Top 30 Things To Do In São Paulo, Brazil

1. Marvel at the gorgeous views in Ibirapuera Park

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Visit this large urban and most visited park in South America and take in a breath of fresh air surrounded by nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy jogging, walking, cycling or skating or just sit and relax. The park is home to varying flora and fauna. You might be in luck and catch a popular event here. It hosts the biennial São Paulo Fashion Week in January and July. The park also has several museums and a music hall. We all need some calm to meditate and this park provides just that.

Ibirapuera Park

Address: Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral - Vila Mariana, São Paulo - SP, 04094-050, Brazil

Website: Ibirapuera Park

Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)

2. Check out the artifacts at Museu de Arte de São Paulo

The uniqueness of this museum starts from its architecture which comprises of a 1968 concrete and glass structure supported by two lateral beams over a 74 meters (243 ft) freestanding space. Its collection is made up of more than 10,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, objects, photographs, videos and pieces of clothing from various periods, from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. For the art lovers, this is a haven for you that will leave you feeling fulfilled and enlightened.

Museu de Arte de São Paulo

Address: Av. Paulista, 1578 - Bela Vista, São Paulo - SP, 01310-200, Brazil

Website: Museu de Arte de São Paulo

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Tue, Sat - Sun: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 5 - 10 USD

3. Have fun at Museu do Futebol

Football is a sport enjoyed by many. Visit this sports museum that is located in Pacaembu Stadium and features films, photographs and interactive exhibits documenting the history of football. Set up in 15 theme rooms, you will enjoy a playful and interactive session which describes the way football arrived in Brazil and became part of their history and culture. The museum also designs and develops temporary and traveling exhibitions. Whether you are a football fan or not, this museum guarantees a fun experience to anyone who visits it.

Museu do Futebol

Address: Praça Charles Miler, s/n - Pacaembu, São Paulo - SP, 01234-010, Brazil

Website: Museu do Futebol

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 2 - 4 USD

4. Visit the remarkable Catedral da Sé

Admire the unique architecture of this cathedral that features a Neo-Gothic style. It has two flanking towers reaching a height of 92 meters (301.8 ft) and its interior finishing comprises of marble, sculpted Brazilian produce such as coffee beans, pineapples, and native animals, window frames made of granite and stained glass windows. The crypt has tombs of all bishops and archbishops of São Paulo. Admire the cathedral organ that has five keyboards, 329 stops, 120 registers, 12,000 pipes and mouths which display hand-engraved reliefs in Gothic style. The carillon has 61 bells. Marvel at the uniqueness of this structure while catching a church service.

Catedral da Sé

Address: Praça da Sé - Sé, São Paulo - SP, 01001-000, Brazil

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

5. Check out the murals at Vila Madalena

Vila Madalena is a neighborhood in São Paulo that has quality street art in a compact space. Admire the works of various artists with some from known artists such as Pato whose work is figurative with colorful long-nosed characters. Alleys to explore include Beco do Batman and Beco do Aprendiz. Admire the colorful street murals if you appreciate the works of art.

Vila Madalena

Address: R. Aspicuelta, 521 São Paulo - SP 05433-010, Brazil, Vila Madalena

6. Admire artwork at Pinacoteca

Visit Pinacoteca which is considered one of the most important art museums in Brazil and the oldest art museum in São Paulo. Its collection is made up of Brazilian artwork from the 19th century and Brazilian Modernist artworks that include paintings and sculptures. The collection also includes European paintings and sculptures from 19th-century artists. Marvel at works of art such as São Paulo by Tarsila do Amaral and Mestizo by Candido Portinari. It also displays an international circuit of exhibitions and hosts cultural events. An exciting place to be for art lovers.

