13 Thrilling Issues To Do In Sao Paulo, Brazil

This put up might include affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, should you make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.

Sao Paulo is a kind of cities that can shock you with how a lot it affords. It’s a metropolis that’s thriving with tradition; from its various neighborhoods to its dynamic artwork scene, you’ll discover a multitude of various methods of life scattered round each nook.

It’s the biggest metropolis in Brazil by inhabitants, so it’s unsurprising there are quite a lot of thrilling issues to do in Sao Paulo. 

Whether or not you’re a foodie, a nightlife lover, a household, or a pair – there’s a Sao Paulo attraction for each sort of traveller. 

On this information, we’ve listed our favorite points of interest in Sao Paulo in addition to a number of hidden gems, plus some concepts for the place to remain, so you can also make planning to your Sao Paulo itinerary simple.

Is Sao Paulo Price Visiting?

Earlier than I get into the highest points of interest in Sao Paulo, you may be on the fence about whether or not or to not go to Sao Paulo.

Whereas it’s not as vibrant as Rio de Janeiro and it doesn’t have seashores, it does have one thing particular and distinctive about it.

Sao Paulo is essentially the most populated metropolis within the nation, and with that, comes a various tradition and varied communities that carry their very own flavours and vibe to town.

Its gastronomy tradition is second to none; whether or not you take pleasure in road meals, world-class michelin-star eating, or road meals – you had higher carry your elasticated waistband pants to Sao Paulo!

There’s additionally an enormous artwork group. You’ll discover loads of artwork museums, neighborhoods with road artwork, and performances taking place day by day in Sao Paulo.

Sao Paulo is certainly price visiting in your journey to Brazil due to its diversified tradition and host of points of interest.

Issues to Do in Sao Paulo

Now slightly bit about why Sao Paulo is an superior metropolis, it’s time to try the highest points of interest within the metropolis. Go have a look…

1. Chill out in Ibirapuera Park

• Hours: 5.00am – 12.00am
• Handle: Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral – Vila Mariana, São Paulo – SP, 04094-050,

Sao Paulo just isn’t close to the coast, and the character parks are situated a good distance out of town, however the metropolis centre remains to be recognized for its greenery. Why? It’s all because of Ibirapuera Park.

This can be a 158 hectare city park within the heart of town, and in 2017, it was recorded as essentially the most visited park in South America – sure, the entire continent.

This vastly in style park captivates guests with its limitless actions. You’ll be able to hire bikes and cycle across the bike paths, take a ship out on the lake, or simply sit again and calm down underneath the shady bushes.

You’ll be able to even discover yoga and capoeira classes that locals and guests can take pleasure in collectively. Ibirapuera Park affords the proper escape from the stresses of the busy metropolis.

2. Take a Free Outdated City Strolling Tour

• Hours: This tour leaves day by day at 11.00am
• Handle: The assembly level is at Republica Sq., reverse the Vacationer Info Centre

I at all times suppose the easiest way to get to know a metropolis and study its tradition and historical past is on a strolling tour, and better of all – it’s free! Though should you’ve by no means finished a free walking tour earlier than, you need to word that it’s well mannered to tip the information on the finish. However this nonetheless stays certainly one of our favorite free issues to do in Sao Paulo.

Should you solely have time for one strolling tour, I like to recommend the Outdated Downtown Strolling Tour. This takes you across the historic a part of Sao Paulo, to the Sé Cathedral, previous the Municipal Theater, Matarazzo constructing, Farol Santander, São Bento Monastery and far more.

You’ll be taught all about how town was based and what the locals do for enjoyable. Afterwards, you’ll be able to ask your information for suggestions for locations to eat, drink and discover.

This tour takes round 3.5 hours so put on strolling footwear.

3. Examine Out The Avenue Artwork on Batman Alley

• Hours: 24 hours (although we don’t suggest going at night time)
• Handle: R. Medeiros de Albuquerque, 82-154 – Jardim das Bandeiras, São Paulo – SP, 05436-060

I discussed earlier that Sao Paulo has a thriving artwork scene, and it’s not simply in its many artwork museums (which I’ll let you know about later). There’s additionally an enormous road artwork scene, significantly within the Vila Madalena space.

One road that has develop into essentially the most well-known for its road artwork is Batman Alley, which was given its nickname due to the DC Comedian graffiti that was added to the wall in 1980.

