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Things to do in São Paulo: Places and attractions you can’t miss
Find out all the things you can do during your visit to Sao Paulo. Activities, attractions, places, and so much more!
São Paulo draws in millions of tourists every year, and with plenty of activities to do, sights to see, and things to experience, it’s easy to see why. The main issue is often choosing the best things to do in São Paulo for the limited time you’re there.
We’ve compiled a list of places to visit and things to do to make your decision a little bit easier. Follow along to learn about the best beaches around the city, activities to consider, places to visit, and much more.
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Best beaches in São Paulo
If you’re looking for a beach holiday destination, São Paulo is definitely right for you. It’s beach weather pretty much all throughout the year and there are several breathtaking beaches right beside the city.
You can enjoy the sun and crystal clear waters throughout the day and find yourself in the middle of the bustling city center for a night out just minutes later. If that sounds like a plan for you, here are some of the best beaches to visit in the area.
Maresias Beach
Located in the municipality of São Sebastião, Praia de Maresias is renowned for its golden sands and lively environment. Apart from being a great place to take a dip in the ocean, it’s known as one of the most popular surfing destinations in Brazil.
This beach attracts surfers from all over the world because of the great waves and a generally pleasant climate to surf in. On top of that, Maresias has excellent tourist infrastructure, with restaurants, bars, and quality accommodation options right by the beach.
Juquehy Beach
Located in the municipality of São Sebastião, Praia de Juquehy is a true tropical paradise. With its white sand and blue sea, this beach is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun.
Juquehy also offers a wide range of water activities, such as kayaking, diving, and sport fishing. Also, its promenade has a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and bars where you can taste the delicious local food.
Ilhabela
Ilhabela means beautiful island in Portuguese, and there’s no other name more fitting for this island. Located off the coast of São Paulo, it’s a paradisiacal refuge with more than 40 beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush vegetation.
One of the most important beaches is Praia do Bonete, located on the southern tip of the island. You can reach it via a beautiful hike through the island or a boat from the port of Ilhabela. Once there, you can enjoy the peacefulness of the beach, explore its nature trails, and dive into its refreshing waters.
Museums to visit in São Paulo
Dive into the fascinating world of art, history, and culture in the best museums in São Paulo. This cosmopolitan city is home to a wide variety of museums that will transport you through time and knowledge.
The city is also a bit of a hub for art lovers in Brazil, with multiple museums dedicated to showcasing international and local Brazilian art.
São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP)
Considered one of the most important museums in Latin America, MASP is well-known for its iconic modernist architecture and impressive art collection. Located on the iconic Avenida Paulista, in downtown São Paulo, this museum houses masterpieces by artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rembrandt.
It has permanent and temporary exhibitions and offers educational activities, guided tours, and talks.
Prices:
- Adults: $12
- Children (0-14 years): Free
Schedule:
- Free Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (admission until 7:00 pm)
- Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (admission until 5:00 p.m.)
- Closed on Monday.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)
Located on the campus of the University of São Paulo (USP), the MAC is a must for lovers of contemporary art. This museum houses a wide collection of works by international and Brazilian artists, as well as temporary exhibitions that explore various artistic currents. The MAC offers interactive activities, symposiums, and workshops.
Prices:
- Adults: $2
- Students and children: Free
Schedule:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Museum of the Portuguese Language
Located in a historic building in central São Paulo, the Museum of the Portuguese Language is a true cultural gem. This interactive museum celebrates the Portuguese language from its origin to its evolution into the language we use currently.
With interactive exhibitions, audiovisual projections, and playful activities, visitors can dive into the richness and diversity of the language. The interactive style of the museum makes it a great place to visit with kids, as they definitely won’t get bored from the exhibitions, all while learning something new.
Prices:
- Adults: $4 (free on Saturdays)
- Youth (0 to 7 years): Free
Schedule:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Places to visit in São Paulo
From breathtaking panoramic views to iconic points of interest, this city has so many things to offer. Explore local tourist attractions, find pieces of urban art scattered around the city, and simply drink in the unique cultural experience that São Paulo has to offer.
Ibirapuera Park
Considered one of the green lungs of São Paulo, Ibirapuera Park is an urban oasis that offers a perfect mix of nature and culture. Located in the heart of the city, this extensive park has lakes, gardens, trails for walking and jogging, as well as several museums and cultural spaces.
You can enjoy a picnic, rent a bike, visit the Museum of Modern Art, or just relax and enjoy the peaceful environment. Admission to the park is free, though you may have to pay for some attractions you can find within it.
Beco do Batman
If you’re looking for an explosion of color and urban art, you can’t miss visiting the Beco do Batman in the Bohemian neighborhood of Vila Madalena. This alleyway has been turned into an open-air art gallery containing amazing murals and graffiti.
Walking around this place will let you dive into the city’s vibrant art scene. Exploring the area on foot, admiring the local talent, and simply spending time with the people of São Paulo is one of the best ways to truly experience the culture of the city.
Paulista Avenue
Considered the financial and cultural heart of São Paulo, Avenida Paulista is one of the main arteries of the city and an iconic landmark. Unlike the greenery or Ibirapuera park, this concrete jungle is home to many skyscrapers, shopping malls, theaters, cinemas, restaurants, and art galleries.
Being here, you’ll quickly remember that you’re in the most populous city in Brazil. The avenue never really slows down, with something to do and people to meet at any time of the day.
Liberdade
Liberdade, São Paulo’s Japantown, offers you a chance to experience a plethora of Asian cultures while in Brazil. The city is home to the largest Japanese community in South America, while the area itself also features pieces of Chinese and Korean cultures.
Experience a piece of Japanese culture by enjoying a traditional meal in one of the many restaurants in the area, visit one of numerous gift shops, or even visit a supermarket filled with Japanese items that will truly make you feel like you traveled across the world, all without leaving São Paulo.
Activities to do in São Paulo
Dive into the exciting variety of activities that São Paulo has to offer and enjoy a trip full of fun and adventure. From exploring the local gastronomy and the cultural scene to diving into the vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone in this fascinating city.
A gastronomic tour of the Municipal Market
Take a delicious food tour of the famous São Paulo Municipal Market. This iconic market is known for its wide variety of fresh products, cheeses, sausages, and, above all, its famous mortadella sandwich.
You will be able to try various culinary specialties, from exotic fruits to traditional Brazilian pastries. The prices vary depending on the products you pick, but the experience is worth it for all foodies.
Street art tour in Vila Madalena
Discover the street art of São Paulo on an exciting tour of the Vila Madalena neighborhood. This colorful bohemian area is filled with impressive murals and creative graffiti. You can join a tour organized by local guides or just explore on your own. This activity is free and will let you experience the city’s vibrant art scene first hand.
Live music night in the Pinheiros neighborhood
Pinheiros is known for being one of the liveliest neighborhoods in São Paulo. It’s especially famous for its music scene, as you can enjoy live music and see numerous local artists at the many bars and clubs in the area.
From jazz to Brazilian music to rock, you’ll find a wide variety of genres to enjoy. The prices of tickets and drinks may vary depending on the place and the event, but there are options for all tastes and budgets.
Visit the Parque de la Independencia and the Paulista Museum
Explore the history and beauty of Parque de la Independencia, home to the iconic Monument to the Independence of Brazil. Walk through its beautiful gardens, visit the Paulista Museum (also known as the Ipiranga Museum), and learn about the history of Brazil through its exhibitions.
The admission to the park is free, and the cost of museum admission varies depending on the exhibit, but don’t worry, it’s usually very affordable.
When is the best time to visit São Paulo?
Fortunately, each season of the year offers a unique and wonderful experience. As a result, there’s hardly ever a bad time to visit São Paulo. With the coldest months still having average highs of around 72°F (22°C), the weather is pleasantly warm, even in wintertime.
Keep in mind that São Paulo is in the Southern hemisphere, which means that winter takes place between the months of June and August, with summer from December to February.
Winter is a bit cooler and may not be the perfect time for a beach holiday, but the city is still as lively as ever in winter months.
The summers are warm, but not excruciatingly hot, with average daily highs at right around 82°F (28°C), making them perfect for spending time on the water and enjoying the nightlife once the sun sets and the weather starts to cool.
Tips to enjoy your trip to São Paulo
When visiting São Paulo, plan your schedule around the attractions and places you want to visit. São Paulo is a huge and diverse city, so it is important to prioritize your activities and destinations based on your preferences and the time you have.
Thankfully, São Paulo has an efficient public transportation system that includes the subway, buses, and taxis. Using public transport will save you time and you will avoid traffic on the busy streets of the city. You can also consider renting bikes or using ride-sharing services.
That said, you’re going to need an internet connection to navigate the city. Map apps, ride sharing apps, even translators use the internet, and traveling anywhere without it is bound to cause discomfort.
No matter when you arrive or what you plan to do, having an internet connection in São Paulo is crucial. Map apps, ride sharing apps, translators — they all use the internet and traveling to a foreign country without it is bound to cause discomfort.
You can get a Holafly eSIM card for Brazil which provides solid coverage and unlimited data in in Brazil at all times without having to rely on international data roaming or public WiFi hotspots.
On the other hand, if you plan to travel to more destinations on the continent, a South American eSIM card is a better alternative to maintain coverage between countries.
FAQs
São Paulo is definitely worth visiting. Even though it’s often referred to as a concrete jungle, São Paulo also has some breathtaking beaches and pleasant weather all year around. It’s an incredibly diverse city with a vast mix of cultures and experiences, making it one of the best destinations in Brazil.
São Paulo is known for being Brazil’s financial hub and making the biggest contribution to the country’s GDP. But it’s also famous for its diverse mix of cultures, numerous squares, museums, and parks to visit.
São Paulo is a massive city with plenty of things to do and see. And while it can keep you occupied for weeks, even spending two days in the city can give you a good sense of what it has to offer. It’s enough to see the local architecture, experience the culture, and see what the nightlife there is all about.
If you only have one day in São Paulo, you might want to simply roam around the city and learn about its culture. There are plenty of museums as well as streets that feature local artists and live music that give São Paulo its own unique charm.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