Pinacoteca

Address: Praça da Luz, 2 - Luz, São Paulo - SP, 01120-010, Brazil

Website: Pinacoteca

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 5.30pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 1 - 3 USD

7. Learn some history at Museu Afro-Brasil

Located in Ibirapuera Park, this museum showcases collections that aim to highlight the importance of African people in the formation of Brazilian culture, heritage and identity for what it is known today. The collection contains over 6,000 works, sculptures, documents, engravings, ceramics, paintings, contemporary arts, jewelry, objects, reliefs, photographs and textiles portraying mainly Brazil, some African countries, Cuba, Haiti and the United States. Learn about Afro-Brazilian religion, labor, art and African Diaspora and slavery. Participate in a diverse range of cultural and didactic activities, temporary expositions or visit the theater or library.

Museu Afro-Brasil

Address: Portão 10, Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, s/n, São Paulo - SP, 04094-050, Brazil

Website: Museu Afro-Brasil

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 1 - 2 USD

8. See the French sculpture at Pinacoteca do Estado

For the art lovers, tour this beautiful museum that is housed in an impressive brick building. Its collection includes Brazilian paintings mostly but there are also exquisite French sculptures. Listen to audio tours in Portuguese, Spanish and English via headphones. Be enlightened on the history of French sculptures as you admire various different human forms.

Pinacoteca do Estado

Address: Praça da Luz, 2 - Luz, São Paulo - SP, 01120-010, Brazil

Website: Pinacoteca do Estado

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 5.30pm (closed on Tue)

Price: 1 - 3 USD

9. Watch an opera at Theatro Municipal

Theatro Municipal is considered one of the most beautiful theatres in the country and has a seating capacity of 2,252. Admire the eclectic architecture and the outside walls that have been inscribed with names of classic European & Brazilian artists. The interior is opulently designed and features sculptures by Henrique Bernardelli and paintings by Rodolfo Amoedo and Eliseu Visconti. What more could one want than to go to a high-quality opera performance in an elegant theatre! Book your ticket and prepare to be amazed and get the chills.

Theatro Municipal

Address: Praça Floriano, S/N - Centro, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20031-050, Brazil

Website: Theatro Municipal

Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)

10. Marvel at the murals in Beco do Batman

Walk into the alley of Beco do Batman and get to see amazing spray paint murals on the walls with some flowing to the pavements. Beco do Batman is the nickname for the area around Rua Gonçalo Afonso and Rua Medeiros de Albuquerque. The alley is filled with beautiful and colorful murals though it is continuously changing as new artists paint their work replacing the old ones. However, to replace painting, you have to ask for permission from the previous artist.

Beco do Batman

Address: R. Gonçalo Afonso - Vila Madalena, São Paulo - SP, 05435-000, Brazil

Opening hours: 24/7

11. Buy handicrafts at Feira da Liberdade

Looking for cool art and handicrafts to decorate your house, gift a friend or to simply admire, make your way to Feira da Liberdade which is an open-air market that presents you with just that. Initially, it was mostly handicrafts of Asian descent but now Northeastern Brazil, India, and Taiwan also have come in. Enjoy some traditional Asian delicacies from the booths as you shop. The market also hosts festivals and other artistic events throughout the year.

Feira da Liberdade

Address: Av. Da Liberdade, 365 São Paulo - SP 01503-000

Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 9am - 7pm (closed Mon - Fri)

12. Activate your digestive juices at the Municipal Market

Pay a visit to this large public market that is famous for its myriad of stalls that have a colorful arrangement of different fruits and vegetables and a diverse selection of meats, poultry, fish and seafood, pasta, sweets and spices on the first floor of the market. On the mezzanine are various restaurants that serve scrumptious traditional gourmet. Enjoy a hearty meal as you admire the architectural beauty of Mercadão which was built in the eclectic style featuring columns, vaults, and stained glass. Make sure to try out the renowned and enormous mortadella (bologna) sandwich at Hocca Bar.

Municipal Market

Address: R. Cantareira, 306 - Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo - SP, 01103-200, Brazil

Website: Municipal Market

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 6pm; Sun: 6am - 4pm

13. Savour the traditional Brazilian dishes at Mocotó

Dine at Mocotó which is a contemporary, art-themed Northeastern restaurant serving delicious traditional sertaneja foods. It focuses on the principle of inclusiveness in ensuring scrumptious food for everyone that cuts across all social classes. Be sure to eat the Dadinhos de Tapioca and lots of different other foods available. Be taken to Northeastern Brazil as you enjoy the different flavors of the food in your mouth. Definitely a place worth trying out.

