sao paulo travel advice

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Guarulhos International Airport Guide

Public Transportation

Best Hotels

Top Things to Do

Coolest Attractions

Best Museums

Where to Shop

Sao Paulo's Architecture

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Nightlife Guide

Your Trip to Sao Paulo: The Complete Guide

On the Brazilian landscape, one city stands above the rest in gastronomy, shopping, nightlife, street art, and museum offerings: Sao Paulo. Here foodies come to try all the flavors of the regions of Brazil, dishes of its diasporas, and experimental projects by Michelin-starred chefs. Over 50 shopping malls, the most famous high fashion street in South America, and 60 specialized shopping streets for everything from electronics to wedding dresses draw enthusiastic buyers to its stores every day. Paulistinos (the city’s residents) party literally until dawn in its baladas (dance bars) and along the Baixo Augusta. During the day, world-famous museums like the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo opens its doors, while cultural centers like the SESC Pompéia offer free activities for residents and tourists alike. Stroll through the graffiti art of Beco do Batman or see Niemeyer’s massive Modernist building Edifício Copan. Everything can be found here, except a beach, but even those aren't too far away.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : Come to Sao Paulo in the spring (September to November). During this shoulder season, days are long, nights are cool, and the city hosts weeks-long events focused on food, art, and entertainment.
• Language: Portuguese  
• Currency: Brazilian real  
• Getting Around : The Metro, Sao Paulo’s public transit system, will be the easiest and one of the cheapest ways to travel throughout the city; download the Moovit app for simple navigation in English. Avoid renting a car as traffic can be horrendous—especially for those not familiar with the roads. Instead, take an Uber or taxi, both of which are plentiful.
• Travel Tip: Most businesses accept credit and debit cards. Except for buying tickets to ride the Metro and in certain markets, you won’t need cash unless you prefer using it over your card.

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

Things to Do

Sao Paulo has bangin’ nightlife, world-class shopping and museums, and live music throughout its streets. See art and learn the history of Brazil, soccer, and the Portuguese language in the city's museums, or cozy up with a good read in one of its many bookstores. Behold the structures of Modernist architects like the massive Edifício Copan and drum-factory-turned-cultural center SESC Pompéia, or walk down Paulista Avenue on a Sunday afternoon when it becomes a giant pedestrian thoroughfare. Sao Paulo has the largest city helicopter fleet in the world, so hire a chopper for an aerial view.

• Wander Mercado Municipal sampling mangosteen, persimmon, dragon fruit, and other exotic produce from its 300 stalls. (Samples are free with no obligation to buy.) Afterwards, climb the stairs to the restaurant portion of the market and order a mortadella sandwich.
• Spend the day at Ibirapuera Park museum hopping between the Afro Brasil Museum , Museum of Modern Art , and Museum of Contemporary Art . Walk along the park paths, rent a bike, or sunbathe with Paulistinos in its extensive green fields. See buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer, like the Oca, and visit the spaceship-shaped planetarium. 
• Visit the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo (MASP) to see the genius of architect Lina Bo Bardi and art work spanning continents and centuries. Works by Picasso and Candido Portinari hang in glass frames in an open floor plan, removing any barriers from the viewers and the art. Check out what’s happening in the pavilion beneath the museum, which acts as a meeting point for impromptu concerts, fairs, and protests.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the top things to do in Sao Paulo , important places to visit in Sao Paulo , and Sao Paulo's best museums .

Where to Eat and Drink

Sao Paulo has one of the most famous (and delicious) gastronomy scenes in the world, known for both its fine dining and street food. Regional dishes from all over Brazil, from the moqueca (seafood stew) of the north to the meaty farofa-topped barreado of the south, can be found here. Bite into a warm, crunchy coxinha full of shredded chicken; pop a cheesy, chewy pão de queijo; or try a flakey pastel. Order a mini-feast of feijoada from any neighborhood restaurant on a weekend, and after you’ve slept it off, refresh your pallet with an ice-cold açai bowl. In addition to offering food from all over the world due to its strong immigrant population, the city is also home to A Casa do Porco , an experimental pork restaurant with onsite butcher shop, and D.O.M ., which highlights regional ingredients from throughout Brazil using French, Italian, and Indigenous cooking methods.

Paulistinos love a cold, creamy chopp (draft beer), especially on weekend afternoons at botecas (neighborhood bars), which are plentiful in the Vila Madelena neighborhood. For something harder, the national liquor is cachaça, a sweet spirit made from sugarcane juice and the base ingredient in another famous Brazilian beverage: the caipirinha. Most bars will have these drinks, but to check out the microbrewery scene, head to a craft beer bar like Emporio Alto dos Pinheiros , one of the pioneers of the craft beer movement in Brazil.

According to Sao Paulo Turismo S/A, the official tourism and events company of the city of Sao Paulo, the tap water is drinkable  . However, it’s recommended to have filtered water instead. You can easily find mineral water at supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.

Explore our articles on the best restaurants in Sao Paulo , the top foods to try in Sao Paulo , and nightlife in Sao Paulo .

Where to Stay

The art-filled Vila Madelena neighborhood offers well-priced Airbnbs and hostels, colorful streets of graffiti murals, third wave coffee shops, local bars, and friendly bohemian artists. Staying along Avenida Paulista in neighborhoods like Bela Vista will give you easy access to the MASP and the city’s best nightlife strip on Baixo Augusta. Centro might be a little rough, but bursts with personality and contains historic sites like Edifício Copan, Mercado Municipal, and Cathedral Sé. Stylish and LGBTQ-friendly Higienópolis is food heaven with swanky hotels and one of the city’s best malls, all only a mile or two from Avenida Paulista. Further out, Brooklin Novo offers luxury hotels and shopping, good for business travelers wanting to relax. Pinheiros has cultural centers with fascinating free activities, art galleries, funky boutiques, and a park great for midday lounging.

Check out our recommendations of the best hotels in Sao Paulo .

Getting There

Sao Paulo’s main airport is Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) , where most international flights will land. Two other airports service the city: Viracopos Airport (VCP) in Campinas for flights in Latin America and Congonhas Airport (CGH) for domestic flights. The Tietê Bus Terminal links Sao Paulo with all major cities in Brazil via clean, comfortable, and cheap long-distance buses.

Culture and Customs

Pickpocketing is a problem in Sao Paulo, especially in crowded, touristy areas. Be aware of your belongings, especially if going to large markets or festivals. While some areas are fine to walk at night, others are not. Check with your accommodation about the safety of where you are staying, and when in doubt, this issue is easily remedied by calling an Uber. Walking during the day throughout most of the city is safe.

This is not the laid-back beach side Brazil you would find in Rio or Florianopolis. Sao Paulo is the financial center of Brazil and one of the largest cities in the world. Expect a much faster pace of life, and people letting loose at night and on the weekends after long work days. When dining out, service will generally be fast, and the tip is already included.

Money Saving Tips

• If you want quick, cheap food with lots of variety, go to a comida por quilo restaurant. Fill your plate from the buffet, then take it to the cashier to weigh it before you eat. You pay by weight rather than a set price, and it usually ends up costing the equivalent of a few dollars.
• Go to the top of Edifício Copan for free by lining up outside gate F any day at 1:30 p.m. You’ll be let in at 2 p.m. to head to the roof where you can see panoramic views of Sao Paulo.
• Take the Metro or a bus to the airport instead of an Uber or taxi. Give yourself a time cushion in case the transfers take a while.
• The 99 Taxi app is usually a little cheaper than Uber and just as reliable.
• Many of the museums like MASP and Pinoteca have free admission days. Others, like MIS and the Museu Afro Brasil, are fee all the time.
• For free, quality entertainment, go to a centro culturai (cultural center). Sao Paulo contains about 40 cultural centers showcasing exhibitions, theater, art, concerts, debates, and more.
• Check out Mamba Negra free music parties in abandoned buildings throughout the city.
• Visit outside of high season (December to March) for cheaper accommodation.

São Paulo Turismo S/A. "FAQ: What is the language that the people of São Paulo (Paulistanos) speak?"

São Paulo Turismo S/A. "Practical Guide: Currency and Exchange."

São Paulo Turismo S/A. "FAQ: Is Tap Water Drinkable?"

Nightlife in Sao Paulo: The Best Bars, Clubs, & More

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A Complete Guide to the Architecture in Sao Paulo

15 Top Things to Do in São Paulo, Brazil

The Top 10 Museums in Sao Paulo

The Best Time to Visit Sao Paulo

Important Places to Visit in São Paulo, Brazil

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Sao Paulo Travel Guide: Everything to Know [2023]

· your guide to a sao paulo trip in 2021, including how to get around, what to do, and more ·.

As the largest city in South America and the entire Southern Hemisphere, you’ve probably heard of Sao Paulo. About twice the size of New York City, Sao Paulo’s metropolitan area sprawls further than the eye can see. We didn’t know much about this city before arriving, but it shattered every expectation that we had.

The culinary scene is bustling and extremely international, the city’s infrastructure is incredible, and the people are some of the friendliest that we’ve ever encountered. Did I mention that Sao Paulo has the biggest Japanese community in the world outside of Japan?

If you like Japanese food, love quality art museums, enjoy watching soccer or are interested in visiting one of the largest cities in the world, Sao Paulo is a great place you don’t want to miss!

If you like Japanese food, love quality art museums, enjoy watching soccer, or are interested in visiting one of the largest cities in the world, Sao Paulo is a great place you don’t want to miss!

Our São Paulo Vlog is our most popular YouTube video by far; you’ll be blown away by some of these foods!

The Best Things to Do in Sao Paulo

As the most populous city in Brazil, you’d be right to expect Sao Paulo to have a little bit of everything. The city is massive, historic, high-class, and very international. As a result, Sao Paulo is home to some of the best restaurants, art galleries, streets, and experiences in all of Brazil.

Some people try to say that Sao Paulo is just a giant concrete jungle, but in truth, it is a vibrant metropolis filled with cultural centers, world-class restaurants, stunning public parks, and more. Here are the best things to do in Sao Paulo.

1. Eat Incredible Asian Food in Liberdade

Liberdade is the Asian neighborhood of Sao Paulo. You could kind of think of it as Chinatown, except more Japanese than Chinese and also blended with other Asian cultures, like Korean and Taiwanese. The neighborhood is always worth visiting if you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, but it’s especially great on the weekends.

Many of the local residents and restaurants open up stands on a blocked-off street and sell all kinds of Asian food, including Chinese, Japanese, and sometimes Korean. They serve dumplings, stir-fry, desserts, tempura, bubble tea, and more!

Visiting Liberdade was easily one of the best experiences we had in all of Sao Paulo and we highly recommend making it a priority if you enjoy any kind of Asian food. While you’re there, check out Bubble Kill for some great bubble tea!

Visiting Liberdade was easily one of the best experiences we had in all of São Paulo.

2. Go for a Picnic in Ibirapuera Park

Ibirapuera Park, or Parque Ibirapuera in Portuguese, is massive – like Sao Paulo’s version of Central Park in New York City. There are lakes, trails, museums, picnic tables, running tracks, restaurants, and more! The park is free to enter and is open from 5am to midnight every day of the week.

Some of the best museums in Sao Paulo are in or around the park. The food options range from snack foods and acai to full meals! There are also one- and two-seated bikes that you can rent to go for a bike ride around the park. We chose to take a bottle of wine and some sandwiches and have a picnic by the gorgeous lake while watching the swans swim around.

The park is located in a very safe area, and we could’ve spent days here between the museums, food, and natural relaxation that the park offers. Using professional photography equipment is technically illegal here, but they don’t really enforce this rule. If an officer comes up to you and tells you that you need to put your camera away, you can head over to the park authority’s office to get written consent to use your camera.

3. Admire the Graffiti at Beco do Batman

Beco do Batman, or Batman’s Alley in English, is a really cool corner of Sao Paulo worth checking out. It is essentially a street art park with several streets of elaborate graffiti that are filled with cool restaurants and cafes. The artwork is very impressive, and we went back a second time just to take it all in.

The sheer amount and quality of graffiti is incredibly unique, and we have never been anywhere like it in the world!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angel, Greg, & Nicola | Travel Family (@the.present.perspective)

If you come in the morning, you’ll experience a relaxed, hipster kind of vibe, while the peak hours in the evening and night tend to get a little bit rowdier! If you’re in the Beco do Batman area and looking for a bite to eat, check out AVO . They have really great farm-to-table options and serve fantastic food.

While hipster vibes may not be for everyone, this area in São Paulo is a place that we absolutely recommend visiting. The sheer amount and quality of graffiti is incredibly unique, and we have never been anywhere like it in the world!

4. Get Lost in World-Class Museums and Art Galleries

If you’re a museum goer, Sao Paulo should absolutely be on your bucket list. If you enjoy art museums, you need to check out the Art Museum of Sao Paulo (MASP) , the Pinacoteca , and the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) . All of them house some fantastic works of art, but MASP is the most globally famous.

The Best Art Museums

Art Museum of São Paulo (MASP)

Museum of Modern Art (MAM)

Depending on when you visit, the MASP may house works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and other highly renowned artists. If you’re more into Brazilian culture or history, I’d recommend the following three museums:

Museu do Futebol

This is an awesome soccer museum that also tells a lot of the story of Brazilian history.

Museu do Ipiranga

This museum is all about Brazilian history.

Museu Afro Brasil

This museum goes into detail about the history and present of Africans and African culture in Brazil.

5. Walk Down the Avenida Paulista

The Avenida Paulista, or Paulista Avenue in English, is considered to be the main strip of Sao Paulo. It is lined with skyscrapers, great restaurants, shopping, and parks.

While the Praça da Sé may be the geographical center of Sao Paulo, Paulista Avenue is easily the cultural city center of Sao Paulo. It alone is a big part of what makes Sao Paulo one of the most famous Brazilian cities. On top of that, its numerous shops and stores make it one of the best places to see how Sao Paulo gets its reputation as a major cosmopolitan city.

We don’t really have a favorite thing to do here other than wander. There are plenty of great things to come across, and we just recommend walking up and down the almost 2-mile-long strip to find things that interest you. With so many malls, movie theaters, buildings, parks, and vendors, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest!

On the weekends, this area is especially fun and there is even more street food. The Avenida Paulista is also a springboard that will lead you to countless other cool neighborhoods in Sao Paulo.

6. Spend an Evening in Vila Madalena or Along the Rua Augusta

Speaking of cool neighborhoods and areas, there are two other neighborhoods that we highly recommend checking out. Our hotel room was just a 10-minute walk from the Vila Madalena neighborhood, and we stupidly waited until our last day to check it out.

This area is really close to the Beco do Batman, and it is filled with awesome restaurants, stores, cafes, bars, and breweries. It’s a pretty hilly neighborhood and might take the wind out of you, but you can totally reward yourself with an ice-cold brew for your efforts.

The Rua Augusta is a street that runs perpendicular to the Avenida Paulista and is also lined with awesome food and drink options. You find the best things just by walking up and down the street and seeing what sticks out! This street is loaded with great happy hour specials and the best time to visit is around 3:00 in the afternoon.

We very highly recommend checking out Boardwalk Urbanoide on the Rua Augusta. It’s a gourmet food truck park with Asian, Arab, Brazilian, Mexican, and American foods as well as several drink and dessert options. This is one of the coolest places in Sao Paulo!

7. Fill up on Traditional Brazilian foods

This one goes without saying, as Brazilian food is notoriously delicious. While this is true, we definitely had not heard of some of the most famous Brazilian foods before we arrived.

For example, coxinha (co-sheen-ya) really needs to make your bucket list. It’s basically deep-fried shredded chicken that’s battered in a gnocchi-like covering. It’s hard to describe, but it’s a must-try food.

Also make sure to get to a Padaria (bakery) to try pao de queijo and brigadeiro. Pao de queijo is delicious bread made with cheese in the dough and it’s a Brazilian staple. Brigadeiro is a chocolatey dessert that is worth every single calorie.

Do yourself a favor and try them both.

