São Paulo is one of the world’s biggest cities, with almost 20 million residents. Sampa, or São Paulo, boasts spacious avenues and spectacular built-in buildings, making it a contemporary metropolis. This global metropolis offers it everything, from art and history in museums and parks to the food and wine industry as an emphasis.
So the issue is, what should be done first? The Edifício Itália’s observation deck offers a stunning panoramic view of São Paolo city from its apex. The Mercadão Municipal de São Paulo is the most convenient location for gourmet cuisine and dining in Sao Paulo. Visiting two separate buildings: Catedral da Sé de São Paulo and Theatro Municipal de São Paulo, both with towering steeples and chosen front embellishments.
If you love São Paulo then check out our blog on Rio de Janeiro.
Best months to visit
Travel to São Paulo during the spring and fall seasons, when precipitation and haze are at their lowest and important events are more likely to occur. Because of its location, the city follows a seasonal calendar that differs from that used in Northern Hemisphere nations such as the United States of America.
São Paulo has a tropical climate, with summer beginning in December and ending in February, marked by extreme heat and humidity with temperatures regularly reaching 80’s, and winter from June to September with milder temperatures and less humidity, making it a popular tourist season. The weather is generally pleasant throughout the year, with temperatures seldom falling below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Top 5 Things To See and Do
1. Join a free walking tour in São Paulo
On your first few days in a new location, free walking tours might help you get to know your surroundings. To navigate the vast city of São Paulo, consider taking a tour with a native guide. The São Paulo Free Walking Tour covers four areas: Old Downtown, Vila Madalena, Ibirapuera Park, and Paulista Avenue. Check the webpage before visiting, since certain roads may be closed owing to the city’s various festivities. (Remember to tip your guide at the conclusion!)
2. Enjoy Brazilian art in São Paulo
São Paulo is a museum city. The MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo) is the most popular. The permanent collection is housed in a single huge open space, with the artwork exhibited on large glass pillars and explanations on the back so that you may see the piece first and then learn about its origins. It is structured from current art backward, although the layout is intended to invite visitors to meander around the exhibits at their own time and path, selecting whatever interests them. (After you’ve finished at the MASP, visit Parque Trianon across the street. It’s one of the few remnants of the Atlantic Forest that formerly covered the city.)
3. Watch, listen, and dance to Samba in São Paulo
Samba is an institution in Brazil. The Afro-Brazilian dance and music style varies by city and area, and this city is no exception. To experience local samba, visit Bar do Baixo, Bar Samba, Vila do Samba, or Casa Barbosa. If you’re in town in January and February, you may see samba schools rehearse for Carnival. During Carnival, these schools compete in the Sambódromo to win the title of best samba school of the year.
4. Visit the Ipiranga Museum in São Paulo
The Brazilian History Museum in São Paulo was founded in 1895 as a symbol of the country’s independence. Come here for a collection of artwork, photography, items, furniture, and maps, all of which are specifically about the imperial period and Brazilian freedom. The architecture and gardens are very stunning, modeled after France’s Palace of Versailles. Admission is free.
5. Visit Liberdade (Japantown) in São Paulo
This city has the biggest Japanese community outside of Japan, going back to the end of feudalism in Japan, which prompted emigration to Brazil due to labor shortages. Liberdade is São Paulo’s Japantown. Come here to eat delicious ramen, curry, and sushi, as well as buy at the numerous Japanese boutiques and street sellers. If possible, come during the week, as weekends are quite crowded here. The History Museum of Japanese Immigration in Brazil is also nearby (16 BRL, free on Wednesdays) for anyone interested in learning more about the Brazilian Japanese population.
What to Eat?
São Paulo’s multiculturalism allows for a diverse range of cuisines. However, you’ll most likely be seeking for a classic flavor of Brazil. Try Mani or D.O.M., both of which are routinely ranked among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants (by world-renowned chefs, restaurateurs, and restaurant reviewers). Tuju, which received its second Michelin star in 2018, stands out for its inventive and delicious seasonal food.
Culture and Customs
Paulistanos, or citizens of São Paulo, are noted for their hard labor and playfulness. Sampa (the city’s nickname) is Brazil’s financial and industrial hub, therefore it attracts individuals from all walks of life. The official language is Portuguese, however many Paulistanos speak English and comprehend Spanish. You should probably learn some important Portuguese words to aid you when you’re visiting: In Portuguese, common greetings include olá (hello), bom dia (good morning), ó desculpe (forgive me), não compreendo (I don’t understand), por favor (please), and obrigado/a.
How to Save Money
Do your research. Explore São Paulo’s museums, concerts, and events, which are often free or inexpensive.
Stick to two feet. During the day, you may go around the city by walking or taking the metro. It’s simple to navigate, and the tickets are reasonable. However, at night, it is safer to use a cab or Uber.
Stay at a pousada. Pousadas are smaller inns that frequently include breakfast and have lower pricing than the city’s hotels.
Getting Around
Walking or using the metro are the most convenient ways to move about São Paulo. If you arrange your itinerary ahead of time and visit major locations in groups, you should be able to get around on your own. The metro is also a quick, clean, somewhat secure, and efficient option that connects visitors to many of the city’s popular attractions. To go from São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) to the city center, which is roughly 15 miles southwest, cabs or Ubers are the best options at night. However, due to the city’s notorious traffic, plan ahead of time.
Congonhas Airport (CGH) also serves the city with domestic flights; it is located about 5 miles south of downtown and will most likely be the airport you use to fly to and from Rio de Janeiro (the bulk of its flights are to Rio).
Conclusion
São Paulo is one of the most diverse and largest cities, and you will discover cultures, histories and modernity in one city. Yes, From beautiful architecture, shopping to the Booming restaurants, bars, and diners, São Paulo is a beautiful city that accommodates all. Heeding these tips and recommendations can help maximize your essential São Paulo experience and produce that photogenic experience you wanted. Call us now +1 646-650-5126 to get cheap deals.