The most popular city in the nation and the highlights of Brazil's eclectic financial hub are among the top things to do in Sao Paulo. Saying that this city is a busy metropolis would be greatly understating the situation. The city will entice you to return and explore more, from impressive cultural events like the largest Gay Pride Parade in the world to cutting-edge art galleries and breathtaking historic monuments.
Since you will be spending a lot of time traveling, making advance plans is the best way to make the most of your trip. Get planning with the extensive list of the top activities in the city provided below!
One of the busiest and most significant avenues in the city is Avenida Paulista. Locals and visitors alike bustle along the avenue on weekdays to visit one of the many stores. On Sundays, the avenue is pedestrianized and the mood shifts to one of celebration and laidbackness. People spend their day lounging and exploring the streets, which are dotted with bicycles, market stalls, and street performers. However, beware of pickpockets.
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil; Avenida Paulista
Situated in the heart of Sao Paulo, Mercado Municipal is an essential destination for anyone who enjoys market shopping. It takes place in a magnificently ornate structure with columns, a dome, and eye-catching stained glass windows. Explore the market's stalls for about an hour, sampling some of the unusual produce and, if you'd like, purchasing some. As a popular tourist destination, the market may attract unscrupulous vendors, so don't be afraid to simply sample the food and depart. Additionally, be cautious of pickpockets.
Location: Sao Paulo, SP, 01103-200, Brazil; Rua da Cantareira 306, Centro
Open: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays
At the park's entrance, you can rent a bicycle to tour the expansive green spaces inside. Keep an eye out for historical sites like the Monument to the Bandeiras and the Obelisk of Sao Paulo that are scattered throughout the park.
Address: Vila Mariana, Sao Paulo - SP, 04002-010, Brazil; Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral
Open every day from five in the morning until midnight
Situated beside the bustling Avenida Paulista, the Sao Paulo Museum of Art is a must-see attraction along this well-known thoroughfare. In addition to its outstanding reputation, the museum's headquarters, with its rectangular glass-paned body supported by two thick beams, are a significant symbol of contemporary Brazilian architecture. Its European art collection is regarded as the best in the southern hemisphere and in all of Latin America. Admire magnificent pieces created by illustrious artists like Degas, Picasso, Modigliani, Monet, and many more. On Tuesdays, admission is free for everyone.
Address: Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP, 01310-200, Brazil; Avenida Paulista 1578.
The oldest museum in the city, Pinacoteca do Estado de Sao Paulo, is situated in the heart of the city and is reputed to have the finest collection of Brazilian art anywhere in the world. The stunning architecture and outstanding exhibitions, which feature a blend of contemporary and classic art, perfectly capture the regal ambiance. On Saturdays, admission is free; on other days, it costs just 6 reals. Stop by their café, located in the stunning Jardim da Luz, and have a delicious pão de queijo. The magnificent Luz train station, which is located across from the museum, is also well worth a visit.
Location: Sao Paulo, SP, 01120-010, Brazil; Praça da Luz, 2 - Luz
The enormous 20th-century Sao Paulo Cathedral, also called Catedral da Sé, features towering gothic-style architecture and a dome modeled after the Renaissance. Even though the area outside the cathedral is busy and congested, it is still beautiful, with slender palm trees bordering the path that leads up to it. Inside, however, the mood is completely different; people talk in low voices and the elaborate stained-glass windows turn the sunlight into vibrant murals that are hung all over the walls. For an amazing view of the city, ascend to the top of the dome. Before facing the mayhem outside, where you'll want your possessions close at hand, take in the calm atmosphere.
Location: Sao Paulo, SP, 01001-000, Brazil; Praça da Sé, Sé
Everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Since you will be spending a lot of time traveling, making advance plans is the best way to make the most of your trip. Get planning with the extensive list of the top activities in the city provided below!