In addition to these, an experience you absolutely cannot miss out on while in Brazil is visiting a churrascaria. A churrascaria is a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, and they are known for serving all-you-can-eat fine cuts of meat. While Fogo de Chao is the chain that has gotten famous around the world, the local spots in Sao Paulo are usually a better bet.

8. Go to a Soccer Match

Brazil = Soccer. Soccer is one of the most culturally important aspects of Brazil, and there are few better places in the world to watch a match than in Brazil. Brazil has several leagues and Sao Paulo has several different teams, making it the perfect place to catch a match.

We didn’t have the chance to go because the stadiums weren’t allowing fans at the moment because of the pandemic, but I’ve heard that a soccer match in Sao Paulo is an absolute must-do if you enjoy sports of any kind. If you get there early, people have told me that Brazilians know how to throw quite the tailgate!

Brazil was the favorite to win it all in the 2022 World Cup. Despite an earlier than anticipated exit, it was clear how much Brazilian soccer fans love their team, as the stadiums in Qatar were filled with green and yellow jerseys!

9. Grab a Mortadella Sandwich at the São Paulo Municipal Market

The Municipal Market is a large indoor mercantile space in the heart of Sao Paulo. Filled with restaurants and food vendors of all types, this space is a fantastic place to grab a bite to eat. The Mortadella sandwiches here are especially famous, and they are too big to even fit in your mouth!

Visiting the Sao Paulo Municipal Market was one of our favorite things we did on our entire trip to Brazil, and eating a Mortadella sandwich along with drinking a local beer is an absolute must.

10. Go for a Guided Tour of São Paulo’s Highlights

As such a big city, planning an itinerary for your trip to Sao Paulo can be overwhelming. With so many things to do, it is naturally a difficult job to plan out all that you will do during your time in the city!

While we normally love to explore places on our own, Sao Paulo is a place where hiring a tour guide may make a lot of sense. There is history and significance scattered all throughout the city, and tour guides are a fantastic resource as you explore this great city. From knowing the spots with the best live music to recommending the best restaurants to indulge in some Brazilian cuisine, working with a tour guide for a single day or more is almost always worth the investment.

How to Get to São Paulo

If you’re coming from anywhere other than Brazil, you’ll want to fly directly into Sao Paulo. It’s the biggest city in Brazil, and there really isn’t a better city to fly into. Sao Paulo is a day’s drive from the nearest bordering country and a 4-5 hour drive from Rio de Janeiro , which is the only other city that might offer competitive flight prices.

Flights from the United States to Sao Paulo fluctuate greatly depending on where you’re flying from and when you’re flying, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to well above $1,000 for a round-trip ticket. While that might sound steep, it makes a lot of sense, as this flight is very long.

Atlanta to Sao Paulo takes about 10 hours, which is comparable to the flight from New York to Moscow . New York to Sao Paulo is takes 12 hours, which is the same as New York to Abu Dhabi . Scoring a round trip ticket from New York to Moscow for $500 would be a steal.

If you haven’t read my post on tips for finding cheap flights , I’d recommend checking it out before you book your next flight, regardless of the destination. Trust me, it’s worth it – you can save over half the cost of your flight by taking a few easy steps.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Sao Paulo has two airports, but only one of them is internationally focused, and that is Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) . Guarulhos International Airport fairly consistently offers competitive flight options from anywhere in Latin America and North America. If you’re flying from North America, Sao Paulo is probably the cheapest Brazilian city you can fly to.

You may find similar flight prices into Rio de Janeiro, but it’s a long distance from Sao Paulo and doesn’t make much sense unless you also plan on heading to Rio during your trip. If you are considering visiting Rio de Janeiro during your trip to Brazil, we highly recommend doing so.

– R E A D –

How to Get Around São Paulo

METRO | UBER

Sao Paulo is easily the most navigable city we’ve visited in Latin America. This is especially noteworthy given the fact that it’s one of the biggest cities in the whole world. Getting around Sao Paulo couldn’t be easier, and there are several different ways to do it.

The best way to get around Sao Paulo is by public transportation. The metro system is immaculate and incredibly accessible. There are 6 lines in the Sao Paulo metro system, and they’ll get you within minutes by foot of wherever you want to go within the megalopolis.

The Metro stops are announced in both Portuguese and English.

The stops are all named in Portuguese, but the metro narrator announces every stop in both Portuguese and English, and using the system is quite easy. It is also pristinely clean and remarkably safe. We used the metro about 90% of the time we wanted to go anywhere in the city, and it never once let us down.

The Sao Paulo metro also runs from very early to very late – about 5:00am to midnight. As a foreigner, your only ticketing option is to buy individual tickets to use as you go, as the refillable card is only available to locals. Each trip costs less than a dollar, and transfers to other lines are free.

The São Paulo metro runs from 5:00 AM to midnight.

The system simply rocks and is one of the two best systems we have ever used. Panama City’s system is comparable in terms of cleanliness, but the only system we’ve encountered in the whole world that is on the same level of reach, quality, and cleanliness as Sao Paulo is in Shanghai, China .

Your next option is Uber, and you also can’t go wrong here. Uber in Sao Paulo is shockingly cheap, and perfectly safe. We went on several 45-minute, 15-mile rides during our trip that cost around $5 each.

There are always Uber drivers around, and Uber is an awesome option if the metro route isn’t convenient or if your trip is relatively close. A 10-minute trip might only cost you about $2, which is only a few cents more than a metro trip but takes significantly less time and effort. You can’t beat that!

To get from Sao Paulo’s main airport, Guarulhos (GRU) to the city, you can use both the metro and Uber. We’d recommend Uber if you have baggage, as wheeling suitcases through the metro system might not be very fun, and an Uber from the airport to the center of Sao Paulo only costs about $15-20 depending on the time of the day.

The metro is also possible, and if you opt for this route your best bet is to either take the Airport-Express train to Luz metro station or take a bus to either Barra Funda, Republica, or Tatuape metro stations, from which you can connect to the rest of the city. We took an Uber to get from the airport to the city, and then the metro to get back from the city to the airport.

Where to Stay in São Paulo

Sao Paulo, along with the rest of Brazil, has a reputation for danger and violent crime. While that is certainly true in some parts of the city, we didn’t feel in danger once during our visit. To us, it felt perfectly safe, and we only took basic precautions to protect ourselves.

With that being said, it doesn’t hurt to stay in a good neighborhood! We explored the entire city, and we definitely recommend either staying in any of the Jardins neighborhoods, somewhere along or near Avenida Paulista, or Pinhieros.

The Best Time to Visit São Paulo

The best time to visit Sao Paulo is during Brazil’s summer months, which run from December to March. This high season is when the city experiences pleasantly high temperatures, nice weather, and fully open amenities.

The ideal time to visit Brazil is from December to March.

While the summer is optimal, the winter months provide comfortable temperatures as well. We visited Sao Paulo in May, and the weather was immaculate. Remember that the Southern Hemisphere’s seasons are opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. Summer in Brazil takes place during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Because of its latitude, Sao Paulo is fairly pleasant to visit all year round. The summer months from December to March will provide the warmest temperatures, while the winter months from June to August will be the least crowded.

Because of its latitude, Sao Paulo is fairly pleasant to visit all year round.

Is São Paulo Worth Visiting?

Brazil is one of the biggest countries in the world, and Sao Paulo is its biggest city by far. Its size doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a good place to visit, though! With all of the other incredible destinations in Brazil and South America, is Sao Paulo worth visiting?

We would certainly say so.

We visited several cities during our time in Brazil, and Sao Paulo was our favorite by far.

From the diverse Brazilian, Japanese, Chinese, and Italian cuisine to the broad range of fun activities spread throughout the city, Sao Paulo is absolutely loaded with incredible things to do and see. We would return to Sao Paulo in a heartbeat if we had the opportunity!

Sao Paulo is one of the most well-rounded cities that we have ever visited. We even imagine what it would be like living there some day.

Our Final São Paulo Tips

As I said earlier, Sao Paulo is largely a safe city for tourists. We never once had any kind of problem, nor did we feel endangered in any way. While this might not be the case in certain bad neighborhoods on the fringe of the city, you really have no need to visit them anyway.

Beware of Pickpocketers

If you stick to the main things to do in this Sao Paulo travel guide, you shouldn’t experience any threats. Still, you should take the normal precautions that you would take in any big city. There is a pickpocket risk in just about any metropolis on the planet, and Sao Paulo is no different.

Be Cognizant That Sao Paulo Has Major Poverty

Be prepared to see some interesting manifestations of poverty in certain popular areas, too. For example, the Cathedral Square and its surrounding area are notoriously home to hundreds of tents where homeless people are living. While 99% of them are not looking to cause you any harm whatsoever, we were warned that desperate people may do desperate things and that in areas like this you should watch your pockets and keep your phone and other valuables hidden.

Follow the Crowd

We discovered that one of the best ways to get a feel for Sao Paulo was walking around and just following the crowds. By doing this we wound up at open-air markets, awesome street food locations, beautiful parks, and more.

Speaking of parks and doing what the locals do, drinking in the streets is completely legal, but being drunk isn’t. Take your beer with you on your walk or take a bottle of wine to a picnic, but be responsible!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

Bill Sheikh

Excellent writing, good summary and I am planning to visit. Thank you.

Thanks, Bill! Have an amazing trip and feel free to reach out with any questions!

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São Paulo Travel Guide

Last Updated: February 6, 2024

A lot of travelers skip São Paulo when visiting Brazil , choosing to go to Rio de Janeiro and other parts of the country instead.

This sprawling metropolis shouldn’t be skipped.

Originally inhabited by the indigenous Tupi people, Portuguese Jesuit priests colonized the area in 1554. The settlement remained small until the 18th-century gold rush in the northern region of Minas Gerais, during which explorers passed through São Paulo on their way to seek their fortunes. After the gold ran out, sugar and coffee, grown on plantations fueled by the forced labor of enslaved Africans, became central to São Paulo’s development as an economic center.

Today, São Paulo is a major cosmopolitan city and cultural hub that is home to over 22 million people, including the largest Italian, Japanese, and Portuguese diasporas in the world. Each neighborhood is like its own micro-city, from Liberdade (São Paulo’s Japantown) to bohemian Vila Madalena.

This travel guide to São Paulo can help you save money and stay safe, as well as ensure that you have a wonderful visit to this Latin American megalopolis.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Rio de Janeiro

Top 5 Things to Do in São Paulo

1. Take a free walking tour

Free walking tours help you get the lay of the land on your first few days in a destination. Since São Paulo is so big, taking a tour with a local guide can help orient you. São Paulo Free Walking Tour is an excellent option, with tours that explore four different areas: Old Downtown, Vila Madalena, Ibirapuera Park, and Paulista Ave. Check the website before turning up as sometimes certain routes are closed due to the many festivals that occur in the city. (And remember to always tip your guide at the end!)

2. Stroll through Ibirapuera Park

At 158 hectares (390 acres), Ibirapuera is the largest urban park in South America. It’s the perfect place for a stroll or bike ride, lounging around, or watching the locals playing footvolley (a uniquely Brazilian sport that’s a mix of soccer and volleyball). Stop in at the Museu Afro Brasil (Afro Brazilian Museum, located within the park) or the MAC (Museum of Contemporary Art, just outside the park).

3. Watch, listen, and dance to samba

Samba is an institution in Brazil. Each city and region has its own variation on this Afro-Brazilian style of dance and music, and São Paulo is no different. To see some local samba, head to Bar do Baixo, Bar Samba, Vila do Samba, or Casa Barbosa. And if you’re in town in January and February leading up to Carnival, you can watch samba schools practice their performances. During Carnival, these schools all compete at the Sambódromo to try to win the award for best samba school of the year.

4. Eat, Eat, Eat

São Paulo is a city in which to eat and eat well. There’s fantastic street food, restaurants dedicated to all regions of Brazil (including many Amazonian eateries, in case you won’t be making it there on your trip); delicious Japanese, Italian, and Lebanese food (owing to the large diasporas here); and a surprisingly vast vegan food scene for the plant-based and plant-curious. And if you’re into something more upscale, there’s no shortage of fine-dining establishments, including the number one restaurant in South America, Casa do Porco. If you’re a foodie, São Paulo is a must!

5. Admire the street art

Allegedly named after some Batman graffiti that was painted here in the 1980s, Batman Alley is one of São Paulo’s street art hot spots. Head here to meander through the winding, cobblestone-lined alley and take in the colorful murals. Artists consult with each other before painting a new mural over an old one, so there is a constantly changing gallery here, as well as street vendors selling clothing, jewelry, and other souvenirs that are all just as vibrant as the murals lining the street.

Other Things to Do in Sao Paulo

1. visit the ipiranga museum.

Originally created as a monument to the country’s independence, São Paulo’s Brazilian history museum was inaugurated in 1895. Recently reopened after almost 10 years of renovations, come here for a collection of artwork, photographs, objects, furniture, and maps especially focused on the imperial period and Brazilian independence. The building and gardens themselves are impressive as well, designed to emulate the Palace of Versailles in France. Admission is free.

2. Walk the open streets

São Paulo is a fast-paced place, and the traffic here can get overwhelming, so much so that the city has started several car-free, open-street initiatives to give residents a bit of a respite. Vendors of all types often set up along these thoroughfares, and taking a relaxed stroll on what are normally some of the city’s busiest streets is a low-key way to spend a morning or afternoon.

Paulista Avenue, often considered São Paulo’s version of New York’s Fifth Avenue, is a must-visit in general, but especially when it’s closed to traffic every Sunday. Another popular open street is the Minhocão, an elevated highway that’s closed to traffic for the entire weekend. Since it’s elevated, you can get unobstructed views of the many murals that decorate the buildings lining the road.

3. Enjoy Brazilian art

São Paulo is a museum city. The MASP (Museum of Art of São Paulo) is the most popular. The permanent collection resides all in one expansive open room, with the artwork displayed on large glass pillars, with descriptions on the back so that you see the piece first, before learning its background (or vice versa). It’s organized from contemporary art backward, though the idea of the layout is to encourage visitors to meander through the pieces at their own pace and route, choosing whatever interests them. (After you’re done at the MASP, pop into Parque Trianon across the street. It’s one of the last remaining pieces of the Atlantic Forest that used to cover the city.)

Other major art museums include the Pinacoteca (the oldest art museum in São Paulo, with a huge collection of Brazilian works) and the MAC (Museu de Arte Contemporaria, focused on 20th-century Western art). For more off-the-beaten-path artistic expression, check out the many experimental theaters and art-house cinemas (including CineSala, an independent street theater founded in 1959).

4. Learn at the Museu Afro Brasil

Located in Ibirapuera Park, this expansive museum is dedicated to celebrating and teaching Afro-Brazilian history (with several rooms on the slave trade, one housing the remains of a slave ship), religion, art, and culture. The 6,000-piece collection is massive, including sculptures, documents, engravings, ceramics, paintings, contemporary artwork, jewelry, objects, reliefs, photographs, and textiles. The building itself was designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, so spend some time appreciating it from the outside too. Unfortunately, most of the descriptions aren’t in English (there is free Wi-Fi, so you can use Google Translate to translate the text). Admission is 15 BRL.

5. Peruse the neighborhood markets

Opened in 1933, the Municipal Market of São Paulo is the main one, with all kinds of stalls selling tropical fruits, veggies, and artisanal products (just be careful of the sellers trying to get you to try the different fruits — they’re notorious for giving out “free samples” and then charging high prices). There is also a food court within the market where you can get lunch, a snack, or a drink. While you’re here, make sure to look up to take note of the 72 colorful stained-glass windows that depict food and food production in the region. It’s open Monday to Saturday, 6am-6pm, and Sunday from 6am-4pm.

6. Go on a food tour

While eating your way around town is fun on your own, you can get more cultural and historical context by taking a food tour. Concrete Jungles Walking Tours offers a few, including a breakfast tour, a gourmet tour of the hip Pinheiros neighborhood, and a street food tour in Liberdade . The cost ranges from 160 to 315 BRL, which includes all the food.

