sao paulo brazil places to visit

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.

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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.

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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

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

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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

20 Must-Visit Attractions In São Paulo

São Paulo is Latin America’s largest city, and Brazil’s financial hub; the sheer size of the city and number of attractions in São Paulo are enough to make any visitor dizzy. Fortunately, Culture Trip has done the work for you with this list of the top twenty attractions that should not be missed while you’re in town.

1. mercadão municipal.

Mercado Municipal | © LWYang/Flickr

2. Catedral da Sé

Cathedral, Church

3. Parque do Ibirapuera

Museum, Park

Ibirapuera Park São Paulo | © Lesanta/Flickr

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5. Pinacoteca

Art Gallery, Library, Memorial, Museum

6. Sala São Paulo

Concert Hall, Train Station

Sala Sao Paulo | © Julio Boaro/Flickr

7. Galeria do Rock

Galeria do Rock | © Marco Gomes/Flickr

8. Instituto Butantan

Instituto Butantan | © Mike Peel /Wikimedia CC

9. Instituto Tomie Ohtake

Instituto Tomie Ohtake | © Monica Kaneko/Flickr

10. Mosteiro de São Bento

Mosteiro Sao Bento | © Bruno Covas/Flickr

No trip to São Paulo would be complete without a visit to the Liberdade neighbourhood, Japan’s largest colony outside of Japan. Walk around Liberdade and you will feel a part of Japan in the largest city in South America. It is estimated that about 400,000 Japanese and descendants live in São Paulo today, many in the streets of Liberdade. With Japanese lanterns decorating the streets and dozens of sushi establishments and specialised food stores where one can find Japanese, Thai and Korean products for sale, Liberdade is a true centre for its tight-knit community. It even has its own Japanese-language newspaper and hosts several annual Eastern culture festivals including Chinese New Year.

Liberdade, São Paulo, Brazil

11. Memorial da America Latina

Building, Memorial

Memorial da America Latina | © Gabrielt4e/ Wikimedia CC

Oca | © Anabrambilla/ Flickr

13. Beco do Batman

Beco do Batman | © Lise Alves

Praça Benedito Calixto

From antique toys to aviator sunglasses to 1950s-style luggage, you can find it here at the charming Benedito Calixto square fair. The fair, which takes place every Saturday in Pinheiros, is considered one of the best antique fairs in all of Brazil, not only for its products but also for its snacks. In the afternoon people gather around to drink cold beer and eat typical Brazilian munchies while listening to chorinho (typical Brazilian music).

Praça Benedito Calixto, Pinheiros, São Paulo, Brazil

14. Edificio Martinelli

View from top of Martinelli building | © Alexandre Hamada Possi/Flickr | © Alexandre Hamada Possi /Flickr

15. Theatro Municipal

16. Museu do Futebol

Museum, Stadium

Museu do Futebol | © Museu do Futebol | Courtesy of Museu do Futebol

17. Templo de Salomão

Building, Church, School

Templo de Salomao | © Vitor Mazuco

18. Parque Villa Lobos

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36 Hours in São Paulo, Brazil

By Seth Kugel Updated Nov. 24, 2022

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​​​​​​​​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

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Paris: A different side of the French capital reveals smaller museums, under-the-radar spots in Montmartre and a diverse performance scene .

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65 Things to Do in São Paulo: Must-See Attractions and Activities for an Unforgettable Journey

Do you plan to take a trip to Brazil’s financial center? Memorable experiences are waiting for you in this vibrant, alluring megalopolis. Read on for a lowdown about the thousand and one fascinating things to do in São Paulo.

Rio de Janeiro may be on top of mind if you are Brazil-bound, but São Paulo offers its own unique delights to local and foreign tourists alike. While I was slightly nervous to visit São Paulo, as many warned us about being careful and safe, I enjoyed visiting the city more than I expected. 

We visited for less than a week, but we enjoyed walking around the city. The architecture is beautiful. I can’t say enough good things about the city. We were careful regarding our personal security, but the people in São Paulo were extremely friendly, and we chatted with quite a few of them. When you’re visiting Brazil , São Paulo is a destination that can’t be missed.

This article lists 65 bucket-list-worthy things to do, see, and taste in this wonderful city. Let’s dive right in!

Table of Contents

65 Things To Do In São Paulo

1. visit the são paulo cathedral.

Visit the São Paulo Cathedral, also known as Catedral da Sé , to experience the grandeur of Brazil’s largest Gothic cathedral and a historic landmark in the heart of São Paulo. Admire its stunning architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and serene interior while learning about the city’s rich religious and cultural heritage. A must-see attraction that offers a peaceful escape and a glimpse into São Paulo’s past.

2. Walk Down the Famous Paulista Avenue

Stroll down the iconic Paulista Avenue , a bustling hub of culture, commerce, and urban energy. Lined with skyscrapers, museums, shops, and cafes, this vibrant thoroughfare offers a vibrant atmosphere for people-watching, shopping, and immersing themselves in the city’s dynamic spirit.

3. Enjoy the Market at Mercado Municipal de São Paulo

Indulge in the vibrant culinary and cultural delights of São Paulo by visiting the Mercado Municipal de São Paulo. This bustling market offers a feast for the senses, with diverse fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal crafts. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich flavors and traditions while exploring this lively marketplace, where the fragrant aroma of exotic spices and the colorful displays of tropical fruits create an unforgettable sensory experience.

4. Spend Time in the Ibirapuera Park

One of the most visited parks in São Paulo, Ibirapuera Park is overflowing with several activities and sights to see. Escape into the tranquility of São Paulo’s Ibirapuera Park, a sprawling oasis of lush greenery and serene lakes. Whether for a peaceful stroll, picnicking with a backdrop of modern sculptures, or enjoying cultural exhibitions at its museums, the park offers a rejuvenating retreat amidst the urban bustle. 

Don’t miss the chance to unwind and connect with nature in the city’s heart.

5. Witness Animals at Zoológico de São Paulo

You can witness various animals like tamarins, lions, wildcats, bears, and gorillas. Make sure to capture a picture with your favorite one. The ticket for the zoo would cost you around 39 Brazilian reals/BRL (8 US dollars).

6. Stroll Around Beco Do Batman

Immerse yourself in São Paulo’s vibrant street art scene with a stroll through Beco do Batman. This iconic alleyway in the Vila Madalena neighborhood is a captivating canvas of colorful murals and graffiti, showcasing the city’s creative spirit. As you wander its enchanting lanes, you’ll discover a dynamic blend of artistic expressions, making it a must-visit destination.

7. Visit Mercado Municipal 

Explore the vibrant food and culture mix in São Paulo by visiting the Mercado Municipal de São Paulo, often called the Mercadão. It’s a busy market that food lovers and folks curious about local culture will enjoy. Dive into a flavorful journey as you check out fresh fruits and vegetables, special spices, local treats, and handmade stuff.

The market’s distinctive stained glass windows and vibrant ambiance create an unforgettable setting for savoring genuine flavors and immersing yourself in the city’s dynamic market culture.

8. Explore the Jardim Botânico

Jardim Botânico is a famous botanical garden amongst visitors. Wander through lush gardens, tranquil pathways, and themed sections featuring diverse plant species. You can find various beautiful plants and trees here, along with their description banner.

9. Learn Unique Art in São Paulo’s Art Museum MASP

Unleash your creativity and immerse yourself in São Paulo’s rich artistic heritage at the Art Museum of São Paulo (MASP) . This renowned institution is not just a museum; it’s an interactive learning hub where you can engage with diverse, unique artworks spanning various styles and periods. The museum is one of its kind and holds around 11,000 of the world’s most important and fascinating art pieces, both of local and international origin.

10. Go to the Monumento Bandeiras

Monumento Bandeiras is at the entrance of the famous Ibirapuera Park. This impressive sculpture pays homage to the brave pioneers and explorers who played a vital role in shaping Brazil’s early history. Set against the city’s skyline backdrop, the monument symbolizes courage and exploration, inviting visitors to reflect on the adventurous spirit that helped build the nation.

11. Capture the Beauty of Independência Park

Independência Park is located in the southeastern part of the city. Wander through lush landscapes, picturesque ponds, and meandering pathways while encountering historical monuments that pay tribute to Brazil’s quest for independence. 

12. Experience Your Time at Santander Lantern

Santander Lantern is amongst the tallest buildings in São Paulo, with various art galleries and exhibitions by local Brazilian artists. The third floor of the building provides you with an experience with a museum that shares the history of the building.

13. Enjoy the Sunset at Praça Pôr do Sol

Experience the breathtaking beauty of São Paulo’s sunset at Praça Pôr do Sol (Sunset Square). Nestled in the city’s heart, this charming urban oasis offers a serene escape from the bustling streets. As the day draws to a close, the square’s elevated vantage point provides a stunning panoramic view of the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a warm and enchanting glow over the landscape.

14. Enjoy the Museum of Zoology

The Museum of Zoology provides a fascinating insight into the wealth and abundance of Brazil’s biodiversity. This captivating attraction beckons guests to delve into a wide-ranging assortment of animal specimens, fossils, and interactive displays that highlight the marvels of the natural realm. From meticulously preserved creatures to informative exhibitions on evolution and ecological connections, the museum offers a distinctive chance to enhance your knowledge of Earth’s extraordinary fauna and ecosystems.

15. Visit Pinacoteca de São Paulo

The oldest art museum in São Paulo, Pinacoteca, allows you to see some historical art. You can look at and examine around 10,000 pieces of artwork. Wander through its elegant halls to discover captivating exhibitions, thoughtfully curated displays, and a deep dive into the nation’s artistic evolution.

16. Make a Family Trip to Aquário de São Paulo

Aquário de São Paulo, Latin America’s largest aquarium, has so many sea species (around 300) you won’t even know most. With interactive touch pools, informative presentations, and engaging educational activities, the Aquário de São Paulo promises a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. 

17. Get to Know Scientific Things at Weathervane Museum

The Weathervane Museum holds things related to science and studies. Nestled within its walls are captivating exhibits that delve into the intricate workings of weather patterns, climate phenomena, and atmospheric dynamics. From interactive displays explaining the science behind tornadoes and hurricanes to hands-on experiments illustrating the water cycle and atmospheric pressure, the museum offers an engaging and educational experience when you walk in. It will cost you around 74 BRL ($15) for the ticket to the museum.

18. Watch a Car Race at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace

If you love car races, then make sure you visit Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace. The United States and France admired this amazing race track’s 2.68-mile (4.31-kilometer) circuit length and 71 laps. Feel the excitement as roaring engines and screeching tires fill the air while skilled drivers navigate the twists and turns of the track.

19. Eat the Cultural Food of Brazil

Go on a food adventure and enjoy the tasty tastes of Brazilian food. You can try yummy feijoada, which is a black bean stew with different meats, or delicious churrasco, which is a big barbecue with tasty meat cooked just right. Brazilian food has lots of different flavors and ideas. 

Make sure to taste coxinha, which is a famous snack with chicken inside dough that’s fried to be crispy, or acarajé, a fried ball made from beans, usually with tasty stuff inside.

Indulge in the sweet pleasures of brigadeiro, a delectable chocolate truffle, and quindim, a golden custard dessert. 

20. View From the Sampa Sky

You can view São Paulo from a 500-foot-high (150 meters) building with a glass room through which you can see 360 degrees of the city. It will cost you around 246 BRL ($50) to experience this amazing view.

21. Visit Museu do Futebol

Step into the passionate world of Brazilian football at the Museu do Futebol . This captivating museum pays homage to the nation’s deep-rooted love for the beautiful game. Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and immersive installations, visitors can trace the history of football in Brazil, its iconic players, and its cultural significance.

22. Have a Memorable Time at Parque de Diversões Marisa

The most crowded fun park in São Paulo, Marisa Amusement Park, has lots of fun things like a big ride that goes up and down, a spinning wheel, and a spooky train. If you bring your children with you, they’ll have a really good time.

23. Plan a Day at the Rugged Beaches of Santo Amaro Island

You should definitely go to Santo Amaro Island in São Paulo . This untouched heaven is on the edge of Brazil, and it’s really pretty with its natural beauty and wild beaches. You can discover secret beaches, clean shores, and cliffs with amazing ocean views.

24. Walk at the Franklin Roosevelt Square

Franklin Roosevelt Square is a perfect place where you would want to come over in the evening and spend your time. This inviting urban oasis offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city streets. Lined with trees and dotted with benches, the square provides a perfect setting for a relaxing walk. Admire the public art installations and sculptures that add to the ambiance, or simply enjoy people-watching and soaking in the local atmosphere.

25. Sneak Out to Night Clubs

In São Paulo, going out doesn’t just mean visiting the newest bars; it also means checking out the clubs that feature local music, such as música popular Brasileira (MPB).

26. Enjoy the City View From Tallest Buildings

The Skye Bar in São Paulo, located atop Hotel Unique, provides expansive city views. You can also swim in the pool or relax on the wooden patio.

27. Enjoy Go-Karting

You can choose between indoor and outdoor tracks at the Speed and Kart Center and tracks with different bends. Kartódromo Internacional Granja Viana offers go-karts and kid-friendly go-karting activities, too.

28. Witness Arts in Instituto Moreira Salles

Explore the cultural center, which displays some of the earliest songs and arts by Brazilians. This cultural institution offers a captivating journey through visual arts, photography, music, and literature. Explore thought-provoking exhibitions featuring local and international artists, delve into the rich history of Brazilian photography, and attend engaging workshops and events.

29. Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Go on a super cool adventure and hop on a hot air balloon in São Paulo. You’ll feel the excitement of floating above pretty views and seeing the city and its beautiful surroundings. When you go up slowly, you’ll see amazing sights of hills, lots of green plants, and peaceful countryside.

The serene and peaceful journey offers a unique perspective of São Paulo’s natural and urban wonders. It is a perfect activity for thrill-seekers and those seeking a serene escape.

30. Spectate a Soccer Game at Neo Quimica Arena

Attend a soccer match at Neo Quimica Arena to witness the passion for the sport in Brazil. You should know that the stadium also served as the venue for some summer Olympic events and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

31. Go Sky-Diving

Drop from the sky of Brazil, experiencing the most heart-pounding activity with the city’s most breathtaking views. Feel the heart-pounding excitement as you leap from an aircraft and freefall through the sky before your parachute opens, allowing you to glide gracefully over the stunning landscape below. Witness breathtaking views of the city, countryside, and coastline as you return to Earth. 

32. Visit Park do Povo

Visit the Park do Povo (People’s Park), renowned for its strolling paths, picnic areas, soccer fields, and Paralympic sports facilities. Stroll along shaded pathways, relax on lush lawns, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature’s beauty. The park’s vibrant atmosphere comes to life with cultural events, art exhibitions, and live performances celebrating local creativity. 

From yoga classes to outdoor concerts, Parque do Povo provides a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages.

33. Dine-in at Kinoshita

Visit Kinoshita for outstanding Japanese food; it is renowned as the country’s first Kappo-style cuisine restaurant. Kinoshita offers a gastronomic journey that blends tradition and innovation. From meticulously prepared sushi and sashimi to tantalizing tempura and other artfully crafted dishes, each bite reflects a dedication to culinary excellence. 

34. Experience Paddle Boarding at Lake Guarapiranga

Lake Guarapiranga, famously known as a water reservoir, has other features, including beaches and a marina. Paddle boarding is a favorite activity there amongst tourists.

35. Spend Some Hours at the Municipal Theater

The Municipal Theater of So Paulo, built in 1903, is regarded as a city symbol. This architectural gem stands as a symbol of the city’s artistic heritage and offers a captivating glimpse into Brazil’s theatrical and operatic traditions. Catch a live performance, whether a ballet, opera, or symphony, and be transported by the mesmerizing talent showcased on its historic stage. 

36. Hike to Jaraguá Park

Take a hike to Jaraguá Park to see amazing nature and the city below. The park has different trails for hiking that go through green woods and up to the tallest point in the city, called Pico do Jaraguá. When you go up, you’ll see wide views of São Paulo’s tall buildings and the area around it.

37. Have Fun Skating at Juventude Park

Experience the thrill of skating at Juventude Park (Parque da Juventude) in São Paulo. The dynamic urban park provides a spacious and welcoming environment for skaters of all levels. Cruise along smooth pathways, showcase your tricks at the skatepark or join fellow enthusiasts for a fun session on wheels. With ramps, rails, and open spaces, Juventude Park offers an exhilarating playground for skateboarders and rollerbladers alike.

38. Go Skiing

If you like skiing, visit Ski Mountain Park in Sao Roque, São Paulo. They have the biggest fake ski park in Latin America. You can go skiing, snowboarding, and sliding down the hill in a big tube. They also have places to eat, shops to buy things, and different things to help visitors.

39. Visit the Magic City Waterpark

Magic City is a super fun water park in Suzano. You can go on a zip line ride above the cool forest. The water park is really big and has lots of fun things to do for people of all ages. 

You can try exciting water slides and wave pools or just relax on a slow river and in splashy areas. It’s a great place to escape the hot weather and have a good time with your family and friends.

40. Learn at the Centro Histórico e Cultural Mackenzie

Visit the unique cultural facility, Centro Histórico e Cultural Mackenzie, which features exhibits related to architecture and technology. The cultural center is part of the Mackenzie Presbyterian University. It offers various exhibitions, events, and educational programs that delve into various aspects of Brazilian history, culture, and art. 

41. Enjoy Different Activities at Galeria do Rock

Although being a 1962 structure, the Galeria do Rock serves as a venue for concerts, primarily featuring artists from the rock and hip-hop genres. The iconic establishment is a haven for music enthusiasts, fashionistas, and those seeking a unique shopping and entertainment experience. Explore the gallery’s diverse shops, which offer various products, including vinyl records, vintage clothing, band merchandise, alternative fashion, and accessories.

42. Go for a Helicopter Ride

Take a breathtaking helicopter tour above Sao Paulo. See the city’s spectacular landmarks from above, including the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace. 

43. Get to Know the Culture at Itaú Cultural

Discover the rich cultural tapestry of São Paulo at Itaú Cultural. This dynamic cultural institution is dedicated to showcasing and promoting various art forms, music, theater, literature, and more. Through engaging exhibitions, performances, workshops, and events, Itaú Cultural offers a deep dive into Brazilian and international creativity. 

44. Eat at Comida Por Quilo Restaurant

You can taste delicious food at Comida por Quilo and have the best cultural dishes in Brazil. This concept, often called “pay-per-weight” or “buffet by the kilo,” allows you to curate your own plate from a diverse selection of dishes. Explore a wide range of culinary options, from local Brazilian flavors to international cuisines, all conveniently laid out for you to choose from.

45. Book Your Ticket for Teatro Municipal

Teatro Municipal is a theater famous for its outstanding performances and architectural value. The ticket to the theater will cost you around 34 BRL ($7).

46. Have a Bite of Mortadella Sandwich

Savor a delectable taste of São Paulo’s culinary tradition by enjoying a Mortadella sandwich. This iconic sandwich features a generous portion of Mortadella, a flavorful Italian sausage made from a blend of finely ground pork and pork fat, typically seasoned with spices. The Mortadella is often served on a freshly baked roll or baguette and may be accompanied by cheese, vegetables, and condiments.

For an authentic experience, head to the Mercado Municipal de São Paulo (São Paulo Municipal Market), commonly known as Mercadão, where you’ll find some of the city’s most renowned Mortadella sandwiches.

47. Visit Liberdade District

Explore the vibrant and culturally rich Liberdade District in São Paulo. Known as the city’s Japanese quarter, this neighborhood is a captivating blend of Japanese heritage and Brazilian diversity. Stroll through the charming streets adorned with traditional Japanese lanterns and shopfronts, and immerse yourself in a unique fusion of cultures.

48. Drive Through Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge

Experience the awe-inspiring architecture and modern design of São Paulo by driving through the Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge. Also known as the Ponte Estaiada, this iconic cable-stayed bridge is a striking landmark that spans the Pinheiros River, connecting different parts of the city.

As you drive across the bridge, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of São Paulo’s skyline, particularly in the evening when the bridge is beautifully illuminated. The innovative design of the bridge, with its unique “X” shape and diagonal supports, adds to its visual appeal and makes it a must-see attraction for both locals and visitors.

49. Get Hands-on Experience Cooking Brazilian Dishes

You can enroll in any culinary institute in Brazil and learn traditional dishes like feijoada or empadão. The culinary course would cost you around 393 BRL ($80), but it will be a great experience.

50. Walk Around Praça da República

Praça da República is one of the most historic centers of São Paulo, where you can have a long walk and enjoy old 1800s architectural buildings.

51. Gain Knowledge About Medicines at Instituto Butantan

Expand your understanding of medicines and vaccines by visiting the Instituto Butantan in São Paulo. The renowned research institution is dedicated to studying biology, biomedical sciences, and public health. Explore informative exhibits that delve into the development and production of vaccines, antivenoms, and other pharmaceuticals.

52. Drink Coffee at Futuro Refeitório

Savor the rich flavors of Brazilian coffee culture at Futuro Refeitório. Pair your coffee with a delectable pastry or snack, and immerse yourself in the relaxed ambiance of this café, making it a perfect spot to unwind, socialize, or simply indulge in the art of coffee appreciation.

53. Stay in the Luxurious Hotels of São Paulo

If you can afford a luxurious hotel in São Paulo to make your trip feel like heaven, you should book hotels like Tivoli Mofarrej and Renaissance Hotel .

54. Trip to the Holy Site of Aparecida

Take a unique journey to a holy place in Brazil known as Aparecida. It’s a significant location for Catholics to visit. In Aparecida, there’s a large church called the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida. People visit this place to express their deep admiration for the Virgin Mary. You can see the incredibly pretty church and a special statue of Our Lady of Aparecida, like Brazil’s special saint.

55. Know the Story Behind the Martinelli Building

The Martinelli Building in São Paulo is a historic skyscraper constructed by Italian immigrant Giuseppe Martinelli between 1922 and 1929. As the tallest building in Latin America upon completion, it introduced modern skyscraper design to the city and served as a symbol of immigrant success and architectural innovation. The building features a blend of neoclassical and art nouveau styles, reflecting its historical and cultural significance. 

56. Spend a Few Hours at Fo Guang Shan Temple Zu Lai

The Fo Guang Shan Temple Zu Lai is the biggest temple in South America. It covers around 39,537 acres (160,000 hectares) of land and holds historical value. Make sure to visit it.

57. Relax at a Spa

Indulge in relaxation and self-care at one of São Paulo’s luxurious spas. Escape the urban hustle and unwind in tranquil surroundings, where skilled therapists offer a range of rejuvenating treatments. 

One of the popular and well-regarded spas in São Paulo is the Unique Garden Hotel & Spa . This luxurious retreat offers a range of spa treatments, wellness programs, and relaxation experiences in a serene and lush setting.

58. Watch Sports at Centro de Esportes Radicais for Free

You can watch or participate in adventure sports for free at Centro de Esportes Radicais (Extreme Sports Center). This unique venue hosts various adrenaline-pumping events, including skateboarding, BMX, and inline skating competitions. Witness skilled athletes showcase their talents on ramps, tracks, and obstacles, creating an electrifying atmosphere for sports enthusiasts.

59. Take a Jeep Tour

Embark on an expedition where a skilled driver takes you for a ride in a 4-wheeler jeep, navigating through challenging terrain, ascending steep muddy hills, and venturing truly off the conventional trails. Make sure you wear clothes you’re okay with getting wet or dirty. But don’t worry. The top-rated guided tours prioritize safety above everything else.

60. Do Shopping at Aricanduva

Enjoy a big shopping spree at Shopping Aricanduva, one of the biggest and most loved shopping places in São Paulo. There are many stores and shops to choose from, selling things like clothes, gadgets, and stuff for your home. You can have a great time shopping and exploring the different parts of the mall, which have famous brands from around the world and local stores from Brazil.

61. Visit a Religious Complex Like Templo de Salomão

Templo de Salomao is a replica of a few religious monuments in Jerusalem, such as the Temple of Solomon, where many religious people come and pray.

62. Go to Casa das Rosas

Casa Das Rosas (House of Roses) is a place a few kilometers from São Paulo where you can witness cultural activities and listen to great words of poetry. The historic mansion turned cultural center offers a unique blend of literature, arts, and architecture. Explore its elegant rooms and lush gardens and discover various literary events, poetry readings, and exhibitions celebrating Brazilian and international writers.

63. Relax at Água Branca Park

Unwind and connect with nature at Água Branca Park (Parque da Água Branca). Stroll through verdant gardens, lounge by serene ponds, and enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by trees and greenery. The park also features a charming farm area with animals, a playground for children, and cultural attractions like the Casa da Agricultura, showcasing the region’s agricultural heritage. 

64. Visit Santos for a Day

Santos, a beach town in São Paulo, is famous for producing low-acidic coffee to the world, and you can’t miss a chance to taste it while living there. Explore its sandy beaches, historical landmarks, and the bustling Santos Port, one of the busiest in Latin America. A day trip to Santos promises a delightful escape from the city and a glimpse into Brazil’s maritime and coffee heritage.

65. Stroll Around the Latin America Memorial

The Latin America Memorial, located northwest of São Paulo, offers an enriching day trip experience. Here, you can explore collections of literature, film, and images, all retelling the monumental events that shaped Latin America. Stroll through the impressive Latin America Memorial, a monumental complex designed by famed architect Oscar Niemeyer. 

Marvel at its striking modernist architecture and expansive public spaces, which house cultural exhibitions, art galleries, and theaters celebrating the diverse cultures of Latin America. This makes for an ideal day trip destination when you’re in São Paulo.

São Paulo as a Must-Visit Destination

São Paulo, the most populous and extensive city in Brazil, is the capital of São Paulo State. Located in the southeastern region of Brazil, it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east. At the same time, its western, northern, and southwestern boundaries connect with Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, and Paraná, respectively.

Known as “Sampa” to the locals, São Paulo stands out as the nation’s busiest and most populous urban center, and it boasts significant affluence alongside a plethora of captivating tourist attractions. When planning a visit to São Paulo, there’s no need for concern regarding the range of activities the city has to offer.

Getting Around In São Paulo

A busy and large city has many transport facilities that you can explore. You can discover the city by cycling, metro, bus, taxi, and walking. The city is filled with so many places that you can visit wherever you check in for a hotel, and you can walk to nearby places and enjoy. 

The São Paulo Metro consists of six lines, five operating underground and one functioning as a monorail. A single-ride ticket is priced at 4 BRL ($0.79). The ticket cost can vary based on fare type and payment arrangement. For a fee of 6 BRL ($1.22), the ticket allows up to four trips (comprising one metro journey and four bus routes) within two hours.

A bus would cost you the same as a metro, and there are a lot of buses you can use, but during weekdays, you might find them full because of the city’s large population, so it is advised to take a metro or a taxi instead. Taxi’s fare starts from $1 and then increases depending on the duration of your journey, but it is the most convenient way to get around in São Paulo.

Best Time To Go to São Paulo

São Paulo enjoys a comfortable subtropical climate year-round, offering options for every traveler’s taste. The temperatures remain pretty steady, with daytime highs hovering between 74°F and 82°F (23°C and 28°C) and nighttime lows ranging from 56°F to 69°F (13°C to 21°C). If you’re a fan of warmth, consider planning your trip during the summery months of December to February. On the other hand, if you prefer cooler weather, the winter months from June to August are ideal.

The rainy season, spanning from October to March, reaches its peak with the heaviest downpours in January and February. During our visit in December, we encountered two floods within a week. To avoid the rainy spells, consider planning your trip to São Paulo between April and September when the skies tend to clear. 

It’s important to remember that rain showers can be unexpected throughout the year, so having some rain gear on hand is a prudent choice.

While the most bustling tourism period spans from June to August, quieter times from September to November and April to June offer pleasant temperatures. They could save you money on accommodations and attractions.

São Paulo experiences four seasons, but summers last longer. Summers begin in January and last till the end of March, whereas autumn lasts from April to June.

Winters in São Paulo last from June till September; the short course of winter brings in a comfortable and cool temperature in São Paulo. Lastly, spring lasts from October to December, and the city is more beautiful than ever.

Recommended Travel Time

The best time to go to Sao Paulo is in the middle of spring or autumn. It’s when the weather is just right, and there aren’t too many people around. But if you don’t want rain and want to have fun in the city, you should go there from April to October when it’s very busy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things to Do in São Paulo

What is são paulo best known for.

São Paulo is a financial powerhouse and Brazil’s economic nucleus, yet it’s equally renowned as South America’s foodie paradise due to its diverse culinary scene and exceptional dining establishments. Its cultural tapestry, woven by a substantial Japanese population and various ethnic groups, is vividly displayed through its food, architecture, art, and fashion. Serving as the epicenter of Brazilian soccer and graced with towering skyscrapers, São Paulo also offers the sprawling retreat of Ibirapuera Park, encapsulating both urban dynamism and natural tranquility.

How Do I Spend A Day In São Paulo?

Embark on a whirlwind exploration of São Paulo in a single day, where you’ll traverse its rich history through captivating museums, revel in the excitement of amusement parks, and immerse yourself in Brazilian culture by savoring traditional cuisine and engaging with local artisans. This vibrant journey promises a tapestry of memories that encapsulate São Paulo’s essence.

What is The Best Month To Visit São Paulo?

The best times to go to São Paulo are March to May and October to November, which are when the seasons change from winter to spring and from spring to summer. In these months, you can enjoy nice weather while exploring the city and its famous places without dealing with too many tourists.

Is São Paulo or Rio Better?

Both cities have their unique qualities and attractions. If you enjoy a vibrant nightlife and a strong business environment, São Paulo might be the better fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful beaches and mountains, Rio might be the better option.

Conclusion – Things to Do in São Paulo

São Paulo presents a captivating array of activities catering to diverse interests. Exploring its cultural heritage through landmarks like the São Paulo Cathedral and the São Paulo Museum of Art, along with indulging in its renowned culinary scene at vibrant markets and innovative restaurants, offers immersive experiences. The city’s dynamic nightlife, encompassing contemporary bars and entertainment venues, allows visitors to extend their adventures late into the night. 

São Paulo’s distinct fusion of history, culture, and modern allure guarantees an enriching and unforgettable experience for all travelers.

Related Reads:

• What Is Brazil Known For – Exploring From Amazon Rainforest To Rio Carnival
• The Charming “Happy Harbor”: 20 Best Things To Do in Porto Alegre Brazil

Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter

• Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
• Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
• Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.

Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.

Must-see attractions in São Paulo

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…

Beco do Batman

One of São Paulo's premiere street-art locations, 'Batman's Alley' has slowly risen from secret location for band promotional shots and Brazilian films to…

Theatro Municipal

São Paulo’s most splendid construction, this theater was begun in 1903 in the style of Paris’ Palais Garnier. Its heavily ornamented facade seems to…

Museu Afro-Brasil

This hugely important, absolutely fascinating Parque Ibirapuera museum features a permanent 3rd-floor collection chronicling five centuries of African…

Edifício Itália

With 46 stories, this skyscraper just south of the Praça da República is the tallest in the city center. You have three options to see the view: weekdays…

Rua Oscar Freire

Take a stroll down Brazil's 'Rodeo Drive', a leafy, tree-lined thoroughfare brimming with cafes, concept stores and flagship boutiques, top-end…

Museu do Futebol

Tucked under the bleachers of colorfully art deco Pacaembu Stadium, this fantastic museum is devoted to Brazil’s greatest passion – football (soccer). Its…

Japan House

You can't miss the stunning facade of this Av Paulista newcomer. Its sliding vertical plank entrance sits in stark contrast to the surrounding concrete…

Parque Ibirapuera

São Paulo's most expansive green space and a much-loved urban oasis for Paulistanos, Parque Ibirapuera is a leafy 2 sq-km park in Vila Mariana. In…

Museu da Língua Portuguesa

Half of Estação da Luz has been given over to this museum, with fascinating permanent exhibits documenting the rise of the Brazilian language as distinct…

Mercado Municipal de Pinheiros

A smaller, cleaner and more manageable version of São Paulo's far larger and more chaotic Mercado Municipal, Mercado Municipal de Pinheiros has served…

Museu de Arte Sacra

The best of its kind in Brazil, this museum includes works by renowned 18th-century sculptor Antônio Aleijadinho, along with some 1000 other…

Instituto Moreira Salles

A 2017 artistic addition to Av Paulista, this striking, R$150 million, vertical museum and cultural center is a real treat for photography fans – three…

Marquise do Ibirapuera

One of Parque Ibirapuera's most noticeably unique structures is Oscar Niemeyer's Marquise do Ibirapuera. It's a wavy, 620m-long and 15m- to 80m-wide…

Estação Júlio Prestes

This grand turn-of-the-century beaux arts–style working railway station (actually completed in the 1930s) houses the Pina_Estacão, an annex of the Pina…

Museu de Arte Contemporânea da Universidade de São Paulo

This fine museum, the best of three belonging to Universidade de São Paulo's Museu de Arte Contemporânea, is housed in the Oscar Niemeyer–designed former…

Edifício Matarazzo

The seat of São Paulo's city government sits inside this 1930s neoclassical 'palace' designed by Italian architect Marcello Piacentini (who is well-known…

Páteo do Collégio

Occupying the exact spot where São Paulo was founded in 1554 by Jesuit brothers José de Anchieta and Manoel da Nóbregra, this mission is actually a 1950s…

SESC Paulista

This 2018 cultural addition to Av Paulista offers the best free view you're going to get of the country's most important avenue: the 17th floor terrace…

Casa da Imagem

Beautifully curated from some 84,000 historical photographs, this museum inside a restored colonial downtown mansion is a must for those interested in the…

Fundação Maria Luisa e Oscar Americano

Home of the couple who developed the leafy, upscale suburb of Morumbi, this fine retreat hosts impressive gardens and a lovely collection of painting,…

Caixa Cultural

This cultural center occupies a grand neoclassical-style building with an imperious facade of black marble that served as Caixa Econômica Federal's…

Museu de Arte Moderna

Brazil’s oldest modern-art museum possesses a fine permanent collection of Brazilian modernists such as Anita Malfatti and Di Cavalcanti, as well as works…

Parque Siqueira Campos

Just off Paulista across from the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) lies Parque Siqueira Campos, a beautifully designed and maintained park that re…

Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil

Housed in an extraordinarily and lovingly restored beaux-arts building, this cultural center holds innovative exhibitions of contemporary art over five…

Edifício Martinelli

São Paulo’s first skyscraper, in a gorgeous 1929 beaux-arts building, features a mansion built on top of its 26th-floor viewing terrace. However, the…

Pina_Estacão

Located inside Estação Júlio Prestes, this annex of nearby Pina_Luz hosts Sampa's three best contemporary art halls for temporary exhibitions.

Igreja de Santo Antônio

On the small Praça do Patriarca at the southwestern entrance to Triângulo, the modest, well-preserved Igreja de Santo Antônio retains many of its original…

Galeria Nara Roesler

Nara Roesler packs 40 years of experience curating Brazil's most sought-after contemporary artists (Vik Muniz, Tomie Ohtake) at this whitewashed gallery…

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo

On Praça da Sé stands the modest Igreja do Carmo, which dates to the 1630s and still preserves its original high altar.

Catedral da Sé

Crowning the Praça da Sé is the domed Catedral da Sé, a huge neo-Byzantine concoction that, for better or worse, replaced the original 18th-century…

Museu Histórico da Imigração Japonesa

This modest but fascinating museum, on the 7th floor of a Liberdade office building, documents the arrival and integration of the Japanese community…

Memorial do Imigrante

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Discover the World

23 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Sao Paulo

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

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Important Places to Visit in São Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo is the largest city in Latin America and therefore can leave any visitor feeling a bit overwhelmed. However, this megalopolis has plenty to offer the traveler. Here are some of the city's best-known attractions.

Ibirapuera Park is the city's largest park and an immense urban green space that includes several museums, including the Museu Afro-Brasil and the Modern Art Museum. The park's entrance is marked by this huge sculpture called Monumento as Bandeiras (The Monument to the Flags), which commemorates the multi-ethnic pioneers who settled Brazil .

Oca at Ibirapuera Park

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Oca is one of the several buildings that make up an interesting architectural complex in Ibirapuera Park, the city's largest green space. One of the 20th century's best-known architects, ​Oscar Niemeyer, designed the buildings in the 1950s, including the dome-shaped Oca, which houses exhibitions on its three floors. Other highlights nearby are the Planetarium and Biennale buildings.

Mercado Municipal

This historic building, beautifully decorated with stained glass and architectural details on the exterior, houses the city's grandest food market. Step inside the Municipal Market for every kind of fruit one can imagine, homemade sweets, dried fruits, and nuts, salami, and cheese on the first floor before proceeding upstairs for one of the city's famous mortadella sandwiches.

Street Art in São Paulo

São Paulo is one of the world's best cities for street art, thanks to an innovative group of dedicated artists who continue to refine the art. Try Beco de Batman for the city's largest concentration of street art murals, or look for the work of artists wherever you go, like this mural on the side of the Modern Art Museum in Ibirapuera Park. It is a commissioned work of Os Gemeos, a duo of twin brothers who are two of the best street artists around.

Museu de Futbol

Museu de Futbol, or the Soccer Museum, is housed in one of the city's most important soccer stadiums, Estadio Pacaembu. Though the museum does not have English translations, much of the displays are visual, and any soccer fan will appreciate the memorabilia, photos, and videos of soccer history. Visitors can also have a good look inside a real Brazilian soccer stadium--after all, this is Brazil , so a stadium is an important landmark in the city.

Edificio Italia

Edificio Italia is a tall building in the center of the city with a must-visit terrace restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a caipiroska or other  Brazilian cocktail with an outstanding view of the city. 

Museu de Arte de São Paulo

Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) sits on one of the city's grandest boulevards, Avenida Paulista. The modern style of its architecture does not match the art housed inside; this museum has perhaps the finest collection of western art in South America. Its permanent collection includes works by many European masters, such as Rembrandt, Velazquez, and Monet, but its temporary exhibitions explore various genres and are always high quality.

Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo

The Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo is one of the city's finest art museums. Inside visitors will find a large collection of Brazilian paintings which collectively display the history of this country. The museum also houses a nice collection of French sculpture. Downstairs is a lovely cafe with typical Brazilian food and snack options, and outside is a small sculpture garden and European style park in Parque da Luz.

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Nature & adventure travel blog

Best things to do in São Paulo, the largest city in the Western Hemisphere

São Paulo is the largest city not only in Brazil but in the entire Western Hemisphere. It is best known as the epicenter of Brazil’s economy and boasts a colossal population of 21 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area.

Although not many travelers include this megacity in their Brazil itinerary , there are a lot of fun things to do in São Paulo. With countless museums, cultural centers, fantastic restaurants, viewpoints and lush parks, this skyscraper-packed city has plenty to offer. And the lack of tourists just makes it even better.

As I have some family in São Paulo, I have visited this vibrant metropolis several times and explored it like a local. Every time I return though, I’m still blown away by the sheer size of this city!

São Paulo is mainly known as the financial hub of Brazil, but it’s also a real melting pot of cultures. It is home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan and a significant number of people of European, Arab, African and Jewish descent. 

This cultural diversity makes the city such an interesting place to visit as it manifests itself in São Paulo’s gastronomy, architecture, art and fashion. Thanks to its ethnically diverse culinary scene and world-class restaurants, São Paulo is sometimes also called the foodie heaven of South America.

Planning a trip to such a diverse and massive city might feel a bit overwhelming. To help you with this process, I created this blog post where I’ve picked the most exciting attractions and best things to do in São Paulo, or Sampa, as the locals call it. At the end of the post, I’ve also listed my recommendations on where to stay in São Paulo.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

What is the best time to visit São Paulo?

Although the weather is quite pleasant all year round, the best time to visit São Paulo is spring (September to November) when the temperatures are between 16-27°C (60-80°F) and there’s not much rain. 

If you’d like to experience the annual Brazilian Carnival – the biggest celebration of the year – visit Brazil in February or March. The 2024 Carnival will take place from February 9 to February 14.

How many days to spend in São Paulo?

The highlights of São Paulo can be visited within a few days, but if you really want to get a feel for the place and not just skim the surface, I recommend staying for four to five days.

Check out my travel video where you can get a glimpse of what to do in São Paulo – my first travel video ever!

Best things to do in São Paulo

1) stroll along paulista avenue (avenida paulista).

Paulista Avenue is the most famous street in São Paulo and the beating heart of the city. Lined with shops, restaurants, cultural centers and museums, this avenue is full of exciting places to explore. You could easily spend hours wandering around this street and not get bored. 

It’s also a popular gathering spot for street musicians, dancers and other performers. If you’re visiting São Paulo in the summertime (December to February), you’ll see many baterias (percussion bands) practicing for the annual carnival.

The best time to visit Paulista Avenue is on Sunday. That’s when the skyscraper-lined avenue is closed to cars and filled with pedestrians who gather here to do sports, go for a relaxing walk with their families, visit street markets and listen to live music.

While you’re at Avenida Paulista, consider visiting the following places:

• Itaú Cultural – a free cultural institute where you can see an interesting collection of artwork and documents depicting the colonial history of Brazil
• SESC Avenida Paulista – another cultural center with a free rooftop observation deck overlooking the avenue. It’s probably the best view of this iconic street so don’t miss it! Bear in mind that you have to reserve your time slot in advance and that the building is closed on Mondays.
• Japan House – a cultural center dedicated to Japanese culture and innovation; once again, free of charge.
• São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) – an internationally-recognised art museum, renowned for its unique architecture

With so many exciting places to visit (most of which are free), exploring Paulista Avenue is surely one of the top things to do in São Paulo.

P.S. If navigating such a huge city sounds overwhelming to you, consider joining a guided tour. Here are some great tour options which cover many of São Paulo highlights:

• 5-hour private tour of São Paulo
• 7-hour group tour of São Paulo
• São Paulo City bike tour

Cafes and restaurants around Paulista Avenue

There are also lots of great bars and restaurants on Paulista Avenue and the nearby streets of Rua Augusta and Rua Oscar Freire.

If you’d like to taste some sophisticated dishes made of traditional Brazilian ingredients, I highly recommend Balaio IMS . This restaurant was created by one of Brazil’s top chefs Rodrigo Oliveira and takes a modern twist on Brazilian cuisine. 

We tried a variety of dishes, which were all amazing and had some interesting flavors that were totally new to me.

A short walk from Paulista Avenue you’ll find Rua Oscar Freire, a cozy street with many cafes, restaurants and high-end stores. If you need some caffeine, head to Santo Grão , a stylish cafeteria with a relaxed atmosphere, great service and a wide selection of different types of coffee.

2) Relax at Ibirapuera Park (Parque Ibirapuera)

This park is probably my favourite spot in the city. It’s a soothing green oasis in the concrete jungle of São Paulo and offers the perfect retreat from the hectic city. Often compared to Central Park in New York, Ibirapuera Park is a great place for a stroll, a bike ride, a picnic, or an outdoor workout. On top of that, it also contains the Planetarium, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Afro Brazil Museum.

As Ibirapuera Park is huge (158 hectares), we decided to rent bikes to cruise around the vast green spaces. During our one-hour bike ride we saw large rubber trees, bamboo alleys and black swans gliding on the lakes. We admired colorful murals and the unique architecture of the buildings in the park and saw dozens of people practicing yoga, tai chi and other sports in the open air. The park is open every day from 5am until midnight.

Just next to Ibirapuera Park is the Museum of Contemporary Art of University of São Paulo (MAC USP) with 7 floors full of exhibitions including works of Picasso. Once again, all free of charge!

On the top floor of the building, there’s a huge rooftop terrace and the Michelin Guide Restaurant Vista offering spectacular 360-degree views of the skyline of São Paulo. For better visibility, go there on a clear sunny day. With its stylish interior, incredibly delicious food and epic panoramic views, this restaurant is an amazing place for dinner or drinks. I highly recommend you check out this museum, its rooftop and the restaurant!

3) Admire São Paulo street art at Beco do Batman (Batman Alley)

In the Vila Madalena neighborhood, there’s a winding pedestrian street called Beco do Batman or Batman Alley. If you’re even slightly into street art, this is a place you’re gonna love as the walls of the entire alley are covered with magnificent bright-colored murals. This is where you’ll find the best street art in São Paulo.

The history of the street dates back to the 1980s when the first drawing was made on the walls. As you might have guessed, it was a drawing of Batman. Soon after, more images were painted on the walls by local art students that eventually turned the street into an open-air gallery of urban art. Go have a look at these instagrammable masterpieces in daylight to be able to see all the vibrant colors!

Once you’ve got your dose of street art, take a stroll on the hilly streets of Vila Madalena. The neighborhood has a very different vibe from the rest of São Paulo. It is bohemian, artsy and alternative with artisanal shops, yoga studios, art galleries, and many hip bars and restaurants.

We explored Vila Madalena on a Monday afternoon which meant that the streets were very quiet and 90% of the bars and restaurants were closed. On the rest of the days however, the area is packed with trendy Paulistanos (residents of São Paulo) enjoying the nightlife of Vila Madalena. So I’ve been told.

4) Visit the Municipal Market of São Paulo (Mercadão)

Located in the historic center of the city, the Municipal Market of São Paulo, also known as Mercadão or Mercado Municipal, is a total food heaven. The place is packed with stands selling seafood, cheese, spices, nuts, and a mind-blowing selection of tropical fruits which you’ve probably never seen before and can sample for free.

Tasting all the amazing exotic fruits like cupuaçu, graviola, caja, seriguela, guava and acerola was one of my favorite things to do in São Paulo! Be aware of the ridiculous prices though. For 1kg of assorted fruits, we paid 79 Reais (14 Euros)! Mercadão is mostly visited by tourists and this is also reflected in the price level.

