Things To Do
in São Paulo
São Paulo is Brazil’s largest metropolis, a vibrant hub of culture, business, and gastronomy. It features a dynamic skyline punctuated by modern skyscrapers and leafy parks. The city is renowned for its diverse population, which has shaped its food, arts, and neighborhoods.
Despite its frenetic pace, São Paulo offers green retreats, world-class museums, and a legendary nightlife.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with sunrise at Avenida Paulista, exploring the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and its iconic architecture. Stop for a freshly brewed coffee at a sidewalk café and soak in the bustling urban energy. Wander the nearby bike paths and watch city dwellers start their day among skyscrapers.
Head to Ibirapuera Park for a leisurely stroll through its vast green spaces and modern pavilions. Visit the Afro Brazil Museum and the São Paulo Art Biennial building to dive into local culture. Pause at a lakeside bench for an energizing snack under towering trees.
Discover Vila Madalena’s vibrant nightlife with dinner at a cozy bistro serving feijoada and regional specialties. Explore live samba and jazz clubs tucked down colorfully painted alleys. Cap the night with caipirinhas shared with new friends at a hidden bar.
Start the day in Sé Square, admiring São Paulo Cathedral and the Pátio do Colégio where the city was founded. Vendors line the streets with local crafts, ideal for picking a unique souvenir. Watch the contrast between colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers as the sun casts warm light on stone and glass.
Head to the Municipal Market of São Paulo to sample mortadella sandwiches, pastel and fresh tropical fruits. Follow the aromas to traditional stalls and chat with vendors about regional specialties. Indulge in a sweet slice of coxinha as you explore the mosaic-tiled interior.
Attend a performance at the Theatro Municipal, marveling at its ornate Belle Époque interior. Dine in a nearby bistro offering Italian and Brazilian fusion dishes inspired by the city’s immigrant heritage. Cap the night with a reflective stroll along Rua XV de Novembro under glowing street lamps.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8–12 |
| ☕Cappuccino | $2–3 |
| 🚌One-way bus fare | $0.40 |
| 🚕Taxi start (day rate) | $1.30 + $0.80/km |
| 🍻Domestic beer (0.5L) | $2–4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Diverse multicultural food and arts scene
- Abundant cultural institutions and green spaces
- Energetic nightlife and live music
- Excellent shopping and culinary experiences
- Heavy traffic and congestion
- High income inequality and pockets of crime
- Air pollution in central areas
- Portuguese language barrier for non-speakers
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you (male/female speaker)
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Desculpe" - Sorry/Excuse me
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in São Paulo
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic boulevard with modern architecture, great for sunrise or evening cityscape shots.
Lush green spaces, Japanese Pavilion, and modernist buildings provide varied backdrops.
Alley in Vila Madalena covered in colorful street art and graffiti murals.
Historic skyscraper offering 360° views of the downtown skyline from its rooftop.
Bustling stalls, stained-glass windows, and busy crowds make for dynamic food-photography scenes.
Food in São Paulo
São Paulo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Brazil’s national bean and pork stew, best tasted at traditional restaurants like Bolinha near the Municipal Market.
Must-Try!
Fried dough shaped like a chicken drumstick with shredded chicken filling, found at street carts and bakeries city-wide.
Cheesy tapioca rolls served fresh at nearly every local bakery; try them at Padaria Bella Paulista.
Rich chocolate truffles sold at dessert shops and supermarkets; sample gourmet versions at Lu Chocolates.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market famous for its mortadella sandwiches, fresh produce, exotic fruits, and feijoada vendors.
Northeastern Brazil fair offering regional dishes like acarajé, baião de dois, and forró music.
Midday food trucks and stalls serving pastel, tapioca crepes, and freshly squeezed juices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A light cheek kiss (right side) is common among friends; firm handshake with eye contact is standard in business.
Social events start about 15–30 minutes late; business meetings expect on-time arrival.
Brazilians stand close when chatting; don’t step back abruptly during conversation.
Safety
Tipping in São Paulo
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges (10-15%) may be added to restaurant bills but are optional; taxis and hairdressers usually aren’t tipped.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash (BRL) is preferred for street food. Use PIX for instant bank transfers and peer-to-peer payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; pack light clothes and rain gear.
Milder temperatures and less rain; ideal for outdoor activities and city tours.
Cooler mornings and evenings but still mild (10–22°C); bring a light jacket.
Pleasant weather with blooming jacaranda trees; perfect for park visits and photography.
São Paulo at Night
Hiking in São Paulo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Highest point in the city with panoramic views; accessible via paved trail or vehicle road.
Dense Atlantic forest routes ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
Full-day excursion to mountainous rainforest near Paranapiacaba for waterfalls and historic villages.
Airports
How to reach São Paulo by plane.
Main international gateway, 25 km northeast of downtown, reachable by airport bus or taxi.
Domestic flights hub, 8 km from city center, served by taxis and ride-hailing apps.
Located near Campinas (100 km away); long-distance buses and shuttles link it to São Paulo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the world’s largest Italian communities, influencing cuisine and culture.
Largest Japanese diaspora, centered in Liberdade neighborhood with festivals and sushi shops.
Rich cultural contributions seen in samba schools, capoeira, and Candomblé traditions.
Vibrant scene with dedicated bars, clubs, and Pride parade in June.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Home to Corinthians, Palmeiras, and São Paulo FC; matches are major events at Allianz Parque or Morumbi Stadium.
Brazilian national teams train here; local clubs offer matches and clinics.
Afro-Brazilian martial art practiced in parks like Ibirapuera on weekends.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting São Paulo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian feijoada or tofu versions; look for plant-based labels on menus.
Increasingly popular vegan eateries in Pinheiros and Vila Madalena, plus vegan options at major food courts.
Supermarkets stock gluten-free breads and cakes; specialized bakeries like Mil Frutas cater to coeliacs.