The Brazilian city of Sao Paulo is Brazil’s, South America’s, and in fact the entire southern hemisphere’s largest city. Quite understandably, the myriad sights and experiences this city has on offer are aplenty, and planning a comprehensive tour of it all can be quite the challenge. Here’s a concise Sao Paulo travel guide of our ten favorite things to do, to get the essence of this amazing yet colossal Brazilian city.
10. The Heart of Sao Paulo’s Art Scene
The Museum of Art (MASP). Housing some of both Brazil and the world’s best art, the Sao Paulo Museum of Art should be on every visitor’s itinerary. Arguably Latin America’s greatest art museum, this ever-changing venue always has something new and exciting for art lovers, Sao Paulo visitors and local residents.
9. A Taste of Brazilian Culture
Visiting the Pinacoteca Museum or the Portuguese Language Museum are two great ways to get acquainted with the local culture. The former brings visitors through an excellent tour of Brazilian history, culture and art, while the latter presents an interactive walk through the country’s national language. Both museums are well worth a visit and foreigners will definitely walk away having learnt something new!
8. An Ode to the Nation’s Favorite Pastime
Another excellent visit for sport lovers is the Football Museum. Located in one of the city’s largest stadiums, this museum has a good amount of football (soccer) memorabilia, various exhibits, and portions dedicated to Brazilian football superstars. If you love football, this museum makes for an economical and excellent visit.
7. A Walk Through Brazilian History
If you’re looking to study up on Brazilian history during your stay in Sao Paulo, then the Museu Paulista is the place to go. Located inside the University of Sao Paulo, this art/history museum not only walks visitors through hundreds of years of Brazilian history, but also acts as an interactive monument dedicated to Brazil’s Independence.
Wandering the Markets of Sao Paulo
6. Mercado Publico Municipal
One of the most exciting, bustling markets in downtown Sao Paulo, the Municipal Market is a food-based market selling everything from fresh produce and meat to seafood and seasonings. Also home to some excellent food stalls, pickup a bite to eat while you wander this vibrant marketplace.
5. Weekend Markets
There are separate weekend markets held on Saturday and Sunday in Sao Paulo, both which are well worth visiting. The Benedito Calixto Market is a popular haunt for shoppers on Saturday, with loads of antiques, furniture and local handicrafts for sale. The MASP Antique Fair is held on Sundays, pushing some of the finest and most unique antiques you may ever find!
4. Architecture
Mention architecture in Sao Paulo, and there is one name that comes to mind: Oscar Niemeyer. Brazil’s most famous architect, Niemeyer has works scattered all throughout this bustling modern metropolis, standing out in stark contrast to the rest of the city’s structures. Oscar Niemeyer’s most famous buildings in Sao Paulo would easily be the Ibirapuera Auditorium found in Ibirapuera Park, the building housing the Afro-Brazilian Museum, the Latin American Monument and the curvaceous Edifício Copan.
3. The Botanical Gardens
If you’re looking to step back from the madness of Sao Paulo’s busy streets, the Botanical Gardens are a great place to do so. Also home to an excellent zoo, visitors can explore the various flora and fauna of Brazil and Sao Paulo in this quiet, green city oasis.
2. The Food
Sao Paulo is home to some of Brazil’s most delectable bites. From the Mortadela Sandwiches and fish pies inside the Municipal Market to pizzas, baked goods & fine dining with fantastic city views (Terraco Italia), Sao Paulo will not leave you disappointed …or hungry!!.
1. The Nightlife
Sao Paulo and great nightlife are synonymous. In fact, Sao Paulo’s nightlife scene is often ranked amongst the world’s best. No matter what day of the week it is, there’s always something going on in this Brazilian hub. Whether you’re looking for cool music cafés, chic bars or wild, electronic nightclubs, Sao Paulo will deliver.
But keep in mind that this top ten Sao Paulo tour guide is, of course, just a starting point for your city adventures. The best possible way to enjoy this Latin American mega metropolis is to explore with a top rated, well-informed local “Paulistano” for the complete Sao Paulo experience!!
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