In addition to all the market stands, there’s also a food court where you can try some traditional Brazilian food , such as pastel (fried pastry) and bolinho de bacalhau (cod croquettes).

Mercado Municipal is also famous for its Mortadella sandwich, which contains a crazy amount of sausage and is occasionally referred to as ‘heart attack on a bun’. I decided to skip the opportunity to try this greasy pyramid of meat but a lot of people claim it tastes good.

5) Wander around the Liberdade district

For a taste of Asia, head to Liberdade aka the Japantown of São Paulo, which is home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan. As soon as you pass through the traditional Torii gate and see the red lanterns lining the streets, you’ll feel like you’ve been teleported to Japan. On weekends, there’s a fair in Liberdade with lots of stands selling oriental street food, handicrafts and souvenirs.

The neighborhood is rather small but full of Chinese, Korean and Japanese shops and authentic Asian restaurants. If you’re looking to eat sushi or ramen, this is the place to do it!

You can also take this Liberdade street food tour where you’ll taste mouthwatering Japanese, Brazilian and Korean snacks and learn about the history of this vibrant multicultural neighborhood.

Where to stay in São Paulo

If you’re wondering where to stay in São Paulo, here are my top picks for budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations.

BUDGET: Selina Madalena Selina is an amazing hospitality brand with locations all over Latin America. In São Paulo, you’ll find them in the hip Vila Madalena district, just steps away from the famous Batman Alley. From shared dorms to deluxe private rooms featuring Selina’s signature boho decor, there’s a variety of rooms to choose from. It’s one of the best places to stay in São Paulo if you want to meet other travelers.

MID-RANGE: Meliá Paulista The 5-star Meliá Paulista Hotel is perfectly located on Paulista Avenue, the most iconic street of São Paulo. With its bright and spacious rooms, a large indoor pool, a wellness and fitness center, this hotel offers its guests great value for money.

LUXURY: Hotel Unique Located in the chic Jardins district, Hotel Unique is one of the highest-rated hotels in São Paulo and the perfect option for those looking for some luxury. This 5-star hotel is best known for its extraordinary architecture – it’s shaped like a huge boat! It also has an amazing rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, an elegant restaurant and incredible views of São Paulo’s skyline.

Best things to do in São Paulo: map

On this map, you can find the locations of the best places to visit in São Paulo. Click on the top left corner for more details.

These were my top things to do in São Paulo if you only have a few days. I hope this article gave you some inspiration for planning your trip to this cosmopolitan city!

In case you have already been there – do you have any other tips for what to do in São Paulo? I’d love to check them out next time I visit “Sampa”. 🙂

You might also be interested in my other posts about Brazil:

• Taking a trip to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest: A complete guide
• How to spend 10 days in Brazil – 3 amazing itineraries
• Visiting Alter do Chão, a hidden gem in the Amazon
• 7 best things to do in Rio de Janeiro
• Visiting Iguazu Falls, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World
• Hiking in Brazil: Getting of the beaten path in Chapada Diamantina

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in São Paulo? Pin this post!

Visiting Alter do Chão, Brazil: A hidden gem in the Amazon region

How to visit the Amazon rainforest in Brazil: A complete guide

How to visit Iguazu Falls in Brazil: Everything you need to know

How to spend 10 days in Brazil – 3 epic itineraries

Things to do in Chapada Diamantina besides hiking

Hiking in Brazil: getting off the beaten path in Chapada Diamantina

16 comments.

I’m hoping to do a really long trip in South America sometime next year and this is definitely one of the places I’d love to go! I’ll be saving this post for when I do 😁 thanks for sharing!

You are very welcome 🙂 . Sounds like an awesome plan! I’m sure you’re gonna love it 🙂

what a stunning article and location! Your pictures make me wanna go there even more! thank you for sharing!

Thanks a lot Tia! 🙂

I never knew much about Sao Paulo, looks like a great place..the food pics are so tempting

Yeah the food was so different from what I’m used to but it tasted amazing!

São Paolo sounds amazing!!! I’ve never been to Brazil, but it’s definitely on my list. I’ll have to check out São Paolo when I go!

I can definitely recommend it! Especially because there are not as many tourists around as in Rio de Janeiro for example!

Sao Paulo, my home town! What a great guide and I am so happy to see your complete guide and how much you enjoyed it!

I really did and I can’t wait to go back! I was actually supposed to go there again this June but due to Coronavirus my plans are unfortunately cancelled. 🙁

Looks like an amazing place to visit! The food looked so good.

Yeahh Brazilian food is amazing!

You might want to update for future travels – beca do batman was painted entirely black in protest of recent killings of poc.

I just heard about it in the news! And thank you for pointing this out. Will update right away!

I loved your article and the fact that you enjoyed your stay here. Next time, don’t forget to visit Vila Lobos Park and if you are a foodie like me, Moema, Pinheiros and Itaim Bibi neighborhoods are amazing, with lots of restaurants, coffee shops and bars as well. Every street or corner is a surprise to the eyes.

Glad to hear you enjoyed the article! 🙂 And thanks for the tips! I have driven through these neighborhoods but I think I need to go back to properly explore them again!

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30 Things to Do in São Paulo, Brazil

…a.k.a. “reasons to get inspired to visit São Paulo” because this is one cool city! If you are looking for things to do in São Paulo, this list is a great place to start. And this guide to cheap eats in Brazil and this Pinterest board of places in São Paulo will also help.

Plus some of the best Brazil guidebooks: (click the image for a link to the book)

Looking for a place to stay? Try Booking.com for the best hotel deals.

I started to travel to  São Paulo in 2000, to visit my then-boyfriend, a São Paulo native. That guy later became my husband, and the last 18 years have included annual trips to Brazil to visit family. With locals showing me around, I have an “insider’s view” of sorts, but this post has been updated with the help of my friend Rodrigo of Checklist Tours.

For the average visitor, it can be hard to know what to do in  São Paulo.  It’s not the most tourist-friendly city because it’s spread out, parts of it are unsafe, and it doesn’t have one central location where all the action can be found (unlike the beaches of Rio, for example). However, the following list will give you ideas of what to do in São Paulo, especially if you’re looking for affordable activities.

First, see my suggestions for what to wear in Brazil:

Read more: What to pack for Brazil

Culture, Architecture, Museums, and More

1.  samba saturday.

This is a must! Live Samba music is played in many of the city’s bars on Saturdays. Eating lunch, having drinks, and dancing to live Samba is a way for Paulistanos to relax after a busy workweek. The best place to experience live Samba and traditional Saturday food ( feijoada ) is Bar Samba in Vila Madalena .

It opens around 1:00-1:30 p.m. and stays open until late at night, but get there early to get a table and eat their excellent feijoada (the traditional Brazilian feast of beans, rice, dried meat, kale, farofa , and oranges). The interior is an old house that was converted and decorated with colorful painting on the walls. The crowd is fun, but remember: don’t bring your inhibitions. Instead, talk to people, try the various caipirinhas, and dance!

Two other options in Vila Madalena for an evening night out are Pau Brasil and Ó do Borogodó.

2. MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo)

São Paulo has many great museums , but MASP is São Paulo’s best art museum. It holds the finest collection of Western art in Latin America and hosts fantastic temporary exhibitions. Tuesdays and Thursday evenings after 5 p.m. are free to the public, but coming here on a Sunday is fun, as you can see in #3 below.

Read more: the Museum of Art in São Paulo

3. Antiques + Handicrafts + Street food

On Sundays, the area around MASP on Avenida Paulista hosts two great outdoor markets. The space under the museum becomes a huge antiques market, and the space across the street is a handicrafts market where great street food is sold. If you’re in the Bixiga neighborhood, try the antiques market at Praça Don Orione on Sundays.

4.  Experience the city’s nicest architecture

One of the 20th century’s greatest architects, Oscar Niemeyer , was Brazilian, and there are several places where you can see his work in São Paulo. The most striking features of his work are curving lines (which he likened to a woman’s body) and creating the effect of defying gravity. These interesting buildings are a nice break from the seemingly endless white apartment towers so typical of São Paulo. Specific places to see his work follow (see #5, 6, 7, 16 below), but besides modern architecture, the city has some nice, if run down, examples of colonial and historic architecture.

Read more: visiting Parque Ibirapuera

5.  Parque Ibirapuera

Parque Ibirapuera is the city’s largest green space and one of the largest city parks in Latin America. There is plenty to do here…paths to walk or bike or people watch, museums, Niemeyer architecture , a lake, and more.

Museums to visit in São Paulo:

6.  museu afro-brasil.

This is one of the nicest museums in the city, which is saying a lot because São Paulo has several excellent museums . It is housed in another Niemeyer designed building. When I was there, the information was only in Portuguese, but even if that’s still the case, the exhibits of the history of African culture in Brazil are fascinating.

7. Latin America Memorial

The  Memorial da América Latina  is a complex of buildings designed by Niemeyer to honor the struggles of the Latin American people and provide a place where celebrations or public events can take place. The buildings include a library, research center, displays of art including Latin American folk art, and the Brazilian Center for Latin American Studies. It makes a nice place to walk around and notice the interesting features of the architecture, but be sure to go inside the buildings if possible.

8.  Pinacoteca do Estado

Another lovely museum in São Paulo, the Pinacoteca houses a huge collection of Brazilian art that serves as a visual story of the country’s history and cultural evolution, as well as a nice collection of 19th century French sculpture. The museum has a beautiful café downstairs and is connected to Parque da Luz, a public park that includes outdoor sculptures and a European-style garden area (that are shared with some unusual characters).

Read more: where to see art in Brazil

9. Soccer Museum

The Museu de Futebol is located in Estadio Pacaembu, one of the city’s largest soccer stadiums. If you love soccer, you will enjoy the vintage soccer displays, interactive exhibits, and celebrations of World Cup history and Brazilian soccer stars. As you exit, there is a nice gift shop and a café with live music on most weekends. Admission is about $3 and the museum is open Tues.-Sun.

10.  Benedito Calixto all-day market on Saturdays

Besides Samba Saturday (see #1 above), this is my favorite thing to do on Saturdays in São Paulo. The  Calixto  outdoor market goes all day on Saturdays, with antiques and handicrafts vendors starting in the morning and live music and dancing starting around noon in the market’s central food court. The live music is chorinho , a very Brazilian style of music that is samba-influenced, and many people go to the market just for this.

The food court sells dried fruits, nuts, coconut water, acarajé and other traditional food from Northeastern Brazil, traditional Brazilian sweets, and healthier versions of esfihas and other traditional Brazilian snacks, including a whole-wheat esfiha stuffed with escarole and tofu.

The area around the Calixto market is fun to explore. The streets that immediately surround the market have quirky shops and small restaurants, and the nearby street Teodoro Sampaio is full of shops selling traditional Brazilian instruments (fantastic!).

11.  Street art

São Paulo is considered one of the best cities in the world for the development of creativity in street art . There are many fantastic examples of street art in Sao Paulo , especially in the city center, but for some of the best, visit the area of  Vila Madalena  (see #19). Head for Beco do Batman (Batman’s Alley, above), off Rua Harmonia just before Rua Luis Murat.

Read more: where to see street art in São Paulo

12. Museu Paulista

Museu Paulista, also known as Museu do Ipiranga, was built in 1895 to preserve 400 years of Brazilian history and houses old maps, photographs, paintings, and furniture. It is located inside an impressive Neo-Classical palace with European-style gardens. Unfortunately, the museum is located far away from the city center, in the Ipiranga neighborhood, and is closed for renovations, but you can still walk around the outside while visiting the gardens.

13. Butantan

One of the largest biomedical research facilities in the world, Instituto Butantan was founded in 1901. It is open to the public and provides a nice place to walk, see snakes in the serpentarium, and learn about the development of vaccines and anti-venom.

14. Municipal Market

The huge municipal market in downtown São Paulo is not to be missed, partly because it is housed inside a lovely neo-classical building with stained glass windows, but also because of the array of food sold there. In the area around the market, be safe–don’t bring valuables with you, and keep a close eye on your belongings. It is not far from #15 and #16 below, and the nearby streets are run down but include many of the city’s grand old buildings. For more, see this Sao Paulo market video.

15. Praça da Republica Market on Sundays

One of the largest outdoor markets in São Paulo , this one is full of artisans and a nice selection of food vendors selling freshly made treats from Northeastern Brazil. There are small tables where you can sit with your snack and drink and enjoy live music. The market takes place in the square surrounding one of the city’s beautiful old buildings. If you come by subway, get off at the Republica station.

Another of Niemeyer’s famous designs, Copan is a well-known image of São Paulo because of the tall building’s characteristic curve. It is actually an apartment building that was originally built to house people of all social classes–it contains both small studio apartments and large 25,000 square foot apartments.

Copan is worth a look from the outside, but an even better option is to visit the nearby Italy Building ( Edifício Itália ) and go to the top floor Terraço Itália  restaurant for a panoramic view of the city, including Copan, especially at sunset. Access is free Monday-Friday 4:00-5:00 p.m., but you may have to pay a cover charge and buy a drink if you go at other times. My husband’s father was the manager of this restaurant, so I have heard many stories about it.

Cool Neighborhoods & Streets in São Paulo

17. avenida paulista.

Avenida Paulista is the city’s grandest boulevard, filled with a fun mix of historic and modern buildings and plenty of shopping, nightlife, museums, and a native forest in Parque Trianon (across from MASP, #2 above). The world’s largest gay pride parade takes place here in May/June. It’s also supposedly the most expensive real estate in Latin America. The whole avenue runs along a subway line and is therefore easily reached by public transport.

The Ciclofaixas de Lazer , or “leisure cycle lanes,” open on Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include places to rent bikes (I’ve heard you get one hour for free). The day I was there, families gathered on Avenida Paulista and rode bikes and scooters or gathered around bands and street performers. These 141 km of car-free biking paths are on some of the city’s best streets and connect to city parks, making this one of the best ways to get to know the city and to spend time outdoors with locals.

18.  Stay on Alameda Santos

Next to Avenida Paulista is Alameda Santos, a bit less busy but a central location for renting an apartment through Airbnb . Get $40 off your first stay here !

19. Vila Madalena

Vila Madalena is an artsy neighborhood with nice art galleries, arts & crafts shops, and bookstores and with great nightlife in its restaurants, corner bars, and botecos (small bar/restaurants). Come here for samba, as mentioned in #1 above, or just mingle with locals enjoying live music and petiscos (tapas) at the botecos .

Brazil is home to the largest population of Italians outside of Italy , many of whom are centered in São Paulo because their ancestors came to work the coffee plantations of the interior of São Paulo state. If you are into food, don’t miss the restaurants in this neighborhood.

21. Liberdade

Brazil has the largest number of Japanese living outside Japan of any country in the world, and many of these Japanese Brazilians live in São Paulo. The Japanese neighborhood, called Liberdade, is a fun place to explore and see how the influence of Japan has influenced Brazilian life here and, of course, try some great food. On Sundays, an enormous market takes place in the public square of Liberdade, and thousands of people from around the city attend.

What to eat and drink in São Paulo

Besides the above-mentioned Samba Saturday lunches and restaurants in the Bixiga and Liberdade neighborhoods, you may want to check out the following:

22.  Vegetarian restaurants

Brazil is more known for its beef and pork, but there are many good vegetarian restaurants in São Paulo. Many of them are buffet style and offer vegetarian and vegan dishes and natural juices. A small one that I like is Alcaparra, at Av. Pompéia, 2544, but Apfel in downtown, Banana Verde in Vila Madalena, and Asparagus off Avenida Paulista are also good.

23. Churrascaria

No visit to Brazil would be complete without eating at a good churrascaria. Expect lots and lots of food! The price of the meal includes all the food you can eat but not the drinks or desserts. The meal usually begins with various appetizers arriving at the table and continues with the salad/sushi/hot dish bar; soon after, Gaucho-dressed waiters, known as  passadores , visit the table with various cuts of beef on huge skewers. You can point to the place where you want them to cut the meat or let them know that you do not want any. Chicken hearts, sausages, grilled pineapple, and grilled fish are usually served as well.

24.  Drink coffee

Though Starbucks has become trendy among the rich in São Paulo, Brazilian coffee is the real deal here. In fact, Brazil is the world’s largest producer of coffee, and if you watch the locals, you will see that they drink plenty of it, too. Stop at a café or padaria and order a cafezinho (espresso), cafe com leite , or cafe pingado (hot milk with a shot of espresso added to it, slightly stronger than cafe com leite). I don’t recommend ordering cappuccino because chocolate is added, unless you like coffee that tastes like chocolate.

25. Neighborhood markets

No matter where you are staying, ask where the nearest feira (outdoor market) is. Small neighborhood markets make a perfect place to not just buy fresh produce but also get an up-close view of the beautiful displays of fruits, veggies, eggs, and other products, usually arranged perfectly on tables covered in colorful striped tarps. I love the care that goes into these local pop-up markets. (Learn more about the fruit in Brazil .)

CEASA (pronounced say-AH-zah) is the food market to visit in Brazil. It covers 7.5 million square feet and is one of the largest food markets in all of Latin America . You will see beautiful displays of every variety of fruit imaginable from Brazil and beyond. This is where my husband spent his Sunday mornings shopping with his mom. Open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. CEASA is a bit out of the city center and is probably most easily reached by taxi.

CEASA also hosts the largest flower and plant market in Brazil on Tuesday and Friday mornings (it’s finished by 10:30, so get here early) in the MLP Pavilion of CEASA.

27.  The best Brazilian street snack: pastel

Pastel (plural = pasteis) is a deep-fried dough stuffed with your choice of filling, from “pizza” (tomato, basil, and cheese) to ground beef or palm hearts. Look for pastel sellers at outdoor markets or at pastelerias , common on the streets of São Paulo.

28. Eat at a padaria

Padarias , or bakeries, are like the daily cafés of Brazil. Brazilians flock here in the morning for excellent coffee, a quick breakfast, and juice. They may also stop in at lunch or in the evening for pizza, fresh pao de queijo (hot cheese bread), or a meal (some padarias offer buffet food por kilo , or by the kilo).

29. Drink coconut water & visit juice bars

Drinking coconut water is a normal part of most Brazilians’ routine, and it’s available all over the streets of São Paulo. Look for guys selling it on street corners, from vans like the one below, or at outdoor markets. It’s a great way to hydrate on a hot day. Also worth trying (a few times) are the enormous variety of juices available at juice bars. Don’t be surprised if they ask you if you want sugar in your juice; many juices are made from frozen pulp of fruits from the Amazon, and they are sour without the addition of sugar.

30. One of the city’s specialties: Pizza!

Paulistanos love to eat pizza, and their pizza is good! You can order it from the neighborhood pizzeria to pick up or for delivery. Though it’s not exactly cheap (almost nothing in São Paulo is!), it makes an easy and reliable meal. My favorite is “rucola” (above): arugula with sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives.

I hope these ways to experience the culture, markets, and food in São Paulo help you if you’re visiting the city or inspire you to learn more about the largest city in South America (and one of the largest cities in the world). São Paulo definitely has its problems, but it is a vibrant city that is on its way to becoming a real tourist destination.

Have you been to São Paulo? Which of these suggestions appeal to you?

Resources for more information:

A Beach Vacation on the Costa Verde

What to Pack for Brazil

All my blog posts about Brazil

Trip Savvy Brazil for tons of resources about travel in Brazil

Veja São Paulo : a magazine sold at the newsstands and includes a guide to city restaurants and events

Total SP Guide : a very cool website for what’s happening in São Paulo

“ The New New São Paulo” from NYTimes Magazine

A Guide to São Paulo from the NYTimes

Lunching in São Paulo from NYTimes Travel

“You Will Love São Paulo. Please?” a fun article written two friends, one an expat (NYT Travel writer Seth Kugel) and the other a visitor to São Paulo

“14 things to know before you go” on Roads & Kingdoms

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179 Comments

What a fantastic post Jenna! I just watched Anthony Bourdain visiting Sao Paolo and he made me really want to go… you ever more so!

I saw that episode–it was a good one. If you haven’t been to Brazil, I think you and your family would love it. Too bad it’s so expensive, though!

Hi I am Brazilian. Things here are not that expensive. Unfortunately, most vendors charge more expensive when they know you are a tourist and do not speak Portuguese 🙁 my advice is when you are here, know the places with a Brazilian at his side, so you will not be mistaken, or just come to trustworthy places. I’m trying to improve my English, so if you need information or help on here, I’ll be happy to help you.

Thanks for the tip! I always travel with my Brazilian family members so have not experienced vendors charging more, but that’s a common issue in many countries.

I’ll admit, Brazil isn’t high on my list of places I want to go, but I think I could live with some time in Sao Paulo.

Since you love Europe (as I do), you would enjoy Brazil. Plenty of culture and history, but also a really fun, vibrant culture that you can see in the people, places, markets, etc.

Great guide to Sao Paulo, Jenna! Looks like there are quite a variety of food choices. Did you try the cashew apples? I’ve tried it once and liked it quite a bit.

Thank you! Yes, I have tried them (caju in Portuguese), and I wasn’t crazy about them, but I love the juice. Has an unusual flavor but I really like it.

Dear Jena I am a doctor visiting for a conference in July 2015.is it a safe place. I need a company to show me around the great features of Sao pauloo

I’m not too keen on selling myself, but I run a city tours company in São Paulo and our Tripadvisor reviews speak for themselves.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303631-d2510383-Reviews-Checklist_Private_Tours-Sao_Paulo_State_of_Sao_Paulo.html

We’d be honored to show you the most amazing places in São Paulo. Cheers

Hi Sanjay, It is safe, but like in any major city, you want to take precautions. Don’t go out at night if you can avoid it, don’t go to areas that seem seedy, keep your valuables safe. I would recommend a tour company and think it’s great that Rodrigo has included his link here.

I’m glad you’re not offended, Jenna. As Sanjay was specifically asking for help with a tour company, I thought it was fine to jump in. Abraços from SP

Deat Jena. I wanted to know what would be a good earn job in sao paulo? Even in CRAGESP. I’m going to start a business here and will be glad to hear your comments. Tnx a lot.

Do you think importing carpets, will be a good idea?

Great resource for people visiting Sao Paulo Jenna. Thanks for mentioning a restaurant that has vegan food!

Thanks, Kate! I am not vegan but definitely support that style of eating. There are many good vegan restaurants in SP!

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i really would like to get to Brazil. i think i’d like it a lot. i need to go on a diet first though. those swimsuits they wear down there are tiny 😉

Ha! I know what you mean about those swimsuits. When I am on the beach in Brazil, I feel so American, but I can’t do the Brazilian style bikini.

You don’t need to go on a diet first. Not every woman down here wears those tiny pieces of fabric. You will be just fine. Check Brazil on your list and come visit us. Just do Like Jenna and feel so American.. 😉

Jenna, love your opening shot’s composition and its golden hour light!

We haven’t made it to South America yet, but it’s definitely calling (especially the cuisine you describe here). 🙂 We’ll have to keep this post filed away for a future visit.