7. Visit Liberdade (Japantown)

São Paulo is home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan, dating back to the end of feudalism in Japan which kick-started emigration to Brazil (where there was a labor shortage at the time). Liberdade is the São Paulo’s Japantown. Come here to have some tasty ramen, curry, and sushi, and to shop at the many Japanese stores and street vendors. If you can, come during the week, as the weekends get incredibly crowded here. And to learn more about the Japanese community in Brazil, the History Museum of Japanese Immigration in Brazil is located here as well (16 BRL, free on Wednesdays).

8. Take in views of the megalopolis

To truly get a feel for just how expansive this city is, head to one of the many rooftop terraces to take in panoramic skyline views. Some of the most popular are the rooftops at MAC USP, Farol Santander, and Hotel Unique, all of which have rooftop bars for grabbing a drink while overlooking the cityscape. Hotel Unique is especially famous for its red rooftop pool and overall building design, which resembles a ship.

9. Watch a soccer match

Like in most of Latin America, soccer (called futebol here) is huge in Brazil. Even if you’re not a big sports fan, it can be fun to attend a game and get caught up in the excitement. Palmeiras and Corinthianos are the two main football teams in São Paulo, and you can watch home games at their respective arenas, Allianz Parque and Arena Corinthians. If there’s no game going on while you’re in town, or if you’re an especially big soccer fan, you can also visit the Museu do Futebol, an interactive museum that documents Brazil’s soccer history and culture (though be aware that all the displays are in Portuguese). Admission is 20 BRL.

10. Enjoy the nightlife

If there’s one stereotype that’s true, it’s that Brazilians know how to party. Whether you’re into clubbing, samba, or just having a few drinks at a neighborhood watering hole, there’s something for everyone here. For a fun night out, head to Vila Madalena and Pinheiros, the hipster neighborhoods with tons of bars and restaurants lining the streets.

11. Celebrate Carnival

While Rio’s Carnival gets all the attention, each city and region of the country has its own Carnival traditions and flair, so if you’re here in February, you’ll get to celebrate the world’s biggest party — and at a much lower cost than in Rio. Tickets to the famous samba parades at São Paulo’s Sambódromo (a samba stadium) cost 45-190 BRL for bleacher general admission, compared to 725-1,085 BRL for the same in Rio (plus, tickets sell out much further in advance in Rio). It’s also impossible to miss the blocos (street parties) that take over the streets during the week of Carnival. These free events are the people’s way to celebrate Carnival, so throw on some glitter and join in to make new friends!

  For more information on other cities in Brazil, check out these guides:

• Fernando de Noronha Travel Guide
• Florianópolis Travel Guide
• Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

São Paulo Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a 4–6-person dorm costs 65-90 BRL per night, while a bed in an 8-12-person dorm typically costs 50-65 BRL. A private double room costs about 225-300 BRL, but sometimes you can find rooms for as low as 150 BRL per night.

Typical hostel amenities include free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, air-conditioning, indoor/outdoor common areas, and a bar/restaurant on the premises. A few hostels offer breakfast for free, but most charge an extra fee (if they offer it at all). Unlike other more popular tourist destinations in Brazil (such as Rio or Florianópolis), prices in São Paulo remain consistent throughout the year.

Budget hotel prices – A budget two-star hotel room in the center of town costs 150-200 BRL per night. Typical amenities include air-conditioning, TV, and a complimentary buffet breakfast of bread, cakes, fruits, juice, and tea/coffee.

Airbnb is available in São Paulo, with private rooms starting around 67 BRL per night; entire homes/apartments cost 115 BRL per night. Be sure to book early, otherwise, prices can double.

Food – Brazilian cuisine — like the country itself — is a mix of many cultures, with European, Amerindian, African, and Japanese influences. As it’s such a large country, food varies by region in Brazil, but you can find all of it — and then some — in São Paulo.

In typical Brazilian cuisine, common vegetables include tubers like cassava and yams, tomatoes, red peppers, okra, and more. As Brazil is a subtropical country, there’s also a huge variety of fruits, with the most famous being the superfood açaí, though cupuaçu (related to cacao), mango, papaya, guava, orange, passion fruit, and pineapple are all common as well.

Feijoada , Brazil’s national dish, is a meaty bean stew that is traditionally eaten for Wednesday or Saturday lunch. Other popular dishes include moqueca (fish stew), polenta, and vatapá (a stew of bread, shrimp, coconut milk, and peanuts).

Some popular street food snacks include pão de queijo (cheese bread rolls), acarajé (black-eyed pea and shrimp fritters), coxinha (croquettes), pastéis (savory deep-fried pastries with assorted fillings), and açaí (which you can have pureed, plain, or with toppings).

Street food like pastéis costs around 7-10 BRL, while a coxinha is around 5-7 BRL. A sandwich and drink at a juice bar should be no more than 35-40 BRL, while a combo meal at a fast-food restaurant (think McDonald’s) is around 35 BRL. A meal at a Chinese takeout restaurant costs about the same (35 BRL) as a dish like fried rice.

Buffets are very common throughout Brazil. Expect to pay around 40-65 BRL for a filling meal at one of these (depending on how much you eat, of course).

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant serving typical Brazilian cuisine (known as a boteco ) costs about 25-35 BRL. If you want to splurge, a three-course meal (appetizer, main, dessert, and a drink) at a nicer restaurant costs about 150-200 BRL.

A domestic beer costs 8-11 BRL (draft craft beer starts at 15 BRL), and a cocktail starts at 20-25 BRL for a caipirinha (Brazil’s classic cocktail), though at higher-end places, they can be upwards of 40 BRL. A soda is 10 BRL, and a cappuccino is 10-15 BRL.

Note that most restaurants add a 10% “service fee” (tip) to the final bill so you don’t need to add anything extra.

Some specific restaurant recommendations: Casa Tucupi for Amazonian food, Padaria Bella Paulista (a 24-hour diner/bakery/café), and Tabuleiro do Acarajé, which specializes in acaraje , a typical street snack from the region of Bahia.

For fantastic cocktails, head to Santana Bar or Bar dos Arcos, an ultra-cool underground cocktail bar under the gorgeous Municipal Theatre.

Grocery shopping costs about 200-250 BRL per week for basic staples like fresh veggies, pasta, rice, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking São Paulo Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking São Paulo, expect to spend about 155 BRL per day. This covers staying in a hostel dorm, eating street food, cooking some of your meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours.

On a midrange budget of about 375 BRL per day, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out for all your meals at cheap restaurants, take the occasional taxi to get around, take buses between destinations, enjoy a few drinks, and do more paid activities, such as a bike tour and museum visits.

On an upscale budget of about 675 BRL per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, enjoy more drinks, take taxis everywhere, and enjoy all the tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in BRL.

São Paulo Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

São Paulo is one of the more expensive cities in Brazil, but prices depend on where you are and what kind of activities you’re doing. It’s still cheaper than Rio, and there are a lot more free and cheap activities here. Here are some other money-saving tips to help you get started:

• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to meet locals and save money if you’re on a tight budget.
• Visit off-season – December to March is a popular time to visit as people from the Northern Hemisphere escape the winter. Try to avoid these months if you want to keep your expenses low.
• Skip Carnival – Carnival might be fun, but it can also get expensive. If you’re on a budget, avoid visiting during Carnival.
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink so bring a water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Snack on street food – There’s a thriving street food culture in Brazil, meaning lots of cheap and delicious food to fill up on.
• Eat at the buffets – Buffet-style restaurants are extremely common and popular here. You take a plate, fill it up with anything your heart desires from the hot and cold buffets, and then pay by weight. It’s an inexpensive way to eat as the locals do.
• Go to free museum days – Many of the museums here are free, and the ones that aren’t usually have a free day each week. Check their websites for details.
• Visit the market – If you’re staying at a hostel with kitchen facilities, stock up on food at the market and eat like the locals. It won’t be fancy, but it will be affordable.
• Get an Airpass – Brazil is a huge country, and if you want to see multiple destinations yet don’t have tons of time, you’ll need to fly. While there are budget airlines in Brazil, if you plan to visit faraway places (like the Amazon), flights can get expensive. If you book your domestic flights in advance, an Airpass can save you money on flights. It’s the cheapest way to fly around the country.
• Take a free walking tour – São Paulo Free Walking Tour offers many different tours, and they’re the best way to see the main sights on a budget. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

Where to Stay in São Paulo

São Paulo is sprawling. When you’re researching your hostel, make sure you find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Otherwise, you’ll be spending a lot of money on taxis or Ubers and sitting in terrible traffic. There are plenty of hostels and budget-friendly hotels here. Here are some suggested places to stay:

• O de Casa Hostel Bar
• Madá Hostel
• Hostel Brasil Boutique
• Comfort Nova Paulista
• Hotel Calstar
• Hotel Amália

How to Get Around São Paulo

Walking – São Paulo is walkable within neighborhoods, but since the city is so large, it would take forever to get from one neighborhood to another.

Public transportation – São Paulo’s metro system is the largest in South America. It’s known for being fast, reliable, clean, and efficient. It costs 4.40 BRL for one ride, which must be paid for in cash. There’s no transit pass for foreigners (Brazilian citizens and residents can get one with a valid ID). Lines operate from 4:40am-12am Sunday-Friday and holidays. On Saturdays, lines run from 4:40am to 1am.

The BRT (bus rapid transit) system is also a very popular, and often a faster, more direct way to get somewhere as compared to the metro, thanks to dedicated bus lanes. You pay your fare (also 4.40 BRL, in cash) as soon as you board to the ticket collector (a worker that sits in a chair to collect money; they’re separate from the bus driver).

Taxis – Taxi fares start at 5.50 BRL, plus an additional 4 BRL per kilometer. There are two fare sets: “1” is for the daytime, and “2” is for evenings/overnights (8pm-6am) and Sundays. The second fare set is up to 30% more than the base rate. You can see which fare set is being used on the meter, which always must be turned on (if it’s not, get out and hail another cab).

You can also use the 99 app (formerly known as 99Taxis) to get a safe, metered taxi. Avoid taking taxis at peak hours, as the traffic here is notoriously bad. During rush hour, taking the metro or buses (which have special dedicated lanes) is usually much faster.

Bicycle – São Paulo is a very hilly city, so keep that in mind if you plan to bike here! You can find the bike-share system here, called bike Itaú, all over the city (the bikes and docks are a recognizable orange). For one ride, it’s 4.39 BRL for 15 minutes, and then 0.40 BRL each minute after that. Electric bikes are 0.40 BRL per minute right from the start. You can also rent bikes in parks, such as Ibirapuera Park, for 7 BRL per hour.

Ridesharing – Uber is available and very common in São Paulo. It usually costs less than a taxi ride too. A typical ride costs around 20-35 BRL.

Car rental – Renting a car generally costs 80-120 BRL per day, though you really don’t need to do so here. It’s unnecessary, the traffic is terrible, drivers are aggressive, and overall, it’s just a hassle.

When to Go to São Paulo

São Paulo is a rainy city. That being said, it usually doesn’t rain the whole day, even in the summer wet season, which is from December to March (with January being the rainiest month). During this time, temperatures are in the low 20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit).

In winter (June–August), you’ll have much less rain, though temperatures are lower, ranging between 12 and 22°C (54–72°F).

There’s really no bad time to visit, though, as the weather is quite mild year-round. However, the shoulder seasons (March–May or September–November), when it’s warmer but less rainy, are ideal.

Accommodation does book up and is more expensive during Carnival (in February), though it’s not nearly as pronounced as in Rio, which is where most foreigners go for Carnival.

How to Stay Safe in São Paulo

Though it’s safer than Rio (the favelas, or shantytowns, are not close to the city center as in Rio), travelers should be careful and on their guard in São Paulo. Pickpocketing and other petty crimes are common here. Don’t flash expensive belongings, and always keep your phone and wallet secure and out of reach. Don’t carry your passport with you when you’re out for the day. If you have multiple credit cards, don’t carry them all with you at once.

Avoid going out alone in the evenings after dark, especially in downtown, where there are large encampments of unhoused persons and more likelihood of petty theft. If you do need to go out at night, have your hostel/hotel call a taxi for you, or use Uber (which is incredibly common).

Solo female travelers should exercise caution here. Avoid walking around alone when possible, particularly at night. Always keep an eye on your drink (even when it’s being poured), and never accept drinks from strangers. Always trust your gut instinct.

Use ATMs inside a bank or have a friend with you to keep an eye out while you withdraw cash.

To learn which scams to be on the lookout for, read this post about common travel scams.

Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you experience an emergency, dial 190 for assistance.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Brazil, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns. Overall though, Brazilians are very friendly and helpful. Don’t let fearful perceptions of the city and country put you off from visiting this vibrant place.

And always buy travel insurance. It will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong.

São Paulo Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

São Paulo Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out other articles on backpacking/traveling Brazil to continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Rio de Janeiro

Is Brazil Safe to Visit?

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Travel Guide To Sao Paulo

The second largest city in the world is equally big on style, from sleek hotels to rooftop hangouts and funky lifestyle stores. São Paulo is South America's New York City. While Buenos Aires has European looks and charm, São Paulo has New World vibrancy and the urgency of a 21st-century metropolis. Global designer labels compete with hip Brazilian brands, celebrity chefs create dazzling cuisine drawing on the city's international influences, and the clubs and bars are packed with people so beautiful, they'd be confined to the catwalk in any other country.

Where to stay in Sao Paulo

Rua Oscar Freire 384 (00 55 11 3068 4399; www.emiliano.com.br ). The 57-room Emiliano hotel, in the Jardins, São Paulo's Knightsbridge, is a hip alternative to the Fasano hotel, see below. The hotel also produces its own CDs and has a resident DJ. There's a helipad for those who can't face the traffic.

Rua Vittorio Fasano 88 (00 55 11 3896 4077; www.fasano.com.br ). Nowhere in São Paulo comes close to the Fasano hotel for understated luxury. It is worth a visit just to see the interior, a majestic square space decorated in wood and light-brown suede. Located in Jardins, it has a breathtaking rooftop spa and the Baretto bar hosts a constant stream of jazz stars. £

HOTEL UNIQUE

Hotel Unique, Avenida Brigadero Luís Antônio, São Paulo, Brazil (00 55 11 3055 4700; fax: 3889 0005; www.hotelunique.com.br ). It's safe to say that the Hotel Unique lives up to its name. Located in São Paulo's posh Jardins district, close to Ibirapuera Park, the 95-apartment hotel looms large over the city like an abstract Noah's Ark washed up on shore. Designed by talented Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake, the Unique is pure drama. Cars ascend a large, circular driveway before reaching sleek, jagged-edged side-doors, where hulking doormen escort guests to the reception - a towering, light-filled atrium with contemporary furniture, modern art and a welcoming glass of chilled Champagne. The all-white bedrooms with wooden floors are unusually shaped and come with plasma TVs and remote-control drapes. The bathrooms open into the main room and turndown service includes freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies. Breakfast, taken in the sun-drenched penthouse restaurant, is a healthy yoghurt-and-fruit affair, while SKYE, the hotel's popular restaurant (it has Continental and Japanese menus), is incorporated into a rooftop space that includes a swanky al fresco bar and a red-tiled, 24-metre pool. The Hotel Unique was featured in The Hot List 2003. £

Where to eat out in Sao Paulo

A FIGUEIRA RUBAIYAT Rua Haddock Lobo 1738, Jardim Paulista (00 55 11 3063 8888). Routinely and rightly described as one of the best restaurants in town - part of the group of meat-based churrascarias that includes the equally famous Baby Beef Rubaiyat- the Figueira has the added attraction of an impressive outdoor terrace overshadowed by a gigantic fig tree. The menu lashes together Italian and Brazilian traditions with a generous helping of Argentinian and a dash of Spanish. The beef is produced on Figueira's own farm and is superlative. Mostly it is broiled in woodfired ovens - the picanha (the Brazilian favourite, a cut of belly with a layer of fat) is tender and delicious beyond belief. On Wednesday and Saturday lunch times the superb feijoada (a bean stew with home-produced pork and boar), plus beer, caipirinha, salads, aperitifs and desserts is particularly good-value. Service is memorably professional. Crowds of waiters buzz around under the overarching tree and the attention to detail is exquisite - even your bottle of beer is placed in an ice bucket. ARABIA Rua Haddock Lobo 1397, Jardins (00 55 11 3064 4776). São Paulo's de luxe Lebanese, courtesy of Leila Kuczynski.

BRAZ HIGIENOPOLIS Rua Sergipe 406, Higienópolis (00 55 11 3255 8090). The pizzas at Bráz are on a par with the best of Naples. CARLOTA Rua Sergipe 753, Higienópolis (00 55 11 3661 8670). This Brazilian bistro created by Carla Pernambuco and her husband is relaxed and relaxing, and that goes for the food as much as the place itself. The menu is long, interesting and cosmopolitan with incursions into Portuguese (bacalhau a bras), Italian (risotto and pasta) and Oriental traditions, as well as Pernambuco's own range of stunning dishes such as grilled lobster tail, manioc purée and Thai vegetable julienne, and grilled salmon fillet with couscous and maple-and-orange sauce. Her selection of Brazilian snacks such as salt-cod rissois (a turnover), pão de queijo (a hot cheese roll) and various fried tidbits is an enjoyable way for two people to graze on something tasty while getting to know the local repertoire. Fish is a strong point and the salads are good, too.

CONSULADO MINEIRO Praça Benedito Calixto 74, Pinheiros (00 55 11 3064 3882). Specialises in authentic dishes of the Minas Gerais region.

DELOONIX Rua Bela Cintra 1709 (00 55 11 3085 2071). The grooviest of São Paulo's new-wave eateries, with raw food and other delights courtesy of chef Danielle Dahoui. D.O.M. Rua Barão de Capanema, 549 Jardins (00 55 11 3088 0761). Since Alex Atala opened D.O.M. in 1999, the restaurant has become something like the HQ of a new kind of contemporary Brazilian cuisine. Partly inspired by the foams and deconstructions of Ferran Adrià at El Bulli in Spain, Atala devotes much of his time to the creation of original dishes using native ingredients from Brazil such as the Amazonian fruits with unimaginable flavour which he brings in from the north, and the yam, manioc and cará (roots and tubers) which appear on the menu in various forms, entirely new to the world of haute cuisine. The menu degustação might include a dish of raw scallops with wafer slices of palm heart and a dressing of scallop coral spiked with horseradish, followed by turbot with manioc flour and caldo de tucupi (yucca juice), then a bright flower salad with dried tapioca and duck confit with cream of cará. There are incredible fruit sorbets and the coffee menu makes a lot of sense given São Paulo's noble tradition of coffee production. The airy dining room is a high-ceilinged space with tropical palms and a plate-glass façade decorated in tones of cream, brown and white. The service is amiable enough but you are left in no doubt that this is one of the most serious gastro-temples in town. All in all, Atala and D.O.M. represent the coming-of-age of the Brazilian restaurant.

FASANO Hotel Fasano, rua Vittorio Fasano 88 (00 55 11 3062 4000; 00 55 11 3896 4000). Like the hotel that houses it, Fasano breathes an air of understated, thoroughly of-the-moment luxury. You could be in Milan - but it's an idealised Milan, like something out of an Italian neo-realist film. The hall-like room, with the illuminated bar designed by Isay Weinfeld and Marcio Kogan at one end, is stunning. And Salvatore Loi's cooking, equally strong on style and substance, fits the surroundings to a 'T'. Pasta dishes such as tortelli di fagiano al vino rosso (pheasant in a red-wine sauce) are impeccable. The main courses include grand traditional dishes, hard to find even in Italy these days, such as bacalà alla romana (salt cod with raisins and pine nuts). It is hard to choose what to go for as the Fasano has five menus showcasing the cuisine of Milan, Umbria, Piemonte and Capri, as well as an overview of Italian regional seafood. The wine list includes a fabulous selection of ancient Barolos and Brunellos worth poring over. It is one of São Paulo's more expensive evenings out but it's worth it.

Olivia Morelli

Anna Prendergast

Sarah James

FOGO DE CHAO Avenida Santo Amaro 6824, Santo Amaro (00 55 11 5524 0500); avenida dos Bandeirantes 538, Vila Olímpia (00 55 11 5505 0791). Meat, meat and more meat. Luckily it's just about the best meat you'll find anywhere. With six branches in the USA, three in São Paulo and 27 years of experience, Fogo de Chão is a , churrascari still in a class of its own. Its unique draw is the quality of its meats (mainly from Chile and Uruguay and the border of Rio Grande do Sul, though the lamb is from New Zealand). The rodízio system operates here: the freshly-grilled meats are taken round the restaurant and sliced at your table until you say 'basta'. A cold buffet is available on an all-you-can-eat basis. It has good wines, too. Try the curious Salton Talento Cabernet Sauvignon from the far south.

GIL BISTRO Rua Jacurici 37 (00 55 11 3078 4501). This is a relaxed and unpretentious place, unusual for São Paulo, with a simple, modern-Brazilian menu. Tables are made from old electric-cable drums: the music is whatever owner Antonio Gil feels like listening to, the wine whatever he feels like opening.

JAM WAREHOUSE Rua Lopes Neto 308 (00 55 11 3079 4259; www.jamwarehouse.com.br ). São Paulo has the biggest Japanese community outside Japan, so there's no shortage of sushi. The signature dish Talmushi (lemon sole with hot ginger sauce) is served alongside lethal Saketini cocktails and Japanese music.

JUN SAKAMOTO Rua Lisboa 55, Pinheiros (00 55 11 3088 6019). São Paulo fairly heaves with Japanese restaurants but this one is a cut above the rest. The dining room is small, discreet and classy. A glass-chrome façade opens onto an interior majoring on wood and cement - even the posh clientele mainly sticks to neutral tones. Jun Sakamoto is a genuine master of sushi with few rivals in the city. His creations are matchless, subtly fragranced with lemon, lemon grass, plum leaves and truffle oil. (The octopus, in particular, sliced paper thin and meltingly tender, is sensational.) Try for a seat at the bar where eight lucky diners can watch the spectacle of Sakamoto at work, (you'll need to book early for this and specify no balcão). At the tables a wider menu operates - try the superb tempura of prawn, shiitake or pumpkin flower. Dinner only.

LA BRASSERIE Rua Bahia 683, Higienópolis, (00 55 11 3826 5409). Erick Jacquin's new restaurant offers unfussy French bistro cooking in a clean-lined modern setting.

LANCHONETE DA CIDADE Alameda Tietê 104, Jardim Paulista (00 55 11 3086 3399). It's hardly haute cuisine but this retro-modern Brazilian diner absolutely hits the spot. It was this sort of place that started the vogue for lanchonetes (essentially affordable eating places where the working man could get a quick filling lunch) back in the 1960s. The Lanchonete da Cidade is brand new but you'd hardly know it from the leatherette banquettes, the Formica tables and the colour scheme of pale yellow and sky-blue. The place is conceived as a loving homage to the classic snack bar, which means the menu consists mainly of hamburgers (and very good they are, too), hot dogs, toasted sandwiches, omelettes and salads. Drink a chopp (draught beer) or caipirinha and finish up with a retro ice-cream sundae in a glass goblet.

POMODORI Rua Dr Renato Paes de Barros 534, Itaim-Bibi (00 55 11 3168 3123). Jefferson Rueda and Rodrigo Martins don't have a cubic centimetre of Italian blood between them. Until recently they had never even visited the country. But none of that has stopped them creating a convincing replica of a fine ristorante in, say, Milan or Turin. Their food is a loving homage to quality cooking with the emphasis on northern Italy: ossobuco is served with risotto Milanese and a bone-marrow sauce; rabbit is rustically roasted with potato purée perfumed with black truffle. Occasional nods to their origins such as carne seca (Brazilian sun-dried meat) work well within the Italian context. If the pleasant dining room is small (reservation essential), the minuscule kitchen must break the world record for the number of cooks per square metre. It's not cheap and extras such as imported Italian water push the bill skywards.

RESTAURANTE KINOSHITA Tsuyoshi Murakami is the affable chef-owner at this highly-rated restaurant in the heart of Japantown.

SABUJI Rua Sabuji 40, Jardim Paulista (00 55 11 3814 1240). The setting is that rare thing in Brazilian cities: a quiet, practically traffic-free residential street. Though the food is pretty cutting-edge, the place feels like a neighbourhood restaurant, the neighbourhood in question being Jardim Paulista, part of Jardins, São Paulo's answer to Kensington. Design-wise Sabuji is smart and clever; architects Marina Cury and Elisa Biagi have gone for a retro-modern look with parquet floors and antique chairs. Upstairs a buzzing lounge attracts a younger crowd for cocktails and hanging out. Food-wise, we're talking new Brazilian, with indigenous ingredients used in cunning and delicious ways. Duck confit is served with a sauce based on the palm fruit açaí. Skate is baked in a manioc flour crust and sauced with coconut and rich dende oil. Yam, yucca and cará, each with its own subtle flavour, are puréed as an accompaniment for meats; tropical fruits from the Amazon region find their way into sauces, ice creams and salads. Bel Coelho, creator of Sabuji's menu, has left but she leaves the kitchen in the capable hands of Bia Moraes.

SHUNDI & TOMODACHI Rua Doutor Mário Ferraz, 402. This is housed in an indoor garden of fountains and plants. The signature dishes are baby octopus with curry powder, and miniature wraps of salmon, baby eel and shark's fin. SKYE Hotel Unique, avenida Brigadeiro Luis Antonio 4700, Jardim Paulista (00 55 11 3055 4702). The skyline's the limit at this famous rooftop bar and restaurant. Gawp at the amazing view; drink caipirinhas; snack on sushi.

TORDESILHAS Rua Bela Cintra 465, Consolação (00 55 11 3107 7444). For years, traditional cooking was scarcely valued as cuisine and when the first wave of internationalism hit the food scene, in the 1990s, Brazilian consumers went mad for everything foreign. The irony of São Paulo's culinary diversity is that Brazilian regional food is chronically under-represented. Only now is a movement underway to rescue native dishes from oblivion. Mara Salles has been in the vanguard of this movement for 20 years. Her restaurant Tordesilhas is a showcase for the country's variegated cuisines, from Bahia's African-influenced food and the rustic cooking of Minas Gerais to the gaúcho traditions of the far south. There is an anthropological character to Salles' work and her menu is the fruit of years of travel and research. Its range of fascinating dishes includes the Bahian bobo de camarã (a thick stew of shrimp, manioc and dendê oil), the barreado from Paraná (meat cooked in a closed clay pan for 12 hours) and pato no tucupi (duck in manioc sauce) with jambu, a vegetable which produces numbness on the tongue.

The best nightlife in Sao Paulo

São Paulo prides itself on its nightlife. Paulistas such as Marky and Patife are probably the most exciting drum-and-bass DJs in the world today. They can be seen on Thursday nights at Lov.e, the best-established club in the city. Rua Pequetita 189 ( www.loveclub.com.br ).

Where to shop in Sao Paulo

The city has some fantastic shops, partly because of the growing international success of São Paulo Fashion Week. The most glamorous are situated a block from the Hotel Fasano, on and near Rua Oscar Freire. Stock up on trendy jeans at shops such as M Officer, Ellus, Zoomp and Forum.

Morumbi Shopping, Avenida Roque Petroni Junior 1089 (00 55 11 5181 2251; www.condimento.com.br ). Tucked away in Morumbi Mall, this small boutique makes a welcome change from the chain stores. Go there for sequinned shoes, sparkly tops and beaded bikinis.

CLUBE CHOCOLATE

Rua Oscar Freire 913 (00 55 11 3084 1500). This concept store houses four floors of funky fashion and gastronomy, flanked on one side by a mock-Rio beach. The new ground-floor Fruit Bank offers fruit 'kits' to tackle everything from cellulite to depression.

Avenida Chedid Jafet ( www.daslu.com.br ). This lifestyle store is a São Paulo institution and the headquarters of Brazilian style: sales assistants are clad in French maid outfits and personal shoppers are Paulistana socialites. It moves to the larger premises in May 2005.

How to get to Sao Paulo

São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, 18 miles northeast of São Paulo.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK

British Airways (0870 850 9850; www.ba.com ) flies from Heathrow to São Paulo. TAM Airlines (0870 747 5628; www.tam.com.br ) flies from Heathrow to São Paulo.

Tour operator details for Sao Paulo

Journey Latin America (020 8747 8315; www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk )

Tourist information for Sao Paulo

São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau (3289 7588; www.spcvb.com.br ).

© rparobe/Getty Images

São Paulo is home to 20 million fiercely proud paulistanos (as residents are known), all of whom will happily tell you at length to you how they'd never live elsewhere. Spend time with them and the reasons will soon unfold. Maybe they will introduce you to the city’s innumerable art-house cinemas and experimental theaters. If they’re gourmands, they’ll focus on the smart bistros and gourmet restaurants that make the city a world-renowned foodie haven. If they’re scenesters, follow them on a raucous tour of underground bars and the 24/7 clubbing scene. Whatever pleasures you might covet, Sampa (the city's affectionate nickname) probably has them.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Edifício Copan

Copan was designed by late modernist master Oscar Niemeyer. The building, with its serpentine facade and narrow brises soleil (permanent sunshades), is…

Mercado Municipal

This covered market is a belle epoque confection of stained glass and a series of vast domes. Inside, a fabulous urban market specializes in all things…

Museu de Arte de São Paulo

Sampa’s pride, this museum possesses Latin America’s most comprehensive collection of Western art. Hovering above a concrete plaza that turns into an…

Mosteiro São Bento

Among the city’s oldest and most important churches, São Bento dates to 1598, though its neo-Gothic facade dates only to the early 20th century. Step…

Farol Santander

For one of Sampa’s best panoramas, head to the top of this 161m-high skyscraper, Brazil’s version of the Empire State Building – completed in 1939 and…

This elegant neoclassical museum, formerly known as Pinacoteca do Estado but modernly rebranded 'Pina_Luz' (with the underline!) in 2017, houses an…

Museu Xingu

Relatively unknown and blissfully uncrowded, the unassuming Casa Amarela is part NGO handicraft shop, part two-table romantic cafe and part tiny Museu…

Estação da Luz

Across the street from the Parque da Luz sits one of São Paulo's most stunning structures, a classic late-Victorian train station constructed with…

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São Paulo   Travel Guide

Courtesy of (c) Conrado Tramontini | Getty Images

13 Best Things To Do in Sao Paulo

Updated Feb. 11, 2021

São Paulo   has no shortage of amazing cultural sites, city vistas and green outdoor spaces. Art lovers may find themselves pulled in many different directions (there are multiple art museums throughout the city); culture hounds should definitely plan

• All Things To Do

Parque do Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera Park) Parque do Ibirapuera (Ibirapuera Park) free

If you get tired of the concrete jungle, make your way to the Parque do Ibirapuera, which offers a spacious, green respite from São Paulo's towering skyscrapers. The land was selected to be a public park in the 1950s to celebrate the city's 400th anniversary and spans around 400 acres; many people liken it to New York 's  Central Park  and London 's  Hyde Park  because of its size and the amount of visitors it sees. Walking and biking paths snake through the lawns, and you can rent a bicycle from a number of vendors nearby. Music fills the air on Sunday mornings, when visitors can enjoy free concerts in the park's Praça da Paz. Many cultural institutions can be found in the park as well, including the  Museu Afro Brasil , Museu de Arte Contemporânea and Museu de Arte Moderna.

Travelers frequently describe Ibirapuera Park as an "oasis" and say it is a relaxing place to spend the day walking through the park, utilizing the running trails or going for a bike ride. Some warn it can get particularly crowded on weekends and when it's sunny.

Pinacoteca do Estado Pinacoteca do Estado

This art museum is the oldest in São Paulo and houses an extensive collection of Brazilian art from the 19th century through today. Established in 1905, Pinacoteca do Estado (the Art Gallery of the State of São Paulo) showcases nearly 10,000 pieces of art ranging from paintings and sketches to the on-site sculpture garden (adjacent to Jardim da Luz). Made up of apricot-tinted bricks, the historic building is a picturesque work of art in its own right.

Locals and visitors alike love this museum, noting the facility offers an impressive roster of permanent exhibits and the rotating exhibits are always diverse and interesting. They also say it's worth taking time to admire the building's architecture. Many called it the best museum in the city. A few travelers suggest stopping by the on-site cafe, which overlooks the garden, to enjoy a cappuccino, snack or lunch.

Theatro Municipal de São Paulo Theatro Municipal de São Paulo

Modeled after the elegant  Palais Garnier  in Paris , São Paulo's Theatro Municipal is a work of art. This grand theater was built between 1903 and 1911, and the design of its detailed facade incorporates Renaissance, Baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau styles. Inside, visitors are greeted with gilded balconies and rich red seats and curtains. The theater is a cultural icon, thought to have sparked the city's vivid interest in the arts (and specifically modern art) after it hosted the Week of Modern Art in 1922. Today, the Theatro Municipal hosts a variety of performances, including operas, plays, symphony orchestras and ballets. If you're unable to make a performance, free guided tours of the venue (in English) are also available.

Recent visitors raved about the building's beautiful architecture, with many recommending you try to get tickets to a show or go on the guided tour to see the theater's interior. Some do warn that the area surrounding the venue is a bit dicey, with homeless people sleeping on the street.

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Mercado Municipal de São Paulo Mercado Municipal de São Paulo free

Most major cities have impressive markets filled with fresh produce, meats and fish, unique crafts and local treats. In São Paulo, that vibrant, aromatic market is the Mercado Municipal, known simply as Mercadão by locals (the "big market"). Originally the city's very first grocery market, Mercadão first opened in 1933 and hosts around 300 stalls selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to spices, cheeses and sweets to meat and seafood. More than 1,500 people work at this market and handle more than 450 tons of food on a daily basis. The building is also decorated with stunning stained-glass windows (72 windows that make up 32 panels) that depict different aspects of food production in the region.

Visitors and locals alike say you must stop by this market when you're in São Paulo. They suggest taking advantage of the free samples available (vendors generously hand them out) and shopping around for the best price. Travelers warn that the market gets exceptionally busy on the weekends, so come prepared for long lines; even better, try to visit on a weekday. A handful of restaurants and bars operate inside the Mercadão as well – visitors say you should try the famous massive (and tasty) mortadella sandwiches at Bar do Mané or Hocca Bar.

Catedral da Sé de São Paulo (São Paulo Cathedral) Catedral da Sé de São Paulo (São Paulo Cathedral)

This neo-Gothic cathedral may catch your eye with its enormous spires and you'll hear it referred to by many (similar) names, including Catedral da Sé, Catedral Metropolitana and Catedral da Sé de São Paulo. The church is smack dab in the center of the city, near the main square of Praça da Sé. Inside, the venue can hold up to 8,000 people, which means it's the largest church in the city, and visitors can enjoy the intricate details that represent Brazil – from coffee beans to flora to animals – carved into the structure. The church also boasts a beautiful marble interior and colorful stained-glass windows (be sure to snap some photos). As the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of São Paulo's cathedral, it holds Mass daily; visitors can also tour the tombs within the church (for a fee).

Recent travelers said they enjoyed their visit to this cathedral, which garnered superlatives like "beautiful," "lovely" and "impressive" from patrons. Many said you should plan to visit on a Sunday morning for Mass, as it's an incredible celebration. Several visitors warn, however, that the area surrounding the cathedral is a little dicey, noting you'll likely encounter homeless people and aggressive panhandlers; keep your eyes on your belongings and walk with purpose toward the cathedral.

Museu de Arte de São Paulo Museu de Arte de São Paulo

Set on  Avenida Paulista  in a bold red building with dozens of long, rectangular windows, the Museu de Arte de São Paulo is impossible to miss. The museum houses exceptional collections from many world-renowned artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, Picasso, Renoir and Degas, and is touted as offering the most comprehensive collection of Western art in Latin America. MASP has more than 10,000 pieces of art ranging from paintings and sculptures to photographs and period clothing. The museum also hosts talks, temporary exhibits, art classes and music and dance performances.

The majority of visitors said that while this art museum can't compare to MOMA or the Louvre , it is impressive in its own right, thanks to its variety of thought-provoking pieces. Travelers loved the mix of works from well-known and Brazilian artists. Museumgoers also advised visiting on Tuesdays or Wednesday, when it's free to enter.

Avenida Paulista Avenida Paulista free

Filled with shops, hotels, businesses, cultural institutions and restaurants, Avenida Paulista is one of the city's main thoroughfares. Towering skyscrapers populate this street – many of which boast some interesting architecture. Strolling down this avenue is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of São Paulo, and it makes for a convenient jumping off point to see some of the city's other top sights, including the  Museu de Arte de São Paulo , Shopping Cidade São Paulo and Parque Trianon.

Past travelers said walking this wide avenue allows you to get a feel for what life is like in the city. Many suggested planning your visit for a Sunday, when the street is closed to vehicular traffic and features vendors, live music and plenty of people-watching. Recent visitors also said you should spend some time in the adjacent Parque Trianon, which offers walking paths and impressed travelers with its density of trees and foliage in the city center.

Edifício Itália Edifício Itália

Towering 46 stories above central São Paulo, Edifício Itália is one of the tallest buildings in the city. The building itself is a sight to behold – it's narrow and covered with office windows. But the real reason travelers come here is for the spectacular panoramic city views afforded by Edifício Itália's observation deck. You can access the rooftop deck for free between 4 and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you'd rather spend some time savoring the view, you may want to visit the rooftop restaurant Terraço Italia, or its piano bar. Past visitors suggested ordering cocktails and drinking in the views (and beverages); many warned the food was subpar and on the pricey side.

You'll find Edifício Itália in the city center, about a mile northeast of the  Catedral da Sé . The nearest metro stop is República. If your visit occurs outside the daily free hour, you'll have to pay an entrance fee. The fee, which will run you 35 reals (approximately $8.50), includes one drink. (You can get a table at the restaurant and order drinks or food without having to pay an additional fee. Visitors suggest donning nice clothes if you're planning to eat or drink here.) Check out the building's website for more information.

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Museu do Futebol (Football Museum) Museu do Futebol (Football Museum)

Opened in 2008, the Football Museum celebrates the history of football (soccer) throughout Brazil. The museum is composed of several rooms that showcase different aspects of the game, including framed objects like pennants, buttons and posters; photographs of "heroes" of the game and videos of impressive goals in big games and World Cup competitions, among other highlights.

Avid soccer fans said it's a must-see when in São Paulo and even those who didn't know too much about the game said visiting this museum helped them gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Brazil's love of the sport. Visitors also noted the museum was well organized and said they liked the interactive nature of the exhibits, though some cautioned that some of the information is not in English. Families added this is a museum that kids absolutely enjoy.

Museu Afro Brasil Museu Afro Brasil

This museum gets mixed reviews from visitors. Some say only Portuguese-speakers will be able to get much out of it (few displays are in English). Others say the art speaks for itself – providing an in-depth look into Afro Brazilian culture – and the collection is large. Visitors note there is a free  self-guided audio tour app  (in English) that offers insight, so bring headphones.

The Museu Afro Brasil features more than 6,000 works of art that highlight "the African perspective in the formation of heritage, identity and Brazilian culture," according to its website. Sculptures, prints, documents, paintings and more are on display within the museum. The third-floor collection specifically showcases several centuries of African immigration to South America.

Museu de Arte Contemporanea da USP (Museum of Contemporary Art, University of São Paulo) Museu de Arte Contemporanea da USP (Museum of Contemporary Art, University of São Paulo) free

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São Paulo Has Become Brazil's Most Stylish City — and There's Never Been a Better Time to Visit

In Brazil’s largest mega-metropolis, there's an insatiable, multicultural energy that feels more modern, more appealing, than ever.

When Avenida Paulista, São Paulo 's most famous thoroughfare, first unfurled across a 328-foot-high ridge south of the city center in 1891, it represented, for the people who settled there, an escape from the bustle and heat of a newly booming provincial town. At the time, São Paulo was home to some 65,000 people, an upstart trading post for the surrounding coffee plantations. But as exports exploded in the late 1800s, the city began to grow. Paulista provided fresh air, a wide promenade, and huge plots of land where coffee barons and industrialists built mansions in an eclectic pastiche of imported styles. It was also, as the architect and photographer André Scarpa told me on a humid summer morning in February, an attempt to “emulate the life of the country inside the city.”

To me, there is no city more beautiful than São Paulo, but to call it that is not uncontroversial.

As we slipped through the crowds that flowed down Paulista, surrounded by skyscrapers and traffic, I had to laugh. This boulevard, after all, is the spinal cord of a city of 22 million people that makes Mexico City (where I live) seem quaint. Here was the glass-and-concrete prism of Lina Bo Bardi’s epoch-defining São Paulo Museum of Art , or MASP, suspended over an open plaza. Barely a block away, architect Rino Levi’s pyramidal FIESP Cultural Center leaned coolly back among its straight-shouldered neighbors. Nearby, the slick façade of the Paulicéia building, designed by French émigré Jacques Pilón and Gian Carlo Gasperini (an Italo-Brazilian, like Levi and Bo Bardi), faced off against the sly horizontal stripes of the Torre Paulista building by José Gugliotta and Polish-born Jorge Zalszupin. There may be no metropolis on earth more defiantly modern.

Carmen Campos

That modernity had first announced itself exactly 100 years before my visit at the Semana de Arte Moderna 22. Held during the nation’s centennial celebration of independence from Portugal, the weeklong event gathered together writers, composers, and visual artists, and is said to have launched Brazil’s modernism movement. It included a group show by now-seminal artists like Anita Malfatti, who depicted Brazilian subjects through Cubist abstraction and Fauvist vibrancy.

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Six years later, in 1928, São Paulo–born modernist poet Oswald de Andrade opened his landmark “ Manifesto Antropófago ” (“Cannibalist Manifesto”) with a simple declamatory line: “Cannibalism alone unites us. Socially. Economically. Philosophically.” It was a winking cri de coeur that defined modern Brazilian identity by its omnivorous, irreverent appetite for the world, by a cultural metabolism that could synthesize global influences and make them into something singular and new.

Standing there on Paulista, Scarpa and I stared down into a canyon of cement and steel. The towers, some designed by immigrants, some by second-generation Brazilians, opened along the avenue like teeth. The city was a gaping jaw, gulping down sunshine and rain and the endless streams of people from around the country and the world who continue to flow into it each day.

To me, there is no city more beautiful than São Paulo, but to call it that is not uncontroversial. On my first visit in 2011, I arrived with preconceptions formed largely by the glib opening line of a 2007  New York Times  travel story that said that Brazil’s financial capital “may be the ugliest, most dangerous city you’ll ever love.” I went straight to the historic center, a densely packed district of Neoclassical banks and Art Deco skyscrapers, many in disrepair, to visit the observation deck at the Farol Santander, a bulky white riposte to the Empire State Building. The city stretched out infinitely below me like a savanna of concrete, its towers sprouting from a tangle of traffic-clogged streets. Seen from above, São Paulo seemed both monotonous and unhinged.

Like many big Latin American cities, São Paulo has been expanding away from its historic core for years, spreading north and east through middle-class neighborhoods, like Bom Retiro and Moóca, and south through the mansions of Jardins, a wealthy district below Paulista. São Paulo’s most affluent residents sought luxury by leaving the city center behind. They settled in anodyne towers in leafy suburbs and spend weekends at places like the Palácio Tangará resort, which opened in 2017 amid the peaceful jungle landscape of the Parque Burle Marx. There, they sip cocktails by the pool and dine at the hotel’s elegant restaurant, Tangará Jean-Georges, conceived by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and helmed by executive chef Filipe Rizzato.

Old-school  botecos,  casual bars with standing-only counters are the best place for a cold beer or my favorite Brazilian breakfast: a pull of too-strong coffee,  pão de queijo  buns made with cheese and gummy tapioca flour, and an icy glass of lurid purple açaí juice sweating away in the morning heat.

But today, the city’s center of gravity is shifting decisively back north, to reinvigorated neighborhoods clustered around the Praça da República public square. The newly opened Rosewood São Paulo suggests the ascendant pull of the city’s urban core. Set in an Italianate villa that, for 50 years, housed the city’s primary maternity ward, the hotel is a veritable shrine to Brazil’s voluptuous mid-century design, and every corner gleams with installations by some 57 contemporary artists from across the country. At night, the drive fills with BMWs and glinting heels as wealthy city residents clamor for space at the hotel’s bars and restaurants — Rabo di Galo for live jazz and Taraz for pan-Latin cuisine.

Related: The Style-Lover's Guide to Brazil

As in so many of the world’s biggest cities , gentrification in the city center has called uneasy attention to the deep divisions already present in Brazilian society, its inequities often structured around race, class, gender, and sexuality. Those failings are on plain view in neighborhoods like Vila Buarque, Santa Cecília, and República, but so too are infinite possibilities. In July of 2021, a formerly abandoned building abutting an elevated freeway in Vila Buarque reopened as a collection of community-minded businesses. Upstairs at Cora , a rooftop restaurant, chef Pablo Inca, originally from the Andean highlands of Argentina, serves dishes that incorporate traditional ingredients, like okra, beans, and offal ,  that were long stigmatized by high-end kitchens and their clients.

Until a few years ago, Vila Buarque would not have been an obvious place to open this kind of establishment, Inca told me as a torrential summer storm rolled in, turning the corrugated metal roof of the interior dining room into a snare drum. “A lot of people still see this area as a little bit forbidden, a little provocative,” he said. But Inca’s bright and flavorful food could hardly be more welcoming: a delicate crudo of  prejereba  fish with sweet, astringent cashew fruit; decadent  fugazzeta,  like an oozing cheese-and-onion tart; and charred okra fragrant with za’atar. “São Paulo is a city that conquers you, not by its landscapes, but by its movement and chaos,” Inca continued. “Things can transform at any time.”

São Paulo is a city that conquers you, not by its landscapes, but by its movement and chaos. Things can transform at any time.

Leaving Cora that afternoon, I wandered through the residential neighborhood of Higienópolis, which is filled with modern apartment blocks peeking through screens of philodendrons and rubber trees. In the neighboring districts of Santa Cecilia and Vila Buarque, coffee shops and galleries rub shoulders with hardware stores and old-school  botecos,  casual bars whose standing-only counters are the best place for a cold beer or my favorite Brazilian breakfast: a pull of too-strong coffee,  pão de queijo  buns made with cheese and gummy tapioca flour, and an icy glass of lurid purple açaí juice sweating away in the morning heat.

As evening approached, I stopped for a drink and a snack at Bar da Dona Onça , a restaurant on the ground floor of the iconic Copan building, Brazil’s largest apartment complex. (The tilde-shaped tower is so vast it commands its own zip code.) Raised in central São Paulo, chef Janaína Rueda opened Dona Onça as an homage to the classic downtown nightspots where, when she was a child, her mother had worked as a publicist. In the wood-paneled interior, diners order caipirinhas with pitch-perfect  coxinha  (chicken croquettes) and spinach-and-cheese fritters called  bolinhos de espinafre e queijo . When the restaurant opened 16 years ago, the Copan, designed in the early 1950s by Oscar Niemeyer, had only just begun to recover from decades of disrepair and a reputation for criminality. Today, the building’s nearly 1,200 apartments are in high demand, particularly among young creative people, and its 72 storefronts now include a bookstore and a chic cocktail bar, as well as coffee shops and laundromats.

I chatted with Rueda as I finished off the last of eight courses at A Casa do Porco , the fine-dining restaurant she and Jefferson Rueda opened around the corner from Dona Onça in 2015. On the menu: pancetta with guava paste; pork tartare and rice wrapped in Japanese nori; and leafy greens and jewels of yet more pork, this time roasted. If Dona Onça is the Ruedas’ answer to a  boteco,  then A Casa do Porco is a witty, imaginative celebration of the many cultures and communities that give São Paulo, particularly its central districts, its character. Both restaurants speak to the city’s famously freewheeling spirit, to the blurry boundaries between neon nights and dove-gray mornings, as well as to the communities who call it home. São Paulo cuisine, she said, “is based around the idea of mixing, of bohemia, of the dawn.” She flashed a dazzling smile that illuminated her ice-blue eyes, then continued, “You want to eat something very São Paulo? You eat sushi. Because what is food from São Paulo? A bit of everything.”