This alley stretches from the Rua Gonçalo Afonso and Rua Medeiros de Albuquerque space within the Vila Madalena and is lined on either side with unbelievable graffiti.

Many of the paintings was created by artwork college students who take inspiration from psychedelic and cubist artwork and it’s cared for by the local people.

4. See the enduring São Paulo Cathedral

• Hours: 8.00am – 6.00pm
• Handle: Praça da Sé – Sé, São Paulo – SP, 01001-000

Probably the most lovely items of structure within the metropolis is the Sao Paulo Cathedral. It has a troubled historical past. The primary cathedral was in-built 1616 however was demolished and rebuilt in 1764, after which demolished and rebuilt once more in 1911. 

So regardless that it seems to be previous, the constructing you see standing right this moment is the one which was in-built 1911, and was refurbished in 2000 and 2002.

Regardless of being teared up and teared down rather a lot, the constructing remains to be the biggest Catholic church in São Paulo. Its model is a Neo-Gothic model, apart from the dome, which has been impressed by the Renaissance structure seen in Florence, Italy.

The within has been adorned with round 800 tons of uncommon marble, with sculptures of Brazilian produce akin to espresso branches, pineapples, and native animals akin to armadillos.

Sadly, the world exterior the Sao Paulo Cathedral is stuffed with homeless individuals, and whereas most of them imply no hurt, a number of of them will pickpocket you should you give them a chance. Take your images right here, after which don’t dangle round.

5. Examine Out The Artwork Museums

Sao Paulo’s artwork tradition is without doubt one of the greatest causes to go to town. There are 110 museums within the metropolis, the biggest variety of museums in the entire of Latin America.

After all, it will be a problem to see all of them, however should you solely have time for a number of, we suggest you go to the next:

São Paulo Museum of Artwork (MASP)

• Hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm (closed Monday, open till 8.00pm on Tuesday)
• Handle: Av. Paulista, 1578 – Bela Vista, São Paulo – SP, 01310-200

Positioned on Avenue Paulista, the Sao Paulo Museum of Artwork is without doubt one of the most well-known artwork museums within the metropolis.

The structure alone is what makes this museum an iconic landmark, because it showcases a number of the most spectacular Brazilian trendy structure. 

Inside, you’ll discover artistic endeavors from not simply Brazilian however Worldwide artists, together with Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and a number of other items by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Pinacoteca de São Paulo

• Hours: 10.00am – 6.00pm (closed Tuesdays)
• Handle: Praça da Luz, 2 – Luz, São Paulo – SP, 01120-010

One other essential artwork museum in Sao Paulo is the Pinacoteca de São Paulo, which is nestled in an exquisite 1900 constructing in Jardim da Luz. It was initially constructed because the headquarters of the Lyceum of Arts and Crafts and is the oldest artwork museum within the metropolis.

It comprises a large assortment of Brazilian artwork from the Nineteenth-century, principally work and sculptures. 

It grew to become extra well-known in 2008 when a heist occurred, and the museum misplaced two work by Pablo Picasso in addition to the Ladies on the Window portray by Emiliano Di Cavalcanti and Couple by Lasar Segall.

Two work had been recovered, however the others are nonetheless lacking.

6. Discover Avenida Paulista

• Hours: 24 hours
• Handle: from Marechal Cordeiro de Farias Sq. in Consolação to Oswaldo Cruz Sq. in Vila Mariana

Paulista Avenue is essentially the most well-known road in Sao Paulo. It stretches for two.8 kilometres and is lined with museums, monetary and cultural establishments, and main procuring complexes.

It’s the primary hub of town and the place everybody goes to do their procuring or to dine at the most effective eating places. 

It’s the place a number of the most fascinating trendy structure within the metropolis lies in addition to Sao Paulo’s prime points of interest the Sao Paulo Museum of Artwork and Buying Cidade São Paulo.

It’s the avenue that holds the Homosexual Pleasure Parade annually, and the Saint Silvester Street Race each New 12 months’s Eve.

Each Sunday, the road is closed off from visitors and is pedestrianized, so should you’re in search of issues to do in Sao Paulo on the weekend, you should definitely add this to your Sunday itinerary.

7. Have A Stylish Cocktail In Olivio Bar

• Hours: 5.00pm – 12.00am Monday and Wednesday, 4.00pm – 1.00am Tuesday, 12.00pm – 1.00am Thursday – Sunday
• Handle: R. Delfina, 196 – Vila Madalena, São Paulo – SP, 05443-010

On the lookout for issues to do in Sao Paulo at night time? How about ingesting a cocktail out of a shark’s head? Properly, not an actual head, however it is without doubt one of the few novelty cocktail glasses you’ll be able to have your drink served in on the stylish Olivio Bar.

Have your photographs served in a take a look at tube or drink a “Forbidden Fruit” cocktail served on a platter with a plant and a pretend snake – should you’re a fan of bars that mix artwork with ambiance, that is the place for you.

Positive, it’s a bit dear, and perhaps slightly gimmicky, however it’s additionally very enjoyable and a well-liked place to drink, so that you’ll discover the ambiance is as electrifying because the drinks. It’s definitely one of many extra distinctive points of interest in Sao Paulo.

8. Study About Soccer Tradition at Museu do Futebol (Soccer Museum)

• Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm (closed Mondays)
• Handle: Praça Charles Miller, s/n – Pacaembu, São Paulo – SP, 01234-010

Soccer to Brazilians is sort of a faith, so you can’t make a journey to Sao Paulo and never go to the Soccer Museum as it’s going to be good.

The museum showcases reveals of the best soccer achievements, from girls in soccer to the best footballers of all time.

You may as well see some thrilling memoirs and reactions to Brazil’s 4 FIFA World Cup wins in 1958, 1970, 1994 and 2002.

There are fifteen rooms masking an area of 6,000 sq. ft. Who knew there was a lot soccer historical past in Brazil?

9. Marvel At The Lovely Parque da Independància and Museu do Ipiranga

• Hours: 5.00am – 8.00pm
• Handle: Av. Nazaré, s/n – Ipiranga, São Paulo – SP, 04263-200

One other beautiful park in Sao Paulo is the Parque da Independencia, which you’ll discover off the enduring Avenue Paulista. It was inaugurated in 1989 and was devoted to Pedro I.

The park comprises a Monument to Independence and the Casa do Grito and has a stunning forest and manicured garden that guests can stroll down. There’s additionally a French Backyard.

Essentially the most well-known monument within the park is the Museu Paulista (or Museu do Ipiranga because it’s typically known as), which belongs to the College of São Paulo. It’s a Brazilian historical past museum that has been constructed on the place the place Emperor Pedro I first proclaimed Brazil’s independence.

The museum has an enormous assortment of furnishings, paperwork, and artifacts regarding the Brazilian Empire period in 1822–1889.

The spotlight is the 1888 portray Independência ou Morte (Independence or Loss of life) by Pedro Américo.

The museum was refurbished in 2013 and at last reopened in 2022.

10. Eat Japanese Meals

Sure, you learn this proper. Should you didn’t know already, Sao Paulo is dwelling to the biggest group of Japanese individuals exterior of Japan, on the earth! 

This implies you will discover some actually implausible and genuine Japanese meals in Sao Paulo.

The Liberdade district has the very best inhabitants of Japanese immigrants, however you’ll discover wonderful Japanese eating places everywhere in the metropolis.

Some extremely rated eating places are Shin-Zushi close to Avenue Paulista, JAM Jardins only a few blocks away from Shin-Zushi, and Jun Sakamoto, which is a Michelin-starred restaurant specialising in sushi (word, you should guide an appointment for this restaurant). 

11. Gorge on a Mortadella Sandwich

• Hours: 5.30am – 5.00pm (6.00am – 3.00pm Sunday)
• Handle: Rua da Cantareira, Rua E, 306 – Field 14 – Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo

Should you don’t have the finances for Michelin-starred sushi, then don’t fear, you’ll be able to nonetheless ignite your culinary senses by tucking into some Brazilian road meals.

All around the metropolis, you’ll discover locations serving empanadas, bolinhos, or my private favorite, a easy pão de queijo (dough balls stuffed with cheese). 

However when in Sao Paulo, the road meals you mustn’t miss is a hearty sandwich known as a Mortadella Sandwich, which is so massive you’ll be able to share it with 4 individuals and all be full.

The most effective place to do this sandwich is at Bar do Mané in a meals market within the historic centre. It’s normally very busy so be ready to attend some time. 

Nevertheless it’s positively price ready for, these sandwiches are HUGE and scrumptious.

12. Watch the Brazilian Grand Prix, São Paulo

One of many greatest occasions in Brazil (apart from Carnival in Rio de Janeiro that’s) is the Brazilian Grand Prix. It started in 1972 and has had 4 Brazilian winners because it started.