Thanks, Tricia! That photo was taken just before sunset. If you love Europe (and I know you do!), you will find that there’s a lot to like about Brazil!

I love these ideas. I’ve got a brother in Rio right now and he is getting ready to hit up SP. I’ve emailed this to him and told him he needs to do some of these things.

Thanks, Sheldon. I hope he enjoys his time in SP.

Hi Jenna, Just came across this today, great post, well done. I would like to interview you about this on my Talk 2 Brazil internet radio program which is broadcast on LA Talk Radio. If interested answer to my e mail. Best from Brazil, Tom

Thanks, Tom! I will be in touch soon.

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I’m a brazilian and I’m surprised! What a great selection of everything! I came across to your post, searching for SP good tips in English for my foreign friends.

Thanks a lot, will be very useful.

Thank you! The stamp of approval from a local means a lot 🙂

I have to agree with Anelise. Being born and raised in Sao Paulo, I have to say you are a great ambassador to the city. Congrats.

Please consider a sequel 🙂

Hi Jenna, This is a great and very useful post, thanks. I have been to São Paolo several times and always feel a bit lost where to go, what to do, etc. Next time I can use your list. The pizza of the Sampas is definitely my number 1 in the world, it can easily beat the Italian. There is this one thing that we did last time which I did not see on your list but could certainly recommend: going to the rooftop terrace of the hotel Unique for a cocktail or dinner. It has amazing views over the city, especially by night. Chau, Lydian

Hi Lydian and Jenna, I’m from São Paulo born and raised. Right now I’m hosting an american friend for a week. Your list is very handy and I had to congratulate you through this post, we managed to do 9 of the cool things you listed in 2 days =) I hope we can complete all 30 by the end of the week. As pointed out by Lydian, Unique rooftop terrace is one of the coolest places I’ve ever been in Brazil, and is definitely a place that should be included in your future list, I’m prolly gonna take him there this week.

I’m dying to get to Brazil!! Hopefully for the World Cup…

We are debating the World Cup. It would be fun but also full of a lot of hassles (traffic, crowds), which wouldn’t be the easiest with kids. I know you will love Brazil, though. Such a fun country.

This must have taken you a while to put this together. Great list!

Yes, these 30 things posts do take a long time, but I think it’s worth it.

What a great, in depth review. Dying to make it to Brazil!

Thanks! I am sure you will love it. Such an interesting country and great people.

Wonderful post! I love Sao Paulo and you reminded me of the MASP (I love that building!) and the fact that Ave Paulista mixes commercial structures with some of the former homes that must have graced the avenue decades ago. That was definitely one of my favorite things about that awesome avenue. If and I when I return to SP, this will be my guide!

Thanks, Raul! I hope you enjoy your next visit there. I’m sure you will!

Such a great article, Jenna! You’ve covered some of the greatest things one can do and appreciated in São Paulo. I can see you love the food in our city, your post made me feel hungry. I’ll have to beat the record breaking cold (8C or 45F) and rush to a padaria for a nice hot espresso and some pão de queijo! 🙂

It’s a huge compliment when a local has such kind words. Thank you so much! And yes, I heard it is very cold there now. Kinda glad I stayed in California this July even though we had a terrible heat wave earlier this month.

Great article!!! I think some of São Paulo´s most delicious pizza is in Mooca, the italian neighborhood.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Thank you for the tour of Sao Paulo. I will be going there at the end of Dec. 2013. Can you tell me where is the best place to stay.

I always stay with family, so I don’t have specific recommendations, but my husband recommends finding a place on Airbnb, VRBO, or a similar site near Avenida Paulista, such as on Alameda Santos street.

Great post. Just like to add that there is a train station at Ceasa, so it’s a very convinient way to go there. Definitely worth a visit!

Great! Thanks for the helpful tip!

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Great article. Thanks for the suggestions. Will be there in July 2014. Can’t wait.

Glad you found it helpful. Have a great trip next year!

Mina.. If you need some assistance while in Sao Paulo let me know.. I can show you things around if you want. I was living in US for the past two years, just got back.

Hi! I have just moved to Brazil 3 weeks ago (Brasilia actually) and hubby and I are off to Sao Paulo tomorrow for a long weekend, which I’m really excited about! Although we are visiting family, I loved this post, as it has given me some good starting off points as to what I want to do while I’m there (I am sure it will be the first of many trips!)

Wow, what an experience that will be living in Brazil! I hope you enjoy Sao Paulo and the rest of your travels in that beautiful country! 🙂

Thank you for this great article! My husband and I moved to São Paulo two months ago, and I’m still trying to get to know the city. Based on its size, this may take me some time! We lived in temporary housing in Jardins for the first month, and I took weekly trips to Av. Paulista and Trianon Park. We just moved into our permanent place in Moema about a month ago, and took our first trip to Ibirapuera Park this past weekend. I can’t wait to keep exploring this amazing city!!

Diana, how are you doing so far?! Did you get to check Jenna’s list?! I live in Vila Mariana, not so far from you and 10min away from Ibirapuera Park by bus, let me know if you would be willing to hang out with me and a friend who just got back from US.

Now i cant wait for my 2 month brazil adventure

Hey Simon is that you? Did we meet in Rio during the world cup? Dido , you and me (Paul)? Remember? We had quite a time painting at the AirBNB event? I am sorry if this is not you. But if it is you, YEAH!

Cheers Paul

Just found your post and am hoping you will see my question, as it is “ferias” in Brazil and I think everyone is at the beach. I am going to the consulate in SP next week, with my two kids. I want to spend a few days and see some of SP. But, I am intimidated by the distances and traffic. I have visions of spending all our time crisscrossing the city and seeing very little. Could you possibly “group” these sights by area and what could be easily seen in a days outing? I would appreciate your insiders view. Obrigada, Lora

Hi Lora, Good question. #1-10 are pretty central and are basically in the same general area. For me, it really depends on the day. The feira + visiting MASP on Avenida Paulista on Sundays is a good day. Plan to go to Samba Bar for Samba Saturdays as soon after 1:00 as you can. It is so worth it! I also love the flea market at Praca Benedito Calixto on Saturdays. You could do that first and then go to Samba Saturday.

Any day of the week, I would spend one day in Ibirapuera Park, too. There are plenty of museums and other activities in the park to keep you guys busy. It is not far from Avenida Paulista, so you could group those together with a visit to MASP.

Ipiranga and CEASA are a ways out, so you might want to rule those out.

Butantan is worth visiting if you’re with kids.

Thank you Jenna, will be in Sao Paulo in 10 days for business … now am excited!

Good! I hope you enjoy your stay!

Thank you, I found your information extremely interesting, but I’m afraid rather sad, it confirms what I expected, there is nothing to see worth seeing except the Museum of Ipiranga. I’ve loved exploring the country, but culturally it is a desert. Most people seem to live on junk as they do in the US. I love pizza, once a year and I prefer it in Naples. I’m bored by South American Museums with nothing in them but stuffed monkeys or pop art. I prefer the great painters, even by this stage an Impressionist! I haven’t come to this country to watch people buy food or shop for tacky clothes, mostly made in China. I was fascinated by Brasilia, I remember reading about the new city as a child and thinking what a waste of space. Of course at that age I hadn’t thought, what a waste of money and resources! Thousands of acres of mowing and watering, millions of air miles for commuting politicians who can’t live somewhere so boring, and buildings, an architecture so unsuitable to its climate that you could cook an Elephant on its windows and can never open your heatproof curtains or switch off the air-conditioning. Of course Brasilia has killed Rio, that now has no raisin d’être apart from wedging yourself onto a beach or mounting a Sugar Loaf. It is still a Port I admit, but imagine it if it was still a City, a great city as it once was, not degenerating into a tourist dump with the worst food in South America, it’s like Venice! Revolting food, people only go there these days to shop for Chinese exports and get robbed! Anyway, after seeing Brasilia, I am never going to pick up a towel in an hotel, to ‘save the planet’ again, but I shall risk being mugged and try and find your Museum today, Thank you, Timothy

Thanks for stopping by. You have some valid points, although I disagree that the only thing worth seeing is the Museum of Ipiranga. I think Sao Paulo has a good array of museums, actually, in addition to other fun or interesting activities. Maybe going to a market is not interesting to you, but I enjoy it, and I am sure not to buy anything made in China at a Brazilian market. Brasilia is indeed an unusual city, but I need to go there and learn more about it before I can voice an opinion about it.

Jenna, just read your post. Well done. Sometimes when you are a local you can’t seem to see how many cool things there are to enjoy around you. The crazy life with no time to do anything but work absorbs all your energy and when the weekend comes all you can do is stay inside or worse, in bed all day. Anyway, just stopping by to say that your list is fantastic and I gotta confess that I had no idea about a couple things that you’ve said. And I am visiting one of these places today. Hope you come back soon and not that I think you need a guide, you are already one, but we can go grab a drink if you’d like.

Thanks, Riane! I’m glad you approve of my suggestions 🙂

I spent last week in Sao Paulo, and used this blog as my guide. I had a fabulous time – we visited about 75% of the places recommended on this site. All were well worth the visit. Thanks for sharing your experiences and making being a tourist in Sao Paulo less intimidating. I would also recommend the FREE English speaking walking tour [Meeting Point: República Square, next to the Tourist Information Center (subway station: República) on Wednesdays and Saturdays] Great tour guide Fe showed us around and I learned a lot. There is also one available for Paulista Avenue on Thursdays and Sundays at 3.30pm. On the recommendation of a local I also took 2 buses to the Foundacao Maria Luisa e Oscar Americano museum in Av. Morumbi, 4077 where they have impressive artwork from Brazil and also a lovely tea room.

Hi Brenda, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this comment. It is so important for me to hear this kind of feedback. I also find Sao Paulo intimidating, so I am glad that these suggestions helped you, and I’m glad you recommended the tour guides. I will try those! I hope to be back in SP this year and may update this list with some new ideas.

Thanks so much for this list Jenna. I’ll be traveling to Brazil in April and will be spending a day in Sao Paolo before traveling on to the south of the country. Because it’s so sprawling, I am worried that Sao Paolo is the sort of place that a person can only enjoy if he knows someone who lives there. And honestly, touristy Rio and megalopolis Sao Paolo have never been on my list of Brazilian places to visit. I’m not much of a city person and am much more interested in the Afro-Brazilian northeast, the Euro-Brazilian south or natural wonders like Iguacu, the Pantanal or the Amazon. But I might decide to spend an extra day in Sao Paolo, just to get a feel for the place and to check out some of the cool things you’ve described. The largest city in the country should definitely be more than just a layover !!

Thanks for your comment. 🙂 I also am more interested in the places you’ve mentioned, but I haven’t had a chance to travel to many places outside SP because we go there to spend time with family. I think Avenida Paulista (e.g. MASP) and Ibirapuera are close enough that you could combine them into a good day, and then at night you can take a cab to enjoy the live music and/or theater. I should make a map for this list. Will add that as soon as I can.

Philip.. I live in Brazil.. Reach me if you want/need a guide.. I will be more than happy to help you around the city. Safe travels!! 🙂

Thanks for reaching out, Riane. Sao Paulo is intimidating, so having a local guide is a great help!

My pleasure, Jenna!! Currently I am lending a hand to a French friend who I met while in Seatlle. And has been great because I haven’t visited most of these places. So I can get to know my city too. 🙂

Hi Philip, you should definitely check-out the Afro Brazilian Museum at Ibirapuera Park, then!

Good suggestion! I wonder if they’ve added English translations yet. It’s a fantastic museum but a little hard for non-Portuguese-speaking people to navigate since they can’t read the descriptions of the exhibits.

I know, it’s a major problem at the Football (Soccer) Museum, too, very little signage in English. It’s been a while I haven’t been to the Afro-Brazilian Museum, so I’m not sure they have made any improvements in that respect.

True. If a country wants to attract international tourism, English signage is important. Museums everywhere can be slow to change (or lacking in funds), but I was surprised about the lack of translations at the Museo Afro-Brasil because it’s a fairly new, modern, and very nice museum.

Really appreciate this blog. I would be travelling to Sao Paulo in the last week of this month (March) and honestly was clueless on how & where to go about. Although am on a business visit, but would not have liked to miss the opportunity to take a small tour of the place (at least some of them depending on the availability of time). Would also like to mention that I was a bit apprehensive of the locals understanding English, which might have compounded my problems. But am finding this information of yours very useful. Will definitely try to visit some of the landmarks mentioned.

Thanks Suraj

Hi Suraj, It is an overwhelming city, but with some plans, I think you will enjoy it! Have a nice trip!

Thanks a lot. Would like your advice on the local transportation. Is taxi a good option since I would be hopping between meetings. Do the taxi drivers understand English? Also is it preferable to hire a taxi for an entire day or hire a new taxi each time I leave a meeting & go for the next meeting.

I apologize for bombarding you with so much questions, but since it’s my first time to Brazil, am a bit apprehensive.

Thanks, Suraj

Hello Suraj, Most (almost all) taxi drivers do not understand English. You will be better served to hire an English speaking professional for the day principally for multi meetings in the same day. Check out http://www.spintours.com.br for assistance. Best Tom

Good suggestion, Tom! Thank you.

Honestly I have not taken more than a couple of taxis there, so I wouldn’t really know. In general, the people you encounter in the service industry don’t speak English well, but there are many people there who speak excellent English. When I travel to another country, I try to rely on writing things down…for example, when I’m in a taxi, I write down my destination and show it to the driver.

Thanks Jenna,

You have really been very helpful.

Great suggestions! I live in São Paulo and I agree with all of them!!! Thanks!!

Thank you!! It means a lot. 🙂

what a good list,i live in são paulo,I was born in São Paulo ,I am in são paulo now,You focused on the São Paulo´s good places you filtered the beautiful parts of the city ,.

I’m glad you approve. 🙂 Hearing that from a local means a lot.

u really helped me to plan my 2days stay in sao on z first week april, hopefully i will try to reach most of z landmarks zat u suggest. i am planning for these below …but i’m just wondering zat any of these are out of z city or some how far from z city or accessible by taxi or may be metro?? kindly advice MASP ,Bar Samba,Parque Ibirapuera ,Museu Afro-Brasil,Museu de Futebol and Liberdade

Hi Araya, All the places are inside the city and can be reached by taxi and metro. Ibirapuera and Museu Afro-Brasil are in the same place and are not far from MASP, which is next to the Trianon metro station.

Hi Jenna. Great Post to help me plan my up coming trip. Was just wondering, I will be looking for accommodation through AirBnB but not sure what location to focus on. SP seems sooo huge it is getting overwhelming looking for an ideal location. Is central really not as safe as I have been told?

Hi Ann, My husband recommends Alameda Santos, a street that’s next to the central Avenida Paulista, so it’s near attractions and public transport. The very downtown of SP, which is a different area, is less safe and therefore should be avoided for accommodations. I know SP is overwhelming. 🙂

Do you know about the Butnata district of Sao Paulo? I am planning on staying at the NAHU hostel in this district and it seems to be in a more residential area and on the outskirts of the downtown area. Any suggestions or advice about staying on this side of town? Thanks!

Hi Austin, I live rather close to this area – in SP terms, that means about 3 miles. But I live in Pinheiros, on the other side of Pinheiros river, that means closer to downtown. This area you’ll stay in residential and rather uninteresting for foreigner, apart from a brief visit to Butantan Snake Farm (a leading research center developing venons etc where you can see snakes and spiders in terrariums). The University of Sao Paulo (USP) campus is also nice for a stroll in an sunny afternoon, lots of green and pleasant spaces.

Otherwise, you’ll probably be commuting all the time from the central areas to the hostel to sleep. Most probably the fastest way would be taking the subway at Butantã metro station (end of the yellow line) which takes you in less than 15 min to central areas like Paulista Ave. and downtown SP. The hostel should be able to indicate the right buses to get you there, probably some 15 min. bus trip. Keep in mind that transit operates only until midnight, so you’d have to plan your nights out accordingly or spare some money for taxis.

Hey!! Thank you so much…i’m going with my Boyfriend to meet his family in December… BIG HUGE Brazilian family and i am asian.. thanks for the tips ..i love flea markets and food! can’t wait to go now…!! yay!!

I remember that first trip to meet my boyfriend’s family in Brazil (he’s my husband now). Be sure to have him take you around. Being with a local there is the best. 🙂

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Thank you for this information, it is most helpful! We have one day in SP and 4 kids ages 8-15. You mentioned you have children, which of your suggestions do you find your kids enjoy most? We travel a lot and sometimes I feel like we are dragging the kids around a lot, especially in Europe and NYC with all the museums. So while the hubby and I like museums, we have 6 hours with one private driver–what do you suggest we do to maximize our time? Our hotel is near Avenida Paulista and Alameda Santos–all walking distance. I’d like our driver to maybe start at locations near that and branch out.

We love markets, dance, interesting architecture, and of course, great food. We can do museums, botanical gardens/parks on our own.

Any suggestions on things we can tell our driver to take us to would be wonderful.

I am Riane Ferrari and I live in São Paulo, close to where you are staying at Av Paulista. I would gladly help you out offering my services as a Personal Concierge. Have lived in US for two years as an Au Pair so I have some experience with kids as well. I don’t know the rules about writing down my contact info, but please reply here and I can manage to exchange emails with you. Let me know if I can be of any help to you. Thank you and regardless of anything I wish you a very nice stay in Brazil.

Riane, please send me your contact info.

Kaenhu, as exploring central SP can be intimidating on your own, it’s nice for you to take a ride around the old city center and explore Liberdade Japanese neighborhood, climb to the top of Banespa tower or Edifício Itália to get an overview of this massive city and stop at the Municipal Market to check out the nice architecture, great variety of fruits and grab a snack.

Other places that are nice for youths is Catavento – sort of a playfull interactive science museum close to the market and Sesc Pompeia in the western part of town that usually hosts great exhibits and concerts. If you’re into soccer / sports, in addition to the soccer museum you can ask the driver to take you to Morumbi Stadium – the largest in the city – for a tour (needs to be booked in advance). It’s a neighborhood with very poor public transport, so the car will come in handy.

If on a weekend, you can also go to Cantareira Park, the largest urban forest in the world in the northern outskirts of the city – also hard to reach without a car.

Gladly, Rodrigo!

You can reach me through my email and cell phone, both mentioned below:

[email protected] +55 11 97531-7718

I am still working on my website, which will soon be up and running.

Thank you for your contact.

My kids are little, so it’s easy to take them around and let them just absorb little things that might bore older kids. Parque Ibirapuera is worth a long stop, especially if you enjoy architecture, and the Museu Afro-Brasil there is very nice with lots of interesting stuff to look at. If your kids like soccer, you might consider the Soccer Museum.

The Italian Building has an amazing view of the city from the top floor, and you can take a quick peek at Copao, one of Niemeyer’s buildings a few doors down (it’s run down, but still interesting). There’s a great market on Sundays at the nearby Praca Republica.

If it’s a Saturday, go to Bar Samba for dance, music, and food (described above in the post). If they like snakes, take them to Butantan. I would also look into Time OUt Sao Paulo to find out what special events are going on while you’re there–there may be exhibitions, fairs, or other events that your kids would enjoy. If I think of anything else, I’ll let you know.

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You have no idea how helpful this is for thousands maybe millions of world cup visitors. Thank you for sharing. Stay blessed!

You have no idea how happy your comment made me when I saw it this morning! I am in the process of adding a Google map to this post since I know it will also be helpful. I hope you’re enjoying Brazil during this exciting time 🙂

Very interested to read about sao Paulo my son is marrying a lovely girl from sao paulo they me in Italy where my son worked for 13 years he is a mancunion by birth ,so we will be visiting sao Paulo for the wedding and of course see Brazil .so this was great and all the other comments they are marrying on island Bella so if anyone has any input on there will be appreciated .I’m hoping to visit many more times as the two of them have now decided to make their home there .many thanks .

I don’t know anything about Bella, but I think it’s great that you will get to know the country and people through your son’s marriage. Sao Paulo is not exactly easy to travel in, but with a local helping you, you can have a very nice time. And the rest of the country is beautiful!

I’m from Sao Paulo and I love to travel the world… and the thing that makes all the difference in Brazil… When I leave the plane on Guarulhos Airport… If you start a conversation with any person working there, you can talk with this person like if you knew him/her for a long time.. they will smile, laugh, help and then I remember why I love this place. The beauty in Brazil are the brazilians… the rest is just something else.

🙂 I agree. Brazilians are wonderful. Friendly, warm, funny, and hospitable.

Thanks for this. Great Advice and really helpful for first time visitors to Sao Paulo!

Glad you found it helpful!

Awesome guide. Am travelling to Brazil this week with my family for a vaction and this guide has been very very helpful. I will stay in Sao P. for a day or two and this is a brilliant guide.

So glad you found it helpful!

Hello Jenna,

Great guide, I love it! I am planning to visit Sao Paolo, but I am a little worried about the safety of the city. I did hear a lot of scary stories and they kind of hold me back. Do you have anything to share about this? 🙂

Good question, and I know there are scary stories, but I’ve traveled there many times and have never encountered anything dangerous. However, I am always with a local. I would recommend being careful with your belongings and not carrying around a large, expensive camera and avoiding going out at night in areas where you are not sure about safety. Connect with locals and ask them where they would go–for example, the areas of Vila Madalena and Parque Ibirapuera are places I feel totally safe.

This post was amazing! I really liked it cuz i’ve lived in Sao Paulo for 2 years and this made me miss it ):Jenna do you know talk portuguese?

Hi Shay, Yes, I speak Portuguese 🙂

Hey Jenna! I really loved your blog. I am preparing an ESL lesson about nighborhoods and cities for a student and luckly this was the first result in my seach!

I am a Brazilian girl, from São Paulo and it made me really happy to see a great and big post about my city on an American’s perspective. Full of details and nice tips! Thank you!

Just a quick update: #17 The building in the picture had been announced recently to turn into a Diversity and LGBT museum, how cool is that?!

I love the blog! This helped me with my trip to Sao Paulo

Thanks a lot Jenna. Your list was my reference and guide to go around sao Paulo. You have done and doing a great work. Keep going

So glad you found it useful.

Hi Jenna, I am Brazilian living in Ireland and one of my workmates is going to Sao Paulo in few weeks. I was looking for a ‘non-Brazilian’ perspective of Sao Paulo to help her to choose where to go, what to do etc, since I am from there and 100% bias! Your article hits the spot. Thanks a million!

So glad to hear comments like this, Maggie. Thank you! 🙂

This is an excellent list! I’ve been in São Paulo for about a month and have done about 1/3 of this so far. I’m definitely gonna try to complete everything listed here. Great suggestions.

Hi Jenna, I am brazilian and my husband american. I am from Campinas and we are planing to go to Sao Paulo for a day or two. Thanks for the tips, very helpful. Cheers!

Just found out that you are from bay area! We live in Napa! Cheers!

What a coincidence 🙂 I LOVE Napa! My Brazilian in-laws live near Campinas. Small world! I hope you enjoy your time in SP.