Mocotó

Address: Av. Nossa Sra. do Lorêto, 1100 - Vila Medeiros, São Paulo - SP, 02219-001, Brazil

Website: Mocotó

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 11pm; Sat: 11.30am - 11pm; Sun: 11.30am - 5pm

Price: 11 - 18 USD

14. Ride a bike around Parque Villa Lobos

On a bright, sunny day when you want to take in a breath of fresh air as you feel the sun’s warm rays seeping into your body, go rent a bike if you do not have one at Villa Lobos State Park. The park is located next to Pinheiros River and has a bike path. Indulge in some exercise as you ride your bike. The park has a bird nursery, musical island, playgrounds, and around 37,000 trees with some parts having audio playback of sounds by Heitor Villa-Lobos.

Parque Villa Lobos

Address: Av. Prof. Fonseca Rodrigues, 2001 - Alto de Pinheiros, São Paulo - SP, 05461-010, Brazil

Website: Parque Villa Lobos

Opening hours: 5.30am - 7pm (daily)

15. Enjoy street food at Avenida Paulista

Along this 2.8 kilometers (1.7 mi) stretch and in the streets surrounding it, there are numerous shop galleries, restaurants, food courts, pubs, cafes, cinemas, theaters, and cultural centers. Treat yourself to a variety of finger-licking street foods such as acarajé, yakisoba, pastel, pizza, hamburger, and hot dog. Definitely, a satisfying way to trying out local food at pocket-friendly prices.

Avenida Paulista

Address: Av. Paulista, 1159-1231 São Paulo - SP 01311-200 Brazil

16. Groove to live samba music at the Pau Brasil Bar

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Put your dancing shoes on, head out to Pau Brasil Bar and move your body to some samba tunes. Samba is known to be a Brazilian music genre and dance style and it is no wonder they have a club whose focus is only that. This bar has Brazilian décor that presents unique ambiance making you feel right at home. Enjoy cuisine and beers at unbeatable prices and good company too while at this bar.

Pau Brasil Bar

Address: R. Inácio Pereira da Rocha, 54 - Pinheiros, São Paulo - SP, 05432-010, Brazil

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 9pm - 2.30am; Thu & Sun: 9pm - 3.30am; Fri - Sat: 9pm - 4.30am (closed on Mon)

17. Tour the Latin America Memorial

Latin America Memorial is a complex that showcases the cultural, political, social and economic integration of Latin America. Admire its unique architecture that comprises of buildings connected by a bridge. The buildings are: a library with videos, books and documents of Latin America culture, Galeria Marta Taba which is an art gallery with panels and temporary exhibitions, Pavilhão da Criatividade hall which has Latin America map under a glass floor; Tiradentes “hall of acts”, Brazilian Center of Latin American Studies, Símon Bolívar Auditorium and the Latin American Parliament building. Marvel at the permanent collection of works of art that includes paintings, folk art, and sculptures. The Civic Square can hold up to 30,000 people and is used to hosting events. It has the memorial’s landmark which is the sculpture of a hand with a map of Latin America inside.

Latin America Memorial

Address: Av. Auro Soares de Moura Andrade, 664 - Barra Funda, São Paulo - SP, 01156-001, Brazil

Website: Latin America Memorial

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

18. Walk around Butantan

Tour this Brazilian research center and get to see its renowned collection of venomous snakes, venomous lizards, spiders, insects and scorpions in their recreated natural habitat. They extract the venom to make vaccines for various diseases such as rabies, tuberculosis and tetanus and antivenom. There is also a colony of Rhesus monkeys that are used for research. Research is done in basic and applied biomedical areas such as molecular biology, immunology, epidemiology, biotechnology, and infectology. There is also a hospital that provides free treatment for poisonous animal stings and bites. After a walk inside the three museums, you can sit in the park to catch a breath of fresh air and relish nature. Such a cool, exciting and enlightening place to visit.