The next morning, I took Rueda’s advice and met chef Telma Shiraishi at the casual second outpost of her restaurant Aizomê, located in the Kengo Kuma–designed Japan House. Shiraishi is third-generation Japanese-Brazilian, the granddaughter of immigrants who came over in the early 20th century. She’d agreed to show me around the Liberdade district, the historic heart of São Paulo’s Japanese diaspora. Prior to the abolition of slavery in 1888 and the subsequent arrival of Japanese immigrants, the area — called, with cruel irony, “Liberty” — was known for public executions and for its  pelourinho,  or pillory, an elevated platform used for centuries for the punishment of criminals and those enslaved by the Portuguese.

The people around me had given themselves over to the city’s insatiable hunger for all things beautiful and new. If no one at the bar that night was from São Paulo, I thought, that meant that anyone could be.

Aside from a handful of inscriptions in a pair of modest colonial churches, that past has been largely erased in what is now the closest thing to a tourist sector the city has to offer. People gather for selfies under arcing red street lamps and eat at  izakaya  and ramen shops. “I like to think that Japanese immigrants gave this place its character,” Shiraishi told me. “From this sad history we made a place that’s vibrant, where people come to try new things.” Freedom has never been a given in São Paulo. Transformation is.

That afternoon, I made my way to the Jardins district to meet the artist and gallerist Maria Monteiro in her gallery, Sé, set in a graceful, sun-washed Art Deco building. Monteiro opened her first space, an artists’ residency called Phosphorus, in 2011 on a narrow lane deep in the city’s historic center. At the time, she says, the neighborhood was virtually uninhabitable, its streets and parks crowded with those left behind by Brazil’s early-21st-century economic boom. Most of the buildings were half abandoned, including the one in which she opened Phosphorus and, a year later, the first iteration of Sé, named for the twin-spired cathedral around the corner. In 2019, Monteiro moved the gallery to Jardins (the Centro is still difficult, and you can only push art collectors so far), but she continues to wax lyrical about the magic of that first space and the careers launched from a room that, the first time she saw it, had almost no roof.

From Sé, Monteiro and I took a car deeper into Jardins to the Casa Zalszupin , home of the Polish-Brazilian architect and furniture designer Jorge Zalszupin from 1962 until his death in 2019. Hidden from a winding street behind towering tropical trees, the house, recently opened to the public by appointment, is a marvel of sweeping wood-paneled ceilings, stone walls, and wooden shutters. The week I was in town, Casa Zalszupin was hosting a show assembled by Monteiro’s friend, the independent curator Germano Dushá, conceived as a response to the citywide celebrations of La Semana de Arte Moderna’s centennial. For all their brilliance, Dushá told me, the artists at the original event were drawn chiefly from the white elite, and their depictions of rural Afro-Brazilians, daring for their time, were also exoticizing and exploitative. Through the show at Casa Zalszupin, Dushá aimed to ask, “How can we approach the legacy of modernism in a critical way?”

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I thought about this question the next day as I headed to Parque Ibirapuera, a spectacular swath of greenery studded with lakes and sinuous Oscar Niemeyer–designed pavilions. At the entrance, I stopped to consider the Monument of the Bandeiras, a 1954 statue by sculptor Victor Brecheret, a participant in La Semana. It valorizes the colonizers — the  bandeirantes — who, throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, launched violent incursions on the interior from their base in São Paulo, at the time a far-flung Jesuit outpost. Like most places fixed on the future, São Paulo often struggles with its past, as the erasure of Liberdade’s traumatic history makes clear. Since at least 2013, the Monument of the Bandeiras has been a site for protest, particularly by Indigenous activists whose ancestors were massacred and enslaved by the men the monument renders as dauntless pioneers. Like Dushá’s exhibition, the monument raises questions not only about colonialism but also about the legacy of modernism — which is to say, the legacy of the city itself.

On my last day in São Paulo, a Sunday, I retraced my steps along Paulista, which closes to traffic once a week and fills with music, dancing, and stalls selling everything from fresh juices to antiques. From there, I wandered down from Paulista’s ridge until I reached the city center. As the heat subsided, I settled in at a raucous  boteco  called Copanzinho . Dozens of plastic tables spilled onto the pavement in the shadow of the Copan, as tightly packed as sunbathers on Ipanema. Rio, I’d been told on previous trips, has its beaches; São Paulo has its sidewalks.

My table was crowded with friends and friends of friends from Ecuador, Chile, and Brazil. We talked in Spanish, English, and Portuguese about art, architecture, and the city itself, already home to some, a dream for the rest of us. Countless empty beer glasses accumulated as the evening wore on. In any other city of São Paulo’s stature — in Los Angeles, London, or Bangkok — a place like this would be swarmed with visitors, gleefully uncertain as to where they were or how they might fit in. But here, everyone seemed at home.

I turned to the friend next to me, whom I’d met just a few days before, a painter named Douglas de Souza who lives and works in the city, though he was born elsewhere. It was remarkable, I said, that everyone around us seemed to be from here. “I’ll bet you,” he said with a laugh, “that almost no one here is from São Paulo.” He may have been exaggerating, but I took his point. São Paulo offers the promise of belonging, the possibility of disappearing and, in the process, becoming oneself. The people around me had given themselves over to the city’s insatiable hunger for all things beautiful and new. If no one at the bar that night was from São Paulo, I thought, that meant that anyone could be.

All Eyes on São Paulo

Where to stay.

Palácio Tangará: Amid the greenery of Parque Burle Marx, this Oetker Collection oasis houses a nature-inspired spa and fabulous dining by Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Rosewood São Paulo : This 160-room resort, which includes a vertical garden planted with indigenous rain forest flora, is just steps from Avenida Paulista.

Where to Eat

A Casa do Porco: Fine dining has a sense of humor (including a walk-up “fast food” window) at this unstuffy shrine to all things pork.

Aizomê: Chef Telma Shiraishi serves dishes like sashimi and buckwheat soba noodles in two venues: a discreet town house and an airy, Zen minimalist space.

Bar da Dona Onça : At this neighborhood classic, order a cocktail and the galinhada, a traditional one-pot stew with chicken and saffron rice.

Copanzinho : A casual streetside dinner spot for burgers, beer, and plenty of caipirinhas.

Cora: A relaxed rooftop venue with creative, flavorful cooking, serving dishes like scorched okra with lemon, chestnut cream, and cilantro.

Architecture Tours: Organize a personalized walking tour with architect and photographer André Scarpa by contacting Superbacana+, a design studio and workshop space.

Casa Zalszupin : Once the home of the seminal architect Jorge Zalszupin, this space offers public tours as well as art and furniture exhibitions.

Luciana Brito Galeria: Contemporary pieces, from photography to wool tapestry, are on show at this gallery, which is located inside the modernist Castor Delgado Perez residence.

Pinacoteca de São Paulo : São Paulo’s oldest visual arts museum, given a spectacular overhaul in the late 1990s by Pritzker laureate Paulo Mendes da Rocha.

São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP): Considered to be Brazil’s first museum of modern art, this iconic building, designed by Lina Bo Bardi, houses more than 11,000 works.

Sé Galeria : Located on an ivy-draped lane in the Jardins neighborhood, this gallery hosts programming from contemporary Brazilian artists.

A version of this story first appeared in the October 2022 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline " São Paulo Steps Up ."

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Brazil Travel Advisory

Travel advisory october 19, 2023, brazil - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to Country Summary.

Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to  crime . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to:

• Any areas within 150 km/100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Paraguay due to  crime . (Note: This does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park.)
• Informal housing developments (commonly referred to in Brazil as favelas, vilas, comunidades, and/or conglomerados) at any time of day due to  crime  (see additional information below).
• Brasilia’s administrative regions (commonly known as “satellite cities”) of Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa during non-daylight hours due to  crime  (see additional information below).

Country Summary:   Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is common in urban areas, day and night. Gang activity and organized crime is widespread. Assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common. U.S. government personnel are discouraged from using municipal buses in all parts of Brazil due to an elevated risk of robbery and assault at any time of day, and especially at night.

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• Use caution at, or going to, major transportation centers or on public transportation, especially at night. Passengers face an elevated risk of robbery or assault using public, municipal bus transportation throughout Brazil.
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• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

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Like Rio de Janeiro. Sao Paulo is equally a city of enormous importance as the state capital, deriving its energy from the diverse mix of immigrants, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and robust business wealth.

The sheer cultural and gastronomic array available in the city could easily overwhelm and intimidate any tourist. Sao Paulo is a great city to explore delicious fusion cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and fashionable shopping. Not to mention the world-class museums and galleries that exhibit the finest and rarest antiquities.

Three major international airports serve Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport, often called Cumbica and located 30km northeast of Sao Paulo, is the largest international airport in the city. The second, Viracopos in Campinas, serves both international and domestic flights. Last but not least is Aeroporto Congonhas, a domestic airport from where you can fly to other cities in Brazil. Located south of Centro, it takes about a 30-minute drive to reach the airport, depending on traffic.

Shuttle service between Guarulhos and Congonhas Airports is operated by EMTU blue buses every 30-minutes.

Blue and white Guarucoop radio taxis will transport you from the airport to your destination, and the fare is pre-decided based on your drop-off address.

Sao Paulo has three main bus terminals. Rodoviário do Tietê, the second-largest bus terminal in the world is at the Tietê Metrô stop. It links the cities throughout Brazil and serves neighbouring countries of Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. Cumbica shuttle services also arrive and depart at this terminal.

Rodoviário da Barra Funda, located near the Barra Funda Metrô, connects the western cities of Sao Paulo state with Mato Grosso, Foz do Iguaçu and west Paraná cities. Similar to Rodoviário do Tietê, it operates shuttle service buses for the international airport.

Rodoviário de Jabaquara terminal, near the Jabaquara metro station serves cities on the state’s south coast, including Guarujá, Santos, and Bertioga.

Getting around

The complex urban transport system of Sao Paulo makes it difficult for tourists to navigate the chaotic streets. Travellers prefer to use public means of transport rather than self-drive a car in the impatient, frenzied traffic. Since most of Sao Paulo's attractions are between the Avenida Paulista and the historical centre, they are close enough to be easily explored on foot. For long distances, subway/metro, trains, taxis, and trolleybuses offer hassle-free navigation options. For those who wish to travel outside of Sao Paulo, bus transport is sometimes the only available option.

Sao Paulo has a convenient public transport system that makes travelling safe and comfortable. The city is served by many bus routes, covering the entire of Sao Paulo. However, traffic and congested road conditions can sometimes lead to slow travel. Bus stops are marked, making it easy for travellers to find bus routes. Sao Paulo buses run between 4:00am and midnight. To travel by bus, board at a designated bus stop, pay the cobrador (conductor) the required fare and alight from the rear. Bilhete Único, the city's contactless card system for fare control, allows combined bus and travel on one ticket. Choose from four bus rides in three hours or three bus rides and a rapid transit or train ride. Tourists can buy the cards at lottery shops, metro stations, and bus terminals.

By Metro ( Visit )

One of the finest rail transportation systems in the Americas, Sao Paulo Metro has five lines. The sixth line is a planned extension of the Metro. Along with another company, Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos, the Metro covers the entire urban area of Sao Paulo city and the 39 municipalities that make up the Sao Paulo Metropolitan Region.

Operating daily from 4:40am to midnight (1:00am on Saturdays), the metro system consists of five colour-coded lines - Line 1 (Blue), Line 2 (Green), Line 3 (Red), Line 4 (Yellow) and Line 5 (Lilac). If a passenger uses the "Bilhete Único" card, he can take up to 4 buses and one metro or suburban train in 2 hours. Otherwise, one can buy a ticket for one metro or suburban train in 3 hours.

There are three types of taxis in Sao Paulo – radio taxis, street cabs, and deluxe cabs. Unless it is a radio taxi, cabs are white with a glowing green "TAXI" sign on the rooftop. Check out the taxi's colour, the driver's photo and name, and a red license plate. You can hire street cabs at city squares and large venues. The other, a radio taxi, is to be ordered on a telephone or booked online. Taxi fare in Sao Paulo is comparatively pricier than in other big cities, and there is a chance of being robbed if you are a foreigner.

Driving a car is an intrinsic part of Sao Paulo's lifestyle. Every Paulistanos needs a car for commuting to and from work. There are some places located far off from the city that are reachable only by car. People living in Sao Paulo are used to driving in the chaotic, crazy traffic of the city, being stuck for hours on end. But tourists will find driving and parking in Sao Paulo a nightmare, primarily if they are not used to the windy streets. Nevertheless, driving a car is sometimes convenient if you wish to access the remote areas of town.

Before you rent a car in Sao Paulo, make sure you have all the papers in place, such as vehicle license papers, road tax documents, and driving license. Be careful while driving at night as carjacking and robberies are common in big cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Also, to reduce traffic congestion and control air pollution, cars with a license plate ending in a certain number are not allowed on the street for one day a week. Yet, traversing through the busy lanes of Sao Paulo in a rented car is always an adventurous activity.

Communication in Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo has an excellent network of fixed-line communication operated by Telefônica and Embratel. Travellers can make local, long-distance domestic and international calls from/to Brazil. Both telephone companies offer internet and cable TV-related services. The city has an extensive network of public pay booths that work with phone cards found at newsstands, bars, shops, etc.

The mobile sector in Sao Paulo is a fiercely competitive market. Rival operators try to lure customers with different offers and promotions to gain the lead over each other. There are pay-as-you-go or pay monthly packages, but operators may offer new packages to attract customers. Check for current promotions to find a package that suits your requirements. The major mobile telephone companies operating in Sao Paulo are TIM, Claro, Vivo, and Oi.

The Correios postal service in Brazil has several post offices across the country, including Sao Paulo. Post offices are open from Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, although shopping malls, post offices may have their opening and closing hours.

Sao Paulo offers internet access primarily through dial-up, which involves dialling the fixed telephone line. Users pay at a per-minute rate or a flat monthly rate, or a combination of both. High-speed broadband and ASDL internet access is gaining popularity across Sao Paulo. The leading internet service providers in Sao Paulo are Brasil Telecom, Terra, POP, UOL, NET, and GVT. There are not many internet cafes in Sao Paulo, but those present offer reasonable hourly rates.

Tipping in Brazil is nearly non-existent and is given only if the service is beyond excellence. However, tipping is appreciated if you are a tourist who can afford to be generous.

Restaurants include a 10% service fee in their bills, which is not compulsory. But most customers do pay it unless you have a good reason for not paying, say lousy service.

People tip taxi drivers by rounding off the amount to the following whole number. If the trip fare comes to say R$34.20, pay R$35.00 not to have to struggle with coins.

You can tip the bellhop and the chambermaid a small amount for exemplary service in hotels. At beaches, tip the person who helps you rent a chair and umbrella and arranges for the food and drink.

Like any other big city, Sao Paulo has its fair share of the crime rate. Once one of the most crime-infested cities in Brazil, Sao Paulo has tried reshaping its violent image. Today, it is Brazil's safest capital city in terms of the homicide rate. However, that does not mean you should relax because Sao Paulo is an enormous city with significant variations in socioeconomic status.

Tourists in Sao Paulo are prone to violent muggers and pickpockets, but it is possible to safeguard yourself if you use common sense. Avoid walking on deserted roads at night, or at least take someone with you. Travelling in buses is safe, but waiting alone at bus stops is not. Trains that travel to the suburbs can be unsafe late at night. Use ATMs located in shopping malls, cinemas, gas stations rather than those in dark, uninhabited areas.

Be on guard while driving, as it can be risky if you are alone and in upscale clubbing areas like Vila Madalena or Vila Olímpia. Keep the doors locked, and windows closed during the night. If you're returning to the hotel late at night, possibly hire a taxi or hitch a ride with a group of friends.