Hi Jenna! I’m from Brazil (I live in South Brazil, in an island called Florianópolis) and i’ve been in São Paulo a few times, and your guide it’s wonderful! I’d like to say that, as you might know, Brazil it’s a big country and you can found plenty of different things to do around Brazil. Cities like Gramado (in Rio Grande do Sul state), Florianópolis Island, Rio, Manaus, Ouro Preto (a very historical city) and the Northeastern Brazil are very cool places to go, i’m sure your kids will love it too! Abraços from Brazil

Hi Ana! Thank you for stopping by. I have been to Brazil but have seen just a bit of the country because, as you say, it’s a big country. I have been to some of the places you mentioned but not Rio Grande do Sul or Florianopolis. One day 🙂 Abraços from California!

Hello! Great article! Any tips on where to stay in São Paulo?

Jardins neighborhood is always a safe bet, but depending on your profile you’d be better off in other parts of town like Pinheiros and Vila Madalena. Also, if you’re coming to SP on business, it’s always better to stay closer to your appointments in the city to avoid traffic.

Love the article! Your story is so crazy-I am currently going through the same relationship that you had with your now husband. We met during his year in the U.S. and now he’s back in São Paulo for a year. I wanted to know how your long distance experience went, and how it went after the long distance time was up? Sorry this isn’t too related to your article. I’m visiting São Paulo for Christmas this year to visit him. Thanks.

Funny to hear of someone going through the same sequence of events! My husband went back to Sao Paulo in the summer, I visited in December, and then he came to visit me the following spring. At that point, we’d been together for almost two years and decided to get married. That was 14 years ago. The months that we were apart were hard, but we were both busy with new jobs, which provided a helpful distraction. One of the hard things about our situation, with him living here in the U.S., is being far away from his family. We go to Brazil every year. It’s our main trip of the year, so even though there are many other places I’d like to travel, I usually can’t because we need to visit his family. I love visiting them, and they are wonderful people, so it all works out great. 🙂 Best of luck! Check out my tips on gobrazil.about.com for more ideas!

Include the script a visit to “Rua 25 de Março” (March 25 street), and also region of Brás, which are commerce sites of popular and cheap items.

I was in São Paulo for Carnaval and happened to do several of the things suggested. Recommend them all. Traveling back in a couple of weeks and was looking for some new suggestions, thank you for the post.

So happy you found something useful! Have a nice trip!

Hey there! I’ll be travelling to SP on saturday 13th sept 2015, any tips? Looking for some great place to chill. Thanks!

Hi Nina, I don’t have any specific suggestions as I’m not there now, but you can try looking at this website to get news about what’s going on: http://www.timeout.com.br/sao-paulo/en/ Have a nice time!

Amazing and useful itinerary ! Thank you Jenna 🙂

Some forums say that if you go out at night, you should take some caring: kevlar, m1a1, frag granades, rc, ammo, boots, knifes, helmet, tactical gloves, night vision, flares, suicide pill for kidnapp, more granades…

Sarcasm aside…fortunately, that’s definitely not true!

Muito bom! já da para atualizar que o Museu Paulista já esta aberto, e trocar o nome para Museu do Ipiranga, por que o nome Museu Paulista não é usado e pode prejudicar algumas pessoas para encontrar =)

Finally a resource i was looking for, and in time as going to SP on Friday. Thanks for putting the list together. Anyone – can you suggest how we should get from the airport to a hotel on Paulista? There is two of us, and we are only coming for two days, so while cost is a consideration, so it time. How much is a taxi? I know the airport bus is R42, but i am getting mixed info on the time it takes. Or do you just suggest combo of public bus/subway? Many thanks!!

Hi Ania, I would suggest a taxi based on convenience, although I have no idea how much it would cost.

About R$ 150

Rodrigo, Would you agree that taking a taxi is the best way to get to the city from the airport? (And I was happy to see that a train line is being built!)

Apart from booking a transfer with my company, a superior service with meet & greet included, I agree taxi is the best way to go, Jenna! LOL

Yes, the train line is being built, but was promised for the 2014 World Cup…latest news is that it’s promised for the end of 2017…until it’s postponed again. 🙁

The Airport bus service runs an hourly service to Paulista Avenue area, so if you’re unlucky you can wait for almost an hour for the next bus. Other issues would be a longer trip, as it stops in downtown before heading to Paulista, and the very few hotels it drives by (only along São Carlos do Pinhal and Frei Caneca streets), so you might end up having to pay for a taxi ride to get to the final destination.

If you riding alone, it’s a suitable and cheaper option, but riding as a couple, I’d most definitely pay for a direct service by car.

This is great information! I didn’t know your company did transfers, but I can imagine that that would really be the best way to do it. It looks like this page has the information: http://checklisttur.com.br/aeroporto.php?lang=eng Thanks for your helpful insights!

Yes Jenna, we do operate airport and all kind of different transfers in São Paulo!

To put an end to the self promotion on your website, we’re a full fledged travel agency that offers hotel bookings and flights, too – in São Paulo, all over Brazil and worldwide!

Great to know! Thank you!

Hi Jenna! I’m from São Paulo and I have to say that I loved your article! I didn’t know some of the things. My husband is Canadian and we’re moving back to São Paulo in June. He visited the city a few times and loved it! I’ll share your article, it’s awesome!

Hi, my husband and I are thinking about taking a quick trip into the city on our way flying through to Vitoria. He is Brazilian, but has never been to SP. This will be our 4th trip to Brazil, with our now 4 kids. We always end up with a 6+ hour layover in SP (which I loathe). So, do you think it’s possible to take a taxi out to the ibirapuera park for a couple hours to break up that layover? I loved your article, and your responses to all the comments. Thanks!

Hi Bethany,

Those long layovers are painful! Fortunately, the GRU airport has been remodeled and has some nice restaurants and shops to help pass the time. I am afraid it wouldn’t be enough time to go into the city because the traffic can be so bad and the check-in process at GRU can be very slow. It often takes us a long time to check in and go through security (although I guess you wouldn’t have to actually check in since you would already have boarding passes?). However, if you have small kids (I think it’s 2 and under), you can go to the front of the line. Try contacting Rodrigo’s tour company mentioned in the other comments to see if they could do an airport transfer and if they think it would be enough time.

Hi Jenna, thanks for referring us again!

Dear Bethany, it would be a pleasure to show you a bit more of São Paulo and relief the boredom of a long layover at GRU. However, it can be a bit tricky to organize a tour like this, mainly because of traffic, so it would really depend on your flight timings and what you want to do during this time. Ibirapuera Park, for instance, it’s on the opposite side of the city compared to GRU and would make you stand too long in traffic.

Please drop me a line with more details and we’ll discuss the possibilities for you to have a nice experience in the short period of time available.

Fabulous post about Sao Paulo, with great local suggestions! Inspired to visit in December 🙂

Hi thank you for the great article. I’m going to have a 4 hour layover in Sao Paulo, will that give me anytime to see at least one thing near the airport? If so what do you recommend?

It looks like you found the previous comments about a layover in SP, so I hope you found the info you were looking for!

Sorry just read the other comments and your response 🙂

Hi Jenna, I live in São Paulo and I was very happy with this list of cool places that you wrote, congratulations.

Nice Site Henna. I live in SP, near the GRU Airport, and I was looking something like this to send to some friends from abroad. I’d like to add that, for tourists that intend to stay a long period in SP, it’s worth consider having a short trip to visit other places in São Paulo State. In a distance of about just 200km from the capital you can see quite diverse attractions on cities like Brotas, Ubatuba, Campos do Jordão, Barretos, Atibaia, etc. Actually, it’s not uncommon to see paulistas that prefer countryside than the capital.

I Jenna! What a nice summary of my city 🙂 Really nice photos too. I will definitely share on my language school page. Thanks!

Hey, as a Paulistana (as people who was born in São Paulo are called) I can say that your list is a good one! It’s very good actually. I’d suggest too: Edifício Banespa (you can go to its last level and see a big parte of the city, its a beautiful landscape), or the Martinelli one (but this is smaller). The: Jardim Botânico, MIS (museum of image and sound contains events about brazilians TV, cinema and international event like one we had about the world of Tim Burton), Museum of Imigration…

I have a lot of photos of the city on my instagram instagram.com/hirezende.

Visit SP City!

Thank you for the kind words and the recommendations! I will check out your IG photos now.

I just love São Paulo. From a brazilian photographer =) Take a look at my work in http://deborahmenezes.com

Thanks for this list – I’m going back to SP and want to see more this time. Travelling alone, I found it a bit intimidating and probably stayed in my “safe zone” too much. But I love SP and am looking forward to returning. Is the Italian area safe to stay in?? I normally stay on Paulista, but would like to stay somewhere else next time, as long as it’s safe 😉

Hi Damon, if you mean Bexiga as the Italian area it’s perfectly safe to stay, however it lacks proper hotels – it’s a possibility only if you intend to stay a vacation rental. Nearby Bela Vista is squeezed between Bexiga and Paulista and offers quite a few accommodation options, notably along Frei Caneca street.

Great article! Sao Paulo is truly a great place to travel too and you did a great job pinpointing the cultural, culinary, and places to explore the city in Sao Paulo. I am working on a LGBT travel website and have created a page on gay travel in Sao Paulo; feel free to check it out atnhttp://www.gayout.com/sao-paulo-gay-events-venues#-23.5474641/-46.6576232/13

Hey, Jenna! I am Brazilian and I really loved your post. I live in São Paulo since 1997 and I still don’t know all of this places! Hope you come again, there are Still many places to visit, such as Museu da Lingua Portuguesa, Galeria do Rock, Teatro Municipal, Tomie Otake Building and plenty more! Best regards, Pedro.

Thank you for those suggestions! I may be there again this December and will check them out. 🙂

I really enjoyed your article but you didn’t mention about the beaches over there and I wanted to know are clothes expensive over there?Which religion is common there?

The nearest beach town is Santos with urban beaches. It’s around 1 hour driving. I recommend Guarujá beach is the best option so far if you want to stay close to São Paulo… But I totally recommend and prefer Maresias, Ubatuba, Juquey or Caraguatatuba (3 hours driving… ish) as all the whole north coast of São Paulo has great beaches and comparing it is not that far away and not that expensive.. You have buses from Tietê terminal going there

The clothes are not that expensive but depends.. São Paulo you can find everything you want.

Brazil is melting pot with many religions. The most common is catholic but we do have methodist and baptiss.. And we have a plenty of Afro-Brazilian religions which the names are Candomblé and Umbanda. We have jewish, muslin… easy going.

Hope you have a great time! peeace

Amazing, Jenna! That’s one of the most complete posts I have seen about São Paulo and tips of things to do around. I’m happy to know there are lots of options for culture stuff and food, which I love! How many days do you recommend for a visit there? I want to visit Rio de Janeiro too. I was wondering if bus is a good option, it is cheaper and looks nice here: https://brazilbustravel.com/sao-paulo-tiete-sp-x-rio-de-janeiro-rj Have you travelled by bus in Brazil?

Hi Isadora,

long distance bus travel in Brazil is much better in quality than their US or European counterparts. Buses are reliable, safe and very comfortable. I strongly recommend taking an overnight sleeper bus from SP to Rio and the trip will be a real breeze. Lots to see in both these cities!

I love Sao Paulo, such a nice city with so many things to do. For the ones who like street art, you will love this place 🙂

Thanks for the article !

Thanks for this great content. I go in June for business reasons to Sao Paulo but I have a few days ‘free’ so I use your blog for inspiration and I am sure I will follow up several of your tips. I am staying at Avenida Paulista. Thanks again and keep up the good work 🙂 Agnes – The Netherlands

Great! Let me know how it goes. I hope you have a chance to visit Ibirapuera park. And MASP–I always enjoy that museum and seeing the people out on Avenida Paulista on Sundays.

Hallo… I”m Brazilian and i Saw a Guy saying … My country os not the top placas …than he wants know, but he really do not no whats saying… Lookink in the YouTube by Capitólio MG and praias secretas do Guarujá SP.

This hollyday i would to visit.

Wonderfull placenta tô know

Hi Jenna You and i have similar aspects to our life although im about 16 years behind. Ive been married to my brazilian wife for over 2 years now and in September we moved to Sao Paulo to apply for my wifes British visa ( im English ) and we are still here waiting. We intend to live in England together but travel back to Sao Paulo to see her family 2 or 3 times a year. I want to ask you a few questions if I may…. How long did it gake your husband to receive his visa (American visa?) Did you encounter many problems? And also, do you knownof any places i could work to earn money whilst i am staying here with a 6 month holiday visa? Any info you have would be much appreciated, thank you

Hi Ashley, We applied for his residency right after we got married, and we didn’t have to wait long. I don’t remember exactly (it was in 2001), but it went smoothly. I don’t know about places where you could work, but I can imagine that you could get a job tutoring English (focused on speaking practice)–try searching for large companies and private language schools that might be interested. Best of luck! 🙂

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64 Fun Things to Do in São Paulo, Brazil

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Considered to be Brazil’s financial and unofficial party capital simultaneously, it’s safe to say that São Paulo knows how to work hard, and play harder.

A city with a population of 41 million people, the city pulses with life day and night, ensuring there will never be a dull moment when you explore the city yourself.

Brimming with cultural spaces from world-renowned theaters, to housing some of the oldest museums in the country, and showcasing some of the most modern city skyscrapers embellishing its unique skyline, São Paulo will have you in constant awe.

Let’s explore the wonders that this city holds in hopes of lighting up some travel inspiration inside this list of 65 fun things to do in São Paulo .

1 – Visit the largest cathedral in the city, the São Paulo Cathedral

Also known as the See Cathedral (Catedral da Sé), the São Paulo Cathedral is a Roman church that has undergone years’ worth of renovations, that began as a humble church in 1589 and experienced continued renovations until 2000.

The church dons Neo-Gothic architecture and even shares a few similarities with the Renaissance-style dome of the cathedral of Florence.

Make sure to join a walking tour, which makes a stop at the São Paulo cathedral, to get an in-depth explanation of the church’s role in the city, and other notable fun facts like the engravings of animals native to Brazil and even coffee beans on the cathedral’s walls.

The cathedral is located in Praça da Sé, considered to be the main square and center of São Paulo.

• walking tours in São Paulo

2 – Walk down the famous Paulista Avenue

Take an exciting city tour , which will take you to Paulista Avenue, arguably São Paulo’s most famous avenue.

Expanding up to 2.8 kilometers, and running northwest to southwest, Paulista Avenue (meaning the people of São Paulo) is overflowing with tons of entertainment, shopping, dining, museums, and more activities to engage with, as well as offering a slice of life in busy São Paulo.

Look up at the towering buildings, many housing offices and administrative buildings, as well as cultural centers, bookshops, and some of the most expensive homes in Latin America.

Locals recommend visiting the famed avenue on Sundays, as it’s the only day in the week when it’s closed to car traffic for locals and travelers to walk freely.

• Paulista Avenue tours

3 – Engage with the local food scene at Mercado Municipal de São Paulo

Eat what the locals eat at the Mercado Municipal de São Paulo (Municipal Market), where you can find a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, ingredients, and spices that make up the typical Brazilian diet from São Paulo.

Also worth checking out is the architecture of the market, which opened in 1933, built by famous European architects, including Conrado Sorgenicht Filho who designed the construction of the Cathedral of São Paulo, and various other constructions throughout Brazil.

Check out the ornate stained glass windows, while browsing the local and imported products from other regions of Brazil. Be sure to join a cheese tasting tour , where you’ll visit a Queijaria (cheese shop) to taste locally produced cheeses, sure to open your appetite and intrigue.

4 – Spend hours walking through Ibirapuera Park

Sandwiched between the Republic of Lebanon avenue, Pedro Alvares Cabral avenue, and the IV Centenário avenue is one of São Paulo’s, and Latin America’s major parks called Ibirapuera Park.

Visited by the millions per year, Ibirapuera Park is overflowing with a number of activities to do and sights to see, from the Japanese Pavilion , a gift from the Japanese government to Brazil as a symbol of friendship in 1953, the Ibirapuera Planetarium offering tons of entertainment for children and adults, and the trapezoid-shaped Ibirapuera Auditorium, showcasing cultural events, programming, and film screenings.

Check out Oca, a multi-purpose exhibition hall, surprising visitors with interesting and thought-provoking exhibits, sometimes free of charge, as well as the Museum of Afro Brazil and the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art .

• Ibirapuera Park tours

5 – Get close to some of São Paulo’s wildest residents at the Zoológico de São Paulo

Tamarin lions, wildcats, bears, gorillas, and rhinos are just a few animals that call The Zoo of São Paulo home.

Originating in 1958, when it only housed a little over 400 local animals, today, the zoo houses over 3,000 animals, where birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and more are represented by the hundreds.

Take a walk through the zoo to learn about the conservation efforts reinforced daily through the hands of the team that studies, researches, and implements the best care for endangered animals that reside in the zoo, and outside.

The São Paulo zoo is located south of the city, and if you are on the northern side of the city, check out Guarulhos Zoo, offering a more personal zoo experience with 500 animals.

6 – Visit the hidden gem beach town, Santos for the day

If coffee, unusual attractions, beautiful beaches, and soccer meet any of your interests, then a visit to Santos must be on your itinerary of must-see places in São Paulo. Santos is known widely in Brazil as the main exporter of its full-bodied and low acidic coffee to the world, therefore you won’t want to miss a taste while you’re there.

The center of Santos houses a Guinness World Record site for the world’s tallest burial site reaching 10 stories high, as well as the curious slanted apartments, created accidentally and drawing in crowds.

Watch an exciting Santos soccer game, or take an enchanting boat tour , oftentimes including a stop to Guarujá Island and São Vicente nearby for a bonus little getaway within your day trip to Santos.

• Santos day trips from São Paulo

7 – Admire the Latin America Memorial

Situated northwest of the city is the Latin American Memorial, a complex created for leisure, cultural events, and activities.

Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the memorial was created to immortalize and honor the struggle of Latin America as a whole for freedom and sovereignty. To remember those who gave their lives for freedom and created progress for all.

The structure itself is that of a vertical standing hand, with a map of Latin America in red on the palm. Step inside the complex, and see the collections of literature, film, and images, all retelling the monumental events that shaped Latin America.

Oftentimes, visitors can also enjoy live performances such as traditional dances, theater, and concert performances, all representing Latin American cultures.

8 – Get a breath of fresh air at the Jardim Botânico de São Paulo

The Jardim Botânico de São Paulo is a beautiful and refreshing botanical escape of lush greenery, that gives visitors a glimpse of Brazilian natural beauty that existed before the colonialism era.

Take a walk through the paths surrounded by the Atlantic forests, that make up the 164.45 hectares of the garden, overlooking sections of colorful orchids including the national Brazilian flower, the Corsage Orchid, water lilies, freesias, camellias, and more.

Take in the sight of the abundant wildlife, from pelicans to parakeets, woodpeckers, ducks, herons, and much more.

Step into the Museu Botânico, to learn more in-depth about the history of the foundation of the garden, more of the wildlife that lives within its expansive greenery, and the richness of the natural offerings of Brazil.

9 – Visit MASP, the southern hemisphere’s most important art museum

Short for the Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand, MASP is an art haven that holds around 11,000 of the world’s most important and fascinating art pieces, both of local and international origin.

Within its 2 floors, discover multiple forms of 21st-century art, from sculptures, paintings, drawings, and artifacts.

Founded in 1947, observe the interior designs of the Italian Lina Bo Bordi’s “suspended artwork” creating an interesting museum layout allowing visitors to choose how to weave through the different pieces of art.

Analyze the exterior of the museum itself, built in an architectural style called Brutalism, designed by Lina Bo Bordi. The architecture is considered a landmark in São Paulo worthy of visiting for the various cultural events and outdoor activities occurring around.

• MASP tickets & tours

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Experience a live concert by candlelight in São Paulo

Catch live performances on piano, violin and cello of classical music and tributes to your favorite modern bands and musicians, from Chopin to Vivaldi and Coldplay to Imagine Dragons. Candlelight concerts take place in scenic venues across the city that don’t typically host concerts and events for an unforgettable backdrop to live renditions of your favorite tunes.

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10 – Learn about the Monumento às Bandeiras

Don’t miss at the entrance of Ibirapuera Park the large Monumento às Bandeiras (monument to the flags).

The monument is a symbol and depiction of new beginnings with the conjoined efforts and influence in Brazil, by the first Europeans to land in Brazil, the natives, and many more, pulling a canoe, which was typically the vessel used to explore.

The monument, designed by Italian-Brazilian architect, Victor Brecheret, was inaugurated in 1954, at the IV Centenary of the city of São Paulo.

Later on, the monument caused some controversy for its depiction of the Bandeirantes, who were the conquerors from Portugal who caused harm to the natives, while in search of goods in Brazil.

The landmark is free to visit and is often seen on a walking tour.

11 – Feast your eyes on the beauty of Independência Park

Visit the beautifully cared-for gardens of Indepenência Park (Independence Park), adorned with dreamy fountains, located on the southeast side of the city.

Also within the park is the Ipiranga Museum, a must-add to your list of things to do in São Paulo for its complete collection of different São Paulo historical artifacts from photographs, documents, literature, and other physical items.

Stop by the Monument to the Independence of Brazil, the granite and bronze structure and true marker of the park, symbolizing the declaration of independence of Brazil, located in the same spot where historically emperor Pedro l stood to give this important proclamation.

Inside the monument is a crypt, said to be the resting place of emperor Pedro l, as well as a few of his wives.

12 – Explore the city in a fun and fast way on a bike tour

Take a fun bike tour of the city, wind through its famous avenues downtown, and deep into its quieter neighborhood streets, learning about the different areas of São Paulo.

Be guided by a local who knows their way around the city, giving fascinating historical and modern insight into important points of interest, as well as offering awesome restaurant recommendations and sharing spots only locals know about.

Bike your way through downtown São Paulo, passing through MASP, the São Paulo Cathedral, São Paulo Municipal Mercado, and taking on the famed Paulista Avenue on two wheels.

Most bike tours last an average of 3 hours and involve an intimate group of open-minded travelers. Make sure to bring your charged phone for plenty of photo ops along the way.

• bike tours in São Paulo

13 – Go inside São Paulo’s version of the Empire State Building called Santander Lantern

The Altino Arantes Building is a well-known Art Deco-style building and the 3rd tallest building in São Paulo, dating back to 1939-1947. It was later renamed the Santander Lantern , and considered a cultural landmark.

The building is a wonderful place to visit for art lovers, as it hosts a variety of art galleries and exhibitions by local Brazilian artists. Step inside, and start your exploration on the 3rd floor, where you’ll find a museum that shares the history of the building, and its previous use as a financial hub, through photography and other archives.

The Santander Lantern adorns the city’s skyline, offering an abundance of activities for visitors to take advantage of inside, including an expansive observatory deck you won’t want to miss. It offers spacious views of the city and views of the Municipal Market, the Cathedral, the Teatro Municipal, and bits of Paulista Avenue.

