Since South America is a massive continent full of incredible cities, it’s understandable to wonder if Sao Paulo is worth visiting. Our answer is a resounding yes! We recently spent 10 days in Brazil’s coolest city and had a blast.
We are in love with Brazil. One of us is an architect and the other an environmental lawyer. Sao Paulo combines lovely nature and superb architecture. You will see colonial buildings and tall modernist towers from the 1950s onwards.
Tall trees populate the city. There are lush green parks everywhere. However, what sets the city apart is its vibe. Paulistas are gorgeous! Incredibly diverse, beautiful, warm, clever, and great cooks. You will sleep, eat, drink, and dance like nowhere else in the country.
Reasons to Visit Sao Paulo
It’s Brazil’s Most Cosmopolitan City
Though Sao Paulo has never been the capital of Brazil, it’s its biggest city and financial powerhouse. Some 21 million People live in the Sao Paulo’s Metropolitan Area. We are talking about people from all over the world.
You will see people with European, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern backgrounds, as well as native and the most fascinating mixes. We believe that’s what makes the city so culturally rich. You can spend hours people watching and talking to locals.
Everywhere you go, you hear the most amazing music. You’ll see people of all ages walk about singing and dancing. As members of the LGBT+ community ourselves, we loved Sao Paulo’s open mind and inclusive vibe. Everyone is welcomed everywhere!
It has a Beautiful Old Town
Sao Paulo’s Old Town is one of the nicest in the world. It’s the central business district in the heart of the city. The Pateo do Collegio is one of our favorite buildings. The Jesuit church and school marks the spot where the city was founded in 1554.
São Bento Monastery from the 17th Century, has a historic facade but ornate wooden interiors. Nearby is the Luz Station, a historic train station. Completed in 1929, the Martinelli Building was the first skyscraper in São Paulo and the tallest in Latin America at the time.
Visit the São Paulo Cathedral on Praça da Se Square. The neo-Gothic temple is huge. Check out the Municipal Theatre and stop for a bite at the Municipal Market and admire its glass windows. The São Paulo City Hall is a masterpiece from 1938.
There are Wonderful Parks
You can always take a breather and relax in any the city’s splendid parks. The nicest one in the Old Town is the Jardim da Luz. Dom Pedro I, the first Emperor of Brazil, had it built in 1825 as the city’s botanical garden.
Trianon Park is on Av. Paulista. It’s known for its native Atlantic Forest vegetation, including cute birds and huge spider webs. You can walk along trails admiring sculptures and art installations. Alexandre de Gusmao square is next door.
We spent our Sundays at Ibirapuera Park, one of the biggest urban parks in the world. Oscar Niemeyer designed many of its buildings, including the Oca exhibition pavilion and the Auditório Ibirapuera. You can walk for hours and play sports with the locals.
Incredible Museums
Sao Paulo is Brazil’s, and one could say, South America’s cultural powerhouse. There are some 100 museums in the city! You have to visit one of the oldest museums in the country. The Pinacoteca de Sao Paulo is all about Brazilian art.
The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) is a contemporary masterpiece with an extensive art collection from all over the world. Oscar Niemeyer designed the Museum of Contemporary Art of the University of São Paulo, completed in 1963. The views from the rooftop are unforgettable.
He also designed the Latin America Memorial. The massive compound has a museum and a library dedicated to Latin American culture. The Museum of the Portuguese Language is inside the Estação da Luz. If you are into football, visit the Museu do Futebol on Miller Square.
Cool Street Art
We believe Paulistas are all about art. The way they talk, walk, sing, and dress. Everything seems to revolve around self-expression and art. That’s why you’ll see street art all around the city. However, Vila Madalena is the epicenter of street art.
The bohemian neighborhood is dotted with graffiti, in particular along Batman Alley. The cobbled alleys feature street art from all over the world. We usually hang around Liberdade, the Japanese neighborhood. Awe inspiring graffiti are everywhere.
Graffiti cover the walls of Avenida Paulista, one of the city’s main avenues. In particular, in the underpasses. Skaters and graffiti artist hang around Roosevelt square, famous for its bbq joints. Rua Augusta to the north is famous for its nightlife and street art.
Sao Paulo has Great Hotels
The best places to stay in Sao Paulo are around Avenida Paulista. We always stay there. The best hotel in Sao Paulo is the Tivoli. Renowned Brazilian architect Ruy Ohtake designed it in the 80s. The pool is gorgeous and the views epic.
The Renaissance is another luxury hotel with an unbeatable location, next to Av. Paulista. It’s a tall tower with a pool, a gym, and an entire floor dedicated to wellness. The best rooms on the top floors have memorable views.
Considering its class and location, the H4 La Residence Paulista is great value for money. You can walk everywhere. The rooms are comfortable and big. It’s got a pool and the complimentary breakfast is delicious.
Delicious Food and Drinks
You won’t get hungry or thirsty in Sao Paulo. We are convinced it’s got the best food in Brazil. We love having coffee and a bite at Gula Gula Jardim, next to Av. Paulista. The trees are some of the nicest in the city and the food superb.
Padaria Bella Paulista is our go to restaurant in Sao Paulo. They have everything you ever dreamed off! Plus it opens 24 hrs! It’s the perfect place to eat and gossip after partying in the city. The coffee shop at the Instituto Moreira Salles has great cakes and awesome views.
The Restaurant Aizome at the Japan House on Av. Paulista has the best Japanese food in the city. The cultural center is pretty cool too. For a fancy dinner with ‘the it’ crowd, we always go to A Figueira Rubaiyat. You eat top quality meat and fish under a giant century old tree.
Fabulous Rooftops
No other city in the world looks so amazing from above like Sao Paulo. According to some, it’s got the largest number of skyscrapers on the planet. To fully enjoy the city’s skyline, have a drink or bite at one of its world famous rooftops.
We love having coffee in the afternoon at the Sesc 24 de Maio in the center. It’s a massive cultural center visited mostly by locals. Faro Santander is nearby. The food is ok, but the views will leave you speechless.
Terraco italia also in the center is the best place to have dinner while enjoying awesome views. The rooftop restaurant at the Hotel Tivoli has jaw-dropping views, delicious food, and an endless list of cocktails.
Great Modern and Contemporary Architecture
Sao Paulo experienced major growth and modernization in the early 20th Century. That’s why you will see Art Deco and modernist buildings everywhere. Oscar Niemeyer designed our favorite building in Sao Paulo. Completed in 1966, Copan building looks like a massive wave.
The tallest building in the city is still the Palacio Zarzur. Completed in 1960 it’s got 55 floors. Ru Ohtake designed the Hotel Unique and the Tivoli. Even if you don’t stay there, stop by for a drink and to check the buildings.
Avenida Paulista is famous for its modern and contemporary architecture. You have to check the Museum of Art of São Paulo, the Japan House, the Instituto Moreira Salles, the Centro Cultural Fiesp, and the Gazeta Theatee. The entire avenue is an architect’s dream!
It’s Easy to Move Around
One of the things we love the most about Sao Paulo is that you can walk everywhere. Honestly speaking, you have to be careful. Particularly at nights. We walk in the center without a problem during the day, but leave just before the sun sets.
The metro system is safe. It’s got 5 lines that take you to almost every attraction. It opens before 5 AM and closes at midnight. No worries if you get lost, ask around and you will be helped with a smile.
The blue line takes you to the center, and the green one along Av. Paulista. Buses criss-cross the entire city. Ask at your hotel. Taxis are a great option to travel at night. Uber works all around Sao Paulo.
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