One Paulista Avenue
The famous avenue in the cityOne of the busiest and most significant avenues in the city is Avenida Paulista. Locals and visitors alike bustle along the avenue on weekdays to visit one of the many stores. On Sundays, the avenue is pedestrianized and the mood shifts to one of celebration and laidbackness. People spend their day lounging and exploring the streets, which are dotted with bicycles, market stalls, and street performers. However, beware of pickpockets.
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil; Avenida Paulista
Two Municipal Markets
Rare produce sold in a historic marketSituated in the heart of Sao Paulo, Mercado Municipal is an essential destination for anyone who enjoys market shopping. It takes place in a magnificently ornate structure with columns, a dome, and eye-catching stained glass windows. Explore the market's stalls for about an hour, sampling some of the unusual produce and, if you'd like, purchasing some. As a popular tourist destination, the market may attract unscrupulous vendors, so don't be afraid to simply sample the food and depart. Additionally, be cautious of pickpockets.
Location: Sao Paulo, SP, 01103-200, Brazil; Rua da Cantareira 306, Centro
Open: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays
3 Ibirapuera Park, the Central Park of São Paulo
A popular urban oasis, Ibirapuera Park covers 158 hectares in a diamond-shaped enclosure. The park is not only a fantastic location for exercise but also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. It hosts numerous well-known events, including Sao Paulo Fashion Week, and features museums and a music hall. Bring a picnic and enjoy a sunny day next to one of the lakes or under the towering, colorful trees. Get some coconut water from one of the stands along the park's paths if you arrive without any refreshments.At the park's entrance, you can rent a bicycle to tour the expansive green spaces inside. Keep an eye out for historical sites like the Monument to the Bandeiras and the Obelisk of Sao Paulo that are scattered throughout the park.
Address: Vila Mariana, Sao Paulo - SP, 04002-010, Brazil; Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral
Open every day from five in the morning until midnight
4 Art Museum of São Paulo
An innovative museum featuring well-known pieces of artSituated beside the bustling Avenida Paulista, the Sao Paulo Museum of Art is a must-see attraction along this well-known thoroughfare. In addition to its outstanding reputation, the museum's headquarters, with its rectangular glass-paned body supported by two thick beams, are a significant symbol of contemporary Brazilian architecture. Its European art collection is regarded as the best in the southern hemisphere and in all of Latin America. Admire magnificent pieces created by illustrious artists like Degas, Picasso, Modigliani, Monet, and many more. On Tuesdays, admission is free for everyone.
Address: Bela Vista, São Paulo, SP, 01310-200, Brazil; Avenida Paulista 1578.
5 State Pinacoteca of São Paulo
On Saturdays, take advantage of free Brazilian art.The oldest museum in the city, Pinacoteca do Estado de Sao Paulo, is situated in the heart of the city and is reputed to have the finest collection of Brazilian art anywhere in the world. The stunning architecture and outstanding exhibitions, which feature a blend of contemporary and classic art, perfectly capture the regal ambiance. On Saturdays, admission is free; on other days, it costs just 6 reals. Stop by their café, located in the stunning Jardim da Luz, and have a delicious pão de queijo. The magnificent Luz train station, which is located across from the museum, is also well worth a visit.
Location: Sao Paulo, SP, 01120-010, Brazil; Praça da Luz, 2 - Luz
6 Cathedral of São Paulo
One of the biggest neo-Gothic temples in the worldThe enormous 20th-century Sao Paulo Cathedral, also called Catedral da Sé, features towering gothic-style architecture and a dome modeled after the Renaissance. Even though the area outside the cathedral is busy and congested, it is still beautiful, with slender palm trees bordering the path that leads up to it. Inside, however, the mood is completely different; people talk in low voices and the elaborate stained-glass windows turn the sunlight into vibrant murals that are hung all over the walls. For an amazing view of the city, ascend to the top of the dome. Before facing the mayhem outside, where you'll want your possessions close at hand, take in the calm atmosphere.
Location: Sao Paulo, SP, 01001-000, Brazil; Praça da Sé, Sé
Everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.