Things To Do
in São Paulo

Brazil's national stew of black beans with pork, traditionally served on Saturdays with rice, farofa and orange slices; try it at traditional restaurants or specialized feijoada houses.

Must-Try!

Fried dough filled with shredded chicken — a ubiquitous snack found in bakeries (padarias) and snack bars across the city.

Crispy deep-fried pastry with savory fillings sold at street markets and barbecued-food fairs; often paired with fresh sugarcane juice at food markets.

Classic Brazilian sandwiches and buttered grilled bread available at cafes and breakfast spots throughout the city.

Handshakes are standard in formal settings; friends and acquaintances may exchange one cheek kiss or a hug. Use formal address (senhor/senhora) in formal situations until invited to be informal.

Paulistanos are generally warm and expressive; people may stand closer than in northern cultures and conversations can be animated — be open but respectful of boundaries.

Social events often have flexible start times, but business meetings generally value punctuality — confirm expectations ahead of time.

Queuing is common and expected in public services and shops — try to follow local cues and avoid cutting in line.

Restaurants commonly add a 10% service charge (serviço) to the bill — you can add extra for exceptional service but it’s not expected. For taxis and small services, rounding up or leaving small change is normal.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops; contactless payments and apps (including Pix for instant bank transfers) are ubiquitous. Carry a small amount of cash for street vendors, markets and smaller establishments.

Hot, humid and the rainiest time of year; expect heavy afternoon thunderstorms that can be intense but usually short-lived — bring sun protection and a lightweight rain jacket.

Transition to milder temperatures with fewer storms; comfortable weather for walking and outdoor activities, but still variable so pack layers.

Mild, drier and cooler, especially at night — temperatures can dip unexpectedly, so bring a light jacket; low humidity makes it comfortable for city exploration.

Warming up with blooming green spaces and occasional rain; good season for outdoor excursions and cultural events, though late-spring storms are possible.

São Paulo has a strong vegetarian and vegan scene with dedicated restaurants and many menu options; look for vegetarian tags on menus and use apps to locate plant-based eateries.

Increasingly easy to accommodate — many eateries offer vegan versions of traditional dishes; inform servers and ask about hidden animal products like fish sauce or cheese.

Available in many modern restaurants and bakeries, but cross-contamination can occur; speak Portuguese if possible or use clear labels and apps to confirm.

Always communicate allergies clearly in Portuguese (see key phrases). High-end restaurants are used to accommodating restrictions but street food is riskier.