Things To Do
in Osasco

Osasco is a bustling city in the São Paulo metropolitan area known for its vibrant commerce and diverse neighborhoods. It blends urban shopping corridors with residential streets and easy access to central São Paulo. Visitors can explore it as a gateway to the wider metropolitan region, with a mix of modern malls and traditional markets.

The city is well-connected by rail and road, making day trips to nearby attractions convenient.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day in the vibrant Historic Center of Osasco, where you can enjoy a delightful breakfast at a local café. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along Avenida dos Autonomistas, admiring the colonial architecture and local murals. Don't miss the chance to visit the Osasco Municipal Museum to learn about the city's rich history.

afternoon
:

For lunch, savor traditional Brazilian dishes at a nearby restaurant, experiencing the local flavors. Afterward, head to the Plaza de Osasco, where you can relax in the park and enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with street vendors and musicians. Explore the shops and boutiques lining the streets, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a casual dinner at one of the many churrascarias, where you can indulge in a delicious Brazilian barbecue. Afterward, take a walk around the illuminated plaza, soaking in the ambiance of the evening. Cap off the night with a visit to a local bar, where you can enjoy live music and mingle with friendly locals.

day 2
Cultural Exploration of Local Art
morning
:

Start your morning at the Centro Cultural de Osasco, where you can explore various art exhibitions showcasing local talents. Participate in a morning workshop or guided tour to delve deeper into the artistic movements of the region. Enjoy a coffee at the center's café, surrounded by inspiring artworks.

afternoon
:

After a leisurely lunch at a nearby bistro, visit the Osasco Art Gallery to see contemporary works by Brazilian artists. Spend your afternoon immersed in the creativity, perhaps even purchasing a piece to take home. Don't forget to explore the local artisan markets nearby for unique handmade crafts.

evening
:

In the evening, attend a cultural performance at the Centro Cultural, such as a dance recital or live theater. Enjoy dinner at a trendy restaurant that specializes in fusion cuisine, blending traditional Brazilian flavors with international influences. Conclude the night with a stroll along the riverbank, taking in the peaceful scenery.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-15
Coffee/tea$1-4
🚌Public transport fare$1-3 per ride
🛒Groceries (basic essentials)$30-60 per week
🎟️Museum or event ticket$5-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Great value for money
  • Access to a wide range of shopping and dining within the city
  • Traffic can be heavy during peak hours
  • Less tourist infrastructure compared with central São Paulo
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica a estação?" - Where is the station?

Places to Visit in Osasco

Visit one of these nice places.

Avenida dos Autonomistas at sunset

A lively thoroughfare with storefronts, signage, and urban texture.

Parque Municipal Osasco landscape views

Green spaces, lakes, and walking paths ideal for portraits and nature photography.

City skyline viewpoints from elevated roads

High vantage points around the city offering dramatic urban shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Osasco

Osasco offers a broad São Paulo culinary scene: expect hearty Brazilian classics, tasty street snacks, and diverse international options at reasonable prices.

Osasco Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Feijoada completa

A hearty black bean stew with pork served with rice, kale, and farofa; a staple at traditional Brazilian eateries.

Must-Try!

Pastel de queijo

Crispy pastry pockets filled with melted cheese; widely available at markets and snack stalls.

Coxinha

Savory chicken croquette, a popular street-food favorite.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Osasco

A bustling local market offering produce, meats, ready-to-eat snacks, and affordable eats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters; rainy season typically occurs from October to March; average highs reach around 28-30°C in summer and 20-24°C in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite Brazilian greetings include a handshake or light cheek kiss among friends; address people formally when unsure.

Public Behavior

Maintain a calm, friendly demeanor in public; avoid loud or disruptive behavior in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Practice standard city safety precautions: stay in well-lit, populated areas; secure valuables, especially in crowded places; use reputable transport options at night.

Tipping in Osasco

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants a 5-10% tip is common if service is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; some places add a service charge; digital wallets and contactless payments are common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm, humid days with frequent afternoon showers; carry water and sunscreen; expect showers and humidity.

Winter

Milder temperatures with comfortable days and cooler evenings; light rain possible; layering recommended.

Nightlife Guide

Osasco at Night

Osasco's nightlife centers on casual bars, eateries, and local clubs; expect a relaxed scene with live music or karaoke in many neighborhoods, and more options within central São Paulo for larger venues.

Hiking in Osasco

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Parque Estadual do Jaraguá

Forest trails and viewpoints with city panoramas; a popular day trip from the area.

Cantareira State Park trails

Multiple hiking routes through Atlantic Forest with lush scenery and lookout points.

Airports

How to reach Osasco by plane.

São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)

Major international gateway about 25-40 km from Osasco; connected by toll roads and highways.

Congonhas–São Paulo Airport (CGH)

Located closer to central São Paulo; convenient for domestic flights and quick connections to the city.

Getting Around

Walkability

Osasco is moderately walkable in central areas with dense shops and services, but many neighborhoods are car-reliant; expect longer walks along busy roads and limited pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in some zones.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Diverse urban population

A mix of long-time residents and commuters from across the São Paulo region; varied socio-economic backgrounds.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (Futebol)

The most popular sport in Brazil, widely played and watched across the region.

Capoeira and martial arts

Common cultural activities found in community centers and studios.

Transportation

Traffic

Heavy traffic during peak hours is common in the São Paulo metro area; use CPTM/metro connections or rideshare apps to avoid congestion when possible.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Osasco.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

In Osasco, vegetarian travelers can find vegetable dishes, grains, and salads easily; ask for no meat or bacon in stews, and many places can adapt dishes upon request.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Public healthcare (SUS) and numerous private clinics and hospitals are available; residents often use private facilities for faster service; major hospitals are outside Osasco but within the greater São Paulo area.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide