Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo is a sprawling and charismatic city, renown for its fast-paced cosmopolitan atmosphere, high-end stores and pulsating night life.
Sao Paulo Highlights
What Sao Paulo lacks in natural scenery, it makes up for in atmosphere and upscale city-living. Known for the being the financial district of Brazil and the capital of inspiring architecture, Sao Paulo boasts its own charm - albeit slightly different to expectations from tourists. There’s certainly a lot to love about quirky Sao Paulo that is worth exploring - give it a chance, those that do never want to leave.
We encourage you to look beneath the surface of snazzy Sao Paulo and discover the delicate flavours of award-winning restaurants delighting the palates of gourmands from around the globe. Tuju is a top rated restaurant in the city, offering perfect flavours of Brazil - a great introduction to one of the 12 500 restaurants in the city.
It should be noted that this is a city that never sleeps. Nightlife is off the scale, and there are parties in high-rise buildings, clubs that pulsate 24/7 and bars that draw in plenty of thirsty travellers. d-Edge, Love Story, Trackers and Casa da Luz are just a few of the clubs offering contrasting electronica and alternative beats.
Sao Paulo has a rather dynamic art and culture scene, with smatterings of art galleries scattered across the city. It truly is a paradise for art lovers, and budding artists will be pleased to know that the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulois is believed to rival the Tate Modern.
There’s plenty to do in this unusual city. From visiting art galleries, to sampling gourmet cuisine, clubbing and shopping at high-end shops; Sao Paulo epitomises proper city living. You will find it easy to source hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts. There’s no shortage of five star, exclusive destinations in Sao Paulo.
- Sao Paulo is not gifted in the looks department, but we urge you to look beneath the surface of this metropolis, where you’ll find a colourful world of art, classic architecture, gourmet restaurants and endless shopping destinations.
- The “People’s Park” is Mário Pimenta Camargo Municipal Park. It’s a large space of urban greenery that provides the perfect place to people watch.
- Paulisto Avenue is the city’s longest and bustling avenue - a real must see.
- If you’re into the art scene, the ever popular Museu de Arte de Sao Paulois is worth a browse.
- The city offers what most thumping cities have on offer : An array of clubs, bars, rooftop bars and theatre.
- Shopping is a must in Sao Paulo. Rua Oscar Freire is one of the most expensive shopping streets, but it is THE place to buy international brands. Rua 25 de Marco in Centro is more wallet friendly, but if that's not enough, there are also significant shopping malls in the area.
- It goes without saying that a pair of flip-flops must be purchased in the Havaianas flagship store.
- Mosteiro de São Bento (Benedictine Monastery) is an architectural delight, offering impressive stained glass windows and icons of a religious nature.
- If classic design and buildings are your thing, then head to Nossa Senhora da Luz for examples of typical architecture synonymous with the area.
The privileged area of Paulisto Avenue brims with activity and is Brazil’s answer to New York’s Times Square. Many tourist attractions are located in this area, one of which is the São Paulo Museum of Art. This beating heart of Sao Paulo offers numerous hotel options, from budget friendly to exclusive.
The privileged area of Paulisto Avenue brims with activity and is Brazil’s answer to New York’s Times Square. Many tourist attractions are located in this area, one of which is the São Paulo Museum of Art. This beating heart of Sao Paulo offers numerous hotel options, from budget friendly to exclusive.
Just off of the Paulisto Avenue is the tree-lined Rua Oscar Freire street in the Jardins district, home to the rather swanky Hotel Fasano São Paulo. Around the corner, sitting proudly on the ultra-stylish Oscar Freire Street is the Hotel Emiliano. A 5 star hotel with its own helipad (Sao Paulo has the largest number of helicopters in the world), chic bar and spa area.
If you want a little less shopping and a little more park then stay at Palácio Tangará- an Oetker Collection Hotel built in the centre of the highly regarded Burle Marx Park. If the financial district holds fascination for you then a stay at the InterContinental São Paulo hotel is a must.
Hotel Fasano Sao Paulo is the sister hotel to the one in Rio so you’re guaranteed a standard of luxury. This hotel embodies excellence and is a stone's throw away from the major shopping areas.
How to Get There
Sao Paulo is a thriving metropolis home to 3 airports serving many international airports. São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport and Congonhas-São Paulo Airport are located in the metropolitan area. Congonhas is the best choice for domestic flights. Campo de Marte airport is located outside of the city centre and handles private flights and small-sized airplanes.
There is a complex bus system serving the city and a variety of subway lines criss-crossing their way through the city, but it is to be noted that Sao Paulo lacks in infrastructure which means public transport can be unreliable.
Local taxis can be unpredictable, but it’s quite common for locals to hire professional drivers and private taxis.
Sao Paulo Activities
Sao Paulo is a typical city that offers a host of cultural and city based activities. It’s the city of art, culture, food, drink and shopping. Beneath its seemingly bland exterior lies a city boasting plenty of things to do. Whether it’s the financial district, the elitist shopping street or the urban parks; there’s simply no shortage of activities.
We obviously have our top not-to-be-missed activities in Sao Paulo, which we’ve highlighted below.
The Museum of Art of São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand is an astounding art gallery and Sao Paulo’s top art gallery. This is a striking building housing a collection of European and Brazilain art.
Ibirapuera Park is the “Central Park” of Sao Paulo. A beautiful park brimming with cafes, museums and more.
For a taste of local fare head to the City of Sao Paulo farmers' market aka "Mercadão"for a mouthwatering foodie experience. An added bonus? The market is located in a historical building called the Mercado Municipal de São Paulo.
Further afield, a shopping extravaganza in the rather classy Pátio Higienópolis mall and the Rua Oscar Freire Street is a must for those seeking high-quality name brand threads.
The best way to enjoy Sao Paulo? Eat, drink, party and shop !
