São Paulo – affectionately known by locals as Sampa – is energy, diversity, and constant movement. It may not be the most obvious destination when you think of Brazil, but once you arrive, you’ll understand why so many travelers choose to return to this enormous, sprawling metropolis (with a population of 12 million in the city proper and a whopping 21½ million in the greater metro area. So here´s a quick guide for first-time travelers who want to discover the city without stress while enjoying to the full the best it has to offer.
Why Visit São Paulo?
This city isn´t out to make everyone like it. It doesn’t have beaches or scenic cityscapes. Rather, it´s all about culture, history, design, cuisine, art, and architecture. This is truly a city of substance, and one to experience with all five senses, from a café on a random corner to a huge mural on a hidden street. Plus, as an international hub, it’s an excellent starting point for exploring other destinations in Brazil. But don’t rush to leave: São Paulo deserves your attention for several days at least.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Find a Good Neighbourhood in Which to Base Yourself
This can truly make all the difference. Areas like Avenida Paulista, Jardins, Pinheiros, and Vila Madalena are safe, well-connected, and offer plenty of dining options, shopping, and strolling opportunities.
Take Advantage of the Metro
Fast, clean, and well marked, the local subway/Underground is really the best way to move across the city and will save you lots of time, avoiding Sampa´s traffic jams (especially at rush hours).
Learn a Few Basic Portuguese Words and Phrases
Nobody expects you to be fluent, but learning how to say basic things you use every day like hello, goodbye, please, thank you (and maybe “check please!!) will please paulistas (as the locals are called) and make your interactions with them a bit more agreeable.
Organise Your Itinerary by Zones
As we mentioned, the city is vast, so it’s best to plan each day by area. For example: one day in Ibirapuera and surrounding areas, another in the Historic Centre, and yet another in Vila Madalena. This way you’ll avoid too much crisscrossing and backtracking and make the most of your time.
Spots Not to Miss
Ibirapuera Park
Perhaps the city´s most important green space, it´s ideal for strolling, jogging, or just hanging out to take a break from the big city beyond its borders. In addition, there are plenty of cultural offerings here, including:
- Afro-Brazil Museum, focussing on the importance of black Brazilian history and culture.
- Museum of Modern Art (MAM; though at the moment the building is closed for renovation)
- The pavillion of SP´s famous modern art Bienal.
- Architecture designed by Brazil´s pre-eminent “starchitect” of the late 20th and early 21st century, Oscar Niemeyer.
The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)
Located on Avenida Paulista, this is one of Latin America´s most important museums. Its suspended structure is an architectural icon, and its collection includes works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh as well as prominent 20th-century Brazilian painters Candido Portinari and Tarsila do Amaral. Admission is free every Tuesday.
The Liberdade Neighbourhood
This is SP´s Japantown, also home to Chinese and Korean communities, where you can stroll through its lantern-lit streets, visit Asian supermarkets, try ramen, takoyaki, and traditional sweets, and on weekends, enjoy a street fair with food and craft stalls.
São Paulo Municipal Market
Known by locals as “Mercadão,” it’s the ideal place to try typical products such as exotic fruits, cheeses, cured meats, and the famous mortadella sandwich. If you’re a foodie, this is one of the tastiest spots in the city.
Historic Centre
Here´s where to take a tour of the city´s past dating back to the 16th century. Some key landmarks:
- Catedral da Sé: The city´s Roman Catholic cathedral was a Baroque affair founded in the 18th century, but the current Neogothic edifice – one of Brazil´s largest – was built in 1911
- Pátio do Colégio: This yellow-roofed Jesuit church and school marks the spot where São Paulo was founded in 1554. It houses a museum of colonial paintings, altarpieces and sculptures, documents, and iconography.
- Edificio Martinelli: South America´s first “skyscraper” – a whopping 28 floors, and completed in 1929 – offers an observation deck with panoramic views.
- São Bento Monastery: Founded in 1598 but rebuilt in neo-Romanesque style in 1914, this remains an active monastery where visitors can hear Gregorian chants at morning mass.
Vila Madalena
A creative district, relaxed and full of life, it´s ideal for just wandering and enjoying, with highlights including:
- Beco do Batman: An alleyway converted into an urban art gallery, featuring changing murals by local and international artists.
- Art galleries and artists studios open to the public.
- Various cafés, bars, and bookshops ideal for enjoying a good cup of Brazilian coffee or craft beer. .
And now that you known where to start, it´s time to take the first step: book a flight with us to São Paulo!