Things to do at Sao Paulo
São Paulo is full of treasures to discover, from world-renowned museums to green spaces, authentic neighborhoods, and bold architecture. Here are the must-see attractions not to be missed during your visit:
- Avenida Paulista - The economic and cultural heart of the city, lined with museums, cafes, and skyscrapers.
- Ibirapuera Park - A huge urban park perfect for relaxing, cycling, or visiting museums like the MAM.
- São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) - One of the most important in Latin America, known for its collection and suspended architecture.
- Liberdade District - The largest Japanese neighborhood outside Japan, with its markets, lanterns, and Asian specialties.
- Municipal Market - To taste local specialties like mortadella sandwiches or tropical fruits.
- Historic Center - With the Sé Cathedral, Pátio do Colégio, and many colonial buildings.
- Beco do Batman - An iconic street art alley in the bohemian Vila Madalena neighborhood.
- Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo - A museum of Brazilian art housed in a renovated historic building.
Park Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo 
Beco do Batman in Sao Paulo 
Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo Activities
There's no shortage of things to do in São Paulo! From guided street art tours to gastronomy experiences, architectural explorations, and strolls through some of its vibrant neighborhoods, the city has a ton of unique things to offer you and immerse you in its limitless energy!
When to go to Sao Paulo
São Paulo is best experienced between April and October, during the dry season and when the climate is cooler, less rainy and less humid. This is the time to fully enjoy the colored, vibrant neighborhoods, urban parks and open-air markets without suffering from the climate and heavy humidity. April, May and September can be the best months that combine moderate amount of tourists with really nice weather (to maximize cultural enjoyment). July and August are also typically cooler (but never freezing), with fewer foreign tourists around that could ultimately translate into better accommodation prices. Anyway, the summer season is hot, truly humid, with torrential thunderstorms at sunset. São Paulo is an affordable destination, budget-wise but if you have a small budget, avoid Brazil's major vacation periods.
What's the temperature like?
How many hours of sunshine?
Global budget
Sao Paulo, a vast metropolis in Brazil consisting of a multitude of contrasts, culture, and traditions is, in general, an affordable destination for travel. The price of a night stay in a hotel for two, you can find a variance of €11 - €291, based on location and standard. If eating out is your style, you can expect to pay anywhere from €4.2 - €9.5 in a budget restaurant, and a classic dinner for two will run at around €24 - €47. If you're looking to afford a 33 cl beer it will cost you anywhere between €1.9 - €4 and if you want a bottle of water, you're looking at around €0.5 - €1.1. Public transport is very cheap in Sao Paulo. Transport fares are between €0.8 - €1 and taxi fares are approximately €0.7 per kilometer. As for activities and visits (museums, excursions, shows etc) prices range from €31 - €790. To summarize, €17 - €992 will most likely cover any daily budget one person might have while in Sao Paulo, giving travelers a flexible budget option.
One night in a hotel for 2 people
11€291€1000€
Meal in a cheap restaurant
4.2€50€
Local beer (33cl)
1.9€4€10€
Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant
24€47€200€
Bottle of water
0.5€1.1€5€
Public transport single ticket
0.8€5€
Taxi ride (per km)
0.7€
Visits and activities
31€500€
Average overall budget for one person per day: from 17.00€ to 992.00€
Convert to $
Itinerary ideas
A strong coffee and a hot pão de queijo to start the day, and then it's off to Paulista Avenue! Check out the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), which boasts a large collection of European and Latin American works. The avenue is always bustling with street artists, bookshops and cultural centers.
For lunch, enjoy ramen or sushi (or a mix of both) in the Japanese district of Liberdade. Then stroll through Ibirapuera Park, a green oasis with modernist buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Then, be dazzled by the creativity of Beco do Batman, a mythical street art alley in the bohemian Vila Madalena district. Finish your day by climbing to the roof of Edifício Martinelli or Farol Santander for a breathtaking view of the city.
In the evening, take part in Paulist nightlife in a samba bar or a trendy rooftop bar. São Paulo has no option for an activity-free night, and everything can become a cultural adventure in the city's multitude of colors, sounds, tastes and smells.
Practical information about Sao Paulo
São Paulo, the oversized metropolis of Brazil, is a lively and diverse city, with many contradictions. It is always best to be prepared. First of all, the best time of year to visit São Paulo is from May through September when the climate is moderate and rain is rare. The climate is subtropical with humid summers (December to March), and mild winters. In terms of public transport, the metro is the most effective way to move even if it can be often crowded. Cabs are also extremely popular, let alone Uber and other apps. Regardless, I would suggest against driving yourself; traffic is usually uncontrollable. Tourists usually feel safe in tourist areas small hours of the day and probably the biggest danger is driving in the dark, so watch your valuables so that they don't die themselves. Most people speak Portuguese and few people speak English, so I would suggest translation apps when effectively navigating the city. For a European traveler, São Paulo can be considered low-cost: one can eat well for lower rates, and accommodation can be found for even lower rates. Finally, don't forget to sample feijoada, tropical juices and, certainly, Brazilian coffee!