14 – Get the best sunset views at Praça Pôr do Sol

Also known as Sunset Square, Praça Pôr do Sol is a wonderful park that invites all open-minded people to meet with others, jam out in a guitar session or drum circle, and enjoy the moment taking in the last few moments of the sun.

Come in during the day to practice yoga, meditate, or simply meet up with friends, and absorb the laid-back ambiance of the park. Located in the neighborhood of Alto de Pinheiros, the park is located close to the famed Vila Madalena, known to be the hot spot for street art displays.

Bring a snack, come with a good vibe, and get ready to mingle with locals. The park is located 8 kilometers on the western side of the city.

Sip and paint in the dark at this unique workshop!

This retro-futuristic experience combines the thrill of painting with a fluorescent twist, offering a brush in one hand and a choice of drink in the other. The musical backdrop adds to the atmosphere, making it a perfect outing for friends. By the end of the night, not only will you have had an unforgettable experience, but you’ll also leave with a personal masterpiece to proudly display at home.

• See price and reviews

15 – Be informed about the richness of the Brazilian ecosystem at the Museum of Zoology

Dating back to 1895, the Zoology Museum at the University of São Paulo started as a section within the Museum Paulista, until it began growing to a level where it needed more space.

The museum, which was officially inaugurated in its own building in 1969, today gifts visitors with an expansive idea about the richness and density that Brazil’s biodiversity has as well as global.

Most of the specimens, ecology, and biology are now used for studies in the university, therefore visiting the museum will guarantee a plethora of unique, newly found studies on the ecosystems of Brazil.

Walk through the various exhibits, and learn about unique animals that have gone extinct and the human impacts that animals have had to adjust to over time.

16 – See the European influence at the Campos do Jordão on a day trip

Perched up above the Mantiqueira Mountains, 182 kilometers north of São Paulo, is the beautiful Campos do Jordão, known widely for its German-style buildings, and for being the highest city in Brazil at 5,341 feet above sea level.

No matter the season, there is always something to do in the Campos do Jordão, from nature activities like hiking through wooded trails, ATV fun, or participating in treetop cable swings, there are also events like the Winter Festival in July and the Festival of Classical Music.

Try the local cuisine known to be Swiss, German, and Italian based due to its population of recently arrived Europeans near São Paulo in the late 1800s, at Risoteria Villa Lobos, A Casa do Fondue, and Restaurante Saint Mortiz.

• Campos do Jordão day trips

17 – Visit the oldest art museum in the city, Pinacoteca de São Paulo

Considered one of the most important museums in Brazil, check out Pinacoteca de São Paulo , which houses a collection of 18th and 19th-century art pieces from paintings, sculptures, different forms of imagery, and more.

Collecting up to 9,000 pieces of artwork, today, the museum has also been growing its contemporary art exhibits, from local and international artists. Check out the 2-floored museum, walking through a chronological timeline that takes you from the beginning to modern times, through art.

Nearby is the Parque Jardim da Luz, offering a refreshing garden escape with a charming pergola in the middle as well as the Memorial Resistance of São Paulo a small museum that retells the story of Brazil’s political repression and fight in the late 60s.

18 – Take your kids to the Aquário de São Paulo

Whether you have kids or you enjoy seeing the wonders of the sea, check out the aquarium, Aquário de São Paulo , featuring all sorts of marine animals, an indoor cinema, child-centric restaurants, and even a mermaid sighting or two.

Considered to be Latin America’s largest aquarium, you won’t want to miss your chance to view up to 300 different species of wild marine animals, from penguins to sharks, and local sea animals like the pirarucu (large river fish), the black caiman, and even the pink dolphin.

Take a guided tour, or go in yourself taking your time exploring the different exhibits and learning at your own pace. Adult tickets begin at R$100 and children’s tickets at R$ 80.

19 – Take your time exploring the world of science and technology at the Weathervane Museum

The Weathervane Museum is a space dedicated to the various aspects of science and technology.

Inside, you can expect anything from studies concerning the universe as a whole to the wonders of human and animal life, the creative ingenuity of humans throughout time, and lastly, the social science of society, and how societies work at large throughout the world.

The museum is situated inside a stunning building worthy of exploring and contemplating, with outdoor exhibits showcasing planes and other scientific presentations.

Located in the heart of São Paulo, getting to the Weathervane Museum is practically easy as you can get there on foot, or via public transportation.

Tickets start at R$ 15 for adults.

20 – Get your race car thrill on at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace

Race car fans rejoice at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace , a motorsport circuit located 22 kilometers south of the city center of São Paulo.

Covering a circuit length of 4.309 kilometers, and 71 laps, the Autodromo, was opened in 1938 and took inspiration from race car tracks in the UK, France, and the U.S.

Take an exciting tour of the race car track, learn more about the lap records, and other monumental moments on the track.

Better yet, purchase tickets to the Brazilian Grand Prix, experiencing a mesh between race cars and a lively Brazilian ambiance of music, color, and fun. To purchase tickets to the next Brazilian Grand Prix events, go to their website to check out updated information and purchasing directions.

• São Paulo Grand Prix tickets

21 – Indulge in the best of São Paulo’s cuisine on a food tour

There’s no better way to explore the delicacies of a new culture than through food, thus, don’t think twice about joining a food tour experience while visiting São Paulo.

Take on a guided culinary experience, with a foodie local, going to the best-hidden gem restaurants and markets, serving delicious Brazilian and São Paulo delicacies.

Learn and try foods like feijoada, Virado á Paulista (a dish made up of beans, pork, veggies, and a fried egg), Picandinho (a hearty beef stew), and Pão Na Chapa (a typical Brazilian breakfast dish), and more.

A food tour is also a great place to get a local perspective of food, and typical day-to-day experiences, sure to enrich your experience of understanding the local culture.

• food tours in São Paulo

22 – Be tempted by Japanese goods at the Feira Praça da Liberdade

Get your arts and crafts on at the Feira Praça da Liberdade (Liberdade Street Market) located in the neighborhood of Liberdade, 2.8 kilometers south of central São Paulo.

Known primarily as an Asian cultural hub in São Paulo, the neighborhood of Liberdade will entice your eyes and sense of smell with the abundant colorful arts, foods, and artisan crafts available for purchase, showing just a sliver of the great diversity found within São Paulo.

Take a walk through the many stalls, as well as the neighborhood with the largest Japanese community outside of Japan, where a few Koreans and Chinese people also live.

The market is open every Saturday and Sunday, from 9 am – 6 pm, cash is the best way to pay at the market.

23 – Enjoy the vast city views at Sampa Sky

Stand tall over 150 meters high above the capital city of Brazil at Sampa Sky , as you bravely step into the glass box pointing out from the building, revealing a 360-degree immersive experience, not soon to be forgotten.

Make sure to check the weather beforehand as best as you can, in order to take in the phenomenal, and clear views of the city. Consider if you want to experience the glowy morning light or bright, golden sun as you are purchasing tickets that start at R$ 50 – R$ 100.

Tickets sell out fast, so when booking your ticket, you will be asked to choose a time and date, and if you plan ahead, you will be able to book your ticket without a problem.

24 – Feel the football/soccer passion yourself at Museu do Futebol

One of the best things to do in São Paulo is to visit the Museu do Futebol (Museum of Football/Soccer) located 4 kilometers on the east side of the city, and situated inside the Estádio Municipal Paulo Machado de Carvalho.

Inside, relish and relive some of the most notable football/soccer moments and players throughout time, look at the exhibits showcasing examples of previous sports equipment and uniforms, and even go through to see the different championship trophies achieved throughout time.

Brazil is notoriously known for its passion for football/soccer, therefore, even if the sport is not all that interesting to you, it may be interesting to see the power that this sport has over a great majority of the Brazilian population.

25 – Scream your stresses away at one of the many São Paulo theme parks

Parque de Diversões Marisa is jam-packed with amusement, geared mostly for kids with rides like the ghost train, a giant Ferris wheel, and a great variety of roller coasters for young and older kids.

Make memories with your friends and family at the Hopi Hari theme park in Vinhedo, considered to be the second largest amusement park in Brazil. Enjoy the 44-meter-high Ferris wheel, an Indiana Jones-inspired maze of tricks and traps called Katakumb, or Chabum, an aquatic park for children.

Cidade da Criança is another great option, known as the first theme park to open in Latin America, offering both new and modern games and rides, as well as traditional games that have entertained visitors for years. You can also enjoy a farm, discover the world of dinosaurs and do tree climbing at Sitiolândia .

If you want to have fun and enjoy a lot of activities, you should visit Parque da Mônica .

PopHaus has two areas where you can have fun: the Pop Indoor and the Pop Outdoor.

26 – Plan for a beautiful day trip to the rugged beaches of Santo Amaro Island

Take a 1.5-hour trip south to the coast of Brazil to escape the city, and completely relax in the natural abundance that Brazil is known for.

Santo Amaro Island is a natural haven for clear beaches, white sand, and lush, forested mountains, inspiring in every traveler a moment of pure tranquility.

The best way to get to this secluded day trip is via an organized tour that provides transportation, guidance, helpful tips, as well as free time to yourself to make the experience memorable and fun.

Enjoy an easy hike to the beach, one of the only ways to get to the beach, through smooth rocks, soft sand, and refreshing waterfalls, until reaching the first of three secret beaches, called White Beach.

• Santo Amaro Island day trips

27 – Take a walk through Franklin Roosevelt Square

Sharing the name of the 32nd U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, this urban square is a perfect spot to lounge around and enjoy the ambiance of the city, as well as its people, including skaters who frequent the park.

Bring a snack, interact with locals sitting on the grassy open areas or benches nearby, or look up to view the towering buildings nearby, mostly consisting of apartment buildings.

Situated close by is the Augusta – Mayor Bruno Covas Park, an even bigger park offering a playground for children, lovely and lush walking paths, amphitheater-style steps for guests to enjoy and meet up with friends, as well as local food vendors.

Both parks are only a 7-minute distance walk, with both offering a great stop option in the midst of sightseeing.

28 – Make sure to stop by other amazing art museums

Attention-grabbing is the curved architecture of the Instituto Tomie Ohtake , hosting a myriad of international and national art exhibits, typically contemporary art.

The Museu de Arte Contemporânea da Universidade de São Paulo is one of the largest contemporary art museums in Brazil, located at the University of São Paulo.

MIS Experience is a museum of image and sound, that takes visitors through an audio-visual journey via film, images, and other records detailing graphic design creations.

The São Paulo Museum of Sacred Art is a great afternoon plan to take in examples of religious art in Brazil, located in the holy Luz Monastery.

Lastly, the Museu da Imaginação is a place that stimulates creativity and plays with the ideas of children, with hands-on activities, and interactive exhibits.

29 – Get your shopping on at Shopping Aricanduva

A shopping experience unlike anywhere else is Shopping Aricanduva , where you will find almost all clothing, technology, and accessories brands under one roof, as well as an exciting amusement park – Playcenter Family .

Shopping Aricanduva is Latin America’s third largest shopping mall, with over 500 shops, a whopping 14 cinemas, and an abundant amount of restaurants geared towards the likes of adults and children.

To top it off, the mall also counts with 3 grocery stores, 2 home renovation stores, and several car dealerships in one place.

Make sure to visit, and see a mall that quite literally has it all, and be prepared to spend some time exploring the corners of this gigantic shopping space. Shopping Aricanduva is located east of downtown São Paulo.

30 – 4-wheel through São Paulo’s natural wonderland on a jeep tour

Another awesome natural escape from the city is to go out to the natural wonderland outside of São Paulo city center, especially on an exciting jeep tour.

Be driven around on a 4-wheeler jeep, by a professional driver, going through rugged terrain, uphill on muddy land, and quite literally going off the beaten path on this expedition.

Drive past cascading waterfalls, especially Cachoeira do Barrocao, a gushing yet tranquil cascade you must see with your eyes, then drive up Pedra Coração while holding onto the car’s rails, and see the majestic views from Atibaia of virtually untouched nature.

Make sure to wear clothing you don’t mind getting wet or dirty, however, rest assured that safety is a top priority with the best-rated organized tours.

• jeep tours in São Paulo

31 – Visit the fascinating religious complex called Templo de Salomão

The Templo de Salomão is a replica of a few religious monuments found in Jerusalem, such as the Temple of Solomon, the Tabernacle of Moses, and The Garden of Centenary Olives.

Whether you find yourself to be a believer or not, the Templo de Salomão is still an impressive place to visit, to gain perspective on the importance of the construction, from establishing a connection between believers and God to making such holy spaces accessible to more Brazilians without leaving the country.

The temple complex is open for visitors to schedule a time they would like to walk through the holy spaces, and it is available via their website. The temple complex is located east of the city center and is open every day.

32 – Watch extreme sports for free at Centro de Esportes Radicais

If you’re looking for a sports-filled activity to do while in São Paulo, check out Centro de Esportes Radicais – a center dedicated to all things adventurous sports.

A perfect place to watch all the extreme sports, or participate in yourself, the park comes equipped with a parkour park, a pump track, a baseball stadium, and a skate park, all within its 38,500 square meters.

If you’re not into extreme sports yourself, you can also take advantage of the great walking trails available, biking paths, a picnic area, and even a light outdoor gym. Grab some snacks, plop by one of the extreme sports activities, and watch as the sports enthusiasts show off their moves.

The park is located in the neighborhood called Bom Retiro.

33 – Enjoy a luscious spa moment

Treat your body to a perfect day of relaxation and rejuvenation with a spa experience and other wellness activities available throughout the city. Relax as a professional masseuse works their magic in a refreshing wellness session, ranging from a variety of different massages for every type of need.

Choose between a deep tissue massage, shiatsu, a hot stones massage, or a lymphatic drainage system to increase blood flow around the body, especially good after so much sightseeing and walking.

Enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the space, immediately capturing the senses even before the treatment begins, and enjoy a complimentary drink of coffee, tea, or water, upon arriving as your session soon begins.

• spas in São Paulo

34 – Visit the largest temple in South America, the Fo Guang Shan Temple Zu Lai

Visit the fascinating and largest Buddhist temple located in South America, 28 kilometers west of São Paulo city center.

The temple grounds, which were officially consecrated in 1992, cover approximately 150,000 square meters. It is a branch of the Chinese Mahāyāna Buddhist organization which practices Fo Guang Shan (Humanistic Buddhism).

Walk through the holy space, taking in this fascinating structure and religious symbolism, learning about the history behind the temple, the reason for its construction, and its role in Brazilian society.

Walk through the stunning gardens, observe the details of the Buddha statues, and feel like you’ve been transported kilometers away to the other side of the world.

The temple has free entrance and can be visited on the weekends.

35 – Get the fascinating story behind the Martinelli Building

Constructed by the ambitious Italian entrepreneur, Giusseppe Martinelli, the Martinelli building was constructed as a way to beautify and populate the skyline of São Paulo.

The building, dating back to 1922, had 12 floors, and continuously grew every few years with more floors added to the skyscraper until reaching 24 floors – and that was due to the city putting a pause on the ongoing project.

Today, the skyscraper has a grand total of 30 floors, and houses various offices, apartment homes, and even an observation deck on the 30th floor, not to miss out on.

Learn more about the interesting story behind the structure, as well as the neighborhood in which the building resides, on a walking tour , which always makes a stop at the Marinelli Building.

36 – Check out the urban art throughout the city on a street art tour

Something unmissable to experience in São Paulo has to be a street art tour, where you’ll be locally guided by a street art professional.

Learn everything about the stories behind the murals that decorate many parts of the city, and their symbolism, as well as learn about some of the most notable street artists.

A street art tour will also show you corners of the city that you may have not seen before, such as checking out art at Vila Madalena, including Batman’s Alley, known as a hot spot for graffiti and street art of all kinds, concentrated within a certain radius.

Be prepared to see everything from lighthearted imagery of pop culture, to political-heavy examples of protest art.

• street art tours in São Paulo

37 – Get cultural at the Casa das Rosas

Sitting 6 kilometers south of the central zone of São Paulo is Casa das Rosas , a center for cultural events such as poetry readings, literature events, and musical concerts, and an overall space for creative and educative debates amongst Paulistas (São Paulo residents).

Visit the 1935, 30-room mansion, originally built to be the home of renowned architect Francisco de Paula Ramos de Azevedo, that was turned into a cultural space in 1991.

Walk through the exhibitions living permanently within the cultural space, covering topics and interests in books by Brazilian authors, the celebration of the centenary, calligraphy art, photo writing, architecture, and more

Be sure to check out their events calendar to see the upcoming programming scheduled, sure to pique your interest. The space is open Wednesday-Saturday.

38 – Take a nice and long break at Água Branca Park

Come up on Água Branca Park, a spectacular, green, nature lovers’ dream covering approximately 135,000 square meters, lined with shady walking paths, equestrian opportunities, and many more activities for every age.

Walk through the perfect walking paths, taking in and learning about the trees and flowers native to the area, and if you have kids, take them to the aquarium or the playground on site.

Stop by the Geological Museum also located inside the park, where you can learn more about the natural findings of the area thousands of years ago. Check out fossils, geological rocks, and minerals, to learn about the ecosystems that coexisted back then.

Come by on Sundays to visit the Organic Fair, or bring a book and snack to relax a bit.

39 – Take a day trip to the holy site of Aparecida

Take a 2-hour day journey to Aparecida, a site known to be a famous religious spot for those of the Catholic religion, that welcomes an estimated 10 million visitors per year for this same reason.

Many devout Catholics visit the famed Basílica de Nossa Senhora Aparecida, known to be the world’s second-largest temple, on October 12th. This is the date on which the patron saint of Brazil, Aparecida, is celebrated.

The patron saint is honored with a Festa de Nossa Senhora Aparecida on October 12th, which is a celebration worth visiting if you find yourself in São Paulo on those dates.

Aside from the basilica, check out the aquarium, a great theme park, and museums to get to know the local culture, faith, and history of Aparecida.

• Aparecida day trips from São Paulo

40 – Try for yourself the best coffee shops in São Paulo

Coffee consumption is absolutely an activity worthy of putting on your list of things to do in São Paulo, to try for yourself the richness of Brazilian coffee.

Futuro Refeitório offers free smells of daily roasted coffee beans, curated especially for their coffee creations, which will surely entice you to step in and order a coffee and freshly baked bread.

KOF – King of the Fork is also a great coffee shop to stop by, offering a great selection of coffee drinks, including a flat white, latte, or cold brew.

For a scientific and unique coffee experience, don’t shy away from Coffee Lab , creating and delivering its unique spin on modern favorite drinks. Be sure to ask for a recommendation, as many of the baristas are bilingual.

41 – Learn about the advancements in medicine at the Instituto Butantan

The Instituto Butantan is a research-based scientific center, specializing in public health.

It’s considered one of the major scientific centers in the world, due to its continuous labor towards researching, learning, implementing, and finding cures to various national and worldwide illnesses.

To get a glimpse into the world of medicine for both humans and animals, check out the Butantan Science Park, a scientific, cultural complex that houses 22 attractions to educate and entertain visitors of all ages.

Learn about the research held at the institute, and the contributions provided by the institute to the public health of Brazilians in the Center for Scientific Dissemination and the Memory Center.

Observe the historic buildings as you take your children to the Monkey Zoo, Serpentarium, and Vivaria, housing many animals.

42 – Take in the architecture surrounding Praça da República

Appreciate the views of Praça da República on a city tour , an important square located in the heart of the historic center of São Paulo.

Surrounded by architecture that dates back to the late 1800s, take your time looking up and around, starting with the Casa Caetano de Campos, which today is the State Education Department.

Allow your gaze to move on to the Modernist-style architectural apartments, and then don’t forget to check out 2 of the city’s most well-known buildings, Edifício Coplan and Edifício Itália, known for their architecture and detailed designs.

Visit on Sundays, when there is an open-air market. At the market, you can expect to find artisan crafts from all over Brazil and even some from other Latin American countries.

43 – Try your hand at Brazilian dishes in a cooking class

Test your culinary skills inside a cooking class in São Paulo, learning and creating appetizing Brazilian dishes and treats within a professional kitchen. Learn how to make traditional dishes such as Feijoada (a beef and beans stew), Farofa (toasted yuca or cassava flour), Empadão (Brazilian pot pie), and many more dishes.

Learn about the major world influences brought over to Brazil from Europe, Africa, and Asia, and see (and taste) how Brazilians used the different influences to create their own dishes with their rich supply of native ingredients.

Bring your best foot (or hand) forward, and be ready to learn about Brazilian food and fascinating historical facts related to food like nowhere before.

Cooking classes begin at around $80 USD, and also include ingredients and supplies.

• cooking classes in São Paulo

44 – Drive through the uniquely designed Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge

Known by locals as the Ponte Estaiada, the Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge is a fascinating bridge, and unique in its form, as from an aerial point of view, the curved 2-track bridge creates an X form.

Considered an emblem from the architectural design aspect, the unique design of the bridge has drawn crowds, mostly to drive through as walking is not permitted, to experience driving through the curve of the bridge, as well as driving through at night.

At night, especially during the holidays, the design of the bridge is even more appreciated, as the lights on the cables and single concrete pillar situated between the 2 curved tracks, turn on, and illuminate the true design, appearing similar to a Christmas tree.

45 – Enjoy Japanese culture without leaving Brazil at the Japan House São Paulo

The Japan House itself is a cultural project created by the government of Japan, designed with the intention of sharing a bit more about Japanese culture in a space designed by Japanese architects.

Inside, learn about the great depths of Japanese history, as well as learn and interact with the constant innovations created in Japan, available right in São Paulo.

Aside from jumping straight into the exhibitions showcasing examples of Japanese culture via arts, artifacts, architecture, and literature, take a bite out of Japan inside the Japan House.

Try everything from a delectable egg sandwich to Japanese candies, and modern Japanese foods, and visit the shops, full of Japanese brands and made-in-Japan items.

The Japan House is located in the heart of São Paulo.

46 – Make time to stop by other great museums in São Paulo

The Museu da Casa Brasileira showcases as much as impulses discourse and creativity in visitors learning about housing, urbanism in Brazil, and sustainable architecture. Check out the Museu da Língua Portuguesa , a linguistic museum established in São Paulo, designed to explore the complexities and diversity of the Portuguese language.

Visit the São Paulo Museum of Immigration , retelling a fascinating history of immigration from all over the world, and welcoming waves of cultural pockets arriving in Brazil. The Museu Brasileiro da Escultura e Ecologia is a unique and interesting space that houses the majority of sculptures and intriguing 3-D forms created by local and international sculptors.

Consider the São Paulo Jewish Museum , hosting an expansive collection of exhibits that detail the arrival of the Jewish community to Brazil, and their influence on Brazilian culture today.

The Museu SPTrans dos Transportes is a fun museum to bring your kids to, where you can all learn and see with your eyes the multiple forms of cars and mobility throughout the years. The History Museum of Japanese Immigration in Brazil shares the waves of Japanese immigration to Brazil throughout the years, and how they influenced Brazilian culture.

47 – See São Paulo from the skies on a helicopter tour

Soar the skies of São Paulo on a magical helicopter tour, whether you’re traveling with a loved one or even by yourself.