Butantan

Address: Av. Vital Brasil, 1500 - Butantã, São Paulo - SP, 05503-900, Brazil

Website: Butantan

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4.45pm (closed on Mon)

19. Go shopping at CEASA

CEASA which is an acronym is a farmers market in Brazil that brings forth horticultural products. Here you can buy food that are locally produced, and also get to taste local delicacies such as buchada and feijoada. Enjoy getting quality and fresh foods at pocket-friendly prices. Get to interact with the Northeasterners that work here.

CEASA

Address: Rua Joaquim Nabuco, Vitoria da Conquista, State of Bahia 45000-225, Brazil

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 6pm; Fri & Sun: 6am - 12pm; Sat: 6am - 5pm

20. Try pastel at Pastelerias

Pastel is a typical fast-food Brazilian dish. Therefore, it is essential that you try it when in São Paulo. Enjoy the thin crispy fried dough made of wheat flour that envelopes different authentic Brazilian fillings. There are options for vegetarians, vegans or for those who love meat. This is just the tasty and finger-licking snack you need.

Pastelerias

Address: Rua Monteiro de Melo, 225 - Lapa Zona Oeste - São Paulo - SP

Website: Pastelerias

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 10pm (closed on Sun)

21. Admire the structure of Edifício Copan

Marvel at this building’s unique architecture which was designed by Oscar Niemeyer’s office. It is a residential building located in downtown São Paulo that has 1,160 apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units and accommodates 2,038 residents. The building is 118.4 meters (450 ft.) tall and has 38 floors. Get into one of the 20 elevators and go to the roof where you will see unbeatable panoramic views of São Paulo.

Edifício Copan

Address: Av. Ipiranga, 200 - Republica, Sao Paulo, State of Sao Paulo 01046-925, Brazil

22. Hunt for affordable antiques at the Fair Benedito Calixto

Experience the thrill that comes with the hope to discover a hidden gem while antique shopping at Fair Benedito Calixto. This market is a combination of a flea market, handicraft, and an art fair. You also find a small food market with some Brazilian specialties like bolinho de feijão and pastel. Let the music carry you away as you hear a very nice Brazilian popular music band playing. What a fun, thrilling and awesome way to spend your Saturday.

Fair Benedito Calixto

Address: Praça Benedito Calixto, 240 - Jardim Paulista, São Paulo - SP, 05406-040, Brazil

Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 7pm (closed Mon - Fri & Sun)

23. Down unique twists of traditional cocktails at the Frank Bar

Visit this bar which serves refreshing and delicious traditional cocktails. Enjoy the intimate ambiance, admire the interior décor comprising of red banquettes and be taken away with the piano and light live jazz music playing in the background. The service is also great and the cocktails are of a reasonable price considering the quality. An ideal joint to unwind and relax.

Frank Bar

Address: Rua São Carlos do Pinhal, 424 São Paulo, Brazil 01333-000

Website: Frank Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 6pm - 1am; Thu - Sat: 6pm - 2am (closed on Sun)

24. Tour the 16th century Pátio do Colégio

Interested in learning about how the city of São Paulo was founded and missionary work of the first Jesuits? Then head to Pátio do Colégio which is a historical Jesuit church and museum that marks the place where the city was founded. The collection is composed of sacred art, personal objects of Anchieta and other members of his mission, preserved bone relics and some papal items. Read the explanations and panels which are simple and easy to understand. Visit the library to read more and also check out an original letter from Anchieta on display outside. Other areas of interest include the church next door which is stunning and quiet, an elegant temple that is Anchieta’s resting place and a non-functional old crypt that is used as an art gallery.

Pátio do Colégio

Address: Praça Pateo do Collegio, 2 - Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo - SP, 01016-040, Brazil

Website: Pátio do Colégio

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 4.45pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 4.30pm (closed on Mon)

25. Check out the extraordinary architecture of Nossa Senhora da Luz

With its construction starting in 1628, Nossa Senhora da Luz underwent several renovations over the years to make it what it is today. It features Baroque architectural style and in the past, it had gold, silver and sacred images which were stolen over time. Tour this very humble church with ornate decoration inside that makes it look truly beautiful and spectacular. It has an octagonal dome and two facades: one facing the street, and the other facing the garden of the convent. A truly amazing historical building worth checking out.