Every year, it’s one of many greatest sporting occasions within the metropolis. 

Should you occur to be visiting in November, then you definately’re in luck, as watching the Brazilian Grand Prix is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Sao Paulo within the Autumn.

13. Meet the Guarani Tribe

Need to get out of town and see how individuals reside within the countryside? You then would possibly take pleasure in this tour to satisfy the Guarani Tribe.

The Guarani individuals reside in a easy and pure approach, and are one of many few indigenous tribes to nonetheless reside on this approach close to Sao Paulo.

The tribes reside within the Capivari Monos Environmental Safety Space and Jaraguá State Park, and guests coming to their village might be launched to their plantations, be taught in regards to the ancestral historical past and tradition, see how they develop meals and reside their each day life.

Every go to to the village helps the Guarani individuals and their group initiatives.

The place to Keep in Sao Paulo

Since Sao Paulo is a large metropolis and has 1000’s of lodging choices, it may be overwhelming figuring out the place to remain in Sao Paulo. 

That can assist you out, I’ve listed a few of my favorite choices beneath. However first, slightly extra critically, I have to let you know…

The place to Keep away from in Sao Paulo

I discussed earlier that there are some areas to keep away from in Sao Paulo, and I ought to broaden on this level slightly additional.

Sao Paulo is an unbelievable metropolis that provides a lot and for essentially the most half, it’s protected to go to, and I don’t wish to be a scare mongerer…

Nevertheless, I might be mendacity to you if I didn’t let you know there are some neighborhoods which can be unsafe for vacationers to go to.

These neighborhoods are within the Outdated City across the cathedral, the place there’s a large homeless group. It’s normally wonderful to journey there in small teams on a strolling tour, however you do not need to linger there nor keep there.

Another harmful neighborhoods are Pari, Perdizes, Lapa, Campo Limpo, Vila Clementino and Capão Redondo. Usually talking, should you keep out of the favelas and away from these infamous neighborhoods.

Likewise, when taking the metro, watch out on the crimson line and the blue line, particularly at night time, since these trains cease at Carandiru, Parada Inglesa, Carrão, Corinthians-Itaquera, Sé, Barra Funda, Tatuapé and República that are within the neighborhoods talked about above.

Should you’re going out at night time, it’s greatest to take an Uber again to your lodging.

Lodging in Sao Paulo

Thankfully, there are many protected neighborhoods in Sao Paulo for vacationers. Most vacationers select to remain in Vila Madalena which is taken into account one of many most secure neighborhoods. 

It has some energetic bars and a few top-class eating places, plus it’s on the Inexperienced Line on the metro so you will get to points of interest simply. The close by Jardins and Pinheiros neighborhoods are additionally thought of fairly protected to remain in.

Listed below are some nice locations to remain in Sao Paulo:

Selina Madelena 

Selina Hostels have appeared to take over South America as they’re in each main metropolis, and so they have one factor in frequent; they’re at all times tremendous good.

They’re hostels, which implies you have got dorm rooms and a few personal rooms, however they don’t purpose on the backpacker crowd. You’ll discover extra solo travellers and digital nomads choosing a Selina, which implies you’ll be able to meet like-minded travellers, be social, and nonetheless get a very good night time’s relaxation.

The Selina in Sao Paulo has a stunning rooftop restaurant and bar, a shared lounge, a kitchen (god bless) and a few night leisure.

Renaissance São Paulo Lodge

For slightly extra luxurious, you would possibly just like the Renaissance Sao Paulo Lodge within the Jardin district. It’s a five-star lodge that has resort-like facilities, together with a stunning out of doors swimming pool and an entire ground devoted to wellness known as the ZenZone.

It additionally has an onsite restaurant serving up Brazilian delicacies utilizing freshly-sourced components. 

On prime of this, it has its personal THEATRE. That’s proper, as much as 500 company can take pleasure in performances on the onsite theatre on weekends.

And I haven’t even advised you in regards to the rooms but; they’re all state-of-the-art, trendy, and spacious.

And the most effective half is you’re inside strolling distance of a number of the prime points of interest in Sao Paulo akin to Paulista Avenue, Oscar Freire Avenue, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo, and Conjunto Nacional.

In style excursions and points of interest in Sao Paulo

Extra South American Journey Ideas