Take a bird’s eye view of incredible and important sights in the city like the São Paulo Cathedral, the Santander Lantern, Paulista Avenue, the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, and many more iconic buildings.

Enjoy 15-20 minutes of pure bliss, as you make out the places you’re seeing from above, while also learning fascinating facts from your professional guides on board with you.

Helicopter tours usually start around $150 USD.

• helicopter tours in São Paulo

48 – Step inside a niche mall at Galeria do Rock

The Galeria do Rock is a shopping mall where you will mostly find record shops full of rock, hip hop, and alternative music, as well as other music-themed shops and clothing stores.

Step inside, and wander through the black-colored walls, and oranged accented handrails of the multi-floored shopping mall. Though the building dates back to 1962, the Galeria do Rock is considered a cultural building due to its genre of stores and brands in one place.

The Galeria do Rock also doubles as a concert venue, mostly for musicians under the categories of rock and hip hop. The Galeria do Rock is located in the heart of central São Paulo.

49 – Get to know some of the cultural center’s amazing programs

Itaú Cultural is a cultural space with the Brasiliana exhibit, sharing different forms of art that show an image of what Brazil looked like from the conquest perspective.

The Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil is housed within a beautiful 1901 building, sharing exhibitions, theaters, a library, and a video room. Step inside the Caixa Cultural São Paulo , where you’ll find dozens of varying programs from thought-provoking film screenings, art galleries, temporary exhibits, and book signings.

Look inside the Centro Histórico e Cultural Mackenzie , and imagine its previous use of being an engineering school in 1896. Today, the cultural space houses exhibits and collections relating to the architecture arts as well as design and technology.

50 – Feel the refreshing adrenaline at the water parks

Magic City is a great water park that offers the thrill of zip lining above a shady forest, dipping your toes in the refreshing water, or catching up on your suntan. Slip and slide down the 13-story high water slides at Wet’n Wild , surely guaranteed to make you and your friends laugh with joy.

Thermas Water Park is around 2 hours away from São Paulo, but surely worth the trip for its large and lazy wave pools, and exciting slides for young and old. Located at the same distance from São Paulo, you can also enjoy Water Castle Park .

Thermas do Vale is a tropical water escape waiting for you with beautiful palm trees and flowers, surrounding the pools, and a large lazy river. Crash some waves at the VIVA Parque offering the ultimate fun with its wave pools or adventurous hikes through the Atlantic forest.

51 – Try the exquisite wines of São Roque on a day trip

A little over an hour away from São Paulo is São Roque, a wonderful natural wonderland that aside from wild beauty sights along the city, also provides unique things to experience, no matter the interest.

If skiing is your thing, check out only the largest artificial ski mountain park in Latin America, located in São Roque. Another wonderful experience to have is to hike to outstanding waterfalls through mountains such as Monte Saboó.

Due to the immigration of Italians and Portuguese in the area, combined with the perfect wine-making landscape, one of the most exciting things to do in São Roque is embark on a wine tasting tour and tasting .

Check out regional wines at some of the best wineries in São Roque, starting at $50 USD.

• São Roque day trips from São Paulo

52 – Get your skating on at the best places to skate

Catch some serious air at Vans Skatepark in Villa-Lobos Park, located west of the city, where the international shoe brand opened a skate park accessible for free, covering an area of 800 meters squared and a depth of 2.9 meters.

Check out Juventude Park for skating, people-watching, walking, and picnicking, amongst many other things, located 5 kilometers north of the city center. Join the skating fun at Jockey Chacara Municipal Park, where you’ll find perfect skating domes, as well as wide open spaces for other games to enjoy such as soccer.

Visit Cordeiro Municipal Park (Martin Luther King), a little further south around 15 kilometers, offering great skating opportunities for children and adults, as well as basketball courts and soccer fields to enjoy alongside the locals.

A great neighborhood for skating is Bela Vista, and you can also visit Skate City for an indoor skating rink.

53 – Take a grand hike at Pico do Jaraguá

Get incredible views of nature and the city below as you take a hike up Pico do Jaraguá (Jaraguá Park).

Known as the tallest peak in São Paulo with two antennas planted on it, and reaching a height of 1,135 meters high, visitors can reach even higher once getting to the top of the mountain. There are steps near the antennas that allow visitors to get even better visibility of the city below.

Cantareira State Park is a great place to also get some hiking opportunities, brimming with the natural beauty of the Atlantic Forest – a rainforest with many varieties of trees that have been there for hundreds of years.

Take in the sound of the animals, from toucans, monkeys, and dozens of bird varieties.

• hiking in São Paulo

54 – Have an evening at the theatre

Considered an emblem of São Paulo is the Municipal Theater of São Paulo , an opera house dating back to 1903, and today is appreciated for its Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

Have an evening of ballet and other dance performances at Teatro Sérgio Cardoso , which with only 40 years or so in operation, has some of the best stage equipment in all of Brazil. All forms of theater and performance art come alive at Teatro Alfa , offering entertainment from dance, musical, contemporary music, and orchestra-style music.

A theater for children and young adults is Teatro Bibi Ferreira , which puts on performances dedicated to the joy and entertainment mainly of children. Centrally located is the Teatro J. Safra , an art venue that opens its doors to those wanting to catch contemporary performing arts, from dance to theater, and opera.

The Gazeta Theatre , situated in the heart of São Paulo, delivers heaps of theater, contemporary dances, and a variety of musicals for the family to enjoy. Teatro Ruth Escobar is a wonderful theater, showcasing new talent, named after Brazilian actress and activist for the arts, Ruth Escobar.

Teatro Santander is where you can expect new, yet passionate talent, dance performances, and musicals, so make sure to check their programming ahead of time. Red velvet curtains bestow a regal theme at the Teatro Renault, delivering everything from traditional plays, and original performances.

55 – Do some paddleboarding at Lake Guarapiranga

Lake Guarapiranga is most widely known to be a water reservoir, with an abundance of beaches, marinas, lakes, and more. Step into the Guarapiranga ecological park, full of things to do and see for all interests and ages.

For adults, enjoy the outdoor sports facilities, take a scenic boat tour through the pristine waters, participate in some paddleboarding activities, or take a walk on the many trails, one of which takes visitors through the concrete-made water dam.

Check out the thought-provoking Trash Museum nearby, showcasing the different rubbish found throughout the years in the reservoir, helping to create consciousness around keeping the waters clean.

For children, playgrounds are available, and wide open spaces to run freely. Lake Guarapiranga is located 1 hour south of the city.

56 – Enjoy a fine dining experience in São Paulo

Enjoy the fine dining experience of a candlelit dinner at Terraço Itália , the perfect place to bring your partner to enjoy a deluxe lunch or dinner, taking in some seriously stunning and panoramic views of the city.

Amadeus is a perfect dining place for seafood and is especially known for its oysters, which are harvested from the family’s own oyster and clam farm in Florianópolis. Combining a passion for food, and high-quality ingredients, Amadeus is a “seafood corner” unlike anywhere.

For incredible Japanese cuisine, you must visit Kinoshita , known for being the first Kappo cuisine restaurant in Brazil, which refers to a “to cut and to cook” dining experience. Going with the seasons, you’ll only find fresh and seasonal dishes from sashimi to temaki.

• dinners in São Paulo

57 – Enjoy the green spaces of the city at the other great parks

Parque da Aclimação features a big lake, children’s playground, and walking paths surrounded by fragrant flowers, fig trees, and wildlife. Check out the wide and open Parque do Povo, known for its grassy spaces perfect for picnics, playing soccer, its paralympic sports facilities, and walking trails.

Trianon Park is a great park to stop by, located just by Paulista Avenue, making visitors feel like they are miles away in the middle of a rainforest. Surrounded by palm trees, and fragrant eucalyptus is Alberto Löfgren State Park, located 11 kilometers north of the city center.

Parque Maeda is an all-in-one entertainment center, offering sports fishing, beautifully manicured gardens, playgrounds, train rides, and cable cars. Enjoy the lush jungle park of Bosque Maia Park, equipped with basketball courts and soccer fields.

58 – Have a moment of adrenaline skydiving

Drop from the skies of Brazil, taking in the most adrenaline-pumping activity with the most expansive views of lush greenery and the city.

Jump off a height of 3,685 meters high, from the city of Boituva, 119 kilometers north of São Paulo as you dive at the speed of up to 200 kilometers per hour, with a team of professional divers.

Skydiving experiences include all protective equipment like the jumpsuit and protective eye gear, as well as a comprehensive briefing of what to expect on the 15-minute journey back down to earth.

Skydiving opportunities usually start at around $100 USD.

• skydiving in São Paulo

59 – Watch a passionate soccer/football game at the famous stadiums in São Paulo

Cícero Pompeu de Toledo Stadium, also known as Morumbi, is located 15 kilometers southwest of São Paulo city center and is a soccer stadium and home of the São Paulo Futebol Clube . Check online to see upcoming games and events that typically take place within its walls.

Watch the Brazilian soccer passion at Neo Química Arena , by attending a soccer game at the stadium, which was also the stage for the 2014 FIFA World Cup games as well as a few summer Olympic games.

Visit the most modern stadium in the country, Allianz Parque according to FIFA, and be a spectator in one of the 45,000 seats of the stadium for either a riveting soccer game or an exciting concert event.

60 – Make long-lasting memories on a hot air balloon ride

Choose to see a glorious morning or a glowing sunset on a hot air balloon ride, gliding over the impressive sights and buildings of São Paulo.

Embark on the biggest adventure with your friends or partner, booking a private hot air balloon ride while in São Paulo, where you’ll be able to pick the time and date on which you’d like to take to the skies.

Enjoy a complimentary small breakfast before boarding the hot air balloon, or enjoy a bubbly glass of champagne to commemorate the moment. Private hot air balloon experiences also include other bonuses, in some cases, an overnight stay in a countryside hotel and a professional photographer.

• hot air balloon rides in São Paulo

61 – See different forms of art inside the Instituto Moreira Salles – IMS Paulista

The Instituto Moreira Salles – IMS Paulista is a cultural space unique in Brazil, that centers around 4 main art mediums: photography, music, iconography, and literature.

Browse through the exhibits of the cultural space, showcasing examples of some of the first recorded songs by Brazilian artists, some of the first pieces of literature published in the country, the first few images captured on a camera, and the progression of photography.

Take a look at the exhibits that share some drawings, graphic designs, and engravings by local Brazilian artists, offering different interpretations of their country.

Entrance to the museum is free, and it is situated 3.4 kilometers southwest of São Paulo city center.

62 – Plan to go-kart with your new, local friends

Speed your way through Speedland Kart Center , offering visitors an option between indoor and outdoor tracks, as well as tracks with various curves, or just a few for fun. Get a little competitive with your friends at Kartódromo Internacional Granja Viana , featuring modern tracks, state-of-the-art go-karts, and go-karting activities for children.

Named after a go-karting champion, Kartódromo Ayrton Senna , choose between booking an open battery or closed battery, depending on how many are in your group.

Kartódromo Internacional Nova Odessa offers 3 circuits to go-kart around, just make sure to book your time slot online before arriving at the track. Ensuring a great time, Kartódromo Internacional Aldeia da Serra rent a go-kart and feel like a professional driver, glancing at the electronic scoreboard every now and then.

63 – Finalize your sightseeing days at the best rooftops

The Skye Bar , located on top of Hotel Unique in São Paulo offers vast views of the city, as well as a chill and cool atmosphere you must try for yourself. Take a dip in the pool, or lounge around the wood terrace, taking small bites out of Brazilian classic snacks.

For a relaxed rooftop experience, check out The View Bar , an indoor lounge and outdoor terrace, with live music all night, a comfy ambiance, and an impressive wine list with crafted signature cocktails.

For those who search for a rooftop that offers a good selection of beers, check out Goose Island Brewhouse, offering a great selection of craft and local beers, concoctions of beer cocktails, and American-style foods that pair perfectly.

64 – Join a fun pub crawl

Step out in São Paulo, with the guidance of a local who will take you to the hottest pubs and clubs in the city, showing you how a Paulista goes out in their city. Check out all the best pubs and clubs, from the hole-in-the-wall places to the upscale and trendy hotspots in places like Vila Madalena.

Going out in São Paulo doesn’t only mean hitting up the latest and modern bars, but also the clubs that play samba music, MPB, Sertanejo, and other local genres.

Enjoy the nightlife that makes São Paulo unofficially the nightlife capital of the country, due to its lively evenings no matter which day of the week it is, the drinking culture in the city, and the approach to having a good time.

• pub crawls in São Paulo

How to get to São Paulo?

There are 2 airports in São Paulo: Guarulhos International Airport (international) and Congonhas Airport (national). Typically if you’re traveling from abroad, you will be landing at Guarulhos International Airport, which counts on various modes of transportation to travel to São Paulo city center.

Though many travelers choose the train to travel between the airport and downtown, airport transfers are also available to help make the journey easier and faster for you, not to mention to drop you off in front of your hotel.

Typically a train ride will take around 50 minutes to get downtown, while an airport transfer will take around 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Where to stay in São Paulo?

Novotel São Paulo Jaragua is a great option for travelers wanting to stay near the city center, at just a 5-minute drive to Avenida Paulista, Cathedral Square, the theaters, and great nightlife. Enjoy the complimentary local bus service, taking visitors to points of interest within the city.

Consider staying at Grand Mercure SP Itaim Bibi and enjoy its fresh, clean tropical feel inside, as well as its healing spa with a sun terrace. Located close to Ibirapuera Park and the Modern Art Museum, this hotel is rated high for its prime location.

Enjoy the top-tier service at Pullman São Paulo Ibirapuera , featuring fine restaurants and snack bars on-site, as well as great proximity to nearby sights like Ibirapuera Park.

Take advantage of the sauna, hot tub, and swimming pool inside Green Place Ibirapuera , after long days of sightseeing on your feet, as well as the wonderful breakfast buffet each morning before taking on the city.

• best hotels in São Paulo

Visiting São Paulo on a budget?

Take advantage of free walking tours while in São Paulo to help minimize activity costs, as well as get a great introduction to the city.

Take the guidance of a passionate local, and visit sights and interesting points of interest, while learning helpful facts that not even some locals know about their own city.

Get a lay of the land, and understand the directions to get around on your own later on.

Where to go next?

As you’re planning your exciting trip to São Paulo, consider checking out the many other fun things to do in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil’s second-largest city, often known for the coexistence of nature and city, carnival, and bossa nova amongst many things.

Check out São Paulo’s multi-day trips , offering day trips and multiple-day trips to surrounding sights and destinations not to miss, including even multi-day trip options to Rio de Janeiro from São Paulo.

Final thoughts

Visibly a city overflowing with spectacular modern sights, and to die for gastronomy, for being the country’s largest city by population, São Paulo knows how to captivate its visitors, and show the best of culture, art, history, and fun.

From top art museums to spacious, green parks, and historical buildings that give São Paulo its reputation as the country’s financial capital, we hope you enjoyed this list of 65 fun things to do in São Paulo, Brazil, and that you’ve gotten the perfect amount of inspiration to book your ticket there soon.

Happy travels!

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A guide to São Paulo, the Brazilian city defined by its creative subcultures

In Brazil’s largest city — an ever-evolving metropolis of intertwined cultures — diasporas from across the globe use music, art and dance to make their mark.

I’m still two blocks away when I hear the samba beat, subverted by a deep, assertive bass. At the far end of a pedestrian lane paved in white tiles, a Beaux Arts villa called Casa de Francisca glows red and purple from within. Its tall second-storey windows are flung open to reveal hundreds of party-goers. Behind the villa, there’s São Paulo’s historic centre, the silhouetted at night.

Once home to a musical instrument shop, then a radio broadcaster, before becoming an empty shell, the building now has more people inside than it’s ever hosted before. When I enter, it feels as though they’re testing the structural integrity of its Corinthian pillars. A fusion of black, white, mixed, Indigenous, macho and gender-fluid people, the crowd bounce and shout out lyrics, white shirts billowing, trilbies toppling. Their eyes are on the DJ booth where Angola-born writer-musician Kalaf Epalanga is spinning kizomba — a sweeping genre embracing Afrobeats, Portuguese pop, fervent hip-hop and plaintive soul. When Kalaf eases into a slower tempo, couples pair off in sweaty synchronicity, or make out under the tiered chandelier. Two tall mirrors on the stage reflect the scene back to me.

Emerging from Angolan clubs in southwestern Africa during the war-torn 1980s, kizomba culture has rippled through the Afro-Portuguese diaspora like waves across the Atlantic. It’s difficult to define because it’s considered an attitude — a matrix of Latin rhythms, new wave synthesisers and early techno, but also fashion bravado and survival spirit that’s found a footing in São Paulo. The Afro-pop Cape Verdean crooner Djodje is kizomba; so, too, is the Rio-based Afrobeats DJ Joss Dee. The literal meaning of kizomba in the Kimbundu language, one of several spoken in Angola, is ‘party’.

In this city of around 12 million — the world’s largest Portuguese-speaking centre and Brazil’s most populated city by a country mile — Kalaf has a huge fanbase. And this celebration of kizomba, held in partnership with Kalaf’s fellow artist, friend and countryman Nástio Mosquito, is their way of testing the waters for a permanent Kizomba Design Museum in the city, with Casa de Francisca one possible home for it. The pair are clearly on to something.

After his set, we sit down together and Kalaf puts it to me like this: “The African diaspora in the Western world take whatever jobs are available from the bottom of the pyramid,” he drawls. “They’re immigrants, invisible all week long. No one knows their story. But come Friday they’ll get their best outfits from the dry cleaner, call the barber, take pride in their presentation. That’s why we call it kizomba design.” Nástio, his afro wilder than Kalaf’s and prematurely grey, says it’s quite the opposite to fado, a Portuguese music genre of melancholic songs and rhythms that originated in the 19th century. “Fado was all longing and pain. Kizomba celebrates. It shows there’s a different way to live under stress. It says: ‘We have today, so let’s dance, let’s drink, let’s f**k.’”

The following morning I see them both about 20 minutes away at Megafauna, a sunlit bookshop where they’re hosting a standing-room-only kizomba symposium. The books stacked to the ceiling represent a diverse range of authors that reflect São Paulo’s true mosaic. From the 16th century until 1888 — horrifyingly late for abolition — Brazil took in more enslaved people from Africa than any New World country. And, since the postwar industrial boom, many of their descendants have ended up in São Paulo. More than half of all Brazilians are Black or mixed race. Yet, they still largely live on the margins. “A lot of Brazilians are disconnected to their roots,” Nástio tells me, “but they’re gaining agency.”  

Megafauna sits on the ground floor of the rambling Edificio Copan, a 38-storey S-shaped tower built in striking ribbed concrete by the late, great Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in the 1960s. There’s an art gallery upstairs, a cafe next door chiselled out of a raw concrete shell, a vintage boutique and 1,160 apartments in the floors above. The artists have chosen this landmark to lure their audience from the four corners of town. “It’s important that our culture can access places like this,” says Nástio.  

This quarter of the historic centre has suffered its share of neglect. Though São Paulo’s crime rate is lower than that of more touristy Rio de Janeiro, Kalaf admits “this is not a city to play with”. He tells me to be vigilant, and to hide my phone in the streets from thieves on bikes. Still, he loves the kizomba vibe around Edificio Copan. “São Paulo doesn’t have the beautiful nature of Rio. It’s rough around the edges, so people only have each other and the culture to embrace.” Kalaf isn’t just referring to Africans like himself but the whole spectrum of people taking over the pavement outside Edificio Copan. “The immigrant influence defines the fabric of the city. It quickly gives you a glimpse of what Brazil represents,” he says. “I have the same feeling in New York — this big Babylon with people from all over the world.”

Topical & tropical

I see what he means over lunch at Z Deli, a leather-booth diner in a mid-century building near Edificio Copan. Z is run by one of the 20,000 Jewish families who sought asylum in São Paulo over the 20th century. A 10-minute walk away is the Jewish Museum, a former Byzantine-style synagogue opened in 2021 to exhibit Brazilian-Jewish artefacts. Similiarly, Z’s menu showcases a distinct hybrid flavour that straddles continents. I order what I think is a pastrami sandwich. What I get is shredded meat and spring onions on a bed of fries with a dollop of mayo, a jar of hot sauce and a local Guaraná-brand ginger soda. Brazilian and Jewish cultures would seem to have little in common besides fate.

And yet, simmering in São Paulo, they come together with fascinating synergy. Just east of downtown, past an awkwardly placed motorway, is Liberdade, spiritual home to hundreds of thousands of Japanese Paulistanos — the largest community off Japanese soil. I head there with Fernando Filet, a tall, tanned tour guide who leads me beneath red lampposts shaped like paper lanterns. Liberdade’s tight knot of streets can’t contain the crush of pedestrians buying Hello Kitty-themed pasteles (dumplings) and Amazonian-fish yakitori, so vendors spill out onto a viaduct.  

Looking down at the traffic below, Fernando shares a description from the late Anthony Bourdain, who visited while filming his shows No Reservations and The Layover. “He said, ‘São Paulo feels like LA threw up on New York’.” Fernando quotes this to all his clients because Bourdain — who loved the city — had a point. You don’t tend to hear bossa nova paeans about the criss-crossing highways and graffiti-scrawled streets sprawling out from Liberdade. They’re functional but fun, smelling of Italian trattorias and Lebanese falafel huts. Then, as we approach broad, busy Avenida Paulista, they smarten up. Flanked by audaciously designed brutalist towers, Avenida Paulista has a retro character and unconventional beauty that appeals to me. Fernando points out a cool 1970s building by starchitect Paulo Mendes de la Rocha, which flares out over the pavement like a bellbottom.  

But I prefer the street’s São Paulo Museum of Art, or MASP, a giant glass box hoisted in the air by stout concrete legs painted a shouty shade of red. When its architect Lina Bo Bardi immigrated to Brazil from Italy in the late 1940s, she imported Italian modernism and the notion of public gathering spaces. “She was a woman of the people,” says Fernando. On the piazza, framed by MASP’s red legs, the community spirit is palpable, filled with skateboarders toting boom boxes and families on promenade. Fernando urges me up to the vast glass gallery overhead, where paintings by globally renowned artists such as Modigliani and Picasso sit alongside emerging Brazilian ones, their works encased in glass and planted in concrete foundations. From here we can peer out of the glass walls and watch the late-afternoon sun meet the skyline.  

I could spend a week basking in grand-gesture museums like MASP, but I’ve promised my new kizomba mates I’d check out the scene in Barra Funda, north of downtown. On a sunny morning I meander among its charming painted stucco terraces. There’s an antique shop under a deep awning and a bakery festooned with azulejo tiles selling Portuguese custard tarts. An electric-green maritaca parrot wolf-whistles from the shoulder of an old man as I duck into HOA Galeria.  

