Sao Paulo

We love exploring the destinations we visit and sharing our insights with you – our members. These destination guides will give you plenty of inspiration about what you should – and could – be enjoying, whether it will be the first or the tenth time you’ve visited. From exciting activities, tips about where to head for luxury shopping and even things that you may find a little bit quirky, you’ll find something new and inspiring to try. Explore Sao Paulo.

Sao Paulo, or ‘Sampa’ as the locals call it, is the largest city in Brazil. Accompanying that title is dense population, high-rise buildings and notorious traffic jams. It’s not what’s generally considered picturesque, but one thing is for sure: this thoroughly 21st-century metropolis has electricity, energy and creativity that promises urban explorers a fast-paced city break. From pulsating nightlife and rooftop bars to superb restaurants and celebrity chefs, chic shops to modern museums, there’s lots to keep you entertained.

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Must-do

One of the best places for an awesome view of downtown is the piano bar on the 42nd floor of the Edificio Itália building, where it’s quite possible to watch helicopters flying below as you sip your caipirinha. For a little history, visit Mosteiro de Sao Bento, the city’s main cathedral, parts of which originate from the 16th century. On the last Sunday of every month, the monks here host brunch that includes goodies from their bakery, as well as guided tours. And when you crave some green space, head to one of the city’s parks, such as Parque Ibirapuera, or to the quieter Burle Marx Park, situated within the native forest.

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Culture

Sao Paulo is rich in art collections and artists, from high-brow museums to street creatives. In vogue right now is hiring a guide to explore the quirky galleries and graffiti art-filled alleyways of the Vila Madalena neighbourhood. Also visit the Maria Luisa and Oscar Americano Foundation, the former residence of the well-known couple, local art collectors. Other notable galleries include the Museum of Modern Art, The Museum of Art (MASP) and Pinacoteca for its Brazilian art. For classical music culture, catch the Sao Paulo State Symphony Orchestra at the beautiful Sala Sao Paulo concert hall at the Julio Prestes Cultural Center, or at the Theatro Municipal.

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Adventurous spirit

Book a bike tour of the city for an urban adventure, and then immerse yourself in the Latin spirit and take a samba lesson. There are plenty of hip clubs and celebrity hangouts to strut your stuff and enjoy the beats well into the small hours. Alternatively, leave the city behind for the Unesco-listed Atlantic forest of Cantareira State Park, where serious hikers should hire a guide and explore jungle jaunts, including the waterfall trail. Or take a day trip to the city of Socorro, where exploring the former mining cave of Gruta do Anjo by pedal boat is quite novel.

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With the kids

Sao Paulo is a great place for adults who love nightlife, art, architecture and dining, but if you are with children, there are plenty of activities that will keep them amused for hours. Let the kids run around Parque Ibirapuera, or hire a bike and find a picnic spot for lunch beside one of the park’s lakes. There’s also the zoo, or for thrills and spills there are rides and roller coasters at Parque Marisa. For a complete change of pace, head to the beaches of the Santos Coast, about a couple of hours’ drive away for an afternoon on the sands.

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Retail therapy

Sao Paulo is an excellent place for shopping, and you’ll find fashionable Brazilian labels competing with international designer brands. The Jardins area, often referred to as the ‘Beverly Hills’ of Sao Paulo, is the place to shop in stylish boutiques for local names like Osklen and Melissa. High-end global fashions can be found in abundance at upmarket shopping malls such at JK Iguatemi, which also has plenty of restaurants and a fantastic cinema complex with IMAX, 3D and 4DX theatres. For something different, the Vila Madalena area has great weekend markets where you can pick up handicrafts, antiques and collectables.

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Food and drink

The restaurant scene is eclectic, exciting and vibrant. It all hots up around 9pm when the locals come out to dine, and they tend to dress for the occasion, too. Some of the most upmarket places to eat are in the Jardins area, particularly near Rua Oscar Freire. The city has a large population of Italians and Japanese, so seek out traditional trattorias in Bixiga, or head to Liberdade for sushi. For a true Sao Paulo experience, stroll through the Mercado Municipal, where you should buy fresh fruits or a bite to eat such as a pastry or a bowl of feijoada (a pork and bean stew) for a taste of local flavour.

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