Favelas and areas populated by the poor and drug addicts are dangerous even during the day. Drug addicts are harmless most of the time, but some may become violent to buy drugs.

Leave essential documents, flashy jewellery and all valuables in the hotel room. Dress down or more conservatively to avoid being a target.

When to go to Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo usually enjoys pleasant weather all year round, but it becomes difficult to predict the weather as the seasons are not well marked.

Travelling in summers (December – February) can be a horrendous experience when it gets scorching and sticky in the capital. Further, a sudden spate of rains marked by poor drainage frequently causes flooding in Sao Paulo. Despite all of this, summer is the tourist month of Sao Paulo because of Christmas, New Year and Carnival. Flights and hotels are the most expensive during these months.

In the winter months (June – August), when the schools are closed, Paulistanos (Sao Paulo inhabitants) take a winter break and ride their way out of the city to nearby beach resorts. During these days, Sao Paulo becomes a "ghost town", meaning the resort towns become crowded and advanced booking is a must.

For budget travellers and in general, fall (March-May) and spring (September – November) is just the right time to visit Sao Paulo. The weather is pleasant, and there are many cultural events held at this time of the year. Prices for flights and accommodations are also relatively low.

Pack in some long sleeve coats, scarves, swimming costumes, and comfortable, light clothing if travelling in fall and spring. In summers, it is the usual – sunblocks, summery dresses and swimming costumes. For winters, sweaters, light trench coats, jeans and scarves should suffice.

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São Paulo, the country’s most populous state and home to by far its biggest city, is Brazil’s economic powerhouse. Home to nearly half the country’s industrial output, it is also an agricultural sector that produces, among other things, more orange juice than any single nation worldwide. Its eponymous city boasts a dizzying variety of cultural centres and art galleries, and the noise from its vibrant fashion and music scenes is heard around the globe. Although most people come to the state in order to visit the city merely for business, São Paulo has numerous attractions other than the concrete jungle at its heart. The beaches north of the important port of Santos – especially on Ilhabela – rival Rio’s best; those to the south, near Iguape and Cananéia, remain relatively unspoiled. Inland, the state is dominated by agribusiness, with seemingly endless fields of cattle pasture, sugar cane, oranges and soya interspersed with anonymous towns where the agricultural produce is processed; additionally, some impressive fazenda houses remain as legacies of the days when São Paulo’s economy was pretty well synonymous with coffee production. To escape scorching summer temperatures, or for the novelty in tropical Brazil of a winter chill, you can head to Campos do Jordão, one of the country’s highest settlements and a kitsch Alpine-style resort seen through a peculiarly Brazilian lens.

São Paulo state

Travel ideas for brazil, created by local experts.

9 days  / from 2042 USD

Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more

Begin at Foz do Iguaçu, where you will stand in awe of the huge Iguaçu Falls. Next up, we'll head to the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home of the legendary Copacabana, Botafogo and Flamengo beaches, and of course, Sugar Loaf Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

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Blissful Brazil

Welcome to a lavish journey that marries adventure with style, featuring stays in carefully chosen four-star hotels. This reinvigorating trip will have you sightseeing in São Paulo, gazing at the spectacular Foz do Iguaçu falls and relaxing on Rio's finest beaches before you know it.

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Breathtaking Brazil: Rio, Beaches and Waterfalls

Explore the lively city of Rio de Janeiro, home to Ipanema and Copacabana beaches; experience the stunning Foz do Iguaçu National Park and see the world’s largest waterfalls system; immerse yourself in cultural Salvador, the magnificent former capital of Portugal’s New World colony.

Away from São Paulo city, the state’s main attraction is its coastline. Santos, Brazil’s leading port, retains many links with the past, and a number of the beaches stretching north and south from the city are stunning, particularly around Ubatuba. The towns and cities of the state’s interior are not so great an attraction – the rolling countryside is largely devoted to vast orange groves and fields of soya and sugar. Fortunately, good-quality roads run through this region, including major routes to the Mato Grosso and Brasília.

The interior

Although there’s not much to hold your interest inland from São Paulo, Santa Bárbara d’Oeste has traces of Confederate history, while more recent Dutch immigrant arrivals have had a far greater impact on nearby Holambra. Further into the interior is coffee country, where it’s possible to visit some old fazenda houses. To escape the summer heat, the resort of Campos do Jordão, northeast of the city, offers some attractive hill scenery and hiking possibilities.

Confederates in São Paulo

In the face of humiliation, military defeat and economic devastation, thousands of former Confederates from the American South resolved to “reconstruct” themselves in often distant parts of the world, forcing a wave of emigration without precedent in the history of the United States. Brazil rapidly established itself as one of the main destinations, offering cheap land, a climate suited to familiar crops, political and economic stability, religious freedom and – more sinisterly – the possibility of continued slave ownership. Just how many Confederates came is unclear; suggested numbers vary between 2000 and 20,000, and they settled all over Brazil, though it was in São Paulo that they had the greatest impact. While Iguape, on the state’s southern stretch of coast, had a large Confederate population, the most concentrated area of settlement was the Santa Bárbara colony, in the area around present-day Santa Bárbara d’Oeste.

The region’s climate and soil were ideally suited to the growing of cotton and the Confederates’ expertise soon made Santa Bárbara d’Oeste one of Brazil’s biggest producers of the crop. As demand for Brazilian cotton gradually declined, many of the immigrants switched to sugar cane, which remains the area’s staple crop, though others, unable to adapt, moved into São Paulo city or returned to the United States. Today as many as 100,000 people claim descent from these Confederate exiles.

Fazenda Pinhal

During the late nineteenth-century coffee boom, the interior of São Paulo state was synonymous with coffee, and the area around São Carlos, now a bustling university city 140km northwest of Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, was particularly productive. Today the farms around the city are largely given over to sugar cane and oranges, and little evidence remains of the area’s coffee-producing past. However, the Fazenda Pinhal, one of the oldest surviving and best-preserved rural estates in the state of São Paulo, is well worth a visit. The casa grande, the main house, was built in 1831 and, typical of the period, modelled after the large, comfortable Portuguese city dwellings of the eighteenth century; it still retains its original furnishings and there are numerous outbuildings, including senzalas, the slave quarters. It’s possible to stay the night in tasteful, country-style rooms on the estate. The fazenda is an easy day-trip from Campinas – and, at a stretch, São Paulo – but you’ll need your own transport. Located off the SP-310 highway, at Km 227 take the exit for Riberão Bonito and then turn immediately onto the much smaller Estrada da Broa. After about 4km you’ll see a sign marking the fazenda’s entrance. It’s essential to call in advance; the entrance charge is R$15, plus R$40 for an excellent two-hour tour – a fixed fee for either a large group or an individual.

Despite its proximity to the city, most of the 400km of São Paulo’s coast have, until recently, been overlooked by sun and beach fiends in favour of more glamorous Rio. But don’t listen to cariocas who sniff that the state’s beaches aren’t up to par; by European or North American standards, many are pretty fabulous. Nevertheless, foreign visitors are relatively rare, and most services are aimed at Brazilians. To the northeast, following the coast up to the border with Rio state, the area is developing all too rapidly, but this part of the coast still offers great contrasts, ranging from long, wide stretches of sand at the edge of a coastal plain to idyllic-looking coves beneath a mountainous backdrop. Having the use of a car is an advantage for exploring the more isolated, less spoilt, beaches ( for car rental info); however, if it’s a lively beach resort like Guarujá you’re after, public transport can take you there from São Paulo in less than half a day. Southwest of Santos, tourism remains low-key, in part because the roads aren’t as good, but also because the beaches simply aren’t as beautiful.

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Matador Original Series

At first glimpse, São Paulo appears to be little more than a bustling financial center. Dig deeper and you will find this city of 20 million people is so much more than that. Between the skyscrapers and the suits lies a city full of life and exploding with culture. From hole-in-the-wall bars to swanky rooftop restaurants, fascinating art galleries to a soccer museum, São Paulo has something for everyone. This concrete jungle sparks memories of New York, and yet this buzzing metropolis is so often overlooked by those passing through Brazil. This ultimate city guide is here to show you why this irrepressible mega-city should be on your travel bucket list, and to help you make the most of São Paulo during your time here.

When to visit São Paulo depends on what you want to get out of your time there. The summer months (December-February) can get pretty hot, with highs sometimes reaching 95 degrees Fahrenheit, but generally hovering between 82-86 degrees Fahrenheit. São Paulo’s summer months are also the city’s rainiest, although you’ll soon learn that rain showers often last no longer than 15 minutes before the sun comes back out – so the trick is to always carry an umbrella. Winter in São Paulo (June-September) usually brings more comfortable temperatures that range from 63-77 degrees Fahrenheit, and tends to be significantly drier than the summer months. This makes the winter months the high season in São Paulo. If you want to avoid the crowds as well as the high temperatures, we recommend visiting from March to May, as these months also see little rain and temperatures are still comfortable at around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Brazil’s currency is the Brazilian real (BRL), and the exchange rate is R$5.10 per 1 USD. Generally, in bars and restaurants in São Paulo, a 10 percent service charge is added to the bill, meaning your tip’s already included. It’s generally optional to pay it, although it’s frowned upon to not do so unless you’ve had poor service. One exception to the 10 percent rule is lanchonetes , cheap diner-style restaurants where there’s generally no service charge – leaving it up to you whether or not to tip. In hotels, I would advise tipping the bellhop around 10 reais for helping with your luggage, and tipping housekeeping around five reais per day. It’s not common to tip taxi drivers, although it is helpful to round up fares to the nearest real to save having to count out change. Tour guides tend to suggest an optional tip at the end of a tour, and, depending on the length of the tour, 15-30 reais would generally be appreciated.

Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, but as São Paulo is such a large and modern city, it’s not uncommon to find English speakers in bars, restaurants, and shops in the more touristy areas, and most tour guides will have some English-speaking ability. However, an attempt at using some basic Portuguese will never go amiss, so make sure to have a translation app handy. Also, here are some basic phrases to help set you off on the right track:

• “Olá” – “Hello”
• “Oi” – “Hi” (informal)
• “Por favor” – “Please”
• “Obrigado/a” – “Thank you” (gender specific – “o” ending is masculine, “a” ending is feminine)
• “Moço/a” – Used to attract the attention of a waiter/waitress (gender specific, endings same as above)
• “A conta, por favor.” – “The bill, please.”
• “Voçe fala inglês?” – “Do you speak English?”
• “Onde fica o metrô?” – “Where is the subway?”
• “Quanto é?” – “How much is it?”
• “Como se chega a...?” – “How do you get to...?”
• “E aí!” – Informal way to greet a friend
• “Valeu” – “Thanks”
• “Saúde!” – “Cheers!”
• “Desculpa?” – “Sorry?/Excuse me?” (used when asking someone to repeat themselves in a polite way)
• “ Com licença” – “Excuse me”
• “Preciso de ajuda.” – “I need help.”

São Paulo is enormous, so it can seem a little confusing to work out how to get around it at first. Luckily, it has a well-established transport system, the most efficient of which is the Metro and CPTM (overground train) network. The Metro is open Sunday-Friday from 4:40 AM until midnight, and Saturdays from 4:40 AM until 1:00 AM. A single ticket costs four reais and can be bought at any station across the city. A single ticket also allows you to change between subway lines and CPTM lines at no extra charge (with very few exceptions) in order to reach your destination. It’s advisable to watch your belongings on both systems, and to try and avoid using them during peak rush hour times  (7:00 AM-8:30 AM and 5:30 PM-7:30 PM).

There’s also an extensive bus network, with the cost of a bus ticket being around four reais. Buses, however, have to deal with the city’s maddening traffic, so are often irregular and unreliable. During rainy times, long lines for the buses, as well as for the Metro and CPTM, lead to overcrowding and delays. If you’re staying in São Paulo for a longer period, it could be worth buying a Bilhete Único, a rechargeable travel card available from the main stations, as this saves time buying tickets and also allows you to get several buses, trains, and  subways within a period of a few hours for no extra cost.

To travel in a quieter and more comfortable manner, opt for Uber or 99. Both are apps from which you can call a cab to your location. 99 is often cheaper than Uber, so it’s worth doing a price comparison between the two before booking. However, as with São Paulo’s buses, Ubers and 99s face the problem of traffic, so your journey can end up taking far longer than you expected. It’s important to leave more than enough time to get to your destination if choosing this transportation option.

If you want to fit some exercise into your day-to-day life, bikes are available for rental, with pick-up and drop-off points spread throughout the city. São Paulo is becoming more bike-friendly, and several bike lanes have opened in recent years. However, it’s critical to watch out for the heavy traffic flow to stay safe while cycling. On Sundays, Avenida Paulista, one of the main roads in the city, is closed off to cars to enable cyclists and pedestrians to roam freely along the road. Stalls and musical acts also line the street each Sunday.

Brazil is often painted as an incredibly dangerous country, but it can be perfectly safe, as long as you act sensibly and responsibly. In São Paulo, pickpocketing is not uncommon, especially on the Metro, so you should always keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in crowded places. Don’t wear flashy jewelry and, if you’ve got a backpack, wear it in front of you while on public transportation.

The touristy areas of São Paulo are, on the whole, safe for you to wander around by yourself or in a group in daylight, but it’s always sensible to remain alert. At night, try and stay in groups and catch Ubers or 99s if you're traveling longer distances, and stay away from unknown areas, particularly areas that aren’t popular with tourists. It’s in the Brazilian nature to be friendly and helpful, so don’t be afraid to approach people for help or strike up a conversation with someone you meet in a bar or on a tour.

Neighborhoods

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Want to catch the Eagles in São Paulo, Brazil? Local Brazilian expats offer insider travel tips

The Birds are landing in Brazil Fall 2024, with a season opener in São Paulo. For those lucky enough to go to the game, we asked local Brazilian expats for their tips for navigating the city.

São Paulo, Brazil’s booming, multicultural metropolis, is home to more than 12 million people, hundreds of museums, theater and music venues, a culinary landscape fueled by its diverse population, and a sprawling skyline’s worth of iconic architecture. And, come September, it will also be home to the Philadelphia Eagles — at least temporarily.

The Birds fly south this year, kicking off the season in São Paulo’s Corinthians Arena on September 6 against the Green Bay Packers . And for those who are lured by the game — what will be the first NFL game ever in South America — there’s so much more to see and do in one of the world’s most populous cities.

For starters, the game happens to fall on the day before the country’s Independence Day.

“It’s a major holiday in Brazil, with parades and celebrations” says Paula Strader. Born in the South American country, Strader came to Philly for vacation a decade ago and stayed after meeting her husband at American Sardine Bar. “You can compare it to the Fourth of July.”

Go for the Eagles game and stay to revel in the holiday festivities and experience the city’s vibrant arts scene, exciting restaurants, and warm culture. Read on for how to make the most of a visit to São Paulo, with insider tips from Brazilian Philadelphians who know it well. (Note that while Philadelphia Airport does not offer direct flights to São Paulo, Newark does.)

Where to sleep and stay in São Paulo

Set in the Bela Vista neighborhood, Rosewood São Paulo (rooms from $800) is steps from the bustling Avenida Paulista and dynamic cultural institutions like the Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP), but inside the historical landmark building feels like a sanctuary. Contributing to the serene vibe are the plush rooms infused with local art, a rooftop pool, and the brand new Asaya Spa by Guerlain.

To be surrounded by a bit more green space, make for Palacio Tangara (rooms from $587), located in Burle Marx park, one of the city’s urban oases. The palatial property includes indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and — for those traveling with children — an inviting kids club.

Where to eat and drink in São Paulo

Splurge on (affordable) fine dining.

“The exchange rate [for Americans] is so favorable, we can basically go to whatever restaurant we want and splurge a little,” says Claudia Setubal, a data analytics manager who was born in Brazil and goes back to visit her parents in São Paulo. Her pick: Nagayama , in the trendy and walkable Itaim Bibi neighborhood. The post-WWI influx of Japanese immigrants has made Brazil home to the largest Japanese population outside Japan, and the local cuisine reflects that. “I’ve never been to Japan, but Brazilian sushi is far and away the best sushi I’ve ever had,” she says.

