What to do in São Paulo, Brazil?

Although most people think of Rio de Janeiro when they think of a Brazilian city, São Paulo (or “Sampa”, as it is called by the city’s inhabitants) is the most populous municipality on the American continent! And be aware that, just like Rio, São Paulo has incredible places that you can’t miss!

Today we’ll show you 7 places you MUST visit in São Paulo^[1]Redação Guia da Semana. (2018, April 19). 30 lugares em SP que todo paulistano deveria ir pelo menos uma vez na vida. Guia Da Semana. … Continue reading! They are spread throughout the city and range from streets and avenues to entire neighborhoods, full of shops, restaurants, museums, and very cool fairs! Get ready to feel like visiting this wonderful, cultural and lively city!

1. AVENIDA PAULISTA – Paulista Avenue

You can’t say you came to São Paulo without having visited Avenida Paulista! This avenue is over a hundred years old and is a commercial and cultural center of the city. You can be sure that just 1 day on this avenue will not be enough to visit 20% of the shops, restaurants, and cinemas that are concentrated in it! The more you wander through the streets, the more you will discover!

And a bonus tip: if you come to São Paulo at Christmas time, the avenue will be all decorated, full of lights and – you can be sure – VERY crowded! But do not be discouraged, it is worth it!

2. MASP – São Paulo Museum of Art

As we said, Avenida Paulista is home to numerous places full of culture. Among them, the São Paulo Museum of Art – MASP! Sampa’s most famous museum was designed by Italian-Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi. Nowadays, MASP has a collection with more than 10,000 works, by European artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh, as well as Brazilian artists, such as Anita Malfatti, Maria Auxiliadora, and Candido Portinari!

Also, know that MASP’s wealth is not found only inside it! The Museum has a huge space underneath it, where weekly fairs and exhibitions take place! Enter the Museum website to find out more!

3. VILA MADALENA – Vila Madalena Neighborhood

Let’s go to another sensational neighborhood in São Paulo: Vila Madalena! In its tree-lined streets, several tourists and “Paulistanos” can have fun at cultural events, renowned restaurants, and stroll through streets with various artistic interventions, such as Beco do Batman! During the night, “Vila Mada” – an affectionate nickname given by São Paulo’s inhabitants -, becomes even busier!

Bars, clubs, bookstores, fairs, thrift stores, and unique shops are part of what you will see when visiting this neighborhood! And if you come during Carnival, you can enjoy the famous “street blocks”. You can’t miss it, right?

4. MERCADO MUNICIPAL – Municipal Market of São Paulo

The Municipal Market of São Paulo is a place for any tourist who wants to venture into gastronomy! In it, you can find several “boxes” stores that sell from tropical fruits to exotic meats, in addition to great restaurants! The “Mercadão” is known mainly for being the place where you can find a delicious and unbeatable mortadella sandwich!

5. BAIRRO DA LIBERDADE – Liberdade Neighborhood

Just as New York is known for housing neighborhoods marked by different ethnicities, São Paulo also has some. Among them is the Bairro da Liberdade! If you love Japanese and Chinese culture, you can find restaurants and shops selling products directly from Asian countries! In addition, you can have fun in karaoke and, during the weekend, visit the “Feirinha da Liberdade”, where you will find several typical foods and differentiated products!

6. PARQUE DO IBIRAPUERA – Ibirapuera Park

If you are a nature fan or sports fanatic, be sure to visit Ibirapuera Park! Inside it, you will have access to soccer and volleyball courts, you can ride a bike and enjoy a beautiful landscape! And if you like arts, inside the Ibirapuera you will find cultural dens like the Bienal Foundation, the Afro Brasil Museum, the MAM (Museum of Modern Art), and Oca!

7. RUA OSCAR FREIRE – Oscar Freire Street

This item is for those who enjoy fashion and luxury! Rua Oscar Freire is known for its many sumptuous shops and restaurants, all in tree-lined avenues, and also, for not being so accessible to most Brazilian people. However, in it, you will find the largest Havaianas store, for example! Cool, huh?

Well, these are just a few of the visits you should make when you come to São Paulo! In addition to them, there are MANY, all with a lot of history and culture! Sampa is one of the most wonderful cities in Brazil and you can be sure: you will not regret visiting it!

And if you’ve been looking forward to visiting São Paulo and other cities in Brazil, but you can’t come now, don’t worry! On the Metro Brazil website, you can find many amazing products and have a little piece of Brazil in your home! Take a look!