Brazil’s first Black-owned art gallery, HOA is hell-bent on shifting the narrative of Latin American art from the colonial to the personal, experiential and revolutionary. Inside, it’s somehow brighter than outside, all blazing brushstrokes and thrumming video. The same goes for Mendes Wood around the corner — a gallery where endless vaulted rooms grab you and keep you rapt with installations exploring Blackness and otherness, by brilliant artists finally getting a platform. In fact, there’s a gallery every 500 metres — and judging by the cocktail of languages I overhear, visitors have come from everywhere to appreciate them.  

Covid had an unexpected positive impact on this neighbourhood, once known for Korean immigrants and industry. Home life pivoted to the pavements and when the city opened up again, restaurants, bars and galleries moved into the area’s once-empty warehouses. People took notice. Just off Rua Barra Funda, I watch the young, beautiful and tattooed file into Mescla, a cafe with communal tables and a Bolivian chef experimenting with Cuban, Andean and Mediterranean cooking. In an area spoiled for wine bars, everyone lines their stomachs here.  

That evening it’s back to Casa de Francisca to watch rapper Dino D’Santiago, a Portuguese artist of Cape Verdean descent, fire up the crowd into absolute, arm-swinging rapture. I can’t help but get up out of my vintage cinema seat. “We’re rocking the place,” Nástio says, when I can hear again. The crowd snaps into perfect sync for the Electric Slide line dance. They know every move, every word. Kalaf says that’s not surprising. “All these people have the same cultural touchstones, and they don’t experience their stars playing in town.”

I ask him about those two big mirrors flanking the stage. He tells me that self reflection is part of the design emblematic of kizomba. “This culture is fragile,” he says. “Our traditions are ephemeral, oral. Our story is nowhere, but when we look at ourselves and we look at each other, we can see it.”  

Related Topics

• PEOPLE AND CULTURE
• FOOD CULTURE
• CULTURAL TOURISM
• CITY GUIDES
• ARCHITECTURE

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Luxury Latin America Blog

Luxury travel news and reviews for mexico, central america, and south america, best places to visit in brazil: 7 top destinations for luxury travelers.

Brazil is a country that bursts with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and an array of breathtaking destinations. It’s also a country where the local people put fun first, which you can see on display with Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival or at the many laid-back beach resort areas on the long coastline. It’s not easy to decide where to go in such a large country, so we’ve highlighted seven of the best places to visit in Brazil.

You can narrow it down from here depending on your interests. If you’re up for adventure, you’ve got Iguacu Falls, the Amazon River and rainforest, and the Pantanal wildlife area. If you like cities, head to the largest city of Sao Paulo, to Rio, or to Salvador. If you’re an island lover, see the last option at the bottom.

With a country this vast and varied, it makes sense to partner up with a tour company, especially if it’s your first time visiting. For vacations and Brazil holidays , it’s going to save a huge amount of time if you let someone else take care of the plans and logistics. A Brazil expert can easily set up all the transportation and make sure you hit the highlights of wherever you’re going.

Brazil has long been a laggard when it comes to luxury lodging options though, with “barefoot chic” being the norm on the coasts and most upscale hotels catering to business travelers more than vacationers. As the dollar and euro have gained on the Brazilian real in recent years, however, the value proposition has increased quite a bit and it’s easier for wealthy travelers to go for the best of the best in lodging without seeing insanely high prices that were prevalent a decade ago.

Every destination in Brazil tells a story, unfolds history, and offers experiences that stay with you long after you leave. The main challenge is figuring out what to prioritize in the itinerary in what is the largest country by far in South America. This land mass occupies half of the whole continent. It’s larger than the size of the lower 48 states in the USA but has about a third fewer people.

We’ve narrowed down the options for you according to where you’ll find the best tours, the best places to stay, and the highest level of service. So, pack your bags, embrace the warmth of the Brazilian spirit, and prepare to discover some of the most memorable places on the planet. These destinations are poised to make your trip to Brazil unforgettable.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro presents a vibrant tapestry of cultural richness, blending historical architecture with urban energy and beaches that have inspired songs and paintings since the first visitors arrived. There’s enough to easily keep you occupied for a week here, from exploring Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue to riding a streetcar through the Santa Teresa neighborhood and lazing on the beach.

This is a great city for dining and drinking, of course, with a festive atmosphere that’s contagious. There are only a few luxury Rio hotels that are up to our standards, but you can see full reviews of them at that link and most are facing the famous Copacabana Beach.

I enjoyed the laid-back attitude that abounds in Rio, with guys strolling down the beach selling Caipirinha cocktails and the ability to get a cold beer almost anywhere. There are a lot of casual places to grab a bite and even the fancy places aren’t overly pretentious.

While São paulo is known more as the pulsing business headquarters of the country than a tourist center, its status as host of the country’s busiest airport means that a lot of international flights arrive here from cities in the USA, Canada, and Europe. So it makes sense to stick around a little while after arrival before heading out to other parts of Brazil.

This is the main culinary destination of the country, home to most of the restaurants from Brazil that turn up on lists of the best places to dine in South America. Those getting a nod from the judges include A Casa do Porco, Oteque, D.O.M, Maní, and Mocotó.

As for attractions, you can visit one of South America’s top art museums, head to the top of the 161-meter Farol Santander skyscraper for panoramic views, or get a grip on Brazil’s history at the Museu Afro-Brasil . If you’re a big soccer fan, visit the Museu do Futebol.

This is a good place to take some kind of city tour with a guide, though try to avoid the peak traffic times or you’ll spend much of it in your vehicle. This city is blessed with some of the best places to stay in the country. See our reviews of luxury Sao Paulo hotels .

Salvador de Bahia

Nestled in the state of Bahia, Salvador captivates with its historic charm and deeply rooted Afro-Brazilian culture. It is one of the longest-established colonial cities in the Americas, dating back to the 1500s. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site nearly four decades ago.

The neighborhood of Pelourinho is at the heart of this port city, featuring cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, churches, and museums. A stroll here immerses you in the city’s storied past, and the palpable rhythm of Bahian music and dance enlivens your spirit.

This is the third-largest city in Brazil, however, so you will have plenty of options for shopping, dining, and drinking when you’re ready to spend some of your vacation money. This is actually Brazil’s second most popular city for tourists after Rio, thanks to 50 miles of beaches spreading out in both directions along the coast.

Iguaçu Falls

Sometimes spelled as Iguazu Falls or Iguassu Falls, the cascades here are unrivaled anywhere else in the Americas. Stunning already from the Argentine side, the view from the Brazilian side is even better, with the thundering falls right up close to you and a rainbow suspended in the air on sunny days.

The falls get most of the attention, but there’s plenty to do in the area also in terms of hikes, birdwatching trips, and boat rides. Stay at one of the top Iguacu Falls luxury hotels on the Brazilian side and spend some time soaking it all in.

Want to get an advance look at the scenery? Watch the classic 1986 historical movie The Mission starring Jeremy Irons, Robert De Niro, and Liam Neeson.

Amazon Rainforest Exploration

The Amazon Rainforest is a realm of biodiversity that is unrivaled on the planet. Often called the Earth’s lungs, this ecosystem is host to a wide variety of wildlife. Home to countless species of flora and fauna, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers.

You have several options for exploring this area, whether based in a jungle lodge like Anavilhanas or cruising down the Amazon River on a ship that visits different areas. A good guide will make all the difference, with the best of them being locals who grew up in the rainforest and are intimately familiar with all the medicinal plants and what lives in various parts of the jungle.

You’ll probably fly in and out of Manaus and it’s worth spending a little time there as well. It’s a surprisingly large metropolis, with more than two million people.

Pantanal Wildlife Safari

Photo by Luis Gomes

The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland in South America and a treasure trove of wildlife. You’re likely to encounter everything from capybaras to jaguars in this rich ecosystem. You can see macaws and toucans in the air and much more on the ground. Here’s how tk describes it in their Brazil wildlife tours section:

About 250 species of fish, 80 of mammals, 50 of reptiles and over 650 of birds live together harmoniously. Explore the riparian forest and mangroves spotting Otters, have a go at piranha fishing, learn about the fauna on horseback and try a night safari to spot nocturnal animals.

If you’re coming all this way, you might as well do it right and stay at the best nature lodge in the region. See our review of Cristalino Lodge .

Coastal Paradise in Fernando de Noronha

Locals speak in awe about Fernando de Noronha, an idyllic archipelago with white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. It’s a rather remote place to visit, 220 miles from the mainland, which is part of its charm. It is known for excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. See our travel story on Fernando de Noronha here .

The top place to stay in the area is Pousada Maravilha , with one of its views pictured above. Follow that link to read a full review.

This is just a small sampling of places to visit in Brazil. This is a vast country and we haven’t even touched on the beautiful beach areas in the north such as Florianopolis, Fortaleza, and Ceara, some with massive sand dunes you can hike on. These draw travelers from around the world, especially those who are spending weeks or months in the country instead of just coming on a short vacation.

Which places did you like the most when you visited Brazil? Let us know in the comments!

All photos by Luxury Latin America except where indicated.

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Article by Timothy

Timothy Scott is the founder and editor of Luxury Latin America and has been covering the region as a travel journalist since the mid-2000s. He has visited each country we cover multiple times and is based in a UNESCO World Heritage city in central Mexico, where he owns a home. See contact information here .

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7 Places Around the World to Visit in the Summer

I t's almost inappropriate not to make the most of summer's quiet stretches and skip off for a trip somewhere new. This is bona fide vacation season, after all. And while destinations with special summertime appeal abound, remember that our summer is winter in the Southern Hemisphere-a prime time to explore countries there, not just for the temperate climate, but also for the wild seasonal events.

Here are seven glorious places for a summer jaunt, each with a must-see reason to go right now.

1. Gstaad, Switzerland

Gstaad is an appealing destination in summertime (June through September), when the slopes are transformed into green hiking trails; try the Rinderberg panorama ridge trail or stroll around Lauenensee Lake. Come earlier in the day to avoid the crowds, and don't forget to pack a bathing suit for a chance to swim in the astonishingly clear waters.

There are major sporting events here in summer, too. There's the Hublot Polo Gold Cup from August 22 to 25, which takes place on the grounds of Gstaad airport, and the Swiss Open , which runs from July 13 to 21 this year; it was won by Argentinian Pedro Cachín last year.

Where to stay

• Book now: Gstaad Palace

This hotel helped establish this town as a jet-set getaway when it opened more than 100 years ago; it remains ground zero for glamor in 2024. Save some energy to party in the 1970s-style nightclub GreenGo.

How to get to Gstaad

The best international hub for Gstaad is Zurich, served by Swiss from Miami International Airport (MIA), Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) nonstop; the airport at Gstaad is mostly restricted to private jets. Road connections to the town are notoriously circuitous, so the best option is a train: It takes about three hours to pull into the small station downtown.

Spend a contemplative Juneteenth in Montgomery, Alabama, where the Equal Justice Initiative operates several world-class sites, all intended to spotlight the troubled racial history of the United States. EJI's National Memorial for Peace and Justice confronts the history of lynchings: Visitors walk through a forest of tombstones hanging from the ceiling, each representing a county where lynchings took place. The Legacy Museum nearby offers in-depth accounts of life as an enslaved person. The latest addition will be the 17-acre Freedom Monument Sculpture Park (set to open March 27), filled with 48 sculptures by more than two dozen artists, including Wangechi Mutu and Kehinde Wiley, as well as a monument to the millions emancipated at the end of the Civil War.

Combine that with a visit to Birmingham, an hour's drive or so away: The city has a vibrance epitomized by the reboot of the dead space under the interstate-a divider between racially distinct neighborhoods-now named CityWalk BHAM , an outdoor rec area with a skate park, roller rink, and pickleball courts.

Stay at Birmingham's The Painted Lady , slated to open in July. The 22-room spot, in the former automotive district, is inspired by the life and work of Louise Curtis Wooster, renowned as both a high-end brothel keeper and a devoted nurse during the cholera epidemic.

How to get to Alabama

Flying to Birmingham is the best option, with direct nonstop service to airports including Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) on American, Denver International Airport (DEN) on Southwest and United, and Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) on Delta.

3. Patagonia, Chile

Chile's southern tip in midwinter (June through August) is brutal at times-expect temps to remain consistently around freezing-but the reason to come to this rugged terrain now is that it's peak puma-spotting season. When the land is green and lush, the cats are more scattered, chasing their prey, guanacos, around wide swathes of land; as the snows carpet the higher altitudes here in winter, the guanacos are driven down to graze in smaller patches of greenery, bringing the pumas in high numbers to the same small spaces.

There are also more than 100 species of birds, including black and white condors and flamingos whose bright-bubblegum plumage seems cartoonish in the wild.

Even better, since visitor numbers crater in winter, there are fewer humans to scare the skittish cats: Chile's most popular national park, the approximately 700-square-mile Torres del Paine, is home to between 50 and 200 pumas.

• Book now: Awasi Patagonia

Awasi operates a 14-villa lodge in a private reserve right next to that national park. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer spectacular views.

How to get to Patagonia

Punta Arenas is the starting point for adventures in this part of Chile. Fly to the capital, Santiago de Chile, on LATAM from JFK or LAX, then connect on the same carrier's domestic service.

If you've never ventured into the Pacific region, consider Fiji as your first place to touch down. The country comprises about 300 islands, but the population is concentrated on two, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The infrastructure is superb, whether you travel by air, road, or sea, and English is the lingua franca, which makes engaging with locals and learning more about the Indigenous culture much easier.

Hands down the best time to come is during July and August, when temperatures will be warm-usually steady in the upper 80s-and rain is minimal. Dive into the waters and you'll be startled at the quality and health of the soft coral. Rakiraki, off the main island of Viti Levu, is ideal for diving for both beginners and pros, while experts should beeline for Namena Island. It's surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped barrier reef that's home to more than 1,000 species of fish.

• Book now: Como Laucala

Indulge your inner Robinson Crusoe with a stay at this private island resort, which was the personal playground of Red Bull entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz, complete with its own vast farm, a water sports center, and a spa. Book the overwater villa, which has its own pool carved into the rock face, if you can.

How to get to Fiji

The local namesake airline has a near monopoly on service to the islands: Daily service runs from the capital, Nadi, to LAX, and there are flights six times weekly to SFO.

5. Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is the world's largest inland delta and the best place to experience an African water safari. Though July is technically the peak dry season, the water level here is at its highest; that's because it takes several months for the rains from the Angolan Highlands to trickle down and pool here on the plains. Of course, the delta is an easy place to score a full house on the so-called Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino (though an uptick in poaching has recently threatened the population of the latter).

Avoid motorboating around and instead opt for a mokoro , or traditional canoe, a puntlike vessel that allows you to drift in near silence through the reeds to spot jewel-colored insects, startled birds, and beautiful plants up close.

• Book now: Xigera

The luxury lodge in the heart of the Delta is known for a superb, signature suite: the Baobab Treehouse, a man-made tower festooned with metal branches, where you can spend the night out in the bush. The best place to sleep is alfresco on the roof, listening to the caws and roars in the darkness.

How to get to the Okavango Delta

The easiest intercontinental gateway to Botswana is Johannesburg in South Africa. Connect from there to the capital of Maun, and then you'll likely need to take a charter puddle jumper to most safari camps.

6. São Paulo, Brazil

June is Pride month, so where better to spend it than enjoying the largest Pride celebration in the world, which takes place in São Paulo-this year, from May 29 through June 2. The event-capping parade last year drew more than 3 million people. It's a nod to the city's status as one of the first in the Southern Hemisphere to introduce anti-discrimination laws expressly protecting people from discrimination on the grounds of sexuality, in 1997. The five-day event includes circuit parties thrown by Superfestas, a well-known local promoter, and a 15-hour marathon pool party, before concluding with the hours-long parade, which runs from Rua da Consolaçao to Praça Roosevelt.

• Book now: Rosewood São Paulo

The swanky, Philippe Starck–designed hotel right next to Consolaçao is a plush hideaway, with a rooftop pool and typically quirky interiors: The rooms are festooned with musical instruments, and the bathrooms are large enough for an armchair.

How to get to São Paulo

São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) has a dozen direct nonstop routes from the United States, including Orlando, Houston, and Chicago, on carriers such as LATAM and United.

7. St. Barths

St. Barths is a staple of the festive season, a place to celebrate Christmas in a dry-clean-only bikini. Pause for a moment, though, and opt for an alternative reason to visit this party-centric island.

More than half the land here is designated as a green zone, which means it can't be used for construction. This translates to huge swathes of hike-friendly land and surprisingly less-trafficked beaches. Le Colombier, for example, which is only accessible on foot, offers superb snorkeling off its white-sand beach (the mansion overlooking the bay, now largely unused, was built by David Rockefeller). The three-mile-long trail to Gouverneur Beach on the south side is more bracing but rewards you with a superb spot to take a dip-and don't worry about wetting that bikini, as this is one of the rare clothing-optional spots on the island.

• Book now: Eden Rock St. Barths

The OG luxury hotel here was carved out from the onetime home of pioneering aviator Rémy de Haenen, whose Hollywood connections helped establish its early cachet (Greta Garbo was one of his guests).

How to get to St. Barths

Nervous fliers, take note: The short, awkwardly situated runway at the airport on the island makes it viable for pro-level pilots only, and the descent can be nail-biting. If you'd like to sample it yourself, charter specialist Tradewind offers service from Anguilla, Antigua, St. Thomas, and San Juan in Puerto Rico. Otherwise, fly into St. Maarten and take the breezy, 45-minute ferry across.

Get to know the city of São Paulo in Brazil, where the Packers will open the 2024 NFL season

The Green Bay Packers will open the season in São Paulo, Brazil , marking the first regular-season NFL game in South America. Here's what you might be interested to know about the location.

It’s the largest city in the Southern hemisphere

São Paulo is not only the biggest city in Brazil and the country's economic engine, it's the biggest city in the entire Southern hemisphere. It's also the capital city of the São Paulo state, which is easily the largest of the 26 states in Brazil, roughly 22% of the country's overall population.

With a population in excess of 12 million in the city proper and 22 million in the metro, it's bigger than New York City and one of the five biggest cities in the world.

It's not located on the ocean, but the South Atlantic Ocean is only 40 miles away. Those flying into the city will notice a seemingly endless concentration of skyscrapers, many of which are apartment buildings.

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

It’s not the federal capital of Brazil, which is a unique story

Rio de Janeiro had been the capital of Brazil until 1960, when Brasília was born. The new city, built from scratch, was conceived as a centrally located capital and features a fascinating palate of modern architecture.

Brasília is now the third-most populated city in the country.

More: Packers vs Eagles to begin 2024 season in Brazil: What's the time zone in São Paulo?

More: Will Packers fans need a Peacock subscription to watch Brazil game against Eagles?

The venue has a ban on fans wearing the color green, which feels like it might be a problem

The venue for the game, Corinthians Arena, has a seating capacity of less than 48,000, which is just slightly larger than American Family Field in Milwaukee and will be far below the traditional capacity of an NFL game. Temporary seats were added to the stadium in the 2014 World Cup to reach a mandatory capacity of 65,000.

Corinthians is one of the most-celebrated soccer clubs in Brazil.

The venue opened in May 2014, just in time for that World Cup showcase. It's had several names, including "Arena de São Paulo" during the World Cup, and it also bears the sponsored name Neo Química Arena.

Somewhat amusingly, the stadium has a literal ban on wearing the color green , the color of rival club Palmeiras. One would assume an exception can be made for the Packers and Eagles, who naturally both feature green prominently in their uniform scheme.

This will shock you but ... soccer is a big deal in Brazil

As you might imagine, soccer is a massive sport in the country, which has won five World Cups.

"If you put together the love of football and the passion, and the love of baseball and the passion, and hockey, and throw in tennis, and the NBA … then you begin to have an idea of what soccer is in Brazil," said Martinho Sander, a native Brazilian and retired pastor living in New Berlin who's been living in the United States since 1983 but routinely makes return visits to his country of origin. "Sunday afternoon without soccer is no Sunday. Sunday in the morning, we grew up going to church in the morning and to the soccer stadium in the afternoon."

Soccer is played nearly year-round in the country

American football has found a foothold in the country

Brazil holds the third-largest fan base for American football in the world , just shy of 40 million fans.

Sander said auto racing and volleyball are also high-profile sports in the country, as is basketball, but American football has found a foothold with the introduction of cable television.

"I had heard and read about American football in the ’60s and ’70s, but it took me 20 years to sit down and watch a football game," said Sander, who now describes himself as a fan. "I could not conceive of five seconds of action and then the referee stops everything."

There's another reason, he says, that brings more people to the American sport.

"In soccer, there is a lot of bribing, and the people of Brazil are fed up with it," he said. "You don't hear about these things in America (without it being a major scandal). In Brazil, the take is so ingrained that it'll take a major change (to weed out corruption in sports)."

A federal probe last year looked into allegations that 16 players accepted bribes to commit fouls and concede penalties in 2022 and 2023, and it's not the first time a match-fixing scandal has caught attention in Brazil.

The ‘air bridge’ will take you to Rio de Janeiro

Those looking to make the trip for the game should know that it's a haul to get to Rio de Janeiro, a drive of more than 250 miles. But it's extremely common for people to fly between the two destinations thanks in large part to the "air bridge" between the locations . A series of shuttle-like airplanes have been connecting the city with more than 120 flights daily, with a plane leaving every 10 minutes.

São Paulo has the largest population of Japanese citizens outside of Japan

You might be surprised to learn that the Japanese population in São Paulo has grown in excess of 1.5 million . Sander said, as he understands it, the population of Japanese immigrants in São Paulo will surpass the population of Japan itself by the year 2050.

He also said the presence of Japanese influence in São Paulo has led to large-scale city beautification.

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Green Bay Packers in São Paulo face Eagles: NFL Drought Continues

The Green Bay Packers are set to kick off their season in São Paulo, Brazil, against the Philadelphia Eagles , raising concerns about potential travel challenges for both teams. Despite the logistical hurdles, the game presents an intriguing matchup between two NFC powerhouses.

• The Packers have not had a home game in Week 1 since the 2018 season.
• In the past 11 seasons, Green Bay has only opened the season at Lambeau Field twice.
• Of the 32 NFL teams, 25 have started their season at home over the last two years.
• The 2024 season will mark the sixth consecutive year the Packers start on the road.

The NFL's scheduling decisions have put the Packers at a competitive disadvantage, forcing them to consistently start their seasons on the road, impacting their momentum and home-field advantage.

• The Packers, despite their popularity in Brazil, continue to endure a league-leading drought in starting their seasons at Lambeau Field.
• Starting on the road provides a potential advantage of playing nine of the remaining 16 games at Lambeau Field, but consistent road starts hinder the team's momentum.

The ongoing trend of road openers for the Packers highlights a need for the NFL to address scheduling balance to ensure fair opportunities for all teams.

The NFL's persistent scheduling of the Packers for road openers prolongs their home game drought, impacting their ability to kick off the season with a home advantage and build early momentum, necessitating a reevaluation of the league's scheduling practices for fairness and competitiveness.

The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI

Lombardi Ave

NFL continues to screw over Packers by refusing to end league-long drought

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