São Paulo, Brazil, is a city of truly staggering proportions, a place where the sheer number of inhabitants rivals the population of several small countries. It is a city that hums with a peculiar energy, a blend of ambition and, dare I say, a touch of bewilderment. If you’re still here, read on for a complete São Paulo travel guide.
I must admit that I would not recommend going out of your way to get to this city, but if you find yourself in São Paulo, I would recommend spending two to three days and you could certainly fill more time if you have it. Read on for my complete São Paulo travel guide.
Here’s my Google Map of the best things to do in and around São Paulo. Hit the “Follow” or “Save” button to save for later.
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If this is your first stop in Brazil, read my 13 tips for planning a trip to Brazil.
- What to Expect
- What to See and Do in São Paulo
- Getting to São Paulo
- Getting Around São Paulo
- Where to Stay in São Paulo
- Where to Eat in São Paulo
What to Expect
Imagine, if you will, a place where sleek, modern architecture clashes delightfully with the remnants of a bygone era. Here, you might stumble upon a charmingly dilapidated mansion tucked between towering skyscrapers, a testament to a time when life moved at a slightly less frantic pace.
One might wander through the elegant neighborhoods, where grand avenues are lined with chic boutiques and art galleries. Or, one might explore the more bohemian districts, where street art adorns the walls and the air is thick with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It is a city of quiet, leafy parks offering respite from the urban clamor, and vibrant nightlife that pulsates until the early hours.
Restaurants offer cuisines from every corner of the globe, though whether any of them are actually good is a question best left unanswered. Museums house collections of art, some of which are undoubtedly quite valuable, though one suspects a good portion are simply baffling. The city pulses with a relentless energy, a constant hum of activity that can be, depending on one’s temperament, either invigorating or utterly exhausting. It is a place where one can find excitement, adventure.
What to See and Do in São Paulo
- Explore the Mercado Municipal: A grand, historic public market and a true feast for the senses. Built in 1933, its stunning stained-glass windows and architectural grandeur provide a backdrop for a bustling marketplace filled with an astonishing array of fresh produce (sample anything that catches your eye), meats, cheeses, spices, and gourmet foods. It’s a place where locals and tourists alike come to experience the vibrant culture of São Paulo, sample iconic Brazilian snacks like the mortadella sandwich and pastel de bacalhau, and purchase unique ingredients.
- Visit the colorful Beco do Batman: A renowned open-air street art gallery famous for its dense concentration of constantly evolving graffiti and street art, which covers nearly every available surface. Originating in the 1980s with a single Batman drawing, the alleyways have since transformed into a dynamic canvas for local and international artists, making it a popular destination for tourists and art enthusiasts alike.
- See some great art at MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo): A landmark art museum renowned for its distinctive architecture, designed by Lina Bo Bardi, featuring a large, exposed concrete and glass structure that appears to float above the ground. MASP houses one of the most significant collections of European art in Latin America, including works by renowned artists such as Raphael, Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. Its unique display of paintings on crystal easels creates a visually striking and engaging experience for visitors. Regular admission is R$75 .
- Museu do Futebol is dedicated to the history, culture, and significance of football (soccer) in Brazil. Through a combination of multimedia displays, historical artifacts, and engaging exhibits, the museum delves into the social, cultural, and emotional impact of football on Brazilian society. Regular admission is R$24 with free admission on Tuesday.
- Go on a walking or biking tour: Consider one of these highly rated options or follow this self-guided São Paulo walking tour.
If you’ve got more time, here are even more great sights and activities to explore in São Paulo.
Getting to São Paulo
Fly: São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU) is located 25km northeast of São Paulo’s city center and is Brazil’s main international gateway and the busiest airport in the country.
Fly: Congonhas Airport (CGH) is located 8 km from downtown São Paulo and offers domestic flights only, despite being the second busiest airport in Brazil.
Bus: Tiete Bus Terminal Sao Paulo is currently the single largest bus terminal in Latin America. Long distance buses arrive and depart from all over Brazil as well as Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Drive: Renting a car is inadvisable due to notoriously dangerous conditions. BlaBlaCar is a ride-share service that you can use as an alternative to get between cities.
Getting Around São Paulo
From the São Paulo/Guarulhos Airport:
- Bus: The Airport bus service is a good option.
- Train + Metro: You can catch the airport train to Estacão da Luz and then connect to the metro line.
- Taxi: The prepaid Guarucoop taxi is a convenient option.
- Rideshare: Uber or 99 (Android / Apple) are also available and should cost around R$100 to the city center without traffic.
Walk: Walking is a great way to explore neighborhoods in São Paulo, though you’ll need to supplement with wheeled transportation to go longer distances. Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and avoid walking at night.
Metro: The metro is clean, safe, cheap and efficient way to get around. Purchase tickets or a refillable Bilhete Único smart card from any metro station booth or ticket machine. Check Google Maps for route schedules and fares.
Taxi and rideshare: Rideshares are quite budget-friendly and are particularly useful. Metered taxis are otten more expensive but occasionally faster than rideshares Uber or 99 (Android / Apple.)
Scooter and bikeshare: The Itau bike-sharing system gives access to bikes in a few parts of the city. If you struggle with the Itau app, the bikes can also be accessed using the Uber app. Ibirabike (iPhone / Android) is a bike rental service available in Parque Ibirapuera. Whoosh and Jet scooters are also found in various parts of the city.
Where to Stay in São Paulo
When it comes to accommodations in São Paulo, you’ll most likely want to stay near Avenida Paulista for easy access to many attractions, shopping, and a plethora of restaurants. Filter by neighborhood and find a hotel that’s in your price range, with the amenities you want.
- We stayed at Hotel San Gabriel which is located near Avenida Paulista. We liked it for its location and modern feel at an affordable price along with the offer of breakfast. It is, simply put, a “nearby hotel.”
Where to Eat in São Paulo
Should you, for some reason, find yourself in the bustling city of São Paulo, and further, should you develop an inexplicable craving for sustenance, it is recommended that you eat at Jiquitaia, Tordesilhas, A Casa do Porco Bar, D.O.M., and Castelões Cantina & Pizzaria. If you’re looking for more, here’s my full list of foods to seek out and places to eat and drink in São Paulo.
São Paulo is a city that will engage your senses, perhaps overwhelm them slightly, and leave you with a collection of memories, some pleasant, some perhaps less so, but all undoubtedly memorable. I hope you’ve enjoyed this São Paulo travel guide. If you’re looking for more, here’s everything I’ve written about São Paulo and Brazil.
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