Nossa Senhora da Luz

Address: Avenida Tiradentes 676, São Paulo - SP, Brazil

26. Go to Benedictine Monastery

Visit this monastery and get to admire the typical 17th-century architecture and the frescoes and murals decorating the interior. The main attractions in this church include the daily masses with Gregorian chants accompanied by the sound of a great organ and the bakery. The bakery has bread, cakes, biscuits and jams made by monks which are a little pricey but worth it because of their quality and fresh ingredients that are used to make them, along with the exquisite packaging. Be sure to try favorites such as bread made of cassava, Benedictus and St. Scholastica cake. You can also attend a mass if you are religious, or shop for religious artifacts.

Benedictine Monastery

Address: Largo de São Bento, 48 - Centro Histórico de São Paulo, São Paulo - SP, 01029-010, Brazil

Website: Benedictine Monastery

27. Wander in the Avenida Paulista

Avenida Paulista is the modern hub of business, culture, and entertainment of São Paulo. Being a major hub of the subway and bus lines makes it easily accessible. Tour this avenue where you will get to see: towering skyscrapers boasting of spectacular architecture, important cultural institutions such as the MASP, lush Parque Trianon with bicycle and footpaths, shopping malls such Cidade São Paulo that are known for their coffee shops, internet facilities, restaurants and movie theaters, renowned private schools and the best hospitals. Rua Frei Caneca is the epicenter of São Paulo’s gay and lesbian scene. The most ideal day to tour is on Sunday when the street is closed to vehicular traffic and features craft fairs and flea markets, vendors, live music and many people watching.

Avenida Paulista

Address: Av. Paulista, 1159-1231 São Paulo - SP 01311-200 Brazil

28. Spend a peaceful hour in the beautiful Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral

The city of São Paulo is known for its churches that boast of unique architecture and are spectacular. Visit this church featuring Byzantine Revival architecture and has an iconostasis made of marble rather than the usual wood. The church is easily accessible as it is close to the subway. Admire the paintings and the altar and you can also attend the mass.

Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral

Address:Rua Vergueiro, 1515 - Paraíso, São Paulo - SP, 04101-000, Brazil

Website: Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed on Sun)

29. Catch a concert at Auditório Ibirapuera

Situated in Ibirapuera Park, this building was conceived by Oscar Niemeyer to be used for the presentation of music spectacles and has a capacity of 800 people but when a door is opened, it reaches to almost 15,000 people in the external area. It is made up of separation of three parts, the foyer, audience, and stage. Catch a concert here and get to enjoy listening to amazing live music.

Auditório Ibirapuera

Address: Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral - Vila Mariana, São Paulo - SP, 04094-050, Brazil

Website: Auditório Ibirapuera

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 1pm - 10pm; Sun: 1pm - 8pm (closed Mon - Thu)

30. Try coffee at Grão São Paulo Empório e Padaria

Grão São Paulo Empório e Padaria is an elegant and upscale restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and gourmet desserts and also offers delivery. The restaurant is beautiful and spacious offering great ambiance to its patrons. Boasting of a variety of services and gastronomic diversity, visit this restaurant and try out coffee accompanied by sweet and delicious baked treats from their breakfast menu. Here, you will definitely get value for your money. If you are traveling with family, this is definitely a place worth a visit.

Grão São Paulo Empório e Padaria

Address: Av. Srg. Lourival Alves de Souza, 7 - Jardim Taquaral, São Paulo - SP, 04675-020, Brazil

Website: Grão São Paulo Empório e Padaria

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

Explore São Paulo, the city with a lot to offer

Whenever one goes to a new place, there is always the worry of what will I do or where will I go while there. Well, worry not. São Paulo is a beautiful city with a lot to offer in terms of entertainment, history, culture, and cuisine. Be sure to plan a visit here an indulge in these various things to do in São Paulo, Brazil. Be rest assured that nobody will find boredom during your trip to the beautiful Sao Paolo.