Paula Strader planned her first wedding anniversary around a dinner at the two-star Michelin starred D.O.M ., situated in the tony Jardins neighborhood. Chef Alex Atala has been spotlighting Brazilian cuisine with exquisite, multi-course tasting menus since opening in 1999.

Mardhory Santos-Cepeda, owner of Brazilian bakery Kouklet on East Passyunk, suggests a few restaurants from her favorite chefs, including A Baianeira , best known for its pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread). Then there’s Mocotó, a restaurant that’s been winning hearts for years with its iconic cow’s foot soup. And let’s not forget Cuzcuz da Irina, where chef Irina Cordeiro brings the flavors of Brazil’s northeastern region to life with her cornmeal-based couscous.

Experience Brazilian pizza culture

First-time visitors to Brazil might be surprised to know that São Paulo’s pizza is top-notch, a legacy born from its long history of Italian immigration. (By some accounts, the city now has more people of Italian descent than any region in Italy.)

“Pizza — it’s considered a fancy meal in Brazil,” explains Setubal. “Everyone eats it with a fork, you have a thinner crust and a lot more toppings.” Those toppings can include calabresa (Brazilian pork sausage), chicken with catupiry (Brazilian cream cheese), corn, and hard-boiled eggs. And for dessert, “They put flan on top of the pizza, or banana with cheese,” says Santos-Cepeda.

Soak up the local scene at a corner bar

To raise a glass like (or with) the locals, Setubal recommends finding a table at one of the corner bars in the student-populated Vila Mariana neighborhood. Order a Brahma beer or a Caipirinha, “get a bunch of appetizers, like sausage and french fries, what they call petiscos,” she says. “And you just hang out and spend an afternoon.”

Don’t worry about picking the “right” bar; any corner spot will give you a taste of local life. Veloso is a local favorite with its 14 tables and a caipirinha menu featuring around 20 variations made with seasonal tropical fruits. Another must-visit is Academia da Gula, known for its Portuguese specialties like cod fritters.

Weigh your plate at a Por Quilo Restaurant

São Paulo is home to a host of Por Quilo restaurants, i.e. the kind where you fill your plate with grilled meats, salads, and side dishes and pay per kilo. (You may be familiar with the concept if you’ve been to Picanha Brazilian Steakhouse in the Northeast or Center City.)

“They’re really nice restaurants where they have giant buffets with an amazing variety of foods,” Setubal says, adding that they’re a pretty good deal, too.

What to do in São Paulo

Shop for edible souvenirs at mercadão.

A visit to Mercado Municipal de São Paulo is “a must,” Mardhory Santos-Cepeda says. “If you can only pick one place to visit, pick this one.”

The sprawling public market, located in the city center and easily accessible via the metro, has “Reading Terminal Market vibes,” says Setubal. She shops the stalls for things she can’t easily get in Philly, like bottles of good Cachaça (Brazil’s national spirit, distilled from sugarcane juice), goiabada, a solid guava paste traditionally eaten with cheese, and “a million different tropical fruits,” she says. “There’s like eight different kinds of bananas in Brazil.” Santos-Cepeda also recommends seeking out the market’s famous mortadella sandwich, made with a hefty tower of Italian-style Ceratti mortadella piled into a Portuguese roll.

See São Paulo’s green side at Ibirapuera Park

Located in the Vila Mariana neighborhood, the nearly 400-acre Ibirapuera Park is home to three lakes, bike and running trails, museums, a zoo, and wide stretches of tree-shaded green space. Plus, plenty of street vendors are selling local snacks. “They sell whole coconuts that they’ll chop open for you so you can drink the coconut water with a straw,” says Setubal. “So we like to do that, and then go to the playgrounds with my kid.”

Admire art and history at some of the city’s best museums

“The best museums in Brazil are in São Paulo,” says Melody Evelyn Goncalves Vasconcellos Santos, Santos-Cepeda’s sister, who studies art history at Temple University. “The state of São Paulo alone has over 500 museums to visit.” Choosing only a few is tough, but her top picks are the São Paulo Museum of Art , the Football Museum , The New Museum of the Portuguese Language , and The Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo — all located in the city center.

Stroll the historic Avenues

To get a sense of the city’s dynamic energy, Santos recommends exploring Avenida Paulista , the 1.7-mile thoroughfare cutting across the city from northwest to southeast, and lined with historic mansions, landmarks, shops, and restaurants. If you’re craving more exploration, Strader points you toward Rua Augusta. This street forms a bridge between the upscale Jardins area and the vibrant downtown, offering a fascinating contrast in one stretch. “To compare it to Philly, one side is like Fishtown or Kensington, and the other is Rittenhouse Square,” she says. “It’s the same street and two worlds.”

Explore São Paulo’s robust Japanese diaspora in Japantown

The city’s Japantown, Liberdade , “is a must-go destination in São Paulo,” says Santos-Cepeda. “It’s basically an open market, very lively and with shops, sushi bars, and ramen shops everywhere.”

How to get around São Paulo

With São Paulo’s size and population, it’s no surprise the roads can be a traffic-clogged nightmare. The Metro is a good alternative, says Strader, as you can find a station virtually anywhere. Buses are a great option, too. “They have traffic mitigation strategies for buses,” says Setubal. “I would take a bus over an Uber, because they get to use the preferential lanes.”

Regan Stephens is a Philadelphia–based freelance journalist with 10 years of experience writing about food, drinks, travel, and culture.

Flight Review: GOL Linhas Aereas Boeing 737-800 From Goiania To Sao Paulo

A eroporto Internacional de Goiania (GYN) is a small airport in the middle of Brazil, in the city of Goiania, the capital of Goias. Though the airport is ‘international,’ no airline provides international services, and despite being an airport in a capital city of more than two million people, Goiania is only connected to a few destinations in Brazil, the most common being São Paulo. Every day, there are several flights to both major airports in São Paulo, Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo-Guarulhos (GRU) and Congonhas (CGH).

On the ground & in the airport

The terminal is relatively new and was constructed on the opposite side of the runway from the old terminal. Brazil only has four airlines, LATAM Brasil (JJ), GOL Linhas Aéreas (G3), Azul Linhas Aéreas (AD), and Passaredo, all operating in Goiania. Check-in and arrivals are located on the ground floor of the airport. The check-in area is relatively small, and all desks take up maybe half the space United Airlines occupies at Terminal 7 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Security is on the second level, along with a small food court where many families gather before sending off their loved ones on their travels. Currently, the airport only has two security lanes available, and today, only one was in operation. I arrived at security at 15:34 local time, and four minutes later, I was in the airport terminal.

Something in my rollaboard carry-on alerted security, which meant they inspected my bag but didn’t find any prohibited items. One of the odd things about air travel in Brazil is that liquids larger than 100ML are allowed onboard, with no restrictions except for aerosol sprays, which are limited to 300ML.

As mentioned above, the airport is very small. There are only four gates with jetbridges available in Goiania and four hardstand boarding gates from the ground floor. A few years ago, W Premium Group opened the airport’s first lounge, and late in 2023, a Brazilian bank, BRB, set up shop next to W Premium.

As a Priority Pass member, I always make it a point to stop by the lounge and grab something to eat before I fly, and I usually take advantage of my time to get some work done.

My flight, G31467, scheduled for a 17:20 departure, began boarding at 16:35, and I left the lounge a few minutes later. The lounge is located by gate 4, and to put the airport's size into perspective, gate 1, where my flight departed from, was a two-minute walk away, maybe three. When I arrived at the gate, my group, group 3, was already boarding, but since the flight was not full, I decided to be one of the last passengers to board.

On the aircraft & in the air

By the time I boarded, at 16:52, nearly all passengers were already on the aircraft, a ten-year-old Boeing 737-800. Despite a light load, overhead bins were nearly full as several passengers placed their personal items overhead. It is a personal pet peeve of mine when people put their small bags in the bins because then no room is left for rollaboard carryons. I am from the United States, and one of the things I appreciate about most crew members there is they will tell passengers to remove their personal items from bins so carryons can fit, something that is not done here.

At 17:18, the crew finally announced the doors had been closed, and we were nearly ready to depart. Pushback began two minutes later, right on time, and we started our short taxi to the runway with no aircraft ahead of us. By 17:27, we were rolling down the runway and headed for São Paulo.

About 11 minutes into the flight, the crew began their inflight service, which included a variety of sodas, coffee, orange juice, water, and a choice of two snacks, one savory and one sweet. I chose the savory and immediately regretted the decision as what I was handed appeared to be saltine crackers. In other words, it's not much of a snack, but that seems to be the standard for most airlines today.

Let’s talk about the hard product. GOL’s Boeing 737-800s have 186 seats in a 3-3 configuration. Unlike American carriers, GOL does not offer a first class up front, but rather, offers seven rows of GOL+ Comfort seats with more legroom. The seats, made by RECARO, are comfortable and fitted with leather and a decent amount of padding. The legroom is standard and enough for me as I am about 5’10”. Inflight entertainment screens (IFE) are not available, but the aircraft I flew on does have personal device holders for passengers to enjoy entertainment.

This 737 is equipped with WiFi, free of charge for customers with TIM, a Brazilian cell phone network. Smiles members in Gol’s frequent flyer program have access to a free messaging package that supposedly only includes WhatsApp, but iMessage also worked for me. Entertainment is free to access through GOL’s WiFi portal, and several internet packages are available. The packages start at R$10, which is about $2, and are broken down as follows:

• Messaging: R$10 (~$2)
• ‘Light’ internet usage (1 hour): R$25 (~ $5)
• ‘Light’ internet usage (full flight): R$40 (~$8)
• ‘Max’ internet usage with faster speeds, compatible with streaming platforms (full flight): R$58 (~$11.50)

During the flight, the captain announced the expected flight time, weather conditions inflight and at our destination, and estimated arrival time. At that point, our flight was due to arrive five minutes ahead of schedule at 18:50.

he sun set during the flight, and although I chose to sit on the right side of the aircraft because we were flying south, there was not much of a view. Summer in Brazil is the rainiest season, and the skies were full of clouds today.

Our flight touched down on runway 17R in Congonhas at 19:05, ten minutes late and fifteen minutes behind the captain’s original estimated time. After a taxi of about two to three minutes, we arrived at our gate.

Final impressions

Overall, GOL is fine when things go off without a hitch. The airline operates only Boeing 737 aircraft; it is the only operator of the MAX family in Brazil and one of only two in South America. Having one fleet type minimizes delays when aircraft need maintenance and when crews need to be swapped, but despite this, GOL is the airline in Brazil with the most customer complaints. I have had several bad experiences with them, but my most recent flights have been fine. Often the cheapest airline in Brazil, GOL gets the job done as a low-cost carrier.

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2024 Musclecontest Sao Paulo Pro Classic Physique Show Preview

Another classic physique show will be held in brazil..

The 2024 Musclecontest Sao Paulo Pro will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This show will feature eight IFBB Pro League athletes competing for a win as well as a qualification to compete at the 2024 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV on the weekend of Oct. 10-13, 2024. None of the men on this roster is qualified for the Olympia going into the event.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by RODRIGO COELHO Atleta Treinador (@coelhotrainerpro)

[Read More:  IFBB Pro League Announces 2024 Olympia Qualification Rules ]

Seven of the eight men will represent the host country. The full roster is below, courtesy of the IFBB Pro League website.

2024 Musclecontest Sao Paulo Pro Roster

• Fabiano Andrade (Brazil)
• Wanderson Chaves (Brazil)
• Rodrigo Coelho (Brazil)
• Paulo Henrique (Portugal)
• Livingstone Livenho (Brazil)
• Gabriel Pereira (Brazil)
• Andersen Physique (Brazil)
• Francisco Silva (Brazil)

Athletes to Watch

Here are the athletes fans will want to be paying extra attention to in Brazil.

Rodrigo Coelho

Rodrigo Coelho is a Masters competitor that also enters Open shows. He placed seventh at the 2024 Tri-City Classic Pro in Columbus, GA one month before this show. He also missed the top 15 at the Charlotte Pro before that. With less travel and a smaller lineup, he could do very well at this event.

Livingstone Livenho

The last time Livingstone Livenho was onstage was at the 2024 Arnold South America, where he placed third. The winner of that show was Fabio Junio. This will be his second pro show in his career, and if he can improve on what he brought to his last event, he will be in the mix for the win and Olympia qualification.

Fabiano Andrade

Fabiano Andrade could be a dark horse for this show. He has been competing in the pro ranks since 2021 but has not entered many shows. He has also yet to earn a pro win, but he has been gradually improving with each contest he enters. He was ninth at the 2024 Arnold South America event.

More Classic Physique

This is one of two Classic Physique shows slated for this day. The other will be at the 2024 New York Pro in Teaneck, NJ. The winner of that show will also qualify for the Olympia, if he had not qualified already.

Featured Image: @coelhotrainerpro / Instagram 

About Roger Lockridge

Roger "Rock" Lockridge has been writing professionally for 10 years and has been training for 20. His work in the fitness industry has been seen in numerous outlets and has been a part of coverage for several events including the Mr. Olympia, Arnold Classic, the CrossFit Games, and the Olympics. He's also shared his own personal success story in several interviews and articles. Lockridge lives in West Virginia with his wife and son.

View All Articles

BarBend is an independent website. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of BarBend or any other organization. BarBend is the Official Media Partner of USA Weightlifting.

Despegar.com: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

SAO PAULO — SAO PAULO — Despegar.com Corp. (DESP) on Thursday reported earnings of $13.8 million in its first quarter.

The Sao Paulo-based company said it had net income of 7 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, were 18 cents per share.

The online travel company posted revenue of $173.7 million in the period.

Despegar.com expects full-year revenue of $820 million.

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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on DESP at https://www.zacks.com/ap/DESP

Brazil's JBS Earns Nearly $320 Million in Q1, Beating Analysts Expectations

Brazil's JBS Earns Nearly $320 Million in Q1, Beating Analysts Expectations

Employees walk around with face mask at the JBS USA meat packing plant, where two members of the staff have died of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as it remains operational in Greeley, Colorado, U.S. April 8, 2020. Picture taken April 8, 2020. REUTERS/Jim Urquhart/FIle Photo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazil's JBS SA, the world's largest meat-packer, on Tuesday reported a net profit of 1.64 billion reais ($319.74 million) for the first quarter, which beat analysts' expectations by a wide margin, according to an earnings statement.

After a strong quarter for its U.S. pork business and its beef and processed foods divisions in Brazil, JBS said earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization, a measure of operating income known as EBITDA, was 6.4 billion reais in the period.

Analysts had predicted JBS's net profit at 869.1 million reais, and EBITDA at 5.2 billion reais.

Overall, JBS reported a 2.8% rise in net revenue globally to 89.1 billion reais in the quarter, partly reflecting more beef demand in Brazil, its home market.

JBS, which derives most of its sales from the U.S., said the first quarter of 2024 was also marked by growth in the average price for wholesale pork cuts in that country, a reflection of stronger demand for that protein type resulting from the shift in consumption from beef to pork.

Pork sales internationally also helped JBS's results and that of competitors, JBS said, citing USDA data indicating an 11% increase in pork exports, especially to Mexico, South Korea and Colombia, during the first quarter.

Beef margins of the company's North America division, however, continued to be pressured by the livestock cycle in a seasonally weaker quarter, JBS said. This was in contract with JBS's Brazil beef business, where net sales rose by nearly 17% annually, driven by higher volumes sold and more cattle availability.

Also in Brazil, JBS said its Seara processed foods division recorded net revenue of 10.3 billion reais, stable compared to the same period last year.

Yet, the company reported a significant increase of 10 percentage points in the EBITDA margin from the first quarter of 2023 at that division, partly reflecting lower grain costs and better supply and demand dynamics.

(Reporting by Roberto Samora and Ana Mano; Editing by Leslie Adler and Chris Reese)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Tags: United States , Brazil , South America

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