, try Ticketmaster (w www.ticketmaster.com.br) or the city tourist office in Anhembi (t 11/6226-0400). In the weeks leading up to Carnaval, you can sometimes attend rehearsals at the city’s samba schools – one of the best to visit is Rosas de Ouro in Barra Funda (t 11/3931-4555).

Finding somewhere to stay in São Paulo is rarely a problem and, as there are several areas where hotels are concentrated, you should get settled in quickly. The prices of hotels vary enormously throughout the year, with hefty discounts offered during the quieter summer months of January and February. Weekend discounts of up to fifty percent are often given, especially at the better hotels that otherwise cater largely to business executives. If making an online reservation directly with the hotel, compare the rates on the Portuguese- and the English-language versions of the website – the former often are substantially lower.

The best hotels are found in the affluent southwest of the city and, though expensive, their rooms cost less than comparative spots in Rio. With some exceptions, budget and mid-priced places are located around downtown, in parts of the city where visitors, especially women, may feel distinctly uncomfortable walking alone at night. The dangers, however, are often more imaginary than real and, by simply being alert and taking taxis late at night, you should have no problems.

Lots of inexpensive and mid-priced hotels are in the traditional centre of São Paulo, around Praça da República and Avenida São Luís. Budget around R$25 for a taxi each way to the restaurants and bars of Vila Madalena and surrounding neighbourhoods.

São Paulo’s traditionally Japanese bairro, Liberdade, has a few low- and mid-priced hotels worth considering if you’re on a budget – not least because the area is one of the safest parts of central São Paulo. Although the majority of people staying here are visiting Asian businessmen, other guests are made to feel just as welcome.

Rua Augusta and around

This area offers old-fashioned five-star comfort, as well as some more affordable options, especially on Rua Augusta. The hotels here are convenient for the city centre, the international banks of Avenida Paulista and the fashionable Jardins. While the area is quite safe, walking along Rua Augusta late at night can be unpleasant, as you’re likely to be accosted by men touting on behalf of sleazy nightclubs.

The south side of Avenida Paulista marks the beginnings of Jardins, a wealthy residential neighbourhood that houses some of the city’s most fashionable (and expensive) shops and restaurants. It makes an excellent base as it’s relatively safe by day and night, and with some excellent accommodation options.

Itaim Bibi and Pinheiros

The stretch along Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima that links Itaim Bibi with Pinheiros is a rapidly expanding business district. While the number of hotels here is increasing, they’re mostly bland (but well-equipped) franchises of international chains. At night these areas offer plenty of street life, thanks to the many excellent restaurants and clubs, and walking around feels quite secure. They are also within easy reach of the bars and clubs of Vila Madalena.

Eating out is a major pastime for wealthier paulistanos, who take great pride in the vast number of restaurants in the city. By Latin American standards, the variety of options is certainly impressive, with chefs becoming increasingly creative with traditional Brazilian dishes, as well as adapting European and Asian ones to suit Brazilian tastes and make use of local ingredients.

Whether you’re after “high culture”, a thumping club or just a bar to hang out in, you won’t encounter much of a problem in São Paulo. The city has four main centres for nightlife: Bela Vista, with mixed crowds and live music; Vila Madalena and adjoining Pinheiros, which host the lion’s share of trendy bars, including some with a slightly bohemian feel; Jardins, offering both quieter, upmarket bars, popular with an older crowd, and gay bars; and Itaim Bibi and Vila Olímpia, together best known for their flashy baladas (clubs). For the trendy bars and clubs, be aware that Wednesday and Thursday nights are as popular, and in many ways considered more hip, than weekend nights, particularly in the summer when those who have the means tend to escape the city.

Places come and go in São Paulo continually, so on-the-spot advice is vital. Some suggestions are detailed below, but for the full picture of what’s going on, consult the weekly Veja magazine, the daily Folha de São Paulo newspaper (especially its Friday supplement) and the website w www.guiasp.com; additionally, the funky w www.obaoba.com.br has all the essential club listings. Many places have their own websites featuring their upcoming programmes; where these exist, they are mentioned in the listing.

São Paulo has a large gay population but, with some exceptions, clubs and bars tend to be mixed rather than specifically gay, with the scene mainly in the Jardins area. Since 1997, the city has hosted a Carnaval-style annual Gay Pride parade on a Sunday in May or June, along Avenida Paulista. The first parade attracted just two thousand participants but organizers now claim well over three million revellers, making it by far the largest event of its kind in the world. For dates and other information, see w www.paradasp.org.br.

São Paulo’s shopping possibilities are as varied as the city’s restaurants. In the wealthy southwestern Jardins suburb, shops are far more impressive than those in just about any other South American city, and the quality way above par. For visitors, there are no obvious souvenirs of São Paulo, as such, but the city is a good place to find the things Brazil generally does well – from cachaça and samba records to bikinis and flip-flops. Even if you’re not intent on a spree, the shopping centres and stores are worth a tour to experience the opulent surroundings, while at the other end of the spectrum the fine selection of markets provides exposure to both local colour and good food.

The main shopping streets in the centre of the city are near Praça da República, especially the roads running off Avenida Ipiranga: Rua Barão de Itapetinga, Rua 24 de Maio, and Rua do Arouche. South of the Mercado Municipal, Rua 25 de Março is another busy street, lined with hawkers selling everything from pirated CDs to Carnaval costumes. Most of the stores downtown are of the cheap’n’cheerful variety – they sell clothes, but you’ll rarely find the latest fashions.

South of Avenida Paulista is where the money is – and where all the best stores are. You’ll find lots of boutiques selling clothes and accessories from Brazilian, European and US designers, especially in the streets running parallel to and crossing Rua Augusta (most notably Rua Oscar Freire, Alameda Lorena, Rua Haddock Lobo, Rua Bela Cintra and Rua Dr Melo Alves). Although expensive, prices often compare well to Europe and the US. São Paulo’s shopping malls are hugely popular amongst the city’s middle-class as places to escape to and feel utterly insulated from their less-fortunate fellow citizens. Each centre tries to outdo the other, with mirrored walls and ostentatious fountains – you won’t feel closer to North America than this during your stay in Brazil. Shopping centres are usually open Monday to Saturday 10am to 10pm, and Sunday after lunch to around 7pm.

The coffee boom that led to the dismantling of São Paulo’s colonial buildings provided little in terms of lasting replacements. In the city’s first industrial suburbs, towering brick chimneys are still to be seen, but generally the areas are now dominated by small workshops and low-income housing, and even in the city centre there are very few buildings of note, most of the area being given over to unremarkable shops and offices.

Mercado Municipal

About 1km to the northeast of São Bento, at Rua da Cantareira 306, you’ll find the Mercado Municipal, an imposing, vaguely German neo-Gothic hall, completed in 1933. Apart from the phenomenal display of Brazilian and imported fruit, vegetables, cheese and other produce, the market is most noted for its enormous stained-glass windows depicting scenes of cattle raising, market gardening and coffee and banana plantations. Traditionally, Brazilians eat pastel de bacalhau – a salt fish and potato pie – here. If that doesn’t sound very appetizing, then head up to the mezzanine, where a range of patio restaurants make up a food court that is considerably more colourful and authentic than the kind you find in shopping malls.

Memorial do Imigrante

East of the Mercado Municipal, the run-down neighbourhood of Brás would have little to offer if it wasn’t for the superb Memorial do Imigrante at Rua Visconde de Paraíba 1316. The hostel buildings house an immigration research centre, a basic café and one of the best museums in São Paulo.

The museum has a permanent collection of period furniture, documents and photographs, and regularly mounts temporary exhibits relating to individual immigrant nationalities. The main building itself is the most interesting feature of the complex, however, with vast dormitories and its own rail siding and platform that were used for unloading immigrants and their baggage. Near the entrance, a separate building contained the rooms where new arrivals met their prospective employers; the government provided interpreters to help the immigrants make sense of work contracts. Designed to hold four thousand people, the hostel housed as many as ten thousand at times, with immigrants being treated little better than cattle. In its early years, the place was a virtual prison. The exit ticket was securing a contract of employment and control of potential plantation-workers was considered necessary, since few people actually wanted to work in the fields and there was a large labour leakage to the city of São Paulo itself. The last immigrants were processed here in 1978.

Although the museum is only a five-minute walk from Brás metrô station, it is next door to a hostel for homeless men and you may feel uncomfortable walking in the area. As taxis are rarely available outside the metrô station, try to reassure yourself any dangers are more imagined than real. On weekends and holidays you have more interesting transport options: either a wonderful nineteenth-century train that connects the complex with Brás and Moóca stations or a tram that runs between the front entrance and Bresser metrô station (both R$5).

Discover more places in Brazil

• Travel Guide Morocco
• Travel Guide Namibia
• Travel Guide South Africa
• Travel Guide China
• Travel Guide India
• Travel Guide Indonesia
• Travel Guide Japan
• Travel Guide Laos
• Travel Guide Malaysia
• Travel Guide Myanmar (Burma)
• Travel Guide Nepal
• Travel Guide Philippines
• Travel Guide Singapore
• Travel Guide South Korea
• Travel Guide Sri Lanka
• Travel Guide Taiwan
• Travel Guide Thailand
• Travel Guide Australia
• Travel Guide Fiji
• Travel Guide New Zealand
• Travel Guide Belize
• Costa Rica Travel Guide
• Travel Guide Cuba
• Travel Guide Guatemala
• Travel Guide Honduras
• Travel Guide Jamaica
• Travel Guide Nicaragua
• Travel Guide Panama
• Travel Guide Puerto Rico
• Travel Guide Trinidad and Tobago
• Travel Guide Albania
• Travel Guide Austria
• Travel Guide Belgium
• Travel Guide Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Travel Guide Bulgaria
• Travel Guide Cyprus
• Travel Guide Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Travel Guide Denmark
• Travel Guide England
• Travel Guide Estonia
• Travel Guide Finland
• Travel Guide France
• Travel Guide Germany
• Travel Guide Greece
• Travel Guide Hungary
• Iceland Travel Guide

The Rough Guides to Brazil and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